Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my opposition to HR 3009. First and foremost, my heartfelt sympathies go out to the Steinle family for the loss of their daughter, Kate. There is no question that her death is tragic and unjust. However, this bill neither avenges her death nor effectively prevents similar tragedies from happening in the future. Absent comprehensive immigration reform, we are forcing local police to act as federal immigration officials. That is wrong, wrong, wrong. I represent one of the largest agriculture districts in CA that is dependent on migrant workers who toil the fields to feed our nation. We also have a significant gang violence problem in ``the Salad Bowl of the World'', yet, I am not aware that any of our local law enforcement officials think this bill is a good idea. In some of the harshest neighborhoods, our local law enforcement officials have established satellite facilities and programs for the kids in the neighborhood that provide alternatives to joining gangs. This type of 21st Century Policing encourages community partnerships, problem-solving and organizational transformation. Mr. Speaker, we have already seen the willingness of the Republicans to shut down the government over immigration issues by failing to fund the Department of Homeland Security for 4 months. While compromising the safety of our communities and the effectiveness of our local police might be good for Donald Trump, it is bad for America. I urge a no vote.”