John Cornyn

I am excited, as the election nears, that the American people are much smarter than that. They are going to clearly see through those attempts. These important things which need to be done, many of which we have been able to accomplish…

I would simply add to the comments of the assistant majority leader that I, too, am glad that we have eliminated any risk in Georgia v. Ashcroft, and section 5 would be applied to require preservation of anything other than districts that…

It appears that they have no unifying position and they have no plan to lead to victory in Iraq.

The American flag is a monument, a symbol of our freedom, our country, and our way of life. Why in the world would we refuse to protect it against desecration?

I would. Mr. McCONNELL. Might it not be just as useful an exercise to try to pass a resolution commending the Iraqi Government for the position they have taken today with regard to this discussion of amnesty?

I would answer the distinguished majority whip by saying, that is exactly the quotation. The same individuals went on to say that who the Prime Minister is going to give amnesty to are those who have not committed the crimes, whether…

I would. Mr. McCONNELL. I know the Senator from Texas and I covered this a few moments ago, but I would ask the Senator from Texas again if it is not the case that the national security adviser to the Iraqi Government just this very day…

Yes. Will the Senator yield for a question at this point? Mr. McCONNELL. I will.

I call up my amendment No. 4097, which is at the desk. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will report. The bill clerk read as follows: The Senator from Texas [Mr. Cornyn] proposes an amendment numbered 4097.

I would just say that the way I read this amendment--and I have only seen it in the last few minutes--it would result in a waiver for approximately 6 million people illegally here in the United States, as we speak.

I understand the obligation of the Senator from Iowa, as chairman of the Finance Committee, to try to work on a bipartisan basis, and I know he is committed to do that, and that is what this amendment represents. But I want to make clear…

I would ask, if I may, Mr. President, if the Senator will yield for one more question, whether it is true that, for example, high-skilled workers, H-1B workers--people with math, science, engineering degrees, and the like--whether there is…

Through the Chair, I inquire, isn't it a fact over the last few weeks on behalf of the Republican leadership, the Senator has tried to collect all of the potential pool of amendments and consolidate those amendments down into a reasonable…

It wasn't clear exactly what the message was. And I think in some ways it tended to polarize people.

On April 27, 2006, I spoke on the Senate floor regarding the needs of Texans and evacuees living in Texas following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I used a number of visual aids to show the impact of these storms on the State of Texas. I…

I need about 20 minutes, but I would be willing to work with the other side if there are short-time speakers, to try to make sure people would not have to wait. So I am sure we can work something out.

I urge our colleagues not to table this important amendment, that we have an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor as soon as possible.

Isn't it true that this bill for the first time manifests a tremendous Federal commitment to live up to the Federal Government's responsibility to provide additional Border Patrol agents and additional technology along the border to enable…

We are running up against a Friday deadline with a 2-week recess of the Senate long standing, and if we are unsuccessful in allowing any votes on amendments which are necessary to move this bill forward, where do you believe the blame…

I certainly don't begrudge the Senator from Vermont the time. I just hope it won't cut into our time and that we will add time to both sides so it will be even, if I understood the request.

Absolutely not. That has been one of the misconceptions or perhaps straw men that have been hoisted out there because some people have suggested we are trying to criminalize people who merely want to come to this country for economic…

As I pointed out, border security is national security. I see the chairman of the Subcommittee for Homeland Security of the Appropriations Committee on the floor, and he has been a great champion of getting more money allocated for this…

I really am not worried about it. I think it's actually healthy.

I appreciate the question. This amendment calls for several liability, not joint liability. The Senator raises a good question and, frankly, one I want to make sure I do a little research on and confer with him, perhaps, so I can give him…

Might I inquire--I do wish to seek recognition on behalf of the manager, but I would like to know how long the Senator is expected to speak.