[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 4009

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I and my fellow colleagues are introducing 
legislation today because the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
(INS) has not sufficiently proven to Congress that they can fix their 
organization on their own, and because they are continually being 
plagued by the same problems year in and year out. We are offering H.R. 
4009 because we believe accountability is integral to any organization.
  The INS has been inept, irresponsible and deficient in their ability 
to the performance of their duties. This bill will make the entire 
organization responsible, from the highest level down to the entry-
level employee, by taking away restrictions on dismissing INS employees 
and placing them in the same category as FBI employees. This bill will 
also make permanent the authority of the Attorney General to remove, 
suspend, and impose other disciplinary actions on the employees of the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). We are introducing this 
legislation in direct response to a hearing that was held on March 19, 
2002 in the Judiciary Committee.
  During the hearing, Commissioner Ziglar accepted responsibility for 
his Agency's action, or non-action. However, I am not confident that 
this will be the last time he will come before the Immigration and 
Claims Subcommittee for his Agency's mistakes.
  My legislation will give the Department of Justice and the INS the 
proper tools to promote accountability. I believe it is a good first 
step on a long journey towards INS reform.

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