comprehensive immigration reform is absolutely what needs to be done.

I do not often quote Senator Kennedy, but I told him I was going to do this.

It is my hope that after we complete those hearings that in September we will move ahead to a conference and produce legislation.

We need to also talk about the future of our immigration policy.

I think we should not get bogged down on semantics over substance, but ought to deal with what is the substance.

The Senate bill, in my opinion, unfortunately, does not meet the test.

Have you considered and studied the Canadian plan, the point system that Canada has?

We are going to have to deal compassionately with the people that are here illegally.

There is an election in November, and our leadership position as Republicans is on the line. And I think that will weigh heavily in the conference.

But 'ABC News' madam speaker, has in a stroke reduced the credibility of our national media. Mr. Hastert's reputation, however, remains impeccable.

I think it's fair to say the Republican Party is more divided and more fractured here in Washington than at any time since I was first elected, back in '98.

There is an election in November, and our leadership position as Republicans is on the line.

We are involved in a lot of congressional races through our political arm, and we're discovering that a lot of republicans are very disappointed with this republican congress. It most likely will manifest itself with low turnout if…

It is not amnesty because the undocumented aliens will have to pay a fine. They will have to pay back taxes. They will undergo a thorough background investigation. They will have to learn English. They will have to work for six years.

I think we have a major opportunity now, with gas prices going so high, to say, wait a minute. We shouldn't have to rely on foreign oil for our energy needs.

We find out that the retiring CEO of ExxonMobil is getting a retirement package of nearly $400 million. And that drives people nuts. It drives me nuts.

They will have to earn the status of staying in the country.

Listening to the opening statements, I'm concerned that so many senators are already in concrete, without having heard from the nominee.