Immigration Bill Conference Committee Begins Work
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
THE SENATE
For Immediate Release
March 4, 2008
Immigration Bill Conference Committee Begins Work
Both Senate and House Members Look for Quick Resolution
Columbia, SC – Senate and House members sat down today to begin
hammering out the details of the Senate’s illegal immigration reform
bill (S.392) that has been intensely studied and debated for over a
year. Today’s meeting was primarily organizational; however, both
sides did express a desire to work together to resolve the differences
between the two versions of the bill.
“This illegal immigration reform legislation is truly ground breaking
for the State of South Carolina, and this will be one of the toughest
bills in the nation,” says Senator Jim Ritchie (R-13) Majority Whip,
primary sponsor of the Senate’s Illegal Immigration Reform Act. “I
know there are some substantive issues between the two bills, but I am
hopeful those items can be addressed and decided rather quickly.”
In addition to Senator Ritchie the conference committee consists of
Senators Chip Campsen (R-Charleston), and Vincent Sheheen (D-Kershaw),
as well as Representatives Jim Harrison (R-Richland), Greg Delleney
(R-Chester), and Thad Viers (R-Horry).
Senator Ritchie was elected Chairman of the Joint Legislative
Conference Committee, and Representative Harrison was elected
Vice-Chairman.
In addition to setting a schedule, committee members received an
overview of the technical and substantive issues to be addressed. The
committee agreed to move forward with technical changes that can be
addressed by legislative counsel and began discussions on the larger
issues. Further action will be taken on Thursday, March 6, when the
committee meets again.
“We look forward to working with the House members on this issue, I
think we all want to create the best possible legislation and move the
State forward,” says Senator Ritchie.
###
