Don Nickles: “first I wish to thank the majority leader for setting aside the immigration bill to take up this bill. I informed the…”

“first I wish to thank the majority leader for setting aside the immigration bill to take up this bill. I informed the majority leader and the Speaker some months ago of my earnest desire to pass this before this Friday. This Friday is the 1-year anniversary of the worst civil disaster that we have had in U.S. history: 168 innocent men, women, and children were murdered in the Murrah Building bombing. The majority leader responded to that request, and I appreciate it. I also want to compliment Senator Hatch and Senator Biden and their staffs, and also Chairman Hyde, for their willingness over the last 2 weeks when we were in recess to work out the differences, because the bills between the House and the Senate had a lot to offer, but there are significant differences in the bills. But there were significant differences. They worked out those differences. They came up with compromises. That was not easy during the break. That is not often done. But they did it so we can meet this deadline. I very much appreciate their cooperation. Mr. President, this is vitally important legislation. As my colleague from my State, Senator Inhofe, mentioned, this is very important legislation to the families of the victims. There are hundreds of people involved.…”