Press Releases - House Compiles Illegal Immigration Hearing Data, Prepares Initiatives Based On Findings

HOUSE COMPILES ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION HEARING DATA, PREPARES INITIATIVES BASED ON FINDINGS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - "Congress went on the road to gather data on illegal immigration and now we're taking what we've learned and drafting legislation," Representative Marsha Blackburn (TN-7th District) said today as House leaders and committee chairmen gathered for a border security forum on Capitol Hill.

The forum will review the findings from all 25 hearings held in 12 states including Tennessee. Legislation based on the findings will be unveiled over the next few weeks and is likely to include provisions for additional border patrol agents, fencing and infrastructure improvements, stricter enforcement of illegal entry laws, and enhancements to state and local law enforcement authority.

"Every town is a border town and every state is a border state," Blackburn said. "Whether I was in California or Tennessee, I repeatedly heard that our healthcare providers, schools, and police are eager to work with Congress to address America's illegal alien problem. The House security first legislation passed last year was clearly the most acceptable approach to many expert witnesses and our constituents.

"While the Senate has yet to match our work in the House, it's my hope the evidence we collected during our hearings will prompt a reevaluation of the Senate bill. The House majority is right to move forward on several fronts to incorporate border security measures into legislation. While most across the aisle have yet to engage in this issue, we welcome them to join us in addressing this problem."

http://www.house.gov/blackburn/press/9.12.06.shtml