Thank you, Harry, for that kind introduction. And thank you for inviting me to speak today. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time on the road and on the phone talking to businesses about what’s going on in their companies, in their industries, and in the economy.
I see this as a chance to talk with 2,000 people, in person, from virtually every state. This could cut down on my travel time, and also make my wife very happy! I’d like to focus on our economy, workers’ rights, and immigration. These are the big economic issues we’re facing. What we do about them, and the actions we take in the coming months, are of great consequence to the nation, to your businesses and to the American people.
Let me start by giving you some facts about the strength of our economy: Another priority is prying open new markets overseas. One of the big reasons our economy is doing well is because we’re competing and winning in the global economy.
The House already passed the so-called “card-check” legislation. We believe this bill short-circuits worker rights. Secret balloting is a right workers have had for 50 years. If the bill is sent to the President, he will veto it.
Let me now turn to immigration reform, which I believe is the most important domestic social issue of our time.
Immigration reform has been on President Bush’s agenda since the day he took office. As a former Texas governor, he knows about immigration. Border states like Texas have been dealing with it for a long time.
But because we now have a labor shortage that is affecting industry-after-industry … especially yours … state-after-state … the entire country is feeling the impact I’ve been traveling across the country, talking with business and community leaders, and for many, immigration is their biggest problem.
Comprehensive immigration reform is no longer a question of if, but when. The mood in Congress and across the country has shifted. People want action at the national level. And they want it sooner, not later.
Secretary Chertoff and I are working closely with Congress to pass immigration reform this year. And like President Bush, we are optimistic about the chances for reform this year. The American people want this problem fixed. They want practical, workable solutions.
In the past few weeks we have had almost daily meetings. I can tell you that we are starting to get past the emotion and down to logic. There is a sense of pragmatism among the lawmakers I have met with.
The debate is in a different place than it was a year ago. We are truly gaining momentum.We believe there are essentially three parts to fixing immigration: national security, economic growth and American unity.
First, we must focus on national security. We must secure our borders and implement a system to tell us who enters our country, and who is already here.
The good news is that Congress and the American people see that our enforcement efforts are serious, and that they are working.
We’ve heard that the prices “coyotes” charge to smuggle people across the board have skyrocketed. That’s a very clear sign that border security is working.
In recent months we have: It will be a disincentive for people to come across that can’t get one, or don’t have one. We don’t want people risking their lives to come to this country. Without this card, they won’t be able to get a job in the U.S.
Second, immigration is crucial for our economy to grow in the years ahead. Today, immigrants make up 15 percent of our labor force. And they account for nearly half the growth in the labor force (since 1996).
In your industry: And the problem is getting worse. The demographic trends are against us: Many advanced economies face declining populations and struggle to assimilate immigrants. Immigration can be our competitive advantage. We’re a nation of immigrants. We have a history of making immigration work. We know how to do it.
Immigration can be a strength. If we make the tough decisions … if we get this issue right … if we can fix it … it will give us a major advantage in today’s global economy for the next 20, 30, 40 years or more.
Immigration is not something to be tolerated. Immigration is one of our greatest opportunities if we approach it with judgment and wisdom.
What we need is a legal immigration system that can adjust to the changing demands of our economy. It must take into account the labor shortage, the need for seasonal workers … all the ebbs and flows of a large free-market economy.
The third goal of comprehensive immigration reform is American unity. This means it must have bi-partisan support in the Congress.
We are a society governed by the rule of law. We shouldn’t reward unlawful behavior. But the mass deportation of 12 million people is not a solution. Neither is amnesty. I am convinced we can strike this balance.
We need a solution that brings workers out of the shadows and into the mainstream. We need a solution that is both viable and workable.
It’s time to get beyond one-liners. It’s time for Democrats and Republicans to roll up our sleeves to get this done. There are hard issues to be faced. Everyone will have to compromise to get to a solution.
The American people will not tolerate a one-sided bill. They want us to find common ground. They want us to do what’s good, and what’s right, for our nation.
In closing, let me just say that these issues … immigration reform, workers' rights, tax relief, trade … are as important to the government as they are to you.
So continue to be vocal about your concerns. The Associated General Contractors have a proud 90-year history of working closely with government on many, many issues. Be vocal about the policies that are working … and how we can continue to have a pragmatic, practical approach.
That’s why I’m proud to be here, to speak with you, and to hear your views. Thank you.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
