Countdown to amnesty; Update: Bush calls bill “amnesty” (sort of); Update: Heart-ache, 64-35; Update: 15 16 Republicans switched from no to yes
posted at 10:16 am on June 26, 2007 by Allahpundit
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The cloture vote’s scheduled for 11:50. Updates will appear here throughout the day. Bush’s people are optimistic — with good reason, says the boss, who has her ear to the ground. Go have a look at NRO’s editorial about the seven senators who could kill the bill outright today: six Republicans plus Jim Webb, who campaigned on an anti-amnesty platform last year. The WashTimes did its own count and sees hope fading:
Opponents of the bill counted about 32 senators prepared to block the bill and another dozen senators they said would swing today’s vote. But The Times found four of those swing votes said they will vote to revive the bill today: Republican Sens. Christopher S. Bond of Missouri and Thad Cochran of Mississippi, and Democratic Sens. Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico and Ben Nelson of Nebraska. Press reports showed others have also said they are likely to vote to revive the bill, including Sen. Richard M. Burr, North Carolina Republican.
Bond’s “yes” vote is the dumbest of all since he’s planning to vote no on the second cloture vote if his amendment — which calls for gutting the whole bill by stripping out the amnesty provision — doesn’t pass. Which it never, ever will. But to throw him and the rest of the anti-amnesty crew a bone, the three amigos have added an extra moronic, meaningless, purely symbolic if not actually self-defeating “touchback” requirement to the bill:
With a crucial test vote scheduled for today, Republican supporters of a sweeping immigration bill threw their weight yesterday behind a significant change to the legislation that would force illegal immigrants to return to their home countries to apply for legal status…
Kyl, Graham and Martinez had already put together an amendment to secure $4.4 billion for border enforcement, create a tracking system to keep tabs on guest workers and permanently bar workers who overstay their visas from returning. Those measures would augment provisions already in the bill to tighten border security and clamp down on employers of illegal immigrants.
Yesterday, the three senators added a provision that would force illegal immigrants to return to their home countries to apply for Z Visas, not just their green cards. With the architects of the bill behind it, supporters predicted that the amendment would pass easily…
Indeed, it was the Department of Homeland Security that wanted legalization not to be contingent on leaving the country, because DHS officials wanted to bring illegal immigrants out of the shadows and into the legal system, Specter said. With the “touchback” requirement, millions may stay underground.
Everyone understand what’s going on here? They’re so eager to pass this piece of shinola, they’re adding provisions that will make it less likely that the bill will actually work just to get the votes needed to pass it. They’re trading practical viability for legislative viability. And it gets worse:
Two thousand more border agents are to be “hired, trained, and reporting for duty,” bringing the number of agents to 20,000; an additional 100 miles of vehicle barriers were just added, bringing that number to 300 miles; and 105 ground-based radar and camera towers are to be built, up from 70 just two weeks ago.
However, one Republican leadership aide told FOX News that the $4.4 billion is not nearly enough money to cover these substantial increases, warning against any guarantee that the provisions will be paid for down the road. “There’s no way that’s enough. So they’ll have to appropriate more, and there’s a big difference between authorizing and appropriating.”
Not nearly enough. Just like with the virtual fence they’re playing with right now in Arizona.
Jim DeMint’s talking tough by threatening to cut off limbs, but I think he knows who’s got the saw here and it ain’t him. Stand by for updates. I make no promises, but if the rabbit is pulled out of the hat and this crap dies today, we may just see a euphoric, celebratory cameo from Humping Robot to herald the victory. In the meantime:
Update: Freudian slip or the usual Bushian malaprop?
ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: President Bush has spent a whole lot of time in recent months claiming that the immigration bill isn’t “amnesty.”
But in describing the measure Tuesday morning, an apparent slip of the tongue suggested otherwise — providing fodder for the talk-radio crowd that loathes the bill and wants it defeated in the Senate.
“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,” Bush said, according to the official White House transcript.
Update: A superb post at the Corner by Stanley Kurtz says what I suspect a lot of people — and by “a lot,” I mean millions — are thinking right now.
Somehow this immigration battle feels different. The bill is wildly unpopular, yet it’s close to passing. The contrast with the high-school textbook version of democracy is not only glaring and maddening, it’s downright embarrassing. Usually, even when we’re at each others’ throats, there’s still an underlying pride in the democratic process. This immigration battle strips us of even that pride.
I’m still stuck on the way this bill was going to be pushed through without a public airing of crucial provisions, in the two or three days before Memorial Day recess. But I should be stuck even further back–on the way this bill was cooked up in a backroom deal that bypassed the ordinary process of public hearings. We take them for granted, but those civics textbook fundamentals are there for a reason. We’re going to pay a steep price for setting the fundamentals aside…
Supporters of this bill sell it as a compromise that will heal America’s divisions. I fear it’s quite the reverse. This bill is infuriating the public and undermining faith in government itself. You can see it in the polling on confidence in Congress and the President. If this bill passes, it’s going to aggravate and embitter politics for years to come. Passing a measure over such overwhelming opposition is like slapping the public in the face.
Update: Norm Coleman, facing the onslaught of Frankenmania in next year’s senate election, will vote yes on cloture.
Update: The vote’s coming now. I’m going to liveblog it.
They’re calling the roll now, which, I presume, is just to see if everyone’s present. They’re not announcing how each one voted after reading his/her name so I guess the vote is right after this.
Wait, no — it looks like this is the actual vote. They’re not even announcing the votes as they come in. We’re going to have to wait until all the votes are in.
I count only 29 no’s thus far and most everyone’s voted. Jim Webb just voted yes. We’re going to lose.
Ensign just voted yes.
Update: It wasn’t even close. 64-35. There shall be no Humping Robot today, my friends — nor, perhaps, ever again.
Stand by for the roll.
Update: Like Lowry says, this gives shamnesty a cushion for the do-or-die second cloture vote on Thursday. Even if Sessions and DeMint can peel off a few supporters, the McCainiacs still have 60 to put it through.
Update: Here’s the roll of shame. The cloture vote on June 7th went 45-50; Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan, actually switched from yes on that vote to no today. Which means the amnesty wing picked up a cool 20 yeses in the interim: Bennett, Bingaman, Bond, Boxer, Brownback, Burr, Coleman, Collins, Domenici, Ensign, Gregg, Kyl, Lott, McConnell, Murkowski, Pryor, Snowe, Stevens, Warner, Webb.
The boldface indicates Republicans, my friends. Sixteen of them — 15 no/yes switches plus Brownback, who didn’t vote on June 7th. Update: My mistake — I missed that Evan Bayh, like Stabenow, also switched from yes to no. And that Larry Craig switched from no to yes. That makes 17 Republicans who switched.
Update: As mentioned above, the House GOP is planning a resolution this afternoon expressing its displeasure with the bill. According to Boehner, the White House isn’t happy about it.
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Amen, brother.
Senor Bush, there must be some seriously ugly Mexican skeletons in your closet to make you drive the country off this cliff.
You are a RINO on Immigration, Affirmative Action, Fiscal Prudence, Vietnamesque Rules of Engagement.
Time to roll up the sleeves, hoist the skull-n-bones, and pick up where our forefathers left off when we THOUGHT the revolution ended.
Alden Pyle on June 26, 2007 at 1:23 PM
An opportunity to use “conservative” words (like “border enforcement”) with opposite, contradictory meanings, all for the sake of passing an unconstitutional bill.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 1:23 PM
My e-mail to Dick Burr:
Congratulations Dick,
I hope the bribe money that bought your vote is enough to help hold you over till you find work. It is now my mission to see that you are not returned to the Senate, remember my name. I am going to make sure that you are unemployed in 2010. The people of this state have a long memory, you won’t get away with this vile, despicable vote. I don’t care if you vote against that bill now or not, you passed it by voting for cloture.
Have fun looking for work, maybe Lindsey will provide you with some references because the voters of this state won’t.
With all Loathing,
Steven Rhoades
Charlotte, NC
srhoades on June 26, 2007 at 1:24 PM
Well, at least my Tennessee Senators listened. But for the rest of them: When did the Senate of the United States become Tammany Hall?
Tennman on June 26, 2007 at 1:24 PM
follow the money.. the voters little piddly contributions mean nothing…big business wins the day.
Twoconservative on June 26, 2007 at 1:24 PM
How about a collective call for a “bake sale” or whatever mentioned earlier in D.C. (i.e. rally at the Capitol) by Rush, Hannity, Levan, Boortz, Savage and every single member of the “we need to fix this problem” talk radio?
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 1:24 PM
Just announced on NRO the Corner:
The REAL CLOTURE VOTE IS THURSDAY!
30 hours of debate on Amendments and then the REAL vote. And only FIVE votes are needed to SWITCH!
labwrs on June 26, 2007 at 1:25 PM
Just sent this email to my sellout senators reed and whitehouse, both from RI
You just lost my vote next time due to you SUPPORTING THE AMNESTY AND destruction of this country. I will tell all my friends/family ALL OF WHOM ARE republicans to NOT donate ANY MONEY TO YOU WHATSOEVER.
Time to start the countdown to VOTE YOU OUT OF OFFICE YOU SELLOUT!
2good4u on June 26, 2007 at 1:25 PM
The real cloture vote is Thursday. This vote was to end amendments. Now they will debate the amendments. Cloture vote (the important one) is Thursday.
TheBigOldDog on June 26, 2007 at 1:25 PM
Well, I’m in an interesting position. There’s no-one to take my frustration out on! Everyone that I might threaten to help toss out of office consistently votes the way I want them to, from local reps all the way to the senate. They’re all good conservatives (except Bush, but we can’t do anything about him anymore). I guess it’s a good problem to have, but it leaves me feeling helpless because I’m relying on the rest of the country to spank their representatives.
aero on June 26, 2007 at 1:26 PM
How odd that for a moment, I feel good about Debbie Stabenow. Well, I’m sure it’ll pass.
marc@hubsandspokes on June 26, 2007 at 1:26 PM
Granting Z-Visas to illegals is like letting thieves keep what they steal. Somehow, someway I got to believe most of the Senators know that. Also, automatic Z-Visas within 24 hours without a background check? How is the government going to do 12 million background checks in 24 hours? The only reason i have hope is because this whole plan is insane.
saiga on June 26, 2007 at 1:27 PM
Slub is right. It doesn’t help our cause at all to talk about an open fight. Rebellion would be arming up and reclaiming our Country…a fool’s errand for sure. Marching in the streets has two possible outcomes:
1) open violence with POLICE (who are not on my shinola-list)
2) being made a mockery of by the MSM (who ARE on my shinola-list so I really need to stay away from them)
peaceful protest against this would achieve nothing. lobbying our elected officials obviously achieves nothing.
Perhaps we can all don knee pads and jars of vaseline and go to the Hallowed Halls Of Congress…maybe that would get us somewhere.
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 1:27 PM
I like it. I would also like to see 50 simultaneous rallies at each state capitol.
RushBaby on June 26, 2007 at 1:28 PM
I just returned from Senator Ensign’s Reno office, which is inside a Federal building. I visit weekly, and the 3 security guards, as well as the Senator’s staff, know me well.
I was in Ensign’s office when his Aye vote was announced;
his six office staff members, glued to the TV, ALL GROANED when his vote was announced! I waved my checkbook as I left, and said I was sending a $200 check to Tom Tancredo - someone who represents me.
On my exit, all 3 security guards were very outspoken and disappointed by the vote.
Senator Ensign has been quoted as saying that his phone calls run 100 to 1 AGAINST the bill.
QUESTION: If Senator Ensign isn’t representing his constituents, his office staff, or even his security guards, who the hell IS he representing??????
fred5678 on June 26, 2007 at 1:29 PM
I understand your point.
But I still call U.S. Senators from other states. I communicate to them: I am calling as a concerned
American.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 1:30 PM
Actually, you have just identified exactly what we need to do. Our senators came through, now it’s time to ratchet up the pressure on our representatives. And that bunch is no way as solid gold as Cornyn and Hutchison.
RushBaby on June 26, 2007 at 1:30 PM
what political solution would you suggest?
How much of this bill could be countered at the state level? I know some states are moving toward being tougher on illegals, but if they suddenly aren’t illegal…??
What if all our anger and efforts turned to the state legistlatures? What could be done this year? Cutting benefits to illegals and any non-citizens?
States can’t really deport people, can they?
MamaAJ on June 26, 2007 at 1:32 PM
Both Texas senators held firm as did the 2 from Louisiana. good show. Dorgan held firm too. He seems like a good man on this issue.
saiga on June 26, 2007 at 1:32 PM
I believe you are assuming a fact that is not yet in evidence. I have not once heard Bush make that case. You might be right and you might be wrong, but, I’m inclinded to believe that the reasons driving this Amnesty are less patriotic then what you are describing above. In fact I believe those who are for this Amnesty bill are the opposite of patriotic Americans.
Zetterson on June 26, 2007 at 1:33 PM
HOOKEM1 on June 26, 2007 at 1:33 PM
This was my response to Mel Martinez (Punk - FL)
In the next election the Jackass will get my vote before you. If my choice is between the Democrat and you, you lose. What is the difference? I see none.
Unbelievable that you and your co-conspirators in the Senate have ignored your constituents and are on the path to passing a bill that AMERICAN CITIZENS overwhelmingly DO NOT want passed.
Sir, you have ignored us today and we will not forget to ignore you come the next election.
Swinehound on June 26, 2007 at 1:34 PM
Wow, Lou Dobbs on Cspan2 is ripping into this bill and both sides over border security
sunny on June 26, 2007 at 1:34 PM
We need a new Dan’s Bake Sale, right smack dab in the middle of DC. It would shake the country.
I would go, and I know most here would sacrifice as well to get there. Wouldn’t it give you chills to see the mall flooded with freedom-loving conservatives?
Our elected officials no longer represent us (let alone listen) and our conservative leaders are few. Rush could pull it off. He could simple put his force behind it and it would get done.
Darksean on June 26, 2007 at 1:34 PM
No Mama, states can’t deport illegals. They can incarcerate them and ask that the feds come pick them up and place them in their custody. This is where the situation falls short. Having seen, through the League of Women Voters, the cost of incarcerating illegals on a local municipality (as the Feds are very slow to pick them up) I can’t really blame the local authorities for not incarcerating illegals.
Babs on June 26, 2007 at 1:35 PM
meant to say… they are the opposite of patriotic Americans and are trying to pass this Amnesty despite the fact that the job of the Islamic terrorist is facilitated with the passing of this Amnesty/open borders agreement.
Zetterson on June 26, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Here is the CORNER’s take:
labwrs on June 26, 2007 at 1:35 PM
I’ll take another shot at this.
When the Framers set up our bicameral Congress, they set up two very different branches. The Senate was by design supposed to represent the will of the state and therefore each state was given two Senators to represent the state regardless of the population of the state. The House, on the other hand, was and continues to be an organization that varies based on the population of the state because it was designed to represent the will of the people of the state.
That’s another reason why Senators sit for 6 years and Reps for 2. The will of the state is in theory less fluid than that of the people.
So, assuming this piece of crap gets out of the Senate, and it probably will, the fight will come to the House. This is were the people have the most influence and signs are already pointing toward a very tough fight for amnesty proponents. This fight is far from over. In fact, it is moving toward an arena where we have even more influence.
JackStraw on June 26, 2007 at 1:37 PM
Republican Kit Bond(Mo.) is on the list of pro-Shamnesty votes.
Listen to him on the Hugh Hewitt Show telling the guest host how terrible this bill is.
The clip is from Monday.
A lot can change in 24 hours I guess.
billy on June 26, 2007 at 1:37 PM
Great, you’ve got your gun and you run out the door in anger.
Then what?
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 1:37 PM
This really breaks my heart.
What can we do? I know that we are all hard working citizens, and unlike the illegals, cannot just arbitrarily take a day off of work to protest, but I think that the time has come to actually gather in the streets and protest.
If the word was spread through the conservative blogs and radio talk shows, I believe that the protest could be a success.
I say we gather in out respective state capitols and protest in our loudest voices. Or maybe a million US Citizen march on Washington DC…
Pulchritudinous Patriot on June 26, 2007 at 1:37 PM
Yeah, a single bright light. My two LA Senators (even Landrieu!) voted the right way. Apparently our corruption is limited to “cold cash” deals and highway and levee dealings.
apostle26 on June 26, 2007 at 1:37 PM
RE: Senator Ensign again - I just talked to Kelly in his Washington office and told her of my observations from his Reno office. She said the staff in Washington had the same disappointed reaction.
WHO ARE THESE GUYS REPRESENTING???????
fred5678 on June 26, 2007 at 1:38 PM
This is awful, and we all know it. The impact will affect us in a significant way.
We have one ditch effort to stop this, even if it’s an outside chance. I say let’s hit them where it hurts. If you have donated to the RNC in the last 12 months, you can request your money back. I’ll make it easy for you:
Ph #: 202-863-8560 for RNC Administration
**Tell them you’ve donated in the past and
want your money back. They’ll transfer you
to the appropriate person!**
Since they care about money and cheap labor, it’s obvious that the pocketbook is the only way to go. And if you only sent in $25, $50, or $100… believe me, if we do it in mass it has an impact. The RNC relies on those small amounts, and our ampathy. Your little contribution in total equal a lot of money to them.
We need to told the RNC if Shamesty is past we’re keeping our pocketbooks closed. What does it matter anyway? If Republicans aren’t going to listen to the people that put them into office? They rely on us just going along to get along.
The whole ~ “You need a Moderate Conservative if you wanna win elections.” They rely on us to believe that so all the above “R”s that voted yea will be in office. The turncoats that we all know so well. WE VOTE THEM IN TIME AND TIME AGAIN. When are we going to learn our lesson? You have the POWER to change this. But you have to DO SOMETHING. Call, write, fund those who believe CLOSEST the way you do, don’t compromise unless absolutely necessary (you know what I mean), somethings can’t be compromised though.
YES Sen. Lindsey Graham, we work well with others when necessary, but we don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater just to make a deal. Somethings just can’t be compromised. There is such things as ‘BOUNDARIES’, for the country, for the state, for the county, for the city, for my own home, and FINALLY my own personal space. Certain people get access to certain things within those boundaries for specific reason. But not EVERYONE gets past the boundaries because the see a need for it.
I think, we the other guy isn’t giving up anything and I have to give up almost everything I believe in my heart, how is that a compromise? Tell me… how is that a compromise?
Sultry Beauty on June 26, 2007 at 1:40 PM
All true Jack, but who says the House won’t get bought too?
I’m not advocating Pilgrim’s position here, either. I think he needs to chill with his revolutionary talk.
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 1:41 PM
…head to your closest senators office?
These guys are lucky we’re a bunch of spineless cowards who do nothing but talk about freedom & liberty these days. Our founding fathers took to arms for much less than what is happening today. Thanks God they didnt listen to posters on Hotair.com or we would still be paying tribute to the queen.
DwnSouthJukin on June 26, 2007 at 1:43 PM
Press 2 for English
drjohn on June 26, 2007 at 1:43 PM
it looks like brownback’s website is already ready for the new wave of americanos.
the first link on his web page is for the spanish version.
viva mexico
Vincenzo on June 26, 2007 at 1:43 PM
Pilgrim is on a roll, too bad he’s right. I feel very frustrated, they are flagrantly flaunting the fact that we can do nothing about their actions which contradict the will of 80% of the citizenry.
Goddamn them all, they are innoculated from the consequences of this, they are insulated from the dirty horde by limos, huge salaries, guards, and gates. We are in the trenches, this doesn’t fly with me, I’m buying a tricorn hat, clenthing a K-Bar in my teeth and joining a friggin militia.
Alden Pyle on June 26, 2007 at 1:44 PM
Gee, is it me, or has the GOP on Hot Air become “emo” all of a sudden?
Last I checked the constitution, bills need to pass the house and the senate before reaching the Presidents desk.
The house has previously blocked this before, (and will probably do so again) so stop running around like chicken little.
Note: And I thought I was the one with the least amount of faith in the GOP? Heh.
Darnell Clayton on June 26, 2007 at 1:45 PM
BTW, Burr received over $35,000 from Agribusiness.
amerpundit on June 26, 2007 at 1:45 PM
Okay, head to your senator’s office with your gun, get arrested and charged with a federal crime.
Progress toward revolution still nil.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 1:45 PM
Cool. A fellow Charlottean.
Guardian on June 26, 2007 at 1:45 PM
Burr’s Orifice doesn’t appear to be answering their main line… both times I’ve gotten through today have been through the amnesty hotline.
I know it’s been posted before, but here it is again:
(800) 417-7666 Press *, then 1 or 2 to be transferred to your Senator. Odd really, that you get through on that line…
If you’re lurking on this thread and haven’t called your representatives, get off your ass and pick up the phone. We need 100% cooperation on this one!
nosliwelyk on June 26, 2007 at 1:45 PM
It’s beyond despicable, and the arrogance of our elected representatives has reached a level I’ve never seen (or thought I’d see) in my lifetime. But what’s the alternative? Armed insurrection? Blowing up federal buildings?
This bill has no friends in the House of Representatives as it is, and the House of Representatives is far more succeptible to public pressure than the comtemptible fixtures of the Senate. If angry citizens burn out their Representatives phone lines, I guarantee you they will listen.
A defeat in the House will send this monster into committee purgatory where it will languish. Time is on our side, and now the terrain is too.
Mike Honcho on June 26, 2007 at 1:47 PM
Yup, Kennedy and Kerry side by side voting “Yea” on this Shamnesty, yet they still don’t want those Cape Wind Blades “destroying their view” of Cape Cod! My guess is a big “NO” on approving the Federal Funds!
Priorities are definitely in order! /sarc off.
kiakjones on June 26, 2007 at 1:47 PM
Evidence of (smaller scale) voter outrage translated into effective action in michigan. Just as an example.
marc@hubsandspokes on June 26, 2007 at 1:48 PM
Well, I was using the word “representatives” generically to refer to any elected officials who might have an impact on this or other debates. My elected representatives have served me well at every level of government–no significant Dems, RINOs, or traitors anywhere in the bunch–local, state, or federal. I’ve had no reason to want to spank any of them (though Perry throws out some zingers at times–again, usually stopped by conservative state legislators). I’m lucky that way, but helpless to affect the issues being decided by the government representatives other people have elected.
But you’re right that the House of Representatives is the next target if the amnesty bill makes it through the Senate. But again, my particular Representative in the House consistently votes the way I would want him to. He’s as golden as Cornyn and Hutchison.
The best I can do is respond to pollsters by saying that I’m among the vast majority opposed to this bill.
aero on June 26, 2007 at 1:48 PM
-taking a deep breath counting to 10, but I still don’t feel all warm and fuzzy.
Alden Pyle on June 26, 2007 at 1:49 PM
And for those who will begin commenting “but the House,” blather, until it happens, don’t go running around like it has happened.
Simply contact your House representatives and ensure victory there.
And lay off the anti-depression medication.
Darnell Clayton on June 26, 2007 at 1:50 PM
Oh, there is plenty of money to go around. But Reps aren’t as valuable and far more vulnerable than Senators. And then of course there’s this
The House may be an even bigger challenge.
An hour earlier before the vote, House Republican leaders announced they had just had a test vote among their members and about three-fourths of House Republicans who voted in it indicated they were opposed to the Senate’s immigration bill.
By a 83-28 vote, Republicans defeated a motion to table or kill a resolution disapproving of the Senate bill. A final vote, or a letter signed by the bill’s opponents, will come later today or tomorrow, its backers said.
It ain’t over till its over.
JackStraw on June 26, 2007 at 1:52 PM
More on the state level:
Interesting detail on Oklahoma vs. Texas. Texans may not have to bug Cornyn or Hutchinson, but might be able to make a difference locally.
From the article:
MamaAJ on June 26, 2007 at 1:52 PM
Swinehound on June 26, 2007 at 1:52 PM
Can you imagine what this country is going to be like?
Are these “immigrants” even going to be screened for diseases, such as tuberculosis, which is fairly rare in our society?
Are there any statistics that show the correlation between the rise in drug resistant tuberculosis and the immigration problem?
What about other diseases?
I live in Houston, when I go into an emergence room there are signs in englisha dn spanish saying that if you have a fever or and a cough you should ask for a mask!
Ask for a mask!!!!
I don’t remember ever seeing signs like these as a child.
Pulchritudinous Patriot on June 26, 2007 at 1:54 PM
This Is ANOUGH…these so called Senators need to be REMOVED. We the people MUST NOT let this continue.We must rally in every state and demand that WE THE PEOPLE be recognized and heard.
Jarch007 on June 26, 2007 at 1:55 PM
Well said. I’m am pleased that my TX Senators both voted No. It’s definitely time to put pressure on our congressman.
Aggie85 on June 26, 2007 at 1:58 PM
I get about 10 steps into the yard and realize I’m just PO’d beyond all reason. Drop the magazine, unchamber the round, and go back inside fuming.
Something has got to happen tho. Outside of this fine group here at HotAir and the rest of the Blogosphere, who knows what’s going on? Damn few. Do they care? Nope. They are spectators because they haven’t been threatened in their entire lives. The politicos know and understand this. Those of us who follow this stuff closely can see the train wreck happening but we are the MINORITY by far I fear. By the time the rest of the country sees the trouble we are headed for it will be too late to head it off and we will be in for something really ugly.
I have no doubts in the strength of the average Paris lovin’, sitcom watchin’, girls-gone-wild collectin’, American. When it hits the fan these people will get mad and do the right thing(in the REAL sense…not my anger induced sense).
I’m just severely pissed right now at the political wrangling being performed by my Senior Senator and Minority Leader. He’s up to something and he simply shouldn’t be. His job should’ve been wrangling votes to put this thing to bed. If he was on the same page as Boehner in the House, the President would be the lamest of ducks on this issue.
for the record…all previous comments on this thread from me were over the line. I shouldn’t be coming close to advocating open rebellion.
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 1:59 PM
WoooooHHHooooooooooo!!!
Jaibones on June 26, 2007 at 1:59 PM
OK….
Its my understanding that ANY bill which raises funds by either Tax, or Fees, HAS to start in the House of Representatives…
This bill both grants tax amnesty, but raises fees… seems to me its unconstitutional…
Any lawyers out there?
Romeo13 on June 26, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Lets not buy into this idea that the important vote is Thursday.
This bill is garbage and the border enforcement provisions will never be implemented. We need to take the stand that we need a stand alone bill that secures the borders. So any vote to continue with this sham of a bill under the guise of “letting the process go forward” is an insult!
It’s a bad idea and shouldn’t even be considered!
csdeven on June 26, 2007 at 2:00 PM
So it has come to this eh?
GW fights a GWOT a world away only to sell this country out to any criminal lucky enough to sneak into the country without getting caught?
I voted for him both times. Now……….I am sick of his BS.
Maybe he really is an idiot after all.
Talon on June 26, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Huh. Landrieu voted no, and Robert Byrd?
What planet am I on?
daveintexas on June 26, 2007 at 2:00 PM
I’m actually more disturbed by the apparent breakdown of our representative system of democracy than by this bill, which probably won’t be enforced any more effectively or vigorously than its predecessor(s) if it passes. It really does shake my belief in our relevance as tax-paying, voting members of a representative democracy to see how callously our elected officials completely ignore the will of the people. (As I said, my senators voted the right way, but too many others didn’t.) I think that’s really at the core of the heavily emotional reaction we’re seeing to what’s happening with this bill–and it’s coming from both sides.
aero on June 26, 2007 at 2:01 PM
Heh. Thanks to the first day of my NRA pistol safety class, I know what that means. Tonight, I handle firearms and learn to hold them correctly.
Sorry to hear that Lott is your Senator. Mine are Snowe and Collins, if that makes you feel better.
Anyway, I agree something needs to be done. As much as I hate the idea in principle, I think we need term limits. Clean house.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 2:03 PM
I was surprised too.
They voted as Americans who care about the Constitution.
The pro-United Nations, open-borders minority won the skirmish today.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 2:04 PM
I see I’ve pulled you over to the term limit dark side, Slublog.
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 2:05 PM
On CSPAN2 they list three phone numbers to call in your comments.
Eastern/Central 202-585-3885
Mountain/Pacific 202-585-3886
and I kid you not
IMMIGRANTS! 202-585-3887
csdeven on June 26, 2007 at 2:05 PM
People oughta flood the Immigrants line! All the lines!
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 2:07 PM
While Im doing that, what will you be doing? Still begging the people we elected to stop giving your country away? Stop importing crime, disease & poverty into our country? Stop importing foreigners to push actual Americans out of their communities? Stop intentionally suppressing American wages? Stop consulting with racial supremists groups on laws that affect me?
That’s worked real fu*king good so far huh?
The idea that we’ve even had to do this is insulting.
A Hindu is giving the prayer for the Senate tomorrow. I cant say I have anything against Hindus but its just one more example of our “leaders” not caring one damn about Americans & pushing them out in favor of the 3rd world.
Im sick of being the last person considered by the very people elected to represent me!!!
Go beg to a new group next week. Maybe they’ll throw you a crumb.
DwnSouthJukin on June 26, 2007 at 2:07 PM
You think you have it bad, try Feingold (definite socialist) and Kohl (so rich and popular, family owns Kohl’s department store and the Bucks, he’ll never be defeated)here in Wisconsin!
SSG Fuzzy on June 26, 2007 at 2:07 PM
Big time. I think these guys have forgotten what it’s like in the real world.
Term limits first, followed by a lifetime ban on former members of Congress serving as lobbyists.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 2:07 PM
Its my understanding that ANY bill which raises funds by either Tax, or Fees, HAS to start in the House of Representatives…
This bill both grants tax amnesty, but raises fees… seems to me its unconstitutional…
Any lawyers out there?
Romeo13 on June 26, 2007 at 2:00 PM
You are correct.
Several have threatened to BLUE CARD it.
Dersu on June 26, 2007 at 2:08 PM
Actually, I’m in Kentucky so it’s McConnell and Bunning. They split their votes. ;)
I’ve about come out of the turret…about. It REALLY chafes my arse that this thing was lost today. I’m hoping for some “feelgood” from Fred!.
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 2:09 PM
Yep, I think that Lobbyist ban would be even better.
Do you know who I am, Slubbo? I imagine you figured it out by now.
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 2:10 PM
I’m in Michigan and I’m flabbergasted that my Republican voted Yes and my Democrat voted No. WTH is going on in this country?
I am so angry right now. Stroke angry. I am SICK of elected officials assuming that because they have been elected they get to do whatever it is they want to do. That is NOT how it is supposed to work!
These people are Traitors in my opinion. Plain and simple… Traitors.
So, what do we do now?
Chaotic Ramblings on June 26, 2007 at 2:10 PM
I’d pay good cash money to hear Lott call the klegle a bigot. Now thats entertainment.
JackStraw on June 26, 2007 at 2:11 PM
Well, I plan to start by not getting arrested.
Then I’m going to start talking to people about who we can run against Collins in the primary next year.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 2:11 PM
Oh, yeah. The blog link gave it away.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 2:11 PM
Remember today when you are saying the words “President Clinton” and “Senator Franken” in January ‘09. And blame that f***ing turd Norm Coleman.
Jaibones on June 26, 2007 at 2:12 PM
That’s the first laugh I’ve had on this thread. Thanks. ;)
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 2:13 PM
Ah, minority leader. I was thinking you meant minority whip.
Too many “leaders” in the Senate.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 2:13 PM
I’ve never heard of the Blue Card. That’ll be interesting…Tancelot?
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 2:13 PM
…and let loose the dogs of war.
Jaibones on June 26, 2007 at 2:14 PM
Yeah…if only we had a Leader in the Senate.
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 2:15 PM
I’ll take “Republicans Whose Time In Public Service Just Came To A Screeching Halt,” for 10-12 Million please, Alex
Lest we forget, here are the names and re-election years of those who voted for cloture…
2008
Coleman -MN Looks like Al Franken is a shoo-in now
Collins - ME
Craig - ID This solidifies his retirement
Domenici - NM Adios, amigo!
Graham-nesty - SC Cry your way out the door
Hagel - NE
McConnell - KY (no comment)
Stevens - AK
Warner - VA
2010
Bennett - UT Another forced retirement
Bond - MO
Burr - NC
Brownback - KS Pandering for presidente votes
Gregg - NH
Martinez - FL This guy is our chairman? No mas!
Juan McCain - AZ El Presidente? Nope. Adios muchacho!
Murkowski - AK
Specter - PA
Voinovich - OH
2012
Ensign - NV
Kyl - AZ no comment
Lott - MS you’ll know where Gulfport is now, mofo
Lugar - IN
Snowe - ME no more snow in Maine
HarryBalzac on June 26, 2007 at 2:17 PM
Why is everyone posting in our old national language?
Little Boomer on June 26, 2007 at 2:19 PM
Wow, even Sanders (I/socialist-Vermont) voted NAY!
WTF! Please tell me the law of gravity still is in effect!
This really emphasizes the importance of primaries! We must put forward true conservatives and get rid of the RINO’s!!!
SSG Fuzzy on June 26, 2007 at 2:20 PM
Sanders voted Nay because he’s a Socialist crank. He wants total open borders IIRC.
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 2:21 PM
I have Thune, so South Dakota is getting represented thank God.
aclark on June 26, 2007 at 2:21 PM
I apologize Slublog…just ignore me, Im just pretty pissed today. No offense
DwnSouthJukin on June 26, 2007 at 2:23 PM
This is way downthread because I was writing a long letter to my Rep. Used to have Lamar Smith, who was gold. Now I have Lloyd Doggett, an entrenched Democrat. Oh, well, I wrote in good faith.
RushBaby on June 26, 2007 at 2:23 PM
Well, my state Georgia state Senators voted against cloture. Who do I rail against?
Queasy on June 26, 2007 at 2:23 PM
So Sanders didn’t like that there’s any enforcement in the bill? Its too hard on the pur wittle undocumenteds?
SSG Fuzzy on June 26, 2007 at 2:24 PM
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