Immigration bill dead in Senate

Immigration bill dead in Senate
Procedural vote effectively kills Bush's attempt to enact reform
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© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

A procedural vote in the Senate today effectively killed the controversial immigration reform bill crafted by the White House, Democrats and key Republican leaders.

The tally fell 14 votes short of the 60 needed to invoke cloture, which would have cut off debate, leading to a final vote requiring only a simply majority.

Members of both parties on Capitol Hill have said the issue is unlikely to be addressed again until after the 2008 presidential election.

President Bush seemed to accept that fate after an appearance in Newport, R.I.

"Legal immigration is one of the top concerns of the American people, and Congress' failure to act on it is a disappointment," Bush said. "The American people understand the status quo is unacceptable when it comes to our immigration laws. A lot of us worked hard to see if we couldn't find common ground. It didn't work."

The roll call, showing how senators voted, counted 12 Republicans among the 46 who favored cloture.

In debate prior to the vote, Republican opponents of the bill noted the widespread opposition expressed by citizens, including Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina who said "our phones have been ringing off the hook."

"What part of 'no' don't we understand?" he asked. "We need to stop this process that is alienating the American people and enforce the laws on the books."

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