Mr. Speaker. today is not a rodletter day for this great and storied institution. Rather than do what we know must be done regarding immigration reform. we are punting the ball to the Senatehoping that they will have the courage to act in ways that we cannot. Many of us in this body asked for an amendment made in order that would make this legislation comprehensive. in other words. an amendment that would provide for enhanced border security. increased interior enforcement. and would provide a legal framework for foreign workers to enter the country and then retum home. It is unfortunate that this amendment was not made in order. In doing so we ensured that this body will play a diminished role. at best. moving ahead immigration reform. If the denial of this amendment was unfortunate. the removal of language in the managers amendment that references the role that a temporary worker program will play in enhancing border security. is simply baffling. Every member of the Republican leadership has expressed support for a temporary worker program. as has an overwhelming majority of this body. yet the language was removed after threats from a few that the inclusion of any reference to a temporary worker program would guarantee their "no" vote against this legislation. Gratefully. the Senate doesnt need to see "sense of the Congress" language on a temporary worker plan from the House to add such a provision to their legislation. They know that such a plan is a necessary part of securing the border. The elephant in the middle of the room is the 11 million illegal aliens who have already entered the country. Without a temporary worker program we will continue to turn a blind eye to their existence. Well pretend they arent here.
Keywords matched
illegal aliens border security immigration