Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Statement

"It seems that nearly every day, we are reminded of the broad support from across the political spectrum for commonsense and humane immigration reform. Former President George W. Bush spoke of the need for immigration reform today in Texas, and expressed his hope that a "benevolent spirit' will help inform the debate. And this morning President Obama released a report detailing the enormous economic benefits that will come with immigration reform. I worked with President Bush in 2006 when he supported comprehensive immigration reform, and I welcome his support and the support of so many who are calling on Congress to act.

"As the House Republicans meet today to discuss the issue of immigration reform, I hope the Senate's strong bipartisan passage of comprehensive legislation last month will inspire them to act in a way that will not only help our economy and secure our borders, but also will provide a fair, tough, and realistic solution for the estimated 11 million undocumented people living, working, and raising families in the United States. We heard powerful testimony in the Senate Judiciary Committee from conservatives including Grover Norquist who confirmed that comprehensive reform will provide a boost to the Nation's economy. Because of our bipartisan work, 68 Senators cast a vote in favor of comprehensive reform. These Senators exercised leadership and courage to make meaningful progress on this critically important issue. I hope House Republicans will chart a similar path in the weeks ahead."

Source