News Update - June 15, 2007
By Alan Lee, Esq.†‡
Senate Leaders Agree to Return to Stalled Comprehensive Immigration
Reform
Senate leaders have agreed to return to debating comprehensive
immigration reform (S. 1348 and all its amendments) before Congress
adjourns for its Fourth of July Recess. Majority Leader Harry Reid
(D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R- KY) issued a statement
that the issue will return to the Senate Floor upon completion of
the energy bill.
President Bush has also spoken with members of Congress to push
for legislation and leverage the debate toward compromise, citing
his support for increases in border security spending.
The “grand bargain” as the initial agreement has been
termed includes provisions for border security, establishment of
a guest worker program and path to legalization of illegal aliens
and punishment of employers who employ illegal aliens. It is subject
to amendment and debate with a number of conservative Republican
Senators who have stated they will not vote for a package containing
the legalization program. It appears that the bill’s direction
will veer to the right if at all to obtain Republican support. If
the bill is passed in the Senate, it will up to the House to come
up with companion legislation for Mr. Bush to sign.
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