WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is responding to Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio’s request for a deliberate and thorough process on immigration legislation — telling Rubio that speed is of the essence.

Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy says in a letter released Tuesday that Rubio is suggesting the Senate slow down consideration of immigration legislation. Leahy says lawmakers must act swiftly and decisively, but also thoroughly.