Speech #1040004480

But this bill is not set up to address something that is of that nature and that is already behind us. I would say this: The major problem for most States--although that Is a Januaty 17. 1995 major problem for California. for Instancebut the major problem for most States has not been of that nature where the Federal Government did not meet its responsibilities. The major problem we are trying to address here is where the Federal Government has in many respects gone too far. maybe. in meeting this responsibly and tossing this requirement downhill to the States and local communities and saying. "You pick it up"-the States"we are not going to do it." That was not done intentionally from the Federal Government with regard to immigration. although we have to address that. So. what we are trying to do. and the major cost to most States has come from the unfunded mandates where we have passed laws that require clean air. clean water. clean whatever it was. and said. "OK. States. but you pick up the bill on this." We have not tried to address something that has happened where a Federal responsibility is not met and tried to address that in helping States like California. or Texas. or New MexicoArizona in particular. pick up the costs that they have.