Speech #1090171154

And is there a commitment to this bill? If it is. tell us on the floor of the House. We might want to join in a reasonable response if we know that you are going to go to conference with your bill. which will pass because you have the numbers. but with the idea of comprehensive immigration reform. Let me share a letter that has just come from Governor Rick Perry of Texas. a Republican. Governor Janet Napolitano. Governor of Arizona. the Governor of California. Governor Schwarzenegger. and Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico. Allow me to read this: "As governors who are on the front lines of Americas immigration crisis. we write to urge you to take real action and pass comprehensive reform legislation that secures the border. protects taxpayers. and restores the rule of law by practically dealing with the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants currently in this country. "instead of holding dozens of field hearings that do little but stir the pot of discontent. we urge you to get back to work and pass legislation that puts the interests of taxpayers first and solves this crisis once and for all. We 2. Pt. 13 September 14. 2006 ask that you pass comprehensive reform and address this critical crisis before Congress adjourns for the year." These are two Republican governors and two Democrats who are on the front lines of immigration issues in America. And I will submit this letter for the RECORD. I am not going to hide the ball. I want comprehensive immigration reform. but I am not afraid of border security. Read H.R. 4044. 100.000 detention beds. That Is by a Democrat. Mr. Speaker. I think it is important that we vote down this rule. we do what the Governors have asked us to do. comprehensive immigration reform. Let us not operate in the darkness. Let us not label Democrats weak on border security. We are ready to fight the battle. We know that 9/11 impacted all of America.