WASHINGTON — The National Restaurant Association praised the U.S. Senate for passage of S. 2611, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006, to overhaul America's broken immigration system. The bipartisan legislation, considered a key vote by the association, passed with a final vote of 62-36.
"On behalf of our nation's 925,000 restaurant and foodservice locations, the National Restaurant Association commends the Senate for passing this landmark legislation in a bipartisan fashion," said Steve Anderson, president and chief executive officer of the association.
Anderson said the bill was far from perfect, but it was critically important that the Senate moved the process forward by approving the legislation.
During the debate, the Senate strongly endorsed the necessary elements of comprehensive reform sought by the National Restaurant Association. The organization said the reform is a mechanism for employers to get the workers they need to fill jobs not taken by Americans; a program to allow many of the undocumented to pay a fine and earn green cards; an improved employment verification system; and enhanced measures to protect the border.
"This is the first time in 20 years that Congress has focused significant attention to this issue," Anderson said. "We call upon the House to swiftly begin negotiations with the Senate to produce comprehensive immigration reform along the lines of the Senate bill."
