The Senate has just passed a bill that would actually enforce the border. Here’s what it would do:

“There is hereby appropriated $3,000,000,000 to satisfy the requirements set out in section 1002(a) and, if any amount remains after satisfying such requirements, to achieve and maintain operational control over the international land and maritime borders of the United States, for employment eligibility verification improvements, for increased removal and detention of visa overstays, criminal aliens, aliens who have illegally reentered the United States, and for reimbursement of State and local section 287(g) expenses. These amounts are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 204 of S. Con. Res. 21 (110th Congress).”

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) has led the fight to make sure that the money appropriated actually goes toward border enforcement. Yesterday Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid threw a fit against Cornyn’s amendment, but today reversed himself, and ate a medium helping of crow.

There’s more background here and here, including the identity of the lone senator who voted against the bill. You won’t be surprised.