Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Webb Explains The Immigration Bill Amendment He Wants   [Jim Geraghty]

Sen. Jim Webb, on the floor of the Senate right now (paraphrased in some areas where I couldn't type fast enough):

The difficulty I have with this bill, and the reason I have introduced my amendment, is that the issue of legalization goes to notion of fairness in how laws of US are applied. Second problem is issue of practicality when you look at touchback provisions... There are about twelve million immigrants in this country who arrived in contradiction of American law.... Of those, a significant number, during the past years, have become part of their community, deserve a path toward citizenship. but to draw the line arbitrarily at the end of last year to include every single person I think violates the notion of fairness for a lot of people... It helps explain the surge of resentment toward this legislation as it now exists. I am introducing an amendment where those who have lived in U.S. for four years can apply to legalize their status. A year ago, in this chamber, we agreed to five year residency requirement...

If this amendment succeeds, I am happy to support the final legislation. As it stands, many people in this body who have problems with this legislation and the basic notions of fairness...

Great. Now the question is, if Webb doesn't get his amendment, will he vote for or against cloture? And will the cloture vote come before the consideration of his amendment?

06/27 10:49 AMShare