Speech #1100081080

I realized the powerful effect that the program had in helping enrolled participants get control of their addiction and thereby reducing their demand for drugs. The appropriation of $40 million for drug court provided by H.R. 3093 is $30 million more than the current level. and I congratulate the committee for increasing funds for this vital and proven weapon on the war on drugs. H.R. 3093 would also create incentives to fight illegal immigration. It would prohibit the Federal Government from using any of these funds on any entity that does not participate in the basic pilot program which allows employers to verify whether potential or current employees can legally work in the United States. This voluntary pilot program was created by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Responsibility Act of 1996 and allows employers to verify employment status through an automated system linked to the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security data bases. This legislation also includes $6.5 billion for the National Science Foundation. This level of funding will support the doubling of NSFs budget over the next 10 years. and represents a true commitment to investment in basic research and development. which will provide for innovation and future technologies.