June 26, 2007

Immigration Cloture I: Live Blog (Update: Cloture Passes)

11:29 am CT: So far, it looks like cloture will pass on the motion to retrieve the immigration compromise bill back to the floor, in the "clay pigeon" maneuver. Both parties have votes for and against cloture, and in that sense it's the most bipartisan effort we've seen in the 110th Congress. Notable GOP voting for cloture include John Warner and Norm Coleman; notable Democrats against include Max Baucus and Robert Byrd. It's going to be close.

11:35 - John Ensign voted for cloture. Interesting, and somewhat disappointing. It passed 64-35, with only the ill Tim Johnson not voting. Sam Brownback also voted for cloture. I'll have more on the yeas and nays when the roll call vote gets posted.

This is the first of two key cloture votes. It's possible that some of the yeas may turn to nays when the final list of amendments gets promulgated -- but I'd call that a long shot.

11:41 - Did Bush call this bill amnesty? ABC News says so, but this seems like a rhetorical misstep rather than an admission:

"You know, I've heard all the rhetoric -- you've heard it, too -- about how this is amnesty. Amnesty means that you've got to pay a price for having been here illegally, and this bill does that."

Tony Snow has this correction, which pounds on the official White House line:

"This has been construed as an assertion that comprehensive immigration reform legislation before the Senate offers amnesty to immigrants who came here illegally. That is the exact opposite of the president’s long-held and often-stated position.

"President Bush has noted repeatedly that the comprehensive reform he supports is not an amnesty bill. Amnesty means forgiving wrongdoing without imposing punishment. The immigration reforms passed in 1986 granted amnesty. The legislation under consideration this year does not. This measure imposes significant punishments on those who came to this country illegally between 1986 and the beginning of this year. In fact, the White House website addresses the myth that the measure is amnesty."

Actually, the 1986 measure (Simpson-Mazzoli) imposed a $1,000 fine for amnesty applicants. This bill requires the same for the temporary Z-visa application and scalable fines to $5,000 for those who seek citizenship, but it's actually more similar than different regarding fines.

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» Immigration/cloture vote rant thread from Sister Toldjah
As I’m sure you know by now, the Senate voted today to invoke cloture on the hotly debated immigration bill (Captain Ed liveblogged the vote). You know my thoughts on the bill. This thread is for you to vent/discuss it. However, as a note to n... [Read More]

Comments (44)

Posted by InlandEmpire | June 26, 2007 11:44 AM

Dang- The Governing Elites have just spat in our faces.

Should have voted for Gore...or even Kerry. The two Supreme Court justices were not worth this B*******.

Inland Empire

Posted by George Bruce | June 26, 2007 11:50 AM

Well, it was great while it lasted, America.

Posted by The Opinionator | June 26, 2007 11:51 AM

This vote infuriates me, especially as it looks like Burr crossed the aisle to vote for cloture. In my neighborhood in the RDU area, most of us are republicans and in discussion s have mentioned that they may well stay home in 2008 over this vote. What Burr helped do was hurt Senator Dole's chances as well as those of the republican nominee next year. That said, before I achieve total meltdown, I need to remember we have 150,000 troops in harm's way and that they are the most important issue for me. So before I jump off the wagon, I have remind myself what Reid and Pelosi would do to our troops were it not for our the President and his supporters like Burr.

Posted by Engineer Jim | June 26, 2007 11:59 AM

This is the singlemost irresponsible act of government that I've witnessed during my lifetime. I too hail from the RDU area of North Carolina. I hope that we'll be able to come up with a conservative candidate to run against Burr in the primaries. I will not vote for that man again. I'd even vote for a pro-gun Democrat in lieu of supporting him again.

Posted by Bob | June 26, 2007 12:06 PM

Not to fret, yet.

This abomination has to get through the House. There's more people to lean on there, and they reap their rewards much sooner (2 years vs 6 for the Senate).

Can I suggest a web-site banner that prominently and permanently displays the names of the congress critters that support this bill?

Posted by Bob | June 26, 2007 12:09 PM

Not to fret, yet.

This abomination has to get through the House. There's more people to lean on there, and they reap their rewards much sooner (2 years vs 6 for the Senate).

Can I suggest a web-site banner that prominently and permanently displays the names of the congress critters that support this bill?

Posted by harleycon5 | June 26, 2007 12:09 PM

Revenge is a dish best served cold. And by the time these Senators are up for election this dish will definitely be cool, but believe me, we will remember.

I contacted Senator Norm Coleman by email to ask him how he liked the sound of "Senator Al Franken". I am sure that all these punks assume even if they lose they can make a pretty penny as lobbyists for the same companies that are paying them to ram Amnesty down our throats.

We are not done, people. They still have to vote on this thing. Reassert yourselves and let them know that they are about to be removed. Contact all the Republicans in the house and tell them to tell Pelosi they WON'T vote for this bill. The bill will then be tabled.

Battle 1: We lose
Battle 2 and 3 are coming up

Posted by ScottyDog | June 26, 2007 12:13 PM

What we are witnessing is Tyranny.The Senate is doing the exact opposite of what the Public wants and refusing to enforce the rule of law.

I think it is time for another tea party or maybe its time we all refuse to pay our taxes.

The American people are being sold down the river for the North American Union or SPP.

Posted by Carol Herman | June 26, 2007 12:25 PM

Well, Drudge is headlining that the votes came. And, the bill is baack. At this stage? For discussion, only.

Whle Bush mis-spoke and called it AMNESTY. Tony Snow doesn't think he meant what he said.

I guess in the old days, politicians didn't want to commit public suicide. But the times have changed.

Of course, I have my own opinion. I think there are DC politicians ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE, that are looking for ways to "hurt" Fred. And, since Fred's been a senator; there's the extension. They're trying to get the American people riled into a frenzy. And, they're hoping this sets off waves of hostile attititudes.

Benefits? Probably the Bonkeys.

Why would Dubya go along with that? Because he's an elite. Incapable of picking talent. And, in his eyes if he leaves the GOP a shambles that's only gonna affect "Fred."

Seems the insiders ain't a happy bunch.

And, there's the possibility that people will just grow tired calling into DC?

Anyway, IF this bill passes the senate? It's onto the House.

I'll take a guess that the "professionals" see Americans as INDIVIDUAL VOTERS. Those are the same people who were buying the lemons coming out of Detroit. Before better choices showed up; killing detroit.

I still wouldn't bet good money that the amnesty bill passes. But the hurdles good men would have used, just aren't there. Because, for the most part only crap gets elected to the senate.

In DeLay's book, he points out that NONE of the upper eschelon in the House, ever even liked each other. So, the internals lack cohesion; which becomes more obvious each day. Made worse by Dubya. Who has a very nasty agenda. And, who refuses to listen to criticism. He and McCain, here, are on the same page.

Posted by Roy E | June 26, 2007 12:26 PM

This is only one battle in the ongoing war that the US government has declared on the American citizen.

Chin up. We will win this war. We will prevail.

Posted by Peyton | June 26, 2007 12:45 PM

Sent to Sen McConnell's contact web form:

Are you really going to be asking me and my wife for money next year, when you've voted for cloture on this bill that most of the public of both parties don't want? You want us to donate to a party whose leadership thinks that it's OK to grant provisional legal status to gang members, absconders and OTM illegal aliens?

There's a huge number of aggravated Republican voters asking these questions. What's your answer? Sniff around a little *outside* the Beltway cocktail party circuit, and think about it real hard.

Posted by james23 | June 26, 2007 1:00 PM

The Stupid Party of George W Bush has earned a major beating in 08, and by God I intend to help give them one. Conservatives need to replace every WHIG Republican who voted for cloture, and should support those dozen or so Dems who opposed.

As a longer term goal, may I suggest we give careful consideration to abolition of the Imperial Senate?

Posted by FredWM | June 26, 2007 1:04 PM

Let me explain what happens next. First, everyone gets to see their tough amendments added to the bill, then everyone get to see them voted in, then everyone gets to see the same thing in the House, then the bill goes to conference where most of the "tough" measures are stripped out, then the bill is signed, then any remaining enforcement provisions are ignored and finally everyone who voted for it explains how they were tricked and promises, I mean promises, to do better many sometime in the future

Posted by Robert | June 26, 2007 1:05 PM

I e-mailed and called Sen. Coleman last week and got a response (form letter) from his office stating he was against amnesty. etc. and against the bill in the current form and that he wanted a stronger bill etc. ad nauseum.Then the S.O.B goes and votes to bring the piece of crap back to life. Guess what Normie, I will not vote for Franken but I will NOT vote for you either.

Posted by Carol Herman | June 26, 2007 1:15 PM

Yup. I agree with Roy E. (And, I've never missed a vote, yet!)

I also know in every war there are set backs, and second-raters who do back-room deals. Cost us General Douglas MacArthur, when it counted. Back in 1948. And, it cost Patton a leading role; because Ike didn't like to be out-shown. Happens. We won, anyway.

And, when I was young, my dad explained t me that there was, occasionally, a magnificent heavyweight prize-fighter. But he couldn't take a clip to the jaw. My dad said "men like that have glass jaws." And, they really never win.

Dubya's not gonna win much. By the time he leaves office I think he'll be called Jimmy Bush, just to make it easier when he lands at the bottom of the barrel.

We're also learning HOW the opposition does its dirty work. Not just for "here." But when they try to intall hillary in the White House. They're counting on us having Alzheimer's.

And, they're counting on getting Mexico into the American system, so the Bonkeys can steal more votes.

Roberts, by the way, STINKS as a chief. Even though Rehnquist had a split court, he did try to preside in ways that searched for the middle. Roberts is without a clue. And, all these close decisions? They're not designed to work. More like "curbing work." And, it makes the supreme's tilt now like the leaning tower of Piza.

By the way, is there a better way to teach Americans about politics? Lots of people are coming here. Looking around. Lots of people go to Drudge. Who handles the headline stuff better than anybody!

In a sense, I'm reminded of how when the cars first came along, they didn't even have rubber tires. And, there were no roads, other than the routes horses traveled. So? First came the cars. The desires to own one took off. And, within a decade or two; the roads began to be built. The problems that came? Each and every one solved. To the point where all the horses are gone, now. And, their carriages.

In politics, where we got started in 1776, it was an "experiment." It's also a continuous learning experience. And, we've seen men, before, who thought they could rule with an iron fist. Who got dumped from office, uncerimoniously.

Given the feelings held by lots of Americans, BOTH PARTIES are in the minority. Do you know how I can tell? So few people identify with belongig to 'em. (Even though, at one time, "being political," meant a man could stay at his club, in today's world this doesn't have traction.)

And, one thing's for sure. Slam dunk this isn't. Each and every politician feels that they're not trusted. Even "safe seaters." Not safe at any speed.

This mess also has to hit the house. It ain't over. What if all Dubya gets for his efforts, at the end, is a People's March on DC? LBJ didn't expect one, either.

Seems to me, too, that the saddest person in the White House is Tony Snow.

Posted by RBMN | June 26, 2007 1:32 PM

I'm sure Coleman believes that IDS symptoms (in the Republican Party) will subside enough to allow him through to the general election next year. And in the general election, I don't think immigration is going to be the deciding issue. At least not in Minnesota. I might be proved wrong, but I think there's a pragmatic "silent majority" out there on this immigration reform issue. Coleman must think there is.

Posted by BD | June 26, 2007 1:32 PM

Now here's one of the Administration's most maddening arguments: that the bill imposes "significant punishments" for illegal immigration.

"Significant"? Really? Compared to what?

The enforcement of current law the Administration will actually undertake?

The only way that statement's accurate is if the Administration is telling us

"We're not going to enforce current law, so IN FACT there are no punishments for violating current law. But we WILL enforce the punishments under this law if it's passed (really - we mean it ...)."

I'd love the same sort of deal on taxes.

You know, the Administration

* Announces it won't prosecute taxpayers who fail to pay their taxes anymore;

* Proposes the passage of new legislation which will make failing to pay taxes punishable by a $1,000 fine (and that's it - you won't be required to pay the taxes you didn't pay in addition to the fine); and

* Argues the "fine" legislation imposes a "significant" penalty for tax cheating.

Posted by NahnCee | June 26, 2007 1:39 PM

The Mexicans in LA had another pro-immigration rally last week, demanding their "rights". I've been thinking, "fat chance, Jose", because everyone in America who is a real citizen is against this legislation.

Looks like once again the Mexicans are smarter than I am. They get free health care that I pay for, free education that I pay for, cops don't arrest them because that wouldn't be politically correct, and they drive without a license or insurance ... that I have to pay for.

What's a citizen to do?

Posted by superdestroyer | June 26, 2007 1:40 PM

President Bush as decided that his lasting legacy will be the destruction of the Republican Party and that he will be the last Republican President.

Posted by Bill Faith | June 26, 2007 1:51 PM

I tan dark enough that when I lived in Texas it wasn't unusual for me to be mistaken for Mexican. I think maybe it's time to just burn my papers, brush up on my Texspanol um poco, and just go with the flow. I added a link to my 2006.06.26 "No Illegal Left Behind" Roundup .

Posted by Joe Wright | June 26, 2007 1:55 PM

Still got my letter from McConnell saying how he was opposed to this! Looks like he got over it.

Scum Senate

Posted by RBMN | June 26, 2007 1:57 PM

Re: superdestroyer at June 26, 2007 1:40 PM

superdestroyer wrote: "President Bush as decided that his lasting legacy will be the destruction of the Republican Party and that he will be the last Republican President."

The future's not up to Bush. It's up to whoever shows up to take his place. In a year and a half, Bush will have just one vote on election day, like everyone else.

Posted by Immolate | June 26, 2007 1:57 PM

I think it is early to be cutting throats. Let guys like Coleman explain their actions. Not all is what it seems in the Senate. If, when it is all said and done, these senators can be honestly labeled as amnesty supporters, then we can pin them and wait for the opportunity to boot them out.

Posted by johnnymozart | June 26, 2007 2:01 PM

As a longer term goal, may I suggest we give careful consideration to abolition of the Imperial Senate?

Indeed. Then the last remnants of the Old Republic will be swept away........

Posted by RBMN | June 26, 2007 2:13 PM

Remember, in politics nothing is forever. If it's not in the Constitution, things can change on a dime.

If you want to make a Native American laugh, start complaining about the "inescapable" long-term costs (to the American government) of keeping its political promises.

Posted by PatriotsinArms | June 26, 2007 2:17 PM

Hey Guys why we so bitter about this. We are a stronger nation with them. At least they will gain legalization and start paying taxes and contribute like us.

Being bitter and sulking won't help anyone here. We are all humans. If they are working hard and want to become an American, so be it!

Posted by superdestroyer | June 26, 2007 2:19 PM

RBNM,

President Bush has destroyed the credibility of the Republican Party on every conservative issue before the immigration debate and now has decide to bury conservatives under a demographic tidal wave of future Democratic voters.

In the future there just will not be enough middle class private sector white voters to maintain a Republican party. The future is to the Democrats because all of the demographic changes are in their favor.

Posted by Carol Herman | June 26, 2007 2:24 PM

AGAIN: THE INTERNET IS ON THIS!

Up at InstaPundit there's a link show "how" Harry Reid is trying something NEVER DONE BEFORE. It's to couple today's CLOTURE vote to another one, coming on Thursday.

In between? It's possible the Internet will have some effect?

Plus, as the looming 2008 elections will show; this is an opportunity for FRED. Because it's topical. And, in discussing how the senate works; and works against the interests of a majority of Americans; I think he can hit electoral GOLD.

Can a lot happen in 48 hours?

I think at some point we'll see things clearer.

In 2008, 24 pubbie's seats are up for senatorial grabs. While only a dozen Bonkeys are exposed.

But what if Mitch McConnell loses the public's support? What if the clowns in the senate find themselves facing angry voters? ANd, not just a bunch of people who threaten to stay home?

Today's White House photo-op, borrowing lots of American flags, still has the STUPID Dubya fumbling his lines. Who props him up when he does this jerky stuff?

Condi thinks she's leading Dubya down the path towards legacy? JIMMY BUSH. If he was smart, he'd fall down, and he'd refuse to get up. Until it was January 20, 2009. And, he can just go home.

While if this is Reid in the driver's seat, have I got news for the senators. Including an even bigger fact than a WALL hit at high speed. Americans aren't going to trust [seated] senators in the race to the White House.

At some point? I think Fred will be forced to name names. Telling people he wouldn't be bringing McCain, in, for instance. To sit in a cabinet chair.

And, I think IF we're gonna see an Independent run for the White House? That it won't be a lonesome ticket. But it will have choices, there, for people to vote to send new members into the HOUSE and SENATE.

Sure, the WHIGS died. With Abraham Lincoln's tenacity; the old WHIGGER's left. And, jumped into the GOP.

Now? It does seem the GOP has been put on the ropes by the Bush family. Probably to stave off Bush's impeachment. (Not enough time left.) He just goes home. And, he gets a hat. To match his dad's.

While the way the senate broke, when it came to picking Mitch McConnell, tells ya that there were behind-the-scenes games. Trent Lott? He had McCain's backing. And, those IOU chips are what's bringing this stupid cooperation on the amnesty bill.

At least I'm glad Dubya used the word! Sound bites don't get better than that! JIMMY BUSH, indieed.

Posted by joe boucher | June 26, 2007 2:30 PM

I appreciate all your comments on this subject,
I too am mad as hell and feel betrayed by our Senators.
Seems the senators refuse to listen to those that put them there. Remember this and send them home come next election time. They deserve far worse.

Posted by Gull | June 26, 2007 2:39 PM

If this cardboard boat floats all the way to Bush's desk == I want the same rights and benefits that will be given to ALL illegal immigrants. Retroactive refunds on taxes and filing fees, medical expenses plus free medical benefits and SSI/DSI for the rest of my life. Toss in a full reimbursement for 4 college degrees that I paid for as well.

For starters, that is.

Next I want to go to DC and drop into that Reflecting Pool an effigy of every senator and Rep who votes for this sell-out to corporate America.

Posted by james23 | June 26, 2007 3:09 PM

I think there's a pragmatic "silent majority" out there on this immigration reform issue. Coleman must think there is.

Posted by: RBMN at June 26, 2007 1:32 PM

Suicide McCain and Sam Brownback are banking on that same 'silent majority'. Hows that strategy working out for those two? Coleman is a goner.

Posted by Robert | June 26, 2007 4:26 PM

I just called Coleman's office and e-mailed him and told him I am done with him. Less than 5 days ago he sends me a letter stating how he's against the billl blah blah blah. Today he essentially and for all intents and purposes votes for this piece of crap.

I told him no way in he** I am ever voting for him.

I also called the NSRC and told them to remove me fom the donor list. THEIR MAILBOXES WERE ALL FULL! I am not the only one.

Posted by Ron Oliver | June 26, 2007 4:29 PM

Does anyone know where can be found how each individual senator voted?

Posted by NahnCee | June 26, 2007 4:37 PM

PatriotsinArms, you do understand you're an idiot. Don't you?

Posted by Lily | June 26, 2007 4:40 PM

This episode in the Senate has been illuminating and in a sense liberating.As it shows how little most of these elites care about the taxpayers. You know those of us who actually pay taxes unlike illegal immigrants and their employers. I told both my Senators a Republican and a Democrat that I would vote against them if they voted for cloture. Since as President Bush admitted today this bill gives Amnesty to illegal immigrants.Both my Senators went against my wishes and voted for cloture. Therefore I will be supporting their opponents no matter what in the coming elections. Next up the GOP, I warned the state and national GOP (repeatedly) not to support this bill. If the bill passes with any Republican support I'm finished with GOP. If the GOP really is for big business like the libs have been saying for years why should I support the Republican party? Might as well get some payback against those who stabbed their base in the back. The GOP can go the way of the Whigs for all I care.

Posted by ian | June 26, 2007 6:48 PM

patriotinarms - Personally, I can swallow a 'path to legalization' it is the pragmatic thing to do. But only AFTER the border is secured.
This is our home - don't we get some say over who gets to come in and stay? Shouldn't we know who is here? Shouldn't we be able to set some terms for people who wish to enter?
I am all for people seeking a better life in the US but these things are basic and the bill does not adequately address them.

Posted by Jessica | June 26, 2007 6:55 PM

Intolerance of any kind bespeaks ignorance and fear of the unknown. I think it's vital to remember during this debate over "amnesty" that we were all once immigrants and that the world can no longer be divided strictly by national boundaries. We face common problems and must work together as a world community to fight them. The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, which call for cutting world hunger in half by 2015 and eliminating it altogether by 2025, are a good place to start thinking and acting with a global mindset. It is estimated that the expenditure of a mere $19 billion would eliminate starvation and malnutrition worldwide. In a time when the United States’ current defense budget is $522 billion, the goal of eradicating world hunger is clearly well within reach if we act together as one world.

Posted by Jessica | June 26, 2007 6:57 PM

Intolerance of any kind bespeaks ignorance and fear of the unknown. I think it's vital to remember during this debate over "amnesty" that we were all once immigrants and that the world can no longer be divided strictly by national boundaries. We face common problems and must work together as a world community to fight them. The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, which call for cutting world hunger in half by 2015 and eliminating it altogether by 2025, are a good place to start thinking and acting with a global mindset. It is estimated that the expenditure of a mere $19 billion would eliminate starvation and malnutrition worldwide. In a time when the United States’ current defense budget is $522 billion, the goal of eradicating world hunger is clearly well within reach if we act together as one world.

Posted by Lily | June 26, 2007 7:30 PM

Jessica,

You posted the exact same garbage post at Redstate, someone noted you'd been a member there all of 7 minutes prior to your post.Take the open borders crap somewhere else.

Posted by BD | June 26, 2007 8:43 PM

No, Jessica, "we" weren't all once immigrants. In fact, the vast majority of people who post here were born here.

Now, our ancestors might well have once been immigrants - and for those of us whose immigrant ancestors came here illegally, perhaps your words of caution, etc. are worth considering. I dare say, though, that the vast majority of our immigrant ancestors came here legally.

And it is NOT asking too much to demand that today's immigrants do the same.

Posted by Roy E | June 26, 2007 9:06 PM

Something very, very wrong is behind this Senate effort. It reeks of dishonesty and hidden agendas. Could the motivation behind it be to deliberately weaken borders for the sake of globalization?

This all seems alarmingly EU-ish to me.

Posted by jay | June 27, 2007 10:37 AM

Norm is toast. These RINO's have greatly miscalculated the electorate.

Posted by Bob | June 27, 2007 10:44 AM

This is for Jessica, and all the others of her ilk.

F.O.

Utopia is no more real than Middle Earth.

My ancestors came from Scotland during the great Potato famine, entered legally by passing through the immigration center at Ellis Island, and then raised generation after generation of hardworking folks who toiled without the benefit of Social Security, Welfare, and lobbyists using them as pawns in a private game of "Power Grab".

The key word in the above sentence is "legally".

The immigration problem we have does not start here. It starts with chronic corruption at every level in the countries south of the border, enabled by a culture that has no desire to advance itself, and subsidized by an unwillingness in the US to enforce immigration laws. Its the perfect storm.

Why don't those 12-million-illegal-aliens-soon-to-be-legal-in-America force change in their country of origin? And the 6 million before them? Why aren't we demanding an answer to that question? After all, it's not like Mexico is a nuclear wasteland where subsistence is the best possible condition.

Why do we assume that these folks will make fine Americans (even though they will continue producing generation after generation of offspring who will firmly attach their lips to Uncle Sams' teats) when they won't so much as stand up for themselves at home? They have a clean slate at home, where they work to form their own union, of their people, and for their own future.

It is a culture of cowardice and sloth.

I am consumed by the arrogance exhibited towards the citizens of the US by our government. It is unhealthy, and can come to only no good. I am reminded and calmed by this passage from our own Declaration of Independence:

-That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.-

We must exercise our rights to effect our safety and happiness. This is not a call for revolution or insurrection. It is a call to reclaim what belongs solely to the people: the power to govern.

Posted by ian | June 27, 2007 4:20 PM

Jessica,

Do you have a front door on your house? Perhaps a big sign in the front yard saying 'Free food, lodging - open 24/7' ?