On the recordDecember 15, 2014
I will not yield until I finish making my statement, and then I will be happy to yield. First the Republicans send us an appropriations bill, and they will not pay for the agency to enforce the border and stop illegal immigration, and now they come to the floor and argue against filling the position that is responsible for enforcement at the border and stopping illegal immigration. How long has it been since the Senate has confirmed a person to head this critical agency? July 2012 was the last time--more than 2 years-- because of repeated objections by the Republicans to filling the vacancy of the person responsible for stopping illegal immigration. The President has sent us a nominee. I will read what has been said about that nominee. Her name is Sarah Saldana. I quote: Ms. Saldana [is] the first Latina United States Attorney in Texas history, and only the second woman to hold that position in the 135-year history of Texas' Northern District . . . In her role as U.S. Attorney and prosecutor over the past decade, Ms. Saldana has served our state with honor-- fighting corrupt public officials, organized crimes, sex traffickers, and other dangerous criminals. Throughout her career, Ms. Saldana has developed a reputation for her decisive and fair temperament and her commitment to excellence. Can you imagine a more ringing endorsement for someone to head up ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement? You would expect that came from the White House, wouldn't you?…
