Despite diminished clout and record-low approval ratings, President Bush apparently persuaded Senate Republicans during their Tuesday lunch to help him bring back the immigration bill. Yesterday, after major haggling over amendments, the bill seemed destined for a vote.
In its current form, the bill would provide new border controls, a crackdown on employers who hire illegal immigrants, and a means for 12 million immigrants who are already here to get legal status (Washington Post). Still, the bill's passage is iffy. Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) said:
"I'm sure senators on both sides of the aisle are being pounded by these talk-radio people who don't even know what's in the bill.... Leadership will have to be prepared to do what needs to be done."
Lott referred to entertainers such as Rush Limbaugh, who recently dubbed the immigration bill the "Comprehensive Destroy the Republican Party Act" (Salon). A few weeks ago, the President publicly insulted conservatives and fellow Republicans who opposed the bill.
Even if the immigration bill passes the Senate, it may face obstacles in the House, where some Republicans drooled over the opportunity to kill the bill just weeks ago.
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