President Obama and Speaker Boehner (R-OH) have each made immigration reform a priority this year. While House Republicans recently issued immigration reform standards and the President recognizes the House must set its own path on immigration reform, the question remains how much can be accomplished during a mid-term election year. Irrespective of what actions Congress takes this year, what might the administration do to address its immigration priorities and what should employers do to assess compliance and workforce needs? Hear from a panel of former Congressional leaders and from immigration experts on where we are headed on reform.
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Bruce Morrison
Chairman, Morrison Public Affairs Group (MPAG)
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Bruce A. Morrison is Chairman of the Morrison Public Affairs Group (MPAG), which he founded in 2001 to conduct and supervise a broad practice involving strategic advice and representation for both domestic and international clients. His work involves advocacy both in Congress and the Executive branch, as well as building alliances within the private sector. His areas of expertise include housing and housing finance, economic development, financial services, and immigration policy. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. Morrison served as Chairman of the Federal Housing Finance Board, an independent agency regulating the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks. In this role, he was responsible for development of extensive affordable housing policies and spearheaded the development of a mortgage purchase program. He was intimately involved with issues of housing and housing finance at his agency and throughout the Executive branch. His work included the successful advocacy of the passage of the Federal Home Loan Bank Modernization Act of 1999, a bi-partisan effort which provided for new powers for the Banks, devolution of management, and a modern risk-based capital structure. Mr. Morrison provided the Banks with new business opportunities in housing finance and economic development through pilot programs and regulatory innovations. From 1983 to 1991, Mr. Morrison represented the Third District of Connecticut (New Haven) in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served on the Banking Committee, playing a leadership role in financial services oversight, housing and housing finance, and U.S. policy regarding the World Bank, the IMF, and the LDC debt crisis. He crafted legislative strategies for the creation of housing development in Connecticut. He also secured funding and assisted local governments in the State to execute economic and housing development projects. He also served on the Judiciary Committee. As chairman of its Immigration Subcommittee, he led the passage of the Immigration Act of 1990, a comprehensive reform, which included expanded admission of skilled workers. Mr. Morrison was the Democratic candidate for Governor of Connecticut in 1990. From 1991 to 1995, he was a partner in the law firm of Morrison & Swaine. In 1992 and 1996, he was Co-Chairman of Irish-Americans for Clinton-Gore, and served throughout the Clinton Administration as an advisor and intermediary in the Irish peace process. From 1992 to 1995, he was a member of the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform. Mr. Morrison holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from MIT and a master’s degree in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois. He is a graduate of the Yale Law School.
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Charles Bass
Senior Director, Government Law & Policy
Greenburg Traurig
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Charles F. Bass is a member of the firm’s Government Law & Policy group, focusing his practice on government policy and legislative matters throughout the federal government. Bass served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional district from 1995 to 2007 and from 2011 to 2013. Working with members of the firm's Government Law & Policy Practice, Bass’s practice focuses on strategic advice and legislative advocacy. His expertise enables him to provide assistance with matters before the House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate and Executive Branch agencies. During his 14-year tenure in Congress, Bass served on the Budget, Government Reform and Oversight, Transportation and Infrastructure, Intelligence, and Energy and Commerce Committees.
As a long-time member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Bass has extensive experience with public policy in such areas as energy, telecommunications, health care, environmental protection, consumer protection, privacy, data security and related issues. He enjoys a reputation as a substantive and pragmatic legislator who works well with both Democrats and Republicans. In addition to his service in Congress, Bass served four years in the New Hampshire Senate, and six years as a State Representative. He also served as Chief of Staff to former Congressman David F. Emery from 1976-1979. In addition to his service in government, Bass also has extensive business experience as an entrepreneur.