Alan Simpson: “let me just relate a bit about the immigration legislation which is now on its way to us in the continuing resolution.…”

“let me just relate a bit about the immigration legislation which is now on its way to us in the continuing resolution. After negotiations until about 2 a.m. two nights ago and then until this morning until 4:30 a.m., if I look bright and alert it is deceptive in every sense. One of my staff, John Knepper, a fine young man, spent all night here and all morning. We finally turned him back to his home in a zombie-like condition and thank him so much for his splendid work last night and this morning. In the course of dealing with this huge bill, a very significant bill with regard to illegal immigration, we all were confronted with the reality that the purpose of leaders is to lead. Our leaders wanted to complete this session and do it this weekend. To do that, there were accommodations of varying degrees, obviously. Some disappointments, some victories, some defeats. We all know that feeling as we wind down a legislative year. It is the time when much can happen, and if one is not observing carefully, things are slid into a bill and things are slid out of a bill. We all, then, go home and say, ``Wait, what happened here?'' Or, ``Well, we got that in.'' That is the way legislating is, too.…”