, I had written Sen. Murray, 7 times in the 2 weeks around the procedural votes on the AMNESTY bills. I received this same email, all together this AM...the same one 7 times in a row!!!! Maybe I got someone's goat!!!



Dear Ms. XXXXXXX :



Thank you for contacting me regarding the immigration debate in the U.S. Senate. It is good to hear from you.



As you know, the U.S. Senate considered changes to immigration law that built upon the debate from last year. These efforts would affect more than just undocumented workers here in the United States - it would affect every American in one way or another.



It is clear that our immigration system is broken and that fixing our immigration policies is critical for communities and industries in Washington State and across our nation. That is why I support a comprehensive immigration reform package, one that enhances our security, strengthens our economy, and reflects our core values as Americans. The proposals that were considered, S. 1348, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, and S. 1639, a similar comprehensive immigration reform bill, would have both enhanced border security and enforcement and addressed legal and illegal immigration.



I had serious concerns about portions of the immigration legislation that were considered, but I believe the problems with our current system were important enough to address that Congress should have had a full opportunity to debate the issues and work towards tough, fair and practical reform.



After considering both S. 1348 and S. 1639, the Senate failed to get the 60 votes needed to get cloture on either bill , which would have move d the bills forward to a final passage vote. As I work with my Senate colleagues on this issue further and should the U.S. Senate consider similar legislation regarding immigration reform in the 110th Congress, be assured I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind.



Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the immigration debate with me. Please keep in touch.



I hope all is well in Bellevue .