Rep. Calvert Amendment To Permanetly Reauthorize E-Verify Defeated On Mostly Party Line Vote

Press Release

Today Congressman Ken Calvert introduced an amendment to the FY2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill to make E-Verify a permanently authorized program which would not be subject to an expiration date.

"There have been several instances in which Congress has neglected the reauthorization of E-Verify and the program has been very close to expiration before a stop-gap measure extends the program for another few months," said Rep. Calvert. "There is no reason that the 128,000 employers who rely on the system should have to worry about the continued existence of E-Verify. It is a proven system and employment verification will continue to be a part of our national strategy to combat illegal immigration in the years ahead so there is simply no reason to have an expiration date on E-Verify."

The amendment was defeated 36 to 21 with all Democrats voting against it.

"I'm disappointed the Committee rejected my amendment and while I am pleased with the two year authorization provided in the bill, I have no doubt that two years from now we will once again brush up against a deadline to reauthorize E-Verify," stated Rep. Calvert. "It is time to dispense with the back and forth and simply make the program a permanent part of a larger effort to stem the tide of illegal immigration."

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