Speech #1030115601

I thank the Senator from Delaware for allowing me the time to offer this amendment to the crime bill and Senators DAMATO and MACK for their support on its behalf. This amendment would authorize the Attorney General to take Federal custody of and imprison criminal aliens or to provide payment to State or local correctional facilities for criminal aliens. The legislation is very similar to the provision in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 that allowed for reimbursement to states of incarcerated aliens and Marielito Cubans. This amendment would. subject to appropriations. also allow reimbursement to localities. While discussions of responsibility. federalism and unfunded mandates may not be as enthralling as many of the other amendments we have voted on in the last week. it is critical for the Federal Government to appropriately bear its responsibility and help improve its partnership with State and local governments to address the issue of crime as a partner and not a shifter of costs. This amendment would be an important signal and substantive help to State and local government in that effort. Immigration policy is the sole responsibility of the Federal Government. However. while its strengths with respect to diversity are shared by the Nation. its costs in terms of impact of social. health and educational services are borne primarily by just a few States and localities.