Immigration Bill Blocked?
is it over yet?
46-53, immigration bill goes down in defeat
The comprehensive immigration reform bill that has dodged attacks from the left and right for weeks, survived "poison pill" amendments, and was once pulled from the Senate schedule failed its most important test Thursday. Passage of the legislation now appears unlikely.
The bipartisan coalition that had shepherded the measure through so many obstacles failed to get the 60 votes necessary to end debate. The final vote was 46-53
Until Thursday morning, it was unclear whether the bill would survive the cloture vote. But in the end, opponents of the measure from both sides of the political spectrum gained enough support to derail the legislation. Liberals felt it did not go far enough in protecting illegal immigrants, while conservatives rejected the bill because they felt it would grant amnesty to the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the country.
Republican foes of the measure argued that the American public was broadly united in opposition to the bill and had made its views known by flooding Congress with phone calls and e-mails.
"What part of `no' don't we understand?," asked Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who said the immigration fight had "reengaged the American people."
But Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), one of the key members of the coalition that crafted the bill, warned his Republican colleagues ahead of the vote.
"Remember this day if you vote `no,'" Graham said, adding that this bill would not come back in its current form and it is "as good as it gets."
President Bush has taken a hands-on approach to the legislation, which he views as an important part of his domestic legacy. Leading up to the vote, called senators to urge them to support the bill.
46-53, immigration bill goes down in defeat
The comprehensive immigration reform bill that has dodged attacks from the left and right for weeks, survived "poison pill" amendments, and was once pulled from the Senate schedule failed its most important test Thursday. Passage of the legislation now appears unlikely.
The bipartisan coalition that had shepherded the measure through so many obstacles failed to get the 60 votes necessary to end debate. The final vote was 46-53
Until Thursday morning, it was unclear whether the bill would survive the cloture vote. But in the end, opponents of the measure from both sides of the political spectrum gained enough support to derail the legislation. Liberals felt it did not go far enough in protecting illegal immigrants, while conservatives rejected the bill because they felt it would grant amnesty to the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the country.
Republican foes of the measure argued that the American public was broadly united in opposition to the bill and had made its views known by flooding Congress with phone calls and e-mails.
"What part of `no' don't we understand?," asked Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who said the immigration fight had "reengaged the American people."
But Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), one of the key members of the coalition that crafted the bill, warned his Republican colleagues ahead of the vote.
"Remember this day if you vote `no,'" Graham said, adding that this bill would not come back in its current form and it is "as good as it gets."
President Bush has taken a hands-on approach to the legislation, which he views as an important part of his domestic legacy. Leading up to the vote, called senators to urge them to support the bill.
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It is until Hillary get's elected...[}:)]
Trinity +++0 -
Elected as what? The POTUS? Yeah, right...
She won't get past primaries.0 -
We can only hope...[;)]
Trinity +++0 -
quote:Originally posted by TrinityScrimshaw
We can only hope...[;)]
Trinity +++
I'd worry more about Jullianis, McCains and other flip-flop trash.0 -
i dont think there was one great candidate in the last 12 years? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by SuburbanNoize
i dont think there was one great candidate in the last 12 years?
Bob Dole.0 -
Short by 14 votes. The Senate is hoping that nothing will be done on the immigration issue until after the elections of 2008. This should tell us something about where their hearts are on immediate action to improve our national security, as in securing our borders and ports of entry. 0 -
The politicians are just waiting for the 2008 elections to swing their way with more than 20 million illegal alien votes through the Motor Voter registration System.
Thats right, through the Motor Voter registration System all one needs to do is obtain a drivers license or a "state" ID card and he or she is a registered voter without being an American citizen.0 -
Could be the time to start reviewing US Citizenship as an institution. As I mentioned before, I think Heinlein had the right idea -- only get your voting rights through public service of some sort. But that's an idealistic view which doesn't necessary mean it could work in the real world, though thinking that if making voting a privilege that one has to earn and service voluntary it could be the only way that could work. Who knows, can only theorize about it. 0 -
For sure, too many of them cannot be trusted to be loyal to the folks who put them in office to protect the American way of life as most people want it to be. 0 -
This bill is dead for 2007, 2008 and most likely forever. I can't see any political group that can pass it ever. 0
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