HR 1026
The "BRIDGE" resolution
Two names for a new idea from members of the House.
Here are the three main points (not 2,000 pages...yet)
1- Make E-Verify Mandatory and hold the employer AND employee accountable for fraudulent employment documents.
2- Secure the boarder.
3- Reject amnesty for those who are here illegally.
This is an important move right now because many politicians aren't talking about it. They still fear Latino backlash, which means they are avoiding the issue.
The Tea Party movement is solid on the issue within the ranks, but the politicians who are joining the parade are timid to talk about it. That needs to change.
I'm trying to get a straight answer from a gubernatorial candidate in Illinois. He's a great candidate named Adam Andrzejewski (only slightly harder than Blagojevich).
I've e-mailed his campaign twice, asking what Adam would do about illegal aliens in Illinois. No one has responded. Nothing on his website about it. For me, it's a matter of courage and integrity to take a stand.
On the other hand, there is a House candidate named Joe Walsh. He mentions it in his radio ad. He wants mandatory E-Verify because it is right for our country. Sadly, I can't vote for Walsh. Wrong district.
So, take courage politicians. Speak up on the immigration issue. Or risk being bundled with the timid. Not exactly a leadership trait.
Here are the details about BRIDGE:
January 21, 2010 2:15 PM
Washington, DC—Today a bipartisan group led by freshman Members of Congress introduced a resolution seeking to bridge the political divide between parties on the issue of immigration by outlining some of the key principles that should guide immigration reform. Representatives Chaffetz (R-UT), Kratovil (D-MD), Hunter (R-CA), and Nye (D-VA) were joined by 18 of their colleagues on H. Res. 1026 the Bipartisan Reform of Immigration through Defining Good Enforcement (“BRIDGE”) Resolution.
The BRIDGE Resolution reaffirms that the continued peace, prosperity, liberty, and national security of the United States depend upon effective immigration enforcement policies which both welcome lawful immigrants and also prevent individuals from entering or remaining in the U.S. illegally.
Specifically, the resolution states that Congress should:
· make E-Verify mandatory for all employers, and hold employees accountable as well;
· provide sufficient border infrastructure and manpower to secure and control our borders; and,
· reject amnesty and any legal status which pardons those here in violation of our laws.
“Our government has a duty and responsibility to make our first immigration priority the enforcement of existing laws by ensuring that illegal behavior is punished, not rewarded,” said Rep. Chaffetz. “Any discussion of comprehensive immigration reform must begin with a renewed commitment to enforce our immigration laws. We need to remove the incentives that encourage illegal behavior if we expect to get immigration under control.”
“We are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. The immigration reform debate must start with both an acknowledgement of the historical and contemporary importance of immigration to our nation and a renewed commitment to the rule of law,” said Rep. Kratovil. “This resolution calls for Congress to take a common sense approach to immigration reform: enforcing the rules already on the books, punishing those who knowingly choose to violate them, and opposing any plans that reward or incentivize illegal behavior at the expense of those who are trying to play by the rules.”
“Our national and economic security continues to be undermined by our porous borders and the inconsistent enforcement of existing immigration laws,” said Rep. Hunter. “The immigration reform debate must not be dictated by misguided calls for open borders or amnesty. The American people expect security to be a priority and immigration laws to be thoroughly enforced in our communities and the workplace. This resolution reiterates these principles, which should be the basis for immigration reform.”
Complete list of original cosponsors:
Chaffetz, J. (UT-03) - sponsor
Kratovil, F. (MD-01)
Hunter, D. (CA-52)
Nye, G. (VA-02)
Lummis, C. (WY-At large)
Fleming, J. (LA-04)
Coffman, M. (CO-06)
McClintock, T. (CA-04)
Posey, B. (FL-15)
Roe, P. (TN-01)
Harper, G. (MS-03)
Jenkins, L. (KS-02)
Barrow, J. (GA-12)
Bright, B. (AL-02)
Luetkemeyer, B. (MO-09)
Olson, P. (TX-22)
Taylor, G. (MS-04)
Murphy, P. (PA-08)
McIntyre, M. (NC-07)
Kagen, S. (WI-08)
Shuler, H. (NC-11)
Childers, T. (MS-01)
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