Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement upon supporting a procedural vote to begin debating immigration reform legislation:

“Today, the United States Senate took an important step toward reforming our broken immigration system. Nebraskans know the status quo is unacceptable. Our border remains dangerously insecure and 11 million illegal immigrants currently enjoy de facto amnesty. While I appreciate the work done by the ‘Gang of Eight,’ I believe their bill has serious flaws requiring serious revisions. It’s now time for all 100 senators to weigh in during a transparent discussion and a robust amendment process. That’s why I voted today to start the debate.

“Let me be absolutely clear: today’s procedural vote in no way endorses the plan offered by the Gang of Eight. I intend to work with my colleagues to pass a number of needed conservative amendments, which would be necessary to secure my support for the legislation, including:

• Define measurable standards and provide necessary resources to secure the border;
• Remove the so-called ‘pathway to citizenship’ so those who broke our Nation’s laws are not rewarded with the privilege of citizenship;
• Defend American workers and provide necessary labor for growing economic sectors; and
• Protect hardworking taxpayers from paying for new government programs and benefits for illegal immigrants.

“The current bill must be amended to guarantee we don’t find ourselves in the same, dire predicament further down the road. I look forward to vigorously participating in this critical debate, amending and improving the legislation, and listening to the views of all Nebraskans.”