Speech #1090137578

In reality. this program has the possibility of producing a net gain for the Federal budget. However. putting the argument about the numbers aside. we have to get down to the fundamental question of whether or not we really want a bill. We have voted several times over the past week and a half to affirm the intent of this Senate to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill. It is clear to me that the Senators from Colorado and Alabama are not nearly as interested in saving money in our budget as they are to sink the bill because we know that if this budget point of order were passed. it would take the bill downas the Senator from Alabama articulated in his press release. relating to this point of order. "to derail" the bill. So your vote on this amendment should be clear. Do Members want an immigration bill or not? I understand there are Members in this Senate who will answer that question with a resounding no. However. I believe that is not the true intent of the majority of this Senate. This Nation is calling for our borders to be secured and an overhaul of our immigration system. and that it be done in a humane and comprehensive fashion. Vote after vote after vote has indicated that. The Presidents speech to the Nation last week. which I thought was inspired. was greeted by 74 percent of the American people overnight favorably. including his absolute determination to see the Congress of the United States send him a bill which has a comprehensive approach to this issue which we as a Congress and a Federal Government have ignored for 40 or 50 years.