Immigration
Posted: Tuesday, June 26, 2007 9:02 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under:
Security
As of this writing, Bush is participating in a briefing on the comprehensive immigration reform bill he supports. Meanwhile, the Senate today returns to complete work on the bill, staring work most likely this afternoon, NBC’s Ken Strickland reports. Supporters face several hurdles before a final vote, which makes final passage hard to predict. The bill's supporters are optimistic, while their opponents feel momentum is on their side. However, there is consensus from both Democratic and Republican leaders to dispose of the bill this week before the Senate adjourns for its July 4th recess.
The first action should occur late this morning with a procedural vote that simply seeks to bring the bill to the floor. This "motion to proceed" will require 60 votes. And assuming the 60 votes are there (a reasonable but not guaranteed assumption), the Senate will then start the heavy lifting with votes on amendments that could ultimately affect the core elements of the legislation: border security and workplace enforcement, a guest-worker program, and a path to citizenship.
There will be votes of about two dozen amendments that address everything from what critics call an amnesty provision to a measure shifting the emphasis of future immigration back to family reunification. Some of the amendments are considered "poison pills," which, if passed, could dissolve the fragile coalition holding the bill together.
The Washington Times examines the tough road ahead for the immigration bill.
NDN and the National Council of La Raza hold a media briefing this morning to discuss the current immigration debate and the Latino community.
