Rep. Cole Votes for Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Tom Cole voted last night for immigration legislation that will help control America's borders and prevent illegal immigration in our country. Congressman Cole was a co-sponsor of the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 (H.R. 4437), which passed in the House and must now be debated in the Senate.

****NOTE. Because of electronic problems with Congressman Cole's voting card, he was recorded as not voting. He spoke on the floor regarding this problem:

"Mr. Speaker, late tonight I discovered there is a problem with my voting card. After returning home, I became aware that my vote was not recorded on roll call votes 661, 659, and 651. On each of these votes, I am sure I voted "yes.'' Indeed, I checked my vote on the card receptacle. It clearly showed that I had voted. I will work with the Parliamentarian to resolve this issue with my voting card at the earliest possible time."

"This legislation makes a good first step in securing our borders, but it is important to note that it is just that--a first step. Congress will continue its work next year to enact a strict, legal and enforced immigration policy," Congressman Tom Cole.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are an estimated 8 to 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the country. Of those, approximately 400,000 have standing deportation orders and another 15,000 may pose a national security risk.

"America has always and will continue to be an open and accepting country for legal immigrants, but we must make sure the people coming into our country are coming in legally and are not people who wish us harm," Congressman Tom Cole said.

The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 enhances our security along our borders through enhanced Border Patrol operations, physical barriers and state-of-the-art technology. It authorizes 1,000 new, full time port of entry inspectors over the next four years and the training of 1,500 additional K-9 units over the next five years.

H.R. 4437 will put an end to the “catch and release” practice along the southwest border. This year alone, 115,000 illegal immigrants from countries other than Mexico have been apprehended by the Border Patrol, only to be released due to lack of detention space.

This legislation also prevents illegal immigration by controlling our borders and holding people accountable. H.R. 4437 achieves this goal by cracking down on employers hiring illegal workers, smugglers trafficking in human beings, as well as, confronting the emerging problem of alien gangs.

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