Speech #1100030239

Madam Speaker. I am pleased that we in the House of Representatives finally have a comprehensive immigration reform bill that we can debate. and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation authored by Congressman GUTIERREz and Congressman FLAKE. Members in this chamber now have the opportunity to pass a bill that will secure the border and end our nations illegal immigration crisis. Given that the challenge of illegal immigration is complex. the solution must address all aspects of this problemborder security. the hiring of illegal immigrants. labor shortages in certain sectors of our economy. and the millions of illegal immigrants currently living in the United States. A piecemeal approach will simply not work. If we truly want to end illegal immigration. the only option is to pass a comprehensive bill that is tough. practical. and effective. I stand here today ready to work with members of both parties. ready to listen to everyones concerns. and steadfast in my conviction that. if we can put aside partisanship and compromise with each other. we can reach an agreement. In my district in southern Arizona. the need for reform is critical. In 2006. 4.000 illegal immigrants a day crossed the border into Arizona. Our schools. hospitals. and law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed. Our environment and homeland security are threatened. In the weeks ahead. I will be holding several forums on this legislation in my district. so I can receive feedback from the folks on the front lines of the immigration crisis. After listening to a range of experts and local residents. I will recommend possible improvements before we vote on this bill.