With DeLay and Abramoff Out, Chance for Long Stalled Marianas Reform Bill

[seafan]

With DeLay and Abramoff Out, Chance for Long Stalled Marianas Reform Bill Grows

June 7, 2006


Congressman George Miller (D-CA)

WASHINGTON - The removal of two key Republican players from powerful perches in Washington may clear the way for long-blocked reforms that protect exploited women and that close immigration loopholes that endanger U.S. security.

Members of Congress announced today they are re-introducing legislation to reform labor and immigration laws in a U.S. territory that Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) and Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff protected from scrutiny for over a decade despite strong evidence of dramatic abuses of women there. DeLay will leave Congress this Friday while still under indictment for money laundering in Texas and Abramoff will enter jail on charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, and tax evasion later this month.

Congressman George Miller (D-CA), senior Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee, is being joined by Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA), co-chairwoman of the women's caucus, and Rep. John Spratt (D-SC), ranking member on the House Budget Committee, in introducing "The United States-Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Human Dignity Act" to apply basic labor protections and U.S. immigration laws to the Pacific territory.

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"Rapid action on this legislation is essential given disclosure of a suppressed report by the Department of Justice detailing threats to U.S security from organized crime and terrorists who have access to U.S. territories thanks to loopholes protected by DeLay and Abramoff," said Miller... <<snip>>
DeLay and Abramoff arranged for appropriations, organized campaign contributions, led tour groups of members of Congress and their staff, and directed money to questionable charities to solidify their power in Washington. In doing so, they ignored well-documented threats to American security, criminal activity, violations of labor law, forced abortions, and human trafficking.

"They were running a protection racket," said Miller. "DeLay and Abramoff protected the Marianas garment industry from congressional scrutiny and were rewarded handsomely for it...

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[seafan]

1. Kick in celebration of Tom DeLay resigning today. n/t