It is a good, bipartisan bill and I urge my colleagues to support it.

I appreciate you holding this legislative hearing and welcome the opportunity to discuss the 11 legislative proposals before us today.

H.R. 1293 would increase the amount available for grants under the Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) Program.

I believe we should do everything in our power to ensure that employers are not hiring illegal aliens.

I do hope, however, that as the department and GSA move forward with this project that we do not lose sight of its-- project's cost.

I agree that the consolidation plan will provide measurable benefits to the department in terms of coordination and efficiency.

I think there are plenty of people within the government, who would really look forward to the promotion and could do the job just as well.

I strongly support the 287(g) program and believe that it is an invaluable tool to help enhance our ability to deter illegal immigration.

Do you believe, as Sheriff Bob White in my district does, that legal, law-abiding immigrants are actually more afraid of the criminal aliens in their communities than they are of local law enforcement?

I strongly support 287(g) and believe it is invaluable, too, to help enhance our ability to deter illegal immigration and detect criminals and others who may wish to do us harm.

State and local law enforcement agencies are successfully using 287(g) authority to make communities safer.