[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SKILLED WORKERS IMMIGRATION BILL

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I had intended to propound a unanimous 
consent agreement concerning S. 1723, the skilled workers immigration 
bill, which Senator Abraham has worked on for at least a year and a 
half that I know of, and worked very hard. There are still some 
objections. I do not think those objections are major on the other side 
of the aisle. And since those objections would be voiced, I will not 
propound that unanimous consent request at this time.
  I hope we can work with the other side of the aisle so that there can 
be an agreement on relevant amendments and we can move forward on this 
issue. It is a very, very important issue, as Senator Abraham pointed 
out earlier today. We have now reached our quota of H-1B workers for 
the year. Our high-tech industries need workers. And this modest 
proposal, although an important one, would simply raise that limit by 
at least enough to get these high-tech industries through this year.
  I understand the concerns on the other side of the aisle about this 
bill, and yet I believe that we could address those through the 
amending process. So it would be our intention tomorrow to try and work 
out any concerns there might be and move forward tomorrow with the 
legislation.
  Mr. President, as soon as the staff is ready, it will be my intention 
to move to adjourn.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________