Rubio statements on the Thune and Vitter votes

… <p><b>Washington, D.C. -</b>&nbsp; As the Senate continues debate on S. 744, &ldquo;The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act&rdquo;, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), released the following statement after voting against the Thune Amendment to S.744, which failed 39-54, and the Vitter Amendment to S.744, which failed 36-58:</p> <p>&ldquo;I support Senator Thune&rsquo;s efforts to require completion of double layered border fencing. Properly deployed, these fences have proven highly effective in limiting illegal crossings. That is why the current bill requires $1.5 billion be spent specifically on a border fence plan. However, his amendment does not detail a specific border plan. Therefore, I opposed his amendment and instead continue to work with my Republican colleagues to arrive at a new measure that improves on the significant border security measures already in the bill.&rdquo;</p> <p>&ldquo;I also support Senator Vitter&rsquo;s goal of requiring the implementation of an entry-exit system to crack down on visa overstays, which accounts for 40 percent of today&rsquo;s illegal immigrants.&nbsp; The U.S. must have an effective tool to ensure that visitors who enter our country legally leave when they are supposed to.&nbsp; However, his amendment delays the process of submitting illegal immigrants to background checks and the imposition of fines for having violated our immigration laws.&nbsp; Therefore, I opposed his amendment and will continue working with my Republican colleagues to improve the entry-exit system measures in the legislation.&rdquo;</p> …