April 07, 2006

Status of the Senate's sellout of America? Mexico welcomes bill; Bush/GOP ratings

Has the Senate's plan to sellout this country stalled? Or, will the Senate be able to get it together long enough to complete the sellout?

Putting aside party differences, Senate Republicans and Democrats coalesced Thursday around compromise legislation that holds out the hope of citizenship to many of the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the United States unlawfully.

...But delay soon set in as party leaders became embroiled in a procedural dispute that threatened prospects for passage by week's end, if not longer. Democrats blocked votes on Republican amendments, and Republicans responded by accusing Democrats of trying to scuttle a bill they had embraced earlier in the day...

The article "Bickering stalls immigration deal" makes similar points.

The exact status is unclear at this time. Maybe all of this was just a big political show. Or, maybe all those phone calls worked and the Senators finally saw a tiny sliver of light.

In related news, "Mexico welcomes US immigration legislation reform":

Mexico's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday, calling the proposal "a big step forward."

"It is an important step in the establishment of new mechanisms allowing legal, secure, orderly migration that respects human rights," the statement said.

It added that it was evident that the U.S. government was "fully convinced that by sharing responsibility it is possible to achieve better management of the migration phenomenon." In the same statement, the ministry called for the approval of a final bill that is "complete, just and humane."

In not-entirely-coincidental news, "Bush, GOP Approval Ratings Hit New Lows":

President Bush's approval ratings hit a series of new lows in an AP-Ipsos poll that also shows Republicans surrendering their advantage on national security - grim election-year news for a party struggling to stay in power.

Democratic leaders predicted they will seize control of one or both chambers of Congress in November. Republicans said they feared the worst unless the political landscape quickly changes.

"These numbers are scary. We've lost every advantage we've ever had," GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio said. "The good news is Democrats don't have much of a plan. The bad news is they may not need one."

Please keep calling as many Senators as you can. The main Senate Switchboard is (202) 224-3121 or (888) 355-3588. A complete list of numbers is here. You can also send free FAXes here.

When calling, make sure not to profusely congratulate them on behalf of Mexico for their foresight in dealing with the "migration phenomenon". Sarcasm doesn't work in such contexts, and they'd probably think you were being serious anyway.

Posted to Immigration at April 7, 2006 04:28 AM

Comments

I am more than a little bit skeptical that polite phone calls will influence Senators of the ilk who would http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20060404-105601-5010r.htm">arrogantly refuse to exclude illegals convicted of felonies from the pending non-amnesty. Depending on who you call, you will probably be either 1) preaching to the choir, or 2) wasting your fucking time.

Posted by: eh at April 7, 2006 06:28 AM

arrogantly refuse

Posted by: eh at April 7, 2006 06:32 AM

Actually, I think the calls, e-mails, faxes, etc. are having an effect. Dewine (Traitor-OH) actually ended up voting against the bill he voted for in committee. The Republicans are starting to get nervous.

Posted by: Chris at April 7, 2006 07:40 AM

eh.....I think you are absolutely correct. This illegal alien fubar in Congress is strictly for the entertainment of the masses. The outcome is preordained, and it will be amnesty. Congress couldn't care less what 80 percent of Americans want.

Posted by: boofugg at April 7, 2006 07:43 AM

I hope an outcome something like this is still a realistic possibility.

And of course calling and/or FAXing certainly won't hurt; and given the importance of the issue, perhaps the chance that it may help should be taken.

Posted by: eh at April 7, 2006 07:59 AM

Cloture on the Frist amendment was defeated 36 for to 62 against. Looks like it's over for today. No amnesty yet!

Posted by: D Flinchum at April 7, 2006 10:30 AM

I cannot imagine why Bush keeps pushing this when he knows it's wrong, he knows we know it's wrong, and he knows his entire agenda, including the Iraq War, is in jeopardy because of it.

Posted by: Cal at April 7, 2006 11:50 AM

Bush doesn't read, he only knows what is told to him by his Big Business cronies and Karl Rove. If the House Republicans want to retain power they should go the White House and tell GWB and Cheney to resign. The latest revelation re the Plume scandal gives them a good excuse, although the better reason is his refusal to protect the borders.

Posted by: perroazul del norte at April 7, 2006 06:25 PM