Political Quotes

“I rise to discuss a bill I have introduced because I see a very unfair battle unfolding right in front of us. The battle I foresee is this: In one corner we have the enormous resources of the Federal Government; in the other corner, cities and States with very limited resources, especially in these economic times, but with a good-faith desire to protect their communities. What I am speaking of today and what my legislation goes to is the Federal Government's use of litigation to insert itself into State and potentially local immigration laws. I rise with a great deal of knowledge about this. As a former mayor and county commissioner, city council member and Governor, I know what it is like when the Federal Government swoops in and brings its power to bear on an issue. I have seen it from both sides, having also served as a member of the President's Cabinet. I know that when the resources of the Federal Government are used to weigh in with litigation, it is crushing. The administration can send in a team of lawyers and overwhelm the resources of a community or a State. Litigation brings with it a huge financial burden for cities and States. In fact, litigation can and does have a chilling effect on the local decisionmaking process, even if local leaders believe their action in good faith is appropriate and necessary.”