Speech #1010249383

I voted in favor of it in committee. I debated opponents of this measure in the Republican conference. authored numerous letters to all the other Members of Congress urging their support for it. tried to persuade my colleagues in countless personal meetings to support it. I have done everything in my power to pass an immigration bill because of the importance of its provisions for reuniting families. and for keeping in America those skilled individuals whose abilities are particularly in need. But a truly offensive provision was forced into this bill. at time of great crisis as we were striving to finish the bill relative to the budget. Many have urged me to vote for the bill and try to remove the provision next year. But it is highly unlikely that the Congress will revisit the immigration question next year. If. however. we defeat this bill. we can report an identical bill save for the offensive provision as soon as January. The President has already indicated he would sign such a bill. his approval was not contingent upon including this offensive provision.The provision was added at the request of three Senatcrs who. by reason of the desperately late hour of this Congress. were in a position to insist on their way.