Senator Webb: "Enforce the Laws on the Books"

Washington, DC– The following is a statement issued by Senator Jim Webb following the failed cloture vote on the immigration bill:

“Given today’s immigration impasse, it is more important that the President vigorously enforce the laws that are on the books and that we search for new ways to implement broader reform. Our present laws already include tough civil and criminal penalties for companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.  They also allow us to gain control over our porous borders by properly utilizing the assets and legal means that are now at our disposal.

“One sensible proposal to come from the bill, supported overwhelmingly by my colleagues in the Senate, was a $4.4 billion allocation aimed at securing our borders and enforcing our laws at the workplace.  I believe we should proceed with appropriating these funds for enhanced border security and workplace enforcement.  I will make it a priority over the course of this legislative session to see that this appropriation of funds happens.”

For audio of this statement, please go to: http://demradio.senate.gov/actualities/webb/webb070628.mp3