Posted on 06/20/2007 10:01:52 AM PDT by IrishMike
WASHINGTON - In an attempt to derail the compromise immigration bill working its way through the Senate, a group of House Republicans unveiled an alternative measure Tuesday that takes a harder line against immigration that would block illegal immigrants from becoming citizens while directing the Bush administration to enforce current laws.
Called the Secure Borders FIRST Act, the new bill focuses on improving security at the border, stiffening sanctions for employers who hire illegal immigrants, and establishing a market-based temporary guest worker program, which would allow immigrants into the country on 10-month renewable visas. It also increases penalties for gang membership and identity theft, and establishes English as the official language of the United States.
It is a direct answer to the Senate bill, which mandates stepped-up border security but also puts the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants currently in the United States on a pathway to citizenship.
Members of the Congressional Immigration Caucus, a House consortium that opposes illegal immigration, made no effort to disguise their hope that their measure, which will be officially introduced later this week, will impede passage of the Senate bill.
"What we want to do is stop the Senate amnesty bill in its tracks right now," said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. "If Congress is serious about border security and immigration control, then this is the solution."
The measure is also a direct challenge to President Bush, who sees immigration as a legacy issue and has supported the Senate bill as a means of achieving that goal. The Senate bill, which was nearly killed two weeks ago, will face a critical juncture later this week, when lawmakers are to begin considering a list of 22 amendments, the final potential changes to the bill.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
They get to vote.
But I couldn't find anything posted yet.
While we HAVE to keep up our pressure on the Senate, the House itself may well be a reserve force in stopping their bill. I understand that House Democrats are eying breaking up the Senate bill (if it comes to them) with the intent of passing sections at a time. But if the House Republicans hold together (with possible Democrat involvement) this could 'Kill The Bill' itself.
Nope. It happens all the time.
And, nothing happening is far better than the Senate bill 'happening'.
And maybe, just maybe, the House will get their way. Who knows?
So, what's the problem?
That's a bad thing????
Admin, check out his 'In Forum' posts, especially http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1851264/posts
This guy is really for the Senate bill. Sheesh!
In what way?
You misunderstood my reply. I see nothing bad about the House entering their own proposed legislation on a given issue. So what if that issue is already being considered in the Senate? SO WHAT?
That's not 'trashing the constitution'. That's how government works! And that's NOT trashing the Constitution. And THAT's what I call a good thing.
You've read it? Well, provide the link. We're all curious.
Thanks for the link. Hope something will come from this. We need to vote all of them out of office!
E-MAIL TOP REPUBLICAN SENATE STAFF DIRECTLY!!!
The following are e-mails for the chiefs of staff of some key GOP senators. Be brief, clear, and polite:
tom_ingram@alexander.senate.gov
jenny_manley@cochran.senate.gov
Jennifer_lowe@coleman.senate.gov
paul_collins@sununu.senate.gov
steve_bell@domenici.senate.gov
glen_chambers@brownback.senate.gov
billy_piper@mcconnell.senate.gov
Again, have you read it? I haven't; I can't even find it. But on the surface it appears to be a cut above the Senate bill. So why, oh, why, are you so adamantly opposed to this? Why?
And why can't we see what it contains before we trash it? Again, why?
Peter King’s website:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http://www.house.gov%2Fking
Dude:
If both chambers pass different legislation, the bills must be reconciled. Both chambers have to approve it before it goes to the President. He can’t just “pick and choose”.
For someone who claims to want to adhere to the Constitution, you are woefully ignorant about the legislative process.
For a crash course in the above, I commend “I’m Just a Bill” from the “Schoolhouse Rock” collection to give you an overview!
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