Speech #1040266856

I am sure he will be missed by the people of Wyoming and his colleagues in the Senate. Through his service on the Judiciary Committee. ALAN SIMPSON has been the Senates leading force in reforming our immigration laws. His common sense approach to immigration reform has been vital to cracking down on illegal immigration. The highlight of the 1986 reform bill was a provision which made it unlawful for an employer to hire an illegal immigrant. For many years. I worked to place into law another common sense measure to prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving Federal benefits and I appreciate Senator SnMPSONS support of my efforts. Despite his moderate and bipartisan approach. Senator SIMPSON has been the target of criticism from groups on both sides of the immigration issue. ALAN SIMPSONS willingness to push forward in the face of strong opposition from many tells a lot about how seriously he takes his position as a public servant. Without his determination. I doubt we would have been able this year to adopt such a strong. yet fair. bill to crack down on illegal immigration with such overwhelming bipartisan support. This legislation will serve as yet another testament to Senator SIMPSONs dedicated efforts to bring illegal immigration under control. ALAN SIMPSON. while always fighting for what he felt was right and never being shy about speaking up. will also surely be remembered for his efforts to highlight the looming financial crisis that is facing our Federal entitlement programs. I strongly believe that the disintegration of bipartisan cooperation has seriously weakened the ability of this body to tackle the most difficult issues facing our Nation and has led to far too many ill feelings.