Posted on 03/27/2006 4:08:50 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - The Senate Judiciary Committee approved election-year immigration legislation Monday that clears the way for millions of undocumented workers to seek U.S. citizenship without having to first leave the country.
After days of street demonstrations that stretched from California to the gounds of the U.S. Capitol, the committee also voted to strip out proposed criminal penalties for residents found to be in this country illegally.
The panel's vote cleared the way for the full Senate to begin debate Tuesday on the emotional immigration issue.
"All Americans wanted fairness and they got it this evening," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (news, bio, voting record), the Massachusetts Democrat who played a pivotal role in drafting the legislation, approved 12-6.
Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa., voted for the bill but signaled that some of the provisions could well be changed by the full Senate.
In general, the bill is designed to strengtehn border patrol, create new opportunities for so-called guest workers and determine the legal future of the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally.
At several critical popints, committee Democrats were united while Republicans splintered. In general, GOP Sens. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, Sam Brownback of Kansas and Mike DeWine of Ohio, who is seeking re-election this fall, sided with Democrats.
That gave Democrats a majority that allowed them to shape the bill to their liking.
The Prez didn't call the minutemen vigilantes.
Some of us are actually having an adult conversation about a serious topic. Isn't there some other thread were you two can swap recipes?
Unless you're splitting hairs, he most certainly did.
It was implied. Very strongly.
He's hedging on me. I knew he would -- typical. I'm trying to get Hildy to go with me.
"Unfortunately, Bush and the Republican Senate are doing everything they can to cast the illegals as sympathetic figures. "
And fortunately the Illegals/illegal sympathizers are doing everything in their power to show the opposite. But that does not seem to deter the our "smarter" leaders positions.
I realize there's a serious conversation going on, but as for you taking part--being an adult?--sorry, I haven't seen the evidence.
I have a great recipe for Baked Atlanta, though. I got it from Gramma Sherman.
Me too. I don't know why Bush is so stubborn on this issue.
Oh yes, I know about Paris. Texas, right? JK.
America, sold out by the stinking RINOS, AGAIN!
Got a quote?
A guest worker program is obviously good for the country. It's time for the bigotry to end.
What Tom wants is something that will actually help, rather than hinder. He correctly said that no bill is better than the guestworker/amnesty bills.
Unless you're splitting hairs, he most certainly did.
No, you're playing gotcha.
Find a transcript and read the full comments. Read what was asked. Then ready what was answered.
OMG it's snowing in Hell right now. You just responded to a post.
A stupid post to boot too...
Luckily, she enjoys my idiotically-corny sense of humor.
I don't know why Bush is so stubborn on this issue.
He has always been for a GUEST WORKER program.
POTUS hasn't changed his position. Maybe you weren't listening?
Not to Texas with all her luggage! It's France, my dear, Paris, France!
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