We do want to thank the Gang of Eight and especially Senator Leahy for your leadership in the asylum arena.

The bipartisan work reflected in this bill will strengthen security at our borders by funding the continued deployment of manpower, infrastructure, air cover and proven effective surveillance technologies along the highest traffic areas of…

I do not believe the Boston bombing is a reason to stop progress or consideration of this legislation.

If the most powerful, wealthiest nation on earth cannot face up to reality and find a law that faces reality, then shame on us.

Let us not let comprehensive immigration reform fall victim to what we saw in the Violence Against Women Act and guns.

I have supported immigration reform for years and years. Even though that is not a major issue in Vermont, I think it is a major moral issue for this country.

Let no one be so cruel as to try to use the heinous acts of these two young men last week to derail the dreams and futures of millions of hard-working people.

Trust me, I know that orchard. I know exactly what Ms. Eastman is saying, and she stated it very, very accurately.

If we are legalizing and providing work permits in 6 months, why must we wait up to 6 years for everyone to comply?

None of you got everything you wanted, but you knew you each did a lot better than the present status quo.

I expect we are going to have a lot of debate.

What I am going to do is yield now to Senator Durbin, who will take the gavel for a bit, but I would note, as much as I enjoy being Chairman of Judiciary I just want to amend the U.S. Code. I am not trying to amend Genesis or any other…

We need to ensure that we do not resort to draconian bright-line limits.

They must be strengthened and sustained. The draft bill does this.

I have often said that the Senators should be the conscience of the Nation. If we want to be the conscience, now is the time to show our conscience.

I conclude by stating a solid immigration bill will solidify and solve many of these ag issues that employers are facing today.

I am disappointed the legislation has not treated all American families equally.

I want the pathway to be clear.

I think it is time to start talking about reforming the immigration system.

More fencing would not have done anything about the case in Boston.

Let us move forward. Let us have this debate. It is an open debate.

Senate bill 744 is a significant milestone and presents a historic opportunity to move forward on immigration reform.

I think there are a number of areas we can work on together.

While the bill you are considering is an excellent starting point, I submit to you that it is still incomplete.

Employment verification actually supports strong border security.