Doug Bereuter: “First of all, there is nothing negative about the word ``foreigner'' as used here, and I would remind the gentleman from…”

“First of all, there is nothing negative about the word ``foreigner'' as used here, and I would remind the gentleman from New Jersey that I have used the term ``permanent resident alien'' frequently in my comments. I would also say the constitutionality of this matter has not been ruled on by the courts; and I think there is at least that many law professors that would say that this kind of statutory limitation which we would act upon here would be perfectly constitutional. This amendment goes to our basic sovereignty, the ability to rule ourselves, to protect our basic rights. And I will also ask do my colleagues remember on the campaign contribution cards that colleagues and I and others have to fill out in our campaigns, it asks occupation? This amendment does not discriminate against the minorities as alleged in a Dear Colleague letter. All we have to do is have two blanks on a contribution card which asks the following: Are you a U.S. citizen? Are you a U.S. national? Then the burden of enforcement falls upon the complaint process against the campaign under the FEC. This amendment constitutes a perfectly reasonable approach. I urge my colleagues to reserve the right to affect our elections to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals.”