Paul Coverdell: “on behalf of the city of Smyrna, GA, and its outstanding Mayor Max Bacon, I rise to commend the Senate--and especially…”

“on behalf of the city of Smyrna, GA, and its outstanding Mayor Max Bacon, I rise to commend the Senate--and especially Senator Gramm--for helping Smyrna and the entire Atlanta area in its efforts to deal with the transportation of illegal immigrants once they have been detained. By increasing by $12.3 million the portion of the Immigration and Naturalization Service budget for fiscal year 1996 which deals with the transportation of detained illegals, the Commerce, Justice, and State appropriations bill will go a long way toward more effectively enforcing our immigration laws. In the city of Smyrna--as in many across the country--illegal immigrants are placing an enormous burden on legal residents, who are facing rising taxes due to the increased costs of providing health services and educational programs, in addition to the loss of jobs. In the Atlanta area, we have been concerned with the lack of vehicles available for the transportation of detained illegals. The city of Smyrna is optimistic that an influx of new buses and vehicles will help the INS be even more effective in removing illegal immigrants and transporting them to the proper authorities. Again, I commend my Senate colleagues for their wisdom, and extend my gratitude on behalf of Smyrna's Mayor Bacon.”