[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 39 (Wednesday, April 13, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           SUPPORT THE BEILENSON AMENDMENT TO THE CRIME BILL

  (Ms. SCHENK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SCHENK. Mr. Speaker, the House will consider an amendment to the 
crime bill by Congressman Beilenson of Los Angeles, mandating that the 
Federal Government incarcerate undocumented criminal aliens, or 
reimburse States and local communities for doing so. This amendment is 
critical for States such as California, Florida and others and it 
deserves our support.
  The State of California estimates that the cost of incarcerating 
undocumented criminal aliens next year will be $393 million, money that 
otherwise could be spent on police, prosecutors, and prison space.
  Immigration is a Federal issue and the incarceration of undocumented 
criminal aliens is a Federal responsibility. California does not set 
immigration policy. My area, San Diego County, does not supervise the 
Border Patrol. And yet, States and local communities pay the price when 
efforts to secure our borders fail.
  For far too long, Washington has reneged on its obligation to States 
such as California and the States suffer the consequences. I urge my 
colleagues to take responsibility for what truly is a Federal problem 
and pass the Beilenson amendment.

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