Goodlatte Response to State of the Union Address

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued these comments following President Obama’s State of the Union:

Immigration Reform:
“We are a nation of immigrants and our immigration system has contributed to the greatness of the United States.  However, we can all agree that our nation’s immigration system is in desperate need of repair and it is not working as efficiently and fairly as it should.  Immigration reform must honor both our foundation upon the rule of law and our legacy as a nation of immigrants. 

“I caution Members of Congress and the American people, regarding the President’s immigration reform proposal since this Administration has such a poor record of enforcing the immigration laws that are already on the books.

“Immigration reform is a massive undertaking and is far too important to not examine each piece in great detail.  I have said numerous times that immigration reform is a top priority of the House Judiciary Committee, which is why we held our first full Committee hearing last week on ways to improve our legal immigration system and the enforcement of existing immigration laws.   Last week’s hearing is just the beginning.  Members of Congress, including myself, have many questions that need to be answered.  That is why the Judiciary Committee intends to hold more hearings on ways to improve and reform our immigration system.”

2nd Amendment Rights:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of senseless acts of violence, and the House of Representatives continues to examine ways to prevent these kinds of tragedies.  However, good intentions do not necessarily make good laws, so as we investigate the causes and search for solutions, we must ensure that any proposed solutions will actually be meaningful in preventing the taking of innocent life and that they do not trample on the rights of law-abiding citizens to exercise their Constitutionally-guaranteed rights.” 

Violence Against Women Act:
“Domestic abuse is an all-too-common occurrence in the United States that destroys families and ends lives.  I think it is important that we work to find ways to eliminate this abuse while ensuring that any protections that are passed are in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law.”