Ed Markey: “rise in strong opposition to this bill, which fails to provide the strengthened border security our nation needs to…”

“rise in strong opposition to this bill, which fails to provide the strengthened border security our nation needs to deter terrorists while also leaving many of our internal immigration problems unresolved. This bill claims to address the problem of illegal immigration, but it offers an enforcement-only solution, where a comprehensive strategy is needed. I planned to offer two amendments to improve this bill, Mr. Speaker, but the Republican- controlled Rules Committee refused to permit them to be debated and voted on today on the House Floor. Many of my colleagues also were blocked from offering important amendments. Shutting out more than 100 amendments certainly represents serious ``sins of omission'' by this Republican Congress. There are also many ``sins of commission'' tucked into this bill. For example, the bill: Subjects members of churches and other humanitarian organizations to criminal penalties of up to 5 years in prison if they provide food, shelter, or health care to undocumented immigrants, even if they are in desperate or life-threatening circumstances; and the bill Reclassifies 11 million undocumented immigrants--including children-- as aggravated felons who could be arrested and imprisoned for more than a year if they are caught. These provisions do not make us safer. Mr. Chairman, and they do not reflect the values of our nation.…”