Washington – For all the controversy, immigration legislation is moving steadily through the Senate, shielded by a bipartisan coalition durable enough to defeat crippling amendments, shake off political warning shots and even recover from an occasional stumble.
Critics concede as much. Asked on Friday whether the bill was headed for passage, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., replied without hesitation: “I think it is.”
The legislation’s supporters established their command at the outset. On the day after President Bush’s prime-time speech calling for a “comprehensive approach” to immigration, Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., sought to make all other provisions of the bill dependent on prior certification that U.S. borders were secure. Anything less would mean “a wink and a nod one more time” to illegal immigrants, Isakson said, challenging Bush’s claim that securing the borders required a guest- worker program and other steps in addition to tougher enforcement.
Isakson’s proposal failed on a vote of 55-40, turned back by 36 Democrats, 18 Republicans and one independent.
As it happened, the next challenge came from the left when Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., sought to eliminate a new guest- worker program.
The party breakdown shifted, but not the result. His bid failed, 69-28; this time, Republicans took the lead. Forty-seven Republicans opposed it, along with 21 Democrats and one independent.
The pattern held throughout the week, perhaps most significantly when Sen. David Vitter, R-La., tried to kill proposals to give illegal immigrants a shot at citizenship. His effort failed, 66-33, with 41 Democrats out front, joined by 24 Republicans and one independent.
If Bush played a role in the maneuvering – Republicans said his Monday speech had solidified some GOP votes – Senate leaders did likewise.
