Immigration bill revived - Senate could take up issue again next week
Immigration bill revived - Senate could take up issue again next week
By Karoun Demirjian
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune
Published June 15, 2007
WASHINGTON -- A far-reaching, comprehensive immigration bill is poised for a comeback, after Senate leaders approved a bipartisan deal Thursday to resuscitate the near-dead measure and bring it to the floor as early as next week.
Senate leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a joint statement that the Senate would resume consideration of the legislation after it finishes debate on the energy bill, but did not disclose details of the compromise.
For the past week, the immigration bill has been on life support as the architects of the original bipartisan measure crafted a limited list of amendments that the Senate would debate. A week ago, the majority of Republicans voted against motions to proceed to final consideration of the bill, complaining that they had not had enough of an opportunity to consider changes in the legislation. After three failed votes to move forward, Reid pulled the bill.
Though President Bush has made several attempts this week to rally support for the measure, the key question remains whether the bill will garner the 60 votes needed to circumvent the threat of a filibuster by opponents.
The bill, which would improve border security, stiffen employment verification procedures and put an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S. on a path to citizenship, has attracted vocal critics.
But the final test in the Senate will come as about 20 amendments -- split evenly between those offered by Republicans and Democrats -- are voted on, and whether they will help the bill's chances.
Lawmakers supporting the measure are putting great stock in at least one new proposal, presented by Sens. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), that would guarantee $4.4 billion for the border security effort outlined in the bill with funds drawn from fines and fees collected from undocumented immigrants seeking visas under the new system.
Bush pledged his support for the proposal Thursday, heralding it as a necessary step toward convincing naysayers that the government will stick by promises to deliver this time on security improvements.
Though the rest of the likely amendment list is varied, no measures are expected to counteract divisive amendments already approved.
----------
kdemirjian@tribune.com
By Karoun Demirjian
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune
Published June 15, 2007
WASHINGTON -- A far-reaching, comprehensive immigration bill is poised for a comeback, after Senate leaders approved a bipartisan deal Thursday to resuscitate the near-dead measure and bring it to the floor as early as next week.
Senate leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a joint statement that the Senate would resume consideration of the legislation after it finishes debate on the energy bill, but did not disclose details of the compromise.
For the past week, the immigration bill has been on life support as the architects of the original bipartisan measure crafted a limited list of amendments that the Senate would debate. A week ago, the majority of Republicans voted against motions to proceed to final consideration of the bill, complaining that they had not had enough of an opportunity to consider changes in the legislation. After three failed votes to move forward, Reid pulled the bill.
Though President Bush has made several attempts this week to rally support for the measure, the key question remains whether the bill will garner the 60 votes needed to circumvent the threat of a filibuster by opponents.
The bill, which would improve border security, stiffen employment verification procedures and put an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S. on a path to citizenship, has attracted vocal critics.
But the final test in the Senate will come as about 20 amendments -- split evenly between those offered by Republicans and Democrats -- are voted on, and whether they will help the bill's chances.
Lawmakers supporting the measure are putting great stock in at least one new proposal, presented by Sens. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), that would guarantee $4.4 billion for the border security effort outlined in the bill with funds drawn from fines and fees collected from undocumented immigrants seeking visas under the new system.
Bush pledged his support for the proposal Thursday, heralding it as a necessary step toward convincing naysayers that the government will stick by promises to deliver this time on security improvements.
Though the rest of the likely amendment list is varied, no measures are expected to counteract divisive amendments already approved.
----------
kdemirjian@tribune.com
posted by Carlos T Mock at 7:51 AM
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