Thread: US Senate not influenced by protests

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/US-Sen ... 61040.html

US Senate not influenced by protests
May 3, 2006 - 6:

A nationwide boycott by Hispanic groups and others seeking rights for illegal immigrants was unlikely to help break a US Senate impasse on an overhaul of immigration laws, Republican lawmakers have said.

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their supporters walked off their jobs and held protests around the country on Monday in a display of economic might aimed at persuading Congress to pass a law giving them a chance of citizenship.

"It didn't really affect what goes on the floor of the Senate," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican.

Sen John Cornyn, a Texas Republican who opposes a bipartisan Senate bill that would give millions of illegal immigrants a chance to earn US citizenship, said he doubted the protests would have much impact.

"If anything, I think it may have alienated some people," he said.

That assessment reflected commentary on Tuesday in many newspaper editorials, which said the boycott was unlikely to settle the debate.

But Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said the large, peaceful rallies had a powerful impact and vowed to push for the bipartisan Senate bill.

"I'm not going to roll over," Reid told reporters. "I can't, this is too important an issue."

In an effort to break an impasse over possible amendments that stalled the Senate bill last month, Reid offered to limit the number of amendments to 10 for each party.

But Frist did not accept that and told reporters talks would continue in an effort to bring the bill up for further Senate consideration by the end of the month.

Reid cast doubt on its prospects during this congressional election year.

"My best assessment is they don't want a bill," Reid said about majority Republicans.

Democrats fear Republicans will try to water down the bill through the amendment process.

Reid is also seeking assurances that the Senate would hold its position in eventual negotiations with the US House of Representatives, which has already passed a bill that criminalises illegal presence in the United States.

The House bill would make illegal presence in the United States a felony instead of a civil offence and calls for construction of a fence along parts of the US border with Mexico. Any Senate bill would have to be merged with the House measure.

The Senate bill includes border security and enforcement measures. It also would create a guest worker program backed by President George W Bush and would give some of the estimated 11.5 million to 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States a chance to earn citizenship. They would have to pay a fine, pay back taxes, show an understanding of English and meet other requirements.

Reid, you are on the losing side of this issue which means you are running with the losers in America.

Better wake up, Boy!!