[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H5538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE GRAND BARGAIN IS NO BARGAIN FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, over the past year, I have worked with 
colleagues in the House and Senate to achieve border security and 
comprehensive immigration reform without amnesty. I believe illegal 
immigration is a crisis that demands a national response, but amnesty 
is not that response.
  From what we know about the recent compromise announced in the 
Senate, there are many commendable elements of the plan, including 
stronger border security measures and a shift to a merit-based 
immigration system. However, ultimately what has been dubbed a ``grand 
bargain'' is no bargain for the American people.
  By permitting illegal immigrants to get right with the law without 
leaving the country, the Senate compromise amounts to amnesty for 
millions of illegal immigrants, and I cannot support it.
  I do hope to continue to work with colleagues in both parties in the 
House and Senate to craft final legislation that puts border security 
first, creates a temporary worker program without amnesty, that 
requires illegal immigrants to leave the country to apply, and, when 
they come, to learn English and live under the law when they are here.

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