Speech #1100073311

Act is supported by a broad bipartisan coalition in the Senate. and by military leaders. religious leaders. and educators from across the political spectrum and around the country. During the 109th Congress. the DREAM Act was adopted unanimously as an amendment to immigration reform legislation that passed the Senate. In the 108th Congress. the DREAM Act was the only immigration reform proposal reported to the Senate floor. on a bipartisan 16to3 vote in the Judiciary Committee. And the DREAM Act was included in the immigration bill that was considered on the Senate floor last month. Some people might ask why the Senate should revisit immigration again and whether an immigration amendment should be included in the Defense authorization bill. The answer is simple: The DREAM Act would address a very serious recruitment crisis that faces our military. Under the DREAM Act. tens of thousands of wellqualified potential recruits would become eligible for military service for the first time.