Debate begins on hot-topic proposal
Thursday, March 30th, 2006
By Chris Fitzsimon
N.C. members of Congress hear from constituents on immigration-reform bills
By Mary M. Shaffrey JOURNAL WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON
The Senate began what is expected to be more than a week’s worth of debate on immigration reform yesterday, a debate that North Carolina’s representatives say has caught the attention of business leaders and community groups.
Congressional offices have been inundated with e-mail, postcards and faxes from constituents over legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to remain in the country, and possibly pursue citizenship.
Ed McDonald has worked for Rep. Howard Coble, R-6th, for all but one of Coble’s 22 years on Capitol Hill. McDonald, who serves as chief of staff, said that the immigration issue has emerged as a leading issue for legislators over time.
"Immigration is far and away the No. 1 issue case-workers work on," he said.
The recent attention to immigration ranks in "the top five" of all constituent calls and letters during his time in Washington, he added.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., alluded to a long debate during his opening remarks last night when he said he expected the issues to be "passionately discussed."
"Our effort, when you boil it down, is about the American dream," he said.
Frist’s immigration-reform bill does not offer any proposals to deal with the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country, other than ramping up enforcement and border security.
A competing proposal that was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday is under consideration as well. That bill allows illegal immigrants to stay in the country and have a chance at eventual citizenship.
"It’s amnesty, that’s just what it is" said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., who opposes the bill from the Judiciary Committee. He is among politicians said to be considering a filibuster if the bill gains support. (more…)
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