Douglas Alexander: “As to the charge the U.S. Civil Rights Commission didn't review this carefully, I will ask unanimous consent to have a…”

“As to the charge the U.S. Civil Rights Commission didn't review this carefully, I will ask unanimous consent to have a letter to Senator Cornyn printed in the Record. It is from a member of the Commission, Peter N. Kirsanow, writing in his individual capacity, who details the careful attention, he says, that the Commission gave to the legislation. He says, in addition, ``I maintain that it is the worst piece of legislation the commission has reviewed during my tenure.'' I ask unanimous consent to have that letter printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Hon. John Cornyn, Chairman, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship. Dear Senator Cornyn: The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (``Commission'') found significant problems with the proposed Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (S. 147), also known as the Akaka bill. I maintain that it is the worst piece of legislation the Commission has reviewed during my tenure. The Commission went to great lengths to ensure that its report on the Akaka bill (``Report'') was thorough, well- reasoned and objective. Much of the Report was based upon testimony from a balanced panel of expert witnesses. Public comment on the Akaka bill also was solicited and a number of responses were received from a variety of perspectives--both pro and con. The ABA, for example, issued a letter supporting the bill. Others opposed it.…”