Mazie Hirono: “I thank these Senators for their support. This amendment is supported by over 180 organizations including the National…”

“I thank these Senators for their support. This amendment is supported by over 180 organizations including the National Immigration Law Center, National Council of La Raza, the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, the AFL-CIO, U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. I have several letters from these organizations that attest to their support of my amendment. I ask unanimous consent that one of these letters, which is signed by 179 organizations, be printed in the Record following my remarks. I have also been working with many Senators on an amendment to provide additional opportunities for women in the new merit-based immigration system created in the bill. Amendment No. 1718 would create a new tier 3 category with 30,000 merit-based visas. Tier 3 is structured in a way that allows women a fairer chance to compete for these visas. The Hirono-Murray-Murkowski amendment currently has 19 cosponsors. I ask unanimous consent that Senators Whitehouse and Schatz be added as cosponsors of amendment No. 1718. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.”