[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16081]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       WE NEED IMMIGRATION REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2007

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in order to express my 
congratulations to the bipartisan coalition of Senators that succeeded 
in reviving their efforts to pass a comprehensive immigration reform 
package this year.
  I applaud the decision made by my colleagues in the other Chamber to 
bring their bill back to the floor for debate. There will be an 
opportunity for amendments, from both sides of the aisle, in order to 
craft a final version of this legislation.
  It is also time for the House to get an immigration reform package to 
the floor so that the President will get a bill to his desk soon.
  In southern Arizona, immigration reform is not just a political 
debate. Funding that this bill promises will go directly to the front 
lines, to places like Douglas, Elfrida, Bisbee, Tubac, and Naco. 
Passing comprehensive immigration reform will ensure that in Arizona 
and elsewhere along the border our communities will have the resources 
available to secure our border and relieve communities from the burden 
of illegal immigration.
  My district knows first hand what happens when people in Washington 
turn their heads away from the issue of illegal immigration. I urge all 
of us to keep working toward legislation that will create a 
comprehensive immigration policy.
  We must work alongside our colleagues in the Senate to craft a 
solution that is in the best interest for all Americans.

                          ____________________