[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18074-18075]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           IMMIGRATION REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2007

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today deeply disappointed that 
proposed legislation to deal with our failed immigration laws fell 
short today on a procedural vote in the other body.
  An impressive bipartisan coalition of Senators--including Arizona 
Senators Kyl and McCain--worked tirelessly for the past several months 
to craft immigration reform legislation. Unfortunately, their efforts 
were not fruitful.
  Doing nothing to address our nation's immigration crisis is 
irresponsible. The Federal Government cannot continue to shirk its 
responsibility to protect our borders. Today's failure leaves the 
burden of dealing with illegal immigration on State and local 
governments.
  My district in Southern Arizona deals with the negative impact of 
illegal immigration every day. I will not relent in my efforts to find 
ways to remove the unfair burden placed on local law enforcement, 
health and social service agencies and our public schools.
  I urge my colleagues and the leadership of the House to come together 
in a bi-partisan fashion to craft smart immigration reform that is 
tough, practical, and effective. We must roll up our sleeves and 
exhibit the leadership that is needed on this critical issue.
  The House has already made some progress. I applaud our efforts to 
address the problems we face along our border in our Homeland Security 
Appropriations bill. This includes adding more border patrol agents and 
increasing the use of technology to secure our border. I also urge 
fully fund federal programs, such as SCAAP, that reimburse local law 
enforcement agencies for the apprehension and detention of illegal 
immigrants.

[[Page 18075]]

  The cost and burden of illegal immigration remains primarily on the 
shoulders of local and state governments, especially those on the 
border. The fight for comprehensive immigration reform goes on and it 
must remain a top priority in Congress. We must pass comprehensive 
immigration reform.

                          ____________________