Arlen Specter: “In light of the comments which have been made as to the cost of this program, I think it is important to focus on the…”

“In light of the comments which have been made as to the cost of this program, I think it is important to focus on the fact that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has made a finding that new Federal revenue from taxes, penalties, and fees under the bipartisan immigration bill will more than offset the costs of setting up any immigration system and the costs of any Federal benefits temporary workers, Z visa holders, and future legal immigrants under the bill would receive. CBO estimates that increased revenue from taxes, penalties, and fines under the bill will offset any estimated increases of mandatory spending, such as emergency Medicaid, and produce a net fiscal surplus of $25.6 billion over 10 years. The surplus will be used to cover costs, including implementing the new program, and a significant portion of the costs of better securing our borders and improving interior enforcement through additional Border Patrol and ICE agents.”