Here’s a list of the major amendments rejected by the Senate thus far during this week’s debate on the Bush/Kennedy/McCain immigration compromise bill. The list was compiled by analysts at The Heritage Foundation:
A Majority of the Senate Voted to Retain Amnesty for Illegals
Amendment #1157 – Strikes the “Z visa” section granting amnesty to illegal immigrant
REJECTED By a vote of 29-56
Mr. VITTER: “The Z visa is amnesty, pure and simple. … Why is it so hard for us to acknowledge the fact, acknowledge the negative consequences that flow from it, and correct it?”
A Majority of the Senate then Ok’d Amnesty for Terrorists & Gang Members
Amendment #1184 – To prohibit the legalization of gang members, terrorists and other criminals
REJECTED By a vote of 46-51
Mr. CORNYN. “[My amendment would] permanently bar from the
United States
A Majority of Senators Said ‘No’ to Enforcing Existing Immigration Laws
Amendment #1311 – Requires enforcement of existing border security and enforcement laws
REJECTED By a vote of 42-54
Mr. Coburn. “The American public cannot trust any new promises made by the Congress… This amendment… [will] restore the public’s faith in Congress’ willingness to protect our nation by securing our borders and enforcing the law.”
A Majority of Senators Think Immigration Should Favor Low-Skill Labor
Amendment #1374 – Improves merit based system by giving high
skill, high-tech talent greater priority
REJECTED By a vote of 42-55
Mr. ENSIGN. “My amendment fixes the merit-based system and says we want to attract the best and the brightest from around the world.”
A Majority of the Senate Approved Taxpayer Funded Healthcare for Illegals
Amendment #1197 – To require illegals to maintain a minimum level of private health insurance as a condition of receiving a Z Visa
REJECTED By a vote of 43-55
Mr. DEMINT: “…we should at least minimize the burden of health care costs paid by American taxpayers. …It will also ensure that Z Visa holders will have health coverage for serious illnesses.”
A Majority of the Senate Supported Special Preferences for Illegals
Amendment #1189 – To eliminate the preference for citizenship to illegal aliens present in the
REJECTED By a vote of 31-62
Mr. ALLARD. “My amendment…puts applicants for citizenship on a level playing field.”
The Senate Refused to Enforce Existing Laws
Amendment #1158 – To end sanctuary cities
REJECTED By a vote of 48-49
Mr. COLEMAN: “There is existing Federal law which says that municipalities may not… prohibit…sharing information with Federal authorities about immigration status.”
The Senate Failed to Protect the Voter Ballot
Amendment #1170 – To require voter identification REJECTED By a vote of 41-52
Mr. McCONNELL. “We need to…protect…against illegal voting. …Non-citizens do not have this right. Those who don’t abide by our laws are not free to influence our political process or our policies with a vote.”
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