Speech #1040163008

I rise today in support of H.R. 2076. the Commerce. State. Justice Appropriations bill which provides needed funds to the states. especially my state of California. to pay for the costs of Illegal immigrants. The decision by Judge Mariana Pfaelzer to strike many Important portions of the votepassed Proposition 187. which had eliminated state support for illegal aliens. stresses the need for this Congress to respond to the growing problem of illegal Immigration. Judge Pfaelzer ruled that Illegal immigration was a federal problem requiring a federal solution. While this Is not the ultimate or best solution. it certainly is an acceptable Interim step. H.R. 2076 would provide $500 million to lift from the backs of state taxpayers the cost of incarcerating illegal immigrant felons. In addition. this important appropriations measure would provide for an additional $300 million to fight the problem of Illegal immigration at the border. While not in this specific Conference Report. I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the Balanced Budget Act passed by Congress also provides $3.5 billion for assisting the states with the cost of emergency health care for Illegal immigrants. This Is an important initiative about which Speaker GINGRICH and I first announced a month ago in Yorba Linda in my district. The people of California are strongly in favor of this needed reimbursement and rightly deserve it. I ask my colleagues. especially those who represent districts equally affected by the problem of illegal immigration. to support the passage of this important legislation.