Get It Done, Congress: Let's Strengthen our Borders

Statement

Earlier this year, Congress came together and passed an Economic Stimulus plan to help strengthen our economy.
It wasn't a perfect bill, but it was an encouraging sign that Congress could work together to get important legislation passed.

Here in East Alabama, folks want to see more of a "can do" approach from Congress, especially on the pressing issues facing our nation.

One of those issues continues to be illegal immigration. Here, many folks remain deeply concerned over the number of illegal immigrants in our country.

You may remember last year the Senate considered debating a bill that would have granted amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants in the U.S. I strongly opposed that bill.

A better approach is to first secure our borders with Mexico and Canada. Last year, Rep. Heath Schuler (D-NC) introduced H.R. 4088, the Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act (SAVE) of 2007.

This strong, bi-partisan bill would increase the number of Border Patrol Agents on our borders and expand what's known as the E-Verify program. This initiative is an accurate way for employers to check whether or not folks applying for jobs are in our nation legally.

The bill would also increase the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents. These officers enforce our Federal immigration law and monitor workplaces for illegal workers. In addition, a number of Alabama's state troopers are trained to assist these officers in their duties.
Given the bi-partisan spirit surrounding other important legislation this year, I have been disappointed that Speaker Pelosi has not allowed this bill to be debated on the House floor.

While our nation certainly needs a growing workforce, and most folks who cross our borders illegally do so only in search of a better life, Congress cannot stand by while our borders remain porous.

Most folks agree that securing our borders is an important national priority and I agree. Congress needs to act - and do so soon.

To help advance this debate, I recently joined with others on both sides of the aisle to support a discharge petition to bring H.R. 4088 immediately to the House floor for debate.

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