Bennie Thompson: “as I have already indicated from my opposition to this amendment, we are moving toward making States and localities…”

“as I have already indicated from my opposition to this amendment, we are moving toward making States and localities assume a Federal responsibility. This is not in the best interest of homeland security. We have certain things as a Federal Government that we should do. Immigration protection is one of those items. I understand from my chairman that he is interested in trying to help, but at some point we have to do our job. What we need to do is provide the resources to the Department to make sure that the Department can do its job, not pass the buck to another State. You have heard from my colleague who used to be a State trooper who talks about the difficulties in crossing the lines. I ask my colleague to consider that, but I also ask opposition to the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN (Mr. Bonner). All time has expired. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox). The amendment was agreed to. The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3 printed in part B of House Report 109-84. Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Kennedy of Rhode Island”