WASHINGTON--President Obama met with Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Sen. Robert Menendez and Rep. Nydia Velazquez at the White House on Thursday to discuss an upcoming Senate vote on immigration legislation--which includes the DREAM Act, designed to provide students who are not in the country legally a way to continue their studies. The DREAM Act allows undocumented students who came to the US before age 16 to become legal residents after five years by completing higher education or military service. 
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he will attach the non-controversial DREAM Act to the more controversial defense authorization bill which includes the repeal of the military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy to be considered at some point next week in the Senate.
Mitch McConnell, the top Senate Republican said on Tuesday that the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" repeal and the DREAM Act were “extraneous measures that have nothing to do with defense,” making the bill “needlessly controversial.”
Sen. Menendez defended the move today following the Oval Office meeting, saying it is “appropriate” and he hopes Republicans will join Democrats on this. In a paper statement following the meeting, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, the bill’s sponsor, said he’s certain the House has the 218 votes to pass it if the Senate can. "With the White House standing with us and the Senate poised to act, I think we are seeing the immigration reform effort begin to bear fruit. There are at least 218 votes in the House to pass the DREAM Act. The House is ready to act. We call on the Senate to pass the bill," he said in a statement.
At the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Dinner on Wednesday evening the president personally vouched for the bill. “The Senate is going to have a chance to do the right thing over the next few weeks when Senator Reid brings the DREAM Act to the floor. Keep in mind, in the past, this was a bill that was supported by a majority of Democrats and Republicans. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t receive that same kind of bipartisan support today.” The president said he will do “whatever it takes” to help pass the bill so he can sign it into law, “It’s the right thing to do. We should get it done."
Reference:
Obama Promises to Push for the DREAM Act
Posts
8 comments:
Yeah Dee! They get the DREAM ACT passed and the kids who've pushed for this go away and about their lives, patting themselves on the back, congratulating one another on what a good job they did getting their agenda passed.
While 6 million more immigrants live in limbo and fear.
Two good years wasted while everyone pursued their own little agenda.
Why is Obama meeting with a bunch of Hispanics over this issue? Is their opinion the only one that counts?
So a Republican said it isn't appropriate to attach this to a defense bill which are totally unrelated but all Menendez could answer to that was "yes it is appropriate"? WTH has the Dream Act to to with a defense bill? The Dream Act is "non-controversial"? You're kidding right?
Obama is slowly digging his own grave on many issues. Advocating for this bill will put that last shovel of dirt in his face. He is toast come 2012 if he isn't impeached beforehand.
Porter,
I'm torn on this subject. I agree we need Comprehensive Immigration Reform, but given it will be nearly impossible to pass any time soon, passing the Dream Act is at least a step forward. As my Dad would say, "One Step At a Time."
Bad Anon,
You certainly are open with your rxcist attitude. "Bunch of Hispanics" ?? Please.
It is also clear you have NO IDEA what the Dream Act does.
It is very appropriate to attach this verbiage to the Defense Bill since this bill will allow more young people to apply for military service for our country.
As I've frequently reported, the highest rate of front line troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are Latinos. These brave young people fight for ALL of our Freedom. We should be honoring them and rewarding them for their service. The Dream Act does this.
This bill should be ameneded to say "only if you enlist in the armed forces for not less than 4 years and serve at least one tour in a combat zone." If they are required to that they will have earned the right to a pathway to citizenship.
Trying to get them killed off are you ultima?
2 years is plenty of time. The same as we require of many of our troops now.
I think you'll find among these DREAMERS who enlist, some fine career officers and soldiers will emerge, which we need at the moment.
Harry Reid handled this and DODT in a way he knew it would go down to defeat. He did it in his own self-interests. He did it to drum up support for his own election --I tried - it's those damn republicans.. Whata joke. Even his own party members know it (see Politico article today). I predict the next round of polls will show him losing in Nevada by a bigger margin than before.
Hi there
Just wanted to show my appreciation for your time and hard work
Post a Comment