Thread: US Senate - Pre-meeting CSpan2 discussion (Kennedy speaking)

Graham Speaking:

Involvement of USCoC, USDHS (Chertoff, Gutierrez)

Working hard and detailed...

What does it mean to be an American ?

(Outlines... family personal perspectives...)

I think we have a bill that says something about being American.

We will have a labor force that will make US competitive with world.

New system is better than old system. Attracts hard-workers with better skills.

Everyone has a chance to experience American Dream - on our terms.

(Makes joke about Working with Ted Kennedy - for benefit of people of SC).

Addressing working with other senators on issue: Kyl, Kennedy, etc.

"DREAM ACT is in",
"AgJobs is in",

Bottom line: not about 12 million people, iti is about America being competitive,... to render justice.

Isakson Speaking:

We have got to fix our broken borders.

Glad to have trigger mechanism to fix broken borders.

If other goals aren't achived, then ... we have no bill.
2 step process. Stop insecurity on border, and return to legal system that works.

Talks about family movement from Scandinavia - , history.

We have found broad agreement that respects a legal process.

Martinez Speaking:

Intro, "glad to be part of process..."

Blah, Blah,

Very complicated piece of legislation.

After study, have come to understand problem better.

Guest-worker program to allow 12 million to live legally here.
No more fear of 'la migra'.

Some will call this amnesty - but will have to pay fine, return home, etc.

I don't call it amnesty. I think we can get it through both houses of Congress.

"Poster child for issue"? Received many bricks in his office (via SendaBrick)

"It's a good bill", and hope is has support from both sides.

Chambliss Speaking:

Very emotional issue - most he's seen.

Nobody thinks the bill is perfect.

I didn't support the bill of last year.

Now, thanks to Kennedy, McCain, Specter, etc., I think this bill is truly better for the US people.

No guaranteed pathway to citizenship for illegals.

Why national identity as "American" is important.

AgJobs - still needs work (not agreed upon yet).

I have never seen a more committed group.
-

Fatboy Speaking again..(Kennedy):


Now, Chertoff:

Talked with President about agreement reached.

Testament to bipartisan efforts - Pres: "historic moment".

Bill that is strong on security, fair for those here, etc.

Addresses a long-standing problems.

Sen. Graham: pretty much classic case of 'sausage-making' analogy.



Now Gutierrez:

Proud to be here.

Step forward in process.

I'm am in awe, how the senators have worked. Blah, blah.

An honor to be involved in process.

Every country in the developed world will have to face problem of immigration.

By moving forward, we can do this right and to our advantage.

Kennedy Speaking:

(Taking question about H1b visas -

A. Some have requested increase in number
Debate about effects on American workers.
...evolving issue, details not hammered out.
Sens. Kyl + others involved in ironing out details.
Sense that enhanced position for advanced workers...


Kyl speaking:

Increase H1b to 115,000 in bill. (from 65,000 current)

Illegal immigrants - all illegals will have chance to present themselves to be able to receive probationary document- immediate legal status.

Triggers by Isakson, then can apply for 4 year visa - and end of 8 years, then can apply for Green Card.

Illegals must: can't cut in line. Pass English test. Pay fees.


Asked: how will bill fair in caucuses? (No real answer)


Graham Speaking:

As long as the agreement holds together, I think it will be overwhelming (to support - 'last best chance to pass immigration reform').



Specter Speaking:

Among working group, various persectives included in crafting bill.
'Sen Graham is right'


Fatboy Speaking:

Kennedy:

Mentions AgJobs - recalls Bracero program...

Complications of problem, 800,000 farm workers, will continue to work...

DREAM ACT mentioned, plight of Hispanic students, serve in military - to pathway to citizenship.

"People are living in fear."


"We have a more secure border"

"I think this is a strong bill"

Graham:

"What happens if we fail?"

The 12 million continue to live in fear.


Spector: announcing staff briefing later today to distribute details of bill.

<end of meeting>

Martinez continues to answer questions after press conference ends.
(informally).

Answers questions about 'future migration':
Talks about chain-migration and family unity, point-system, children,

chance for grandparents to migrate along with children, etc

<< End >>

Makes me physically ill.

I'm trying really hard, to NOT kick my TV screen in!

They LIE!