So long as we try to operate
within the parameters our parties have operated under for the last few
spending bills, I am optimistic about the chances for a deal. I am glad the President has taken the wall off the table in the
negotiations. Democrats have always been for border security. In fact,
we supported one of the toughest border security packages in
comprehensive immigration reform in an amendment offered by two of my
Republican colleagues, Senator Hoeven and Senator Corker. We may
address border security in this bill as well, but it will not include
any funding for a wall, plain and simple. Now, we still have a few issues to work out, including the issue of
cost sharing, Puerto Rico, and getting permanent healthcare for miners,
which I was glad to hear the majority leader voice support for
yesterday--permanent healthcare for miners. I want to salute Senator
Manchin, who has worked so long and hard for these poor miners who have
struggled and have had hard, hard, hard lives.
Keywords matched
immigration border security