Tag Archives: Gang of Eight

Black History

the Senate S.744 ~~ CONGRESS ~~ the House HR1947


  • WethePeopleThe Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.
  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.
  • The following amendments are the next amendments in order to be called up to S.744:-          Manchin amendment #1268 (border security contractor salaries);-          Pryor amendment #1298 (recruitment of former Armed Forces members for Customs and Border Protection);-          Merkley amendment #1237, as modified (H.R.2-B nonimmigrants);-          Boxer amendment #1240 (National Guard/Coast Guard training);-          Reed amendment #1224 (merit-based immigrant visa applicants)

    –          Cornyn amendment #1251 (Statement of Congressional findings);

    –          Lee amendment #1208 (Fast-track approval of border security);

    –          Paul amendment #1200, as modified (border security enhancements);

    –          Heller amendment #1227 (Nevada representative on Southern Border Security Commissions); and

    –          Cruz amendment #1320 (border security)

  • We will continue to work through amendments to the Immigration bill during Wednesday’s session.  Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.
  • The following amendment are pending to S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act:

    The following amendments have been considered to S.744:

    •  Grassley amendment #1195 (prohibit the granting of registered provisional immigrant status until the Secretary has maintained effective control of the borders for 6 months) Tabled: 57-43
    • Thune amendment #1197 (permanent resident status after border completion) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 39-54
    • Landrieu amendment #1222 (citizenship for internationally adopted children); Agreed to by voice vote
    • Vitter amendment #1228 (US-VISIT system)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 36-58
    • Tester amendment #1198 (modify Border Oversight Task Force to include tribal government officials) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 94-0
    • Senate Democrats have come to the floor 14 times since the Senate passed the concurrent resolution on the budget and asked consent to move to bipartisan budget negotiations with the House. Each time a Republican has objected to going to conference.This afternoon Senator Murray asked unanimous consent (the 14th time) the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #33, H.Con.Res.25; the amendment at the desk, which is the text of S.Con.Res.8, the budget resolution passed by the Senate, be inserted in lieu thereof; and that H.Con.Res.25, as amended, be agreed to. Further, that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate; and that following the authorization, two motions to instruct conferees be in order from each side:- Motion to instruct relative to the debt limit; and- Motion to instruct relative to taxes/revenue;

      That there be two hours of debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, prior to votes in relation to the motions; further, that no amendments be in order to either of the motions prior to the votes; all of the above occurring with no intervening action or debate.

      Senator Toomey asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit.

      Senator Murray explained that her request allows senators to vote on their request to prohibit reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit and objected to the modification.

      Senator Toomey objected  to the original request.

    • The time until 4:35pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, with Senator Sessions controlling 7 minutes, for debate on the following amendments to S.744, Comprehensive Immigration Reform:-          Manchin #1268 (contractor salaries);-          Lee #1208, as modified (modification corrects reference to page number) (border security);

      –          Pryor #1298 (Former Armed Forces Recruitment for border security jobs);

      –          Heller #1227 ((NV rep on Southern Border Security Commissions); and

      –          Merkley #1237, as modified

      At 4:35pm, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that the amendments be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; that there be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote; and all after the first vote be ten minute votes.

    • The time until 4:35pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, with Senator Sessions controlling 7 minutes, for debate on the following amendments to S.744, Comprehensive Immigration Reform:-          Manchin #1268 (contractor salaries);-          Lee #1208, as modified (modification corrects reference to page number) (border security);

      –          Pryor #1298 (Former Armed Forces Recruitment for border security jobs);

      –          Heller #1227 ((NV rep on Southern Border Security Commissions); and

      –          Merkley #1237, as modified

      At 4:35pm, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that the amendments be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; that there be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote; and all after the first vote be ten minute votes.

    • The time until 4:35pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, with Senator Sessions controlling 7 minutes, for debate on the following amendments to S.744, Comprehensive Immigration Reform:-          Manchin #1268 (contractor salaries);-          Lee #1208, as modified (modification corrects reference to page number) (border security);

      –          Pryor #1298 (Former Armed Forces Recruitment for border security jobs);

      –          Heller #1227 ((NV rep on Southern Border Security Commissions); and

      –          Merkley #1237, as modified

      At 4:35pm, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that the amendments be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; that there be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote; and all after the first vote be ten minute votes.

    • Manchin #1268 (contractor salaries);-          Lee #1208, as modified (modification corrects reference to page number) (border security);-          Pryor #1298 (Former Armed Forces Recruitment for border security jobs);-          Heller #1227 ((NV rep on Southern Border Security Commissions); and

      –          Merkley #1237, as modified;

      –          Confirmation of Executive Calendar #182, the nomination of Michael Froman, of New York, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

    • 4:39pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Manchin #1268 (contractor salaries);Agreed To: 72-26
    • 5:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Lee amendment #1208, as modified (fast-track approval of border security);Not Agreed To: 39-59
    • The Pryor amendment was agreed to by voice vote.
    • 5:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Heller amendment #1227 (NV representative on Southern Border Security Commissions);Agreed to: 89-9
    • The following amendment are pending to S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act:

      The following amendments have been considered to S.744:

      •  Grassley amendment #1195 (prohibit the granting of registered provisional immigrant status until the Secretary has maintained effective control of the borders for 6 months) Tabled: 57-43
      • Thune amendment #1197 (permanent resident status after border completion) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 39-54
      • Landrieu amendment #1222 (citizenship for internationally adopted children); Agreed to by voice vote
      • Vitter amendment #1228 (US-VISIT system)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 36-58
      • Tester amendment #1198 (modify Border Oversight Task Force to include tribal government officials) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 94-0
      • Paul amendment #1200, as modified (border security enhancements); Tabled: 61-37
      • Manchin amendment #1268 (border security contractor salaries)(60-vote threshold) Agreed to: 72-26
      • Lee amendment #1208 (fast track approval for border security)(60-vote threshold) Not Agreed to: 39-59
      • Pryor amendment #1298 (recruitment of former Armed Forces members for Customs and Border Protection) Agreed to by voice vote
      • Heller amendment #1227 (NV rep on Southern Border Security Commissions)(60-vote threshold) Agreed to: 89-9
      • Merkley amendment #1237, as modified (H.R.2-B nonimmigrants) Agreed to by voice vote
    • 5:54pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #182, the nomination of Michael Froman, of New York, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and PlenipotentiaryConfirmed: 93-4 (1-voting present)
    • WRAP UP FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013ROLL CALL VOTES1)      Motion to table the Paul amendment #1200, as modified (border security enhancements); Tabled: 61-37

      2)      Manchin amendment #1268 (border security contractor salaries)(60-vote threshold) Agreed to: 72-26

      3)      Lee amendment #1208 (fast track approval for border security)(60-vote threshold) Not Agreed to: 39-59

      4)      Heller amendment #1227 (NV rep on Southern Border Security Commissions)(60-vote threshold) Agreed to: 89-9

      5)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #182, the nomination of Michael Froman, of New York, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary; Confirmed: 93-4-1(present)

       

      LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

      Adopted S.Res.175, observing Juneteenth Independence Day, June 19, 1865, the day on which slavery finally came to an end in the United States.

      Adopted S.Res.176, Designating July 12, 2013 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

      Adopted S.Res.177, honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week, which begins on June 17, 2013.

      Adopted S.Res.170, Commemorating John Lewis on the 50th anniversary of his chairmanship of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (Isakson)

      Passed S.579, a bill to direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, and for other purposes.

      The Senate passed the following Energy bills:

      –          S.23, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore;

      –          S.25, South Utah Valley Electric Service District;

      –          S.26, Bonneville Unit Clean Hydropower Facilitation;

      –          S.112, Alpine Lakes Wilderness;

      –          S.130, Powell Recreation District;

      –          S.157, Denali National Park;

      –          S.230, Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation;

      –          S.244, Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project;

      –          S.276, American Falls Reservoir Hydroelectric Project;

      –          S.304, Natchez Trace Parkway;

      –          S.352, Devil’s Staircase Wilderness;

      –          S.383, Illabot Creek;

      –          S.393, White Clay Creek; and

      –          S.459, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

      No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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84 Votes


By  ThinkProgress War Room

Senate Makes Major Move on Immigration Reform

Immigration reform including a pathway to earned citizenship moved one step closer to reality today as the Senate voted overwhelmingly, 84-15, to began debating and amending the bipartisan bill that passed the Judiciary Committee last month. Unsurprisingly, all of today’s no votes came from Republicans, including those leading the opposition to the bill: Sens. Jeff Sessions (AL), Mike Lee (UT), and Ted Cruz (TX).

While many of those who voted to take up the bill today are expected to oppose it in the end, today’s vote is the latest sign of strong momentum. By contrast, the vote to take up the 2007 immigration reform effort, which ultimately failed, was a much narrower 64-35.

Good news also came from the other side of the Capitol today, with Speaker Boehner (R-OH) predicting that the bill will become law before the end of the year. In another positive sign, Boehner also refused to rule out passing a bill through the House with mostly Democratic votes.

Finally, the president also held an event today with DREAMers and a bipartisan group of others who support reform with a pathway to earned citizenship.

The only unfortunate news on the immigration front today came from Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), who appears to want to have it both ways once again. Rubio was reportedly asking his Republican colleagues to refrain from coming out in support of the bill so he could use the appearance of a lack support among Republicans as an excuse to drag the bill to the right. Discouraging fellow senators from supporting one’s own legislation is a relatively unheard of move.

A new poll out today shows that 81 percent of Latinos polled reject the notion of the “border-security first” approach that Rubio is inching toward. That includes 76 percent of Latinos who have voted for a GOP candidate in the past. Instead, Latinos want to see the pathway to citizenship and border security implemented concurrently, just as it is in the Gang of 8 bill Rubio himself helped author.

BOTTOM LINE: We are closer than we’ve been in a generation toward achieving real reform to our broken immigration system. Reforming our broken system will allow 11 MILLION undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows, something that will boost our economy by a cumulative $832 BILLION over the next ten years.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

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The other massive online surveillance program that no one is talking about.

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Elizabeth Warren already has regulators considering tougher actions against the banks.

Another day, another false and misleading Republican attack on Obamacare.

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Demand Fair and Inclusive Amendments to Immigratio​n Bill


TBI_Header_(1).jpg

The current immigration reform bill marks a new phase in the fight for immigrant rights in the United States. However, with some minimal gains there are some major losses with this bill. A coalition initiated by black immigrant rights groups, civil rights organizations and faith groups have decided to coordinate a day of action to demand fair, just and inclusive immigration reform that addresses the needs of a diverse group of immigrant groups including Blacks, Asians and Eastern Europeans. In the coming weeks, the Senate Judiciary Committee will be making changes to the proposed bill. Tomorrow, these immigrant groups are standing together to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed in the bill.
Tomorrow, The Black Institute joins black immigrant rights groups, civil organizations and faith groups across the country in a National Day of Action to demand fair and inclusive immigration reform bill that includes the needs of all immigrant groups.
ImmReformNowPress.jpg

The Black Institute http://www.theblackinstitute.org/

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Don’t Just Take Our Word For It


By  ThinkProgress War Room

Conservatives Trash Anti-Immigration Reform Report

In 2007, the Heritage Foundation released an influential — though widely debunked — report claiming that immigration reform would cost the U.S. $2.6 TRILLION. While no one factor alone is responsible for the death of reform that year, the Heritage paper certainly helped kill it.

Well, “here we go again,” as Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) tweeted earlier today. Today, Heritage released an updated report with an even more fantastical claim: immigration reform with a path to earned citizenship (which the report and its authors falsely and repeatedly refer to as “amnesty”) will now cost $6.3 TRILLION over the next 50 years.

This time, however, something is different. It’s conservatives who are lining up to trash the Heritage report. In just the few hours the report has been out, influential conservatives have lined up to discredit Heritage’s way-too-bad-to-be-true claims:

  • The Cato Institute
  • Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform
  • The American Enterprise Institute
  • Doug Holtz-Eakin, prominent conservative economist and president of the American Action Forum
  • Haley Barbour, former Republican Nation Committee chairman and Mississippi governor, and current co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s immigration reform task force
  • Sen. Jeff Flake
  • Sen. John McCain
  • Sen. Marco Rubio
  • Rep. Paul Ryan

As conservatives also pointed out, Heritage’s current view is even at odds with its own past statements on immigration:

The new report contradicts the think tank’s 2006 position on immigration. Heritage then wrote,“the argument that immigrants harm the American economy should be dismissed out of hand” and urged for a comprehensive bill. “A lopsided, ideological approach that focuses exclusively on border security while ignoring migrant workers (or vice versa) is bound to fail.”

Earlier this year when ultra-conservative former Sen. Jim DeMint was appointed to head Heritage, some worried aloud that this would undermine the organization’s credibility:

The DeMint choice signals a shift toward more conservative activism from one of America’s largest think tanks and is sure to please conservative donors. But it’s not likely to provide donors the political results they want. Instead, it is likely to reduce the relevance of both DeMint and Heritage.

Indeed, the organized opposition to the Gang of 8 immigration bill appears to consist largely of the Heritage Foundation, racist hate groups like FAIR, and right-wing talk radio hosts. While these groups may continue to be influential with some segments of the Republican base, it’s clear that they are increasingly outside of the mainstream of both American society and even the GOP itself. In fact, a poll out just last week found that 83 percent of all Americans and 84 percent of Republicans favor a path to earned citizenship so long as immigrants pay fines, back taxes, and meet other requirements — in other words, exactly what is in the Gang of 8 bill.

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Mississippi set to kill a potentially innocent man tomorrow.

Another week, another pointless House GOP vote to repeal Obamacare.

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832 Billion Reasons for Immigratio​n Reform


By ThinkProgress War Room

The Economic Case for Immigration Reform

After months of negotiations, 8 key senators today proposed a sweeping and historic reform of our nation’s broken immigration system. The plan, which was previewed today in news reports, will be officially unveiled soon by the so-called “Gang of 8″ Republican and Democratic senators.

The proposal comes on the same day as a new poll that found that an overwhelming 84 percent of Americans — including 79 percent of Republicans — favor the kind of pathway to earned citizenship detailed in the proposal.

Nevertheless, some of the most anti-immigrant conservatives are already trying to kill the plan. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), who has a troubled past on race issues, said today that he was unhappy with the proposal because it will allow immigrants to improve the quality of their lives. FAIR, a racist hate group, is bringing activists to Washington this week to lobby against the bill and the Tea Party Patriots are also mobilizing against it. Rep. Steve King (R-IA) even tried to take advantage of the Boston bomb attacks to argue against reform.

Reforming our broken system and bringing 11 MILLION people out of the shadows is the morally correct thing to do, but it’s also the economically smart thing to do:

BOTTOM LINE: No matter how much spin and vitriol conservatives throw at the immigration reform bill over the next few months, it’s still the right thing to do for our country and for our economy.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

OOPS: The central intellectual argument for global austerity was based on an Excel error.

Everything you need to know about the Senate immigration reform bill.

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No, there is no Saudi national being held as a suspect or person of interest.

U.S. engaged in torture after 9/11, review finds.

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