Speech #1040019464

If I might. I would like to discuss briefly one significant issue that we discussed in the Rules Committee. The gentleman from California testified. requesting that he be allowed to offer an amendment to address another very significant problemreimbursing States and localities for the costs of imprisoning criminal illegal aliens. In todays Los Angeles Times. the Speaker was quoted as declaring that the cost of imprisoning illegal immigrants is a "Federal responsibility" and calling on Congress to approve $630 million in reimbursement to States. I could not agree more with our distinguished Speaker. and I am glad the Speaker has finally decided to champion this issue which several of us from affected communities have been arguing for quite some time now. I am still concerned. however. that full funding for State reimbursement will not be forthcoming. Congress recognized the unfairness of this situation and acknowledged the Federal Governments responsibility for the criminal alien population as far back as 1986. when we approved the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Section 501 of that act specifically authorizes the reimbursement of States of costs incurred in the imprisonment of illegal aliens. Unfortunately. no funds were appropriated for that purpose until just last year. under an amendment which this gentleman carried on the floor and which was supported by colleagues from both sides of the aisle. The amounts recently appropriated will not even cover onethird of the costs. In addition. no funds have been made available for local governments. which also incur huge costs in this regard. During the current fiscal year. California alone will spend nearly $400 million to incarcerate illegal alien felons. With that $400 million. California could instead build and operate two prisons housing 4.400 criminals each. put more than 2.400 highway patrol officers on our streets. and provide drug rehabilitation programs for 3.400 inmates.