Immigration Bill Dies in Senate Again
The cloture vote for the immigration bill failed in the Senate garnering only 46 votes–60 were needed to end debate.
The conservative base rejoices.
While a comprehensive immigration bill is dead that doesn’t mean Washington should abandon efforts to improve border security. Our President and representatives should take the piece-meal route. First, is fence-building and adequately staffing the border patrol to slow the influx of illegal border crossers. Along with that federal agents need to quickly deport known criminals and develop a system for employers to easily determine the legal status of potential employees. Businesses should bear too much of a burden since government has been incapable of enforcing immigration laws already on the books.
Second, there must be a way to make it easier to immigrate to the U.S. I’m not talking about a guest worker program. I’m talking about simplifying the red tape needed to enter the U.S. legally. That means increasing quotas and streamlining visa processing.
Third, Congress and the President should heed Ed Morrissey’s words:
Secure the borders. Fix the visa program. Do those tasks by using the proper legislative processes in both chambers, allowing for real debate, honest and open amendment opportunities, and quit using clay pigeons and other parliamentary tricks to hide the bill and railroad it through Congress.
In other words, act responsibly, instead of trying to pull a fast one on the American public.
Distrust of Washington is well-deserved with how this issue has been treated. Our leaders need to make small, sensible, and effective steps to regain public trust.
“Immigration Bill Fails Crucial Test Vote”
“A Cloture Vote Post”
