Patsy T. Mink: “I rise in opposition to the current version of H.R. 3736, which drastically increases the number of available H-1B visas…”

“I rise in opposition to the current version of H.R. 3736, which drastically increases the number of available H-1B visas while severely limiting worker protection clauses that were contained in the version passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on May 20, 1998. I am especially disturbed that the newest compromise achieved by Senate Members and the administration late last night has been brought to the floor today with little time for us to adequately review this newest proposal. I am not convinced of the need for more temporary workers. Industry alleges there is a great shortage among high-tech companies. The Information Technology Association of America, an industry-funded group claims 340,000 information technology jobs are going unfilled. In March of this year, the GAO questioned the 'reliability of ITAA's survey findings,' as not supported by the evidence. It concluded the response rate of the survey was too low (36%) to make an accurate projection. It is important to note various reports which show that industry has laid off over 142,000 American workers since the beginning of this year. Why were they laid off if there is a shortage? The August 1997 Computerworld Magazine found over 17 percent of American high-tech workers over the age of 50 are unemployed. If there is a shortage, why aren't these individuals being retrained and rehired?”