Securing America's Borders Act--Continued

SECURING AMERICA'S BORDERS ACT--Continued

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, at the end of my remarks, I will ask to lay the pending business aside. Let me speak for a moment on the issue of immigration.

We are dealing with one of the most difficult issues that we will consider this year. It is difficult from a political standpoint, and it is difficult from a policy standpoint.

If we could poll all 100 Senators, we would probably have 100 different ways of solving the problem of illegal immigration.

However, I think we can all agree that we need to secure our borders. This should be our number one priority, and our national security depends on it. Then, we can begin to consider other reforms.

I, personally, believe it is important that we first secure all of our borders, including our Southern border, our Northern border, and our ports. Once we have secured our borders, as part of a comprehensive reform effort, we can then consider a temporary worker program. This program should require the worker to be continuously employed. It should also ensure that workers are contributing members of society, and are working to become proficient in English. In addition, this program should encourage the worker to have health care coverage.

I have drafted several amendments that are different from the current underlying bill. It is important that these amendments and other legislative proposals be considered for debate.

It is unfortunate that the other side is blocking the amendment process on the bill. They don't want to take some tough votes. I understand that. However, immigration reform is a critical issue facing our country. We must have a full debate in the Senate, which includes an opportunity to bring up amendments, have votes on them, and then determine how to proceed. I, and many of my colleagues, have several amendments that I believe will be very constructive to this process.

Many of us want a verifiable database from which employers can search for the legal work status of their employees. It may be several years before we can actually have that database up and running. The technical problems associated with the database are not addressed in the current underlying bill. I believe some of my colleagues have offered an amendment to address this important issue, and I believe my colleagues should be heard.

We also have to look at Social Security. Two of my amendments address serious issues related to Social Security.

In order to qualify for full Social Security retirement benefits, a worker must work a minimum of 10 years. Under current law, individuals who work in the United States illegally, and later obtain legal employment status, can use their illegal work history to qualify for benefits.

The promise of Social Security is for citizens and legal residents of the United States. It was not intended for individuals who enter our country illegally, purchase fraudulent green cards and documentation on the black market, and use them to get jobs. At a time when the solvency of our Social Security system is in question, it is wrong to allow those who have broken our laws to receive credit for their illegal work history.

In addition, I have serious concerns about the proposed Totalization Agreement with Mexico and its impact on the Social Security Trust Fund. The effects of the Totalization Agreement depend on the specific terms and language included in the agreement. We do not know the terms of the agreement and will not know the exact terms until the President submits the agreement to Congress. We also don't know the exact cost of a Totalization Agreement with Mexico. I am concerned that if this agreement were to go into effect, it could severely impact the Social Security Trust Fund and threaten the retirement benefits of hard-working Americans. This issue needs to be addressed in the context of this debate.

I believe there are many technical problems with this bill that must be debated on the Senate floor. These issues should be addressed out in the open so that the American people can see what is being discussed. Unfortunately, this process is not going forward because the amendment process is being blocked.

I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendments be laid aside, and that I would be allowed to offer an amendment at this point.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?

Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I object.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.

Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, in closing, I realize that there are many differences in this chamber. Both Republicans and Democrats have different views on various aspects of this legislation. I believe it is absolutely critical that we move this process forward, that we allow for full debate on the Senate floor, and that we allow amendments to be debated and voted on.

I encourage my colleagues to think about how we proceed, as this is a critical issue facing our country.

I yield the floor, and I thank the Senator from Massachusetts for yielding.

http://thomas.loc.gov/