Immigration Reform May Not Make It
Johnathon Weisman,
Washington Post
The proposed overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws teetered on the verge of collapse today, after four Republican senators switched their positions to help pass an amendment early this morning that would close the bill’s guest worker program after five years. It is beginning to appear that immigration reform will need to wait until the Administration is replaced.
A united Republican majority — along with 15 Democrats — at midday blocked a vote to cut off debate on the measure, vowing to keep offering amendments until they are satisfied their voices have been heard. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) countered with a vow to try one more time this evening to end debate, appealing to President Bush and his top aides to bring Republicans along.
“It’s daylight hours in Europe. Maybe [White House chief of staff] Josh Bolten can make some calls,” Reid said, warning, “The headlines are going to be, ‘The president fails again.’ It’s his bill.” Click here to read more.