Immigration Reform Bill Still Alive: Now What?

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, stymied by a block of conservatives, was unable to secure the 60 votes necessary to end debate on the immigration reform bill and force a vote.  (He could only manage 45.)  Opponents of the bill, which provides amnesty for up to 12 million illegal aliens, were understandably pleased with the result.  However, anyone who thinks this signaled the end of this bill, or other amnesty proposals in Congress, is mistaken.  The bill may be on life support, but it’s not dead yet.

Immigration Reform Bill Still Alive: Now What?

President Bush has been on Capitol Hill hoping to persuade enough Republicans to break ranks and allow the bill, which the White House supports, to the floor for a vote.   Did he gain any ground?

"Look, we had a very, very good discussion, including some of our members who are not -- shall I say? -- keen on this measure, and others who are still taking a look at it and trying to decide how they're going to vote," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said.

McConnell thinks, in the end, the votes will be there, saying the bill is “80 to 85 percent of the way to the finish line.”  So, too, does Republican Senator (and presidential contender) John McCain, who told reporters he thought there could be a vote before the July 4th recess.  (What a wonderful way to celebrate American independence, right?)

Bush’s lobbying push seems to have worked, as the bill is expected to be brought back to the Senate floor soon.  A limited number of amendments will be considered, but it is far from certain whether the bill can still clear the Senate. 

President Bush told reporters that he is aggressively pushing immigration reform because the “status quo is unacceptable.”  True enough.  But I fail to see how rewarding the very behavior you are trying to discourage is going to change the status quo for the better.  What we need is border security and respect for the rule of law.  (Click here to see how Judicial Watch is fighting to enforce federal immigration laws nationwide.)

It is not too late to make your voice heard on this issue.  Here is the number for the congressional switchboard:  202-224-3121.