Pete Sessions: “I will make some remarks on an amendment I have offered--S.A. 1140--along with Senators Hatch and Grassley that is…”

“I will make some remarks on an amendment I have offered--S.A. 1140--along with Senators Hatch and Grassley that is dealing with the appropriation of $5 million, with that amount equally divided between two purposes. One, facilitating the Department of Homeland Security entering into memorandums of understanding with States and localities under section 287(G) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. That is, the ability to enter into memorandums or agreements with States and localities in order that they may participate in a positive way in helping enforce the immigration laws of the United States. And, two, reimbursing States and localities for the costs they incur in training their law enforcement officers under these memorandums of understanding. Reimbursement would be permitted for expenses such as those related to travel and transportation to the training location, subsistence payments or per diem allowance and costs for securing temporary replacements for law enforcement personnel who are participating in the Federal training. I am pleased Senators Hatch and Grassley have cosponsored the amendment. I hope each of my colleagues will carefully consider it and vote for its passage. The amendment is needed to confront two issues currently prohibiting the nationwide advancement of agreements under INA section 287(G).…”