Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the distinguished chairman, I thank the manager, and I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia from…”

“I thank the distinguished chairman, I thank the manager, and I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia from Texas, and Senator Cornyn from Texas, and the other sponsors. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the crucialness of this legislation dealing with the lighterers. It is about the economic engine that many of us have in our communities, and that is, of course, the port, but also the travel and business and the issues of recreation that are encountered on large vessels. This bill will give these individuals the time that they need to do the proper work safely, rather than the short time of 29 days, to have an extended period of time to respond is both, in this climate, an economic boost, a recognition of fairness in the immigration process, and to recognize the importance of the hard work that the lighterers do. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Congresswoman Garcia, Members of the other body, and Senator Cornyn for the work that is going to shine a light on better productivity and a better economic aspect of this work.”