Bob Menendez: “I don't support and can't embrace the underlying agreement that has been struck, but I do believe every Senator should…”

“I don't support and can't embrace the underlying agreement that has been struck, but I do believe every Senator should vote for cloture. If you vote ``yes'' on cloture, you are voting to give the Senate an opportunity to move forward with tough, smart, and comprehensive immigration reform that secures our Nation's borders. If you vote ``no'' on cloture, you are voting to maintain the status quo of failed laws and a broken immigration system that is weak on enforcement, leaves our borders and our citizens unsecured, while also allowing for continued exploitation and human trafficking. If we have to wait a couple of years, and that is what will happen if we don't move this now, then States and municipalities will pass their own laws, which often violate equal protection laws, can discriminate against those who are U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and create conflict within otherwise peaceful communities. By invoking cloture, we have the opportunity to strengthen the screening process at our consulates and points of entry, to better use technology along our borders, to make sure our agencies have both the necessary staff and the resources to do their jobs, thus effectively tightening our border security and workplace enforcement.”