Press Release
NOTICE TO VISITOR:
THIS IS AN ARCHIVED SITE
This site contains information released online prior to January 20, 2009.
Click HERE to go the CURRENT commerce.gov website.
Information released from January 20, 2009 to present.
Please note: The content in this archive site is not updated and external links may not function.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS |
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 |
202-482-4883 |
Gutierrez Statement on Senate Cloture Vote
WASHINGTON—U. S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement on today’s Senate vote to proceed to consideration of S.1639, the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
“I’m pleased the Senate has decided on a path forward for comprehensive immigration reform. The American people want us to fix our broken immigration system. We must secure our borders. We must meet our economy’s needs and we must deal with the illegal population already living on American soil. The time to do so is now.
“In the past month we’ve heard from all sides. In addition to listening to Senators, I’ve reached out to America’s farmers, ranchers, small business owners, technology groups and religious leaders among others, and have listened intently to their viewpoints and ideas. President Bush has actively worked to build support. What’s crystal clear is that delay and inaction mean a broken system will continue.
“Ahead lies a vigorous debate on a series of amendments. I commend the Senators who voted to allow the Senate to debate and vote on amendments. I look forward to working with the Senate in the coming days on this important legislation.”