He doesnt have the resources to advance the Federal share. That is no way for us to work in federalism with our local governments when we have a partnership to keep everyone safe. I can mention many other programs that are in jeopardy of not being funded if we dont pass a clean bill. but let me just in conclusion address the issue of immigration. Due to many extraneous amendments that were added by the House to the Homeland Security appropriations bill. we have this challenge here in the Senate. The President has made it clear he will veto any bill that expressly limits his authority to exercise prosecutorial discretion on immigration matters. While we agree that our current immigration system needs comprehensive reform. including border security enhancements. this appropriations bill is not the place for that debate. No matter what side of this debate you are on. most of us agree that the American immigration system is badly broken. Comprehensive immigration reform is long overdue. We need a balanced immigration system that is fair. My strong preference is that Congress send the President a comprehensive immigration reform bill that he can sign into law. This would provide a more thorough and more permanent solution than Executive action. The Senate passed a bipartisan bill in the last Congress. and I am sure we can do so again. My hope is that the House will take it up soon so we can come together in a bipartisan way. reconcile our differences. and pass comprehensive immigration reform as a separate bill. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expires Friday. February 27. which is now less than 3 weeks away.
Keywords matched
immigration border security