Washington, D.C., July 25, 2007 — Today, the United States Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez, addressed the American Nursery and Landscape Association, ANLA, at their 2007 Legislative Conference. During the US Senate’s recent immigration debate, Secretary Gutierrez emerged as the leading Bush Administration advocate for the needs of business, including the unique needs of agriculture and seasonal industries like landscaping and nursery and greenhouse growers. Secretary Gutierrez addressed the recent failure to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the Senate and the prospects for future action by Congress.

Asked about the failure to pass legislation, Secretary Gutierrez stated that it was due to a perceived grass roots efforts by anti-immigrant groups. However, he said, “Small business – all of you – are the real grass roots of this country. You are the people who deserve a voice on this issue.” According to ANLA’s Vice President of Government Relations, Craig Regelbrugge, “Secretary Gutierrez advocated very effectively on behalf of American business and the economy, and I know he maintains optimism that something must and will be done to safeguard our economy by reforming our broken immigration system.”

Secretary Gutierrez, himself an immigrant to the United States, from Cuba, confirmed, “This isn’t over. Think about how you can have a louder and louder voice. We must achieve immigration reform for our national security and our economic security. History will show that you were on the right side.” The Secretary warned of the turmoil that will result from Congress’ failure to act, as states and localities rush to pass legislation and ordinances dealing with what is largely a federal responsibility.

Regelbrugge ended the address thanking Secretary Gutierrez for his commitment to the nursery and landscape industry. “Mr. Secretary, our industry is grateful to you for your leadership and service to the President and our Nation.”