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WASHINGTON DC- Congress has taken the first step toward disbanding the beleaguered Immigration and Naturalization Service and splitting the agency's responsibilities into two new Justice Department: one in charge of making mistakes and the second of fixing the mistakes the first one made.

Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., told reporters "Sept. 11 taught us that immigration and border security issues are too important to be ignored and mishandled by a governement agency without a second governement agency to oversee the mishandling."

Rep. James Sensenbrenner told the House before Thursday's vote "We must practice tough love and abolish the INS." He added, "Taking away their priveleges, grounding them, hiding their Dance-Revolution game and even bootcamp have all failed to change their behavior." Sensenbrenner went on to say that he and his wife were very disappointed in the INS.

Many in Congress believe abolishing the INS is necessary because of embarassing foul-ups. Notice of previously approved visa extensions for two of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers was mailed months after the attacks, prompting false hope among many aspriring international terrorists.

It remains to be seen what will happen to the INS' cubicle, which is close to the watercooler and the bathroom. Most of the INS' pens, staplers and calendars have already been spoken for.

-Clark Brandon