TWICJUN29

To garner support from opponents the bill required that immigration and visa elements of the bill may not move forward until the Secretary of Homeland Security has submitted written certification to the President and Congress that DHS has operational control and the ability to monitor 100% of the US border with Mexico, that Customs and Border Protection has hired, trained, and deployed 20,000 full-time agents, that 300 miles of vehicle barriers and 370 miles of fencing have been installed, that 105 ground-based radar and camera towers are operating, and that four unmanned aerial vehicles, and their supporting systems have been deployed for use along the US / Mexico border.

Other 'trigger' requirements included DHS' ability to hold up to 31,500 illegal aliens per day on a yearly basis without 'catching and releasing' them, and an ID and documentation system that includes photo ID and biometric data. The ID would allow employers to query a Federal database and determine the alien's identity and work authorization as well as the authenticity of the Social Security number and other documents. A report from the President on progress towards the triggers every 90 days and GAO report within 30 days on the validity of the President's certification was required.

The new bill, (S 1639), was further defined by amendments.

Amendments required that the integrated exit and entry system is operating, assignment of Social Security numbers is made nearly immediate, and information on immigrant status is accessible by law enforcement. Local and State law enforcement are authorized but not required to enforce immigration laws in the course of normal business. A system to complete background checks within 24 hours before granting a Z visa was required.

An amendment would remove from US jurisdiction any child born in the US of non-citizen parents. The Z-visa, renewable for two years, would require the applicant to be out of the US for 12 months prior to renewal. Those workers must show an effort to learn English and the provision allowing them to aspire to permanent residence status would be removed. Y-visa holders would not be allowed to bring spouses and family during their two year stay.

Other amendments would deny visa status for drunken driving, refusal to reveal Social Security numbers previously used, unwillingness to learn English and for other reasons.

Immigrants would have been required pay all taxes, Would not be covered by Social Security prior to gaining immigrant status nor would they receive credit for work done while illegal.

The bill did not receive the 60 votes necessary to continue further debate. The matter of immigration reform is likely to be taken up again in the next few months.

{Cloture Vote}

{S 1369 Report with amendments and votes}

{S 1348 Report and votes}

{S 1348 Amendments}

HOUSE BILL WOULD RESTRICT FEDERAL EDUCATION AID TO SCHOOLS OFFERING TUITION DISCOUNTS AND OTHER INCENTIVES TO ILLEGAL ALIENS

The higher education institutions would be denied US grants and loans if they are in States that authorize incentives to illegal aliens.

{HR 416}

Bills Set Spending for Interior, Treasury, White House;

Union Bill Failed

The House set spending for the Department of Interior at $26 billion for national parks, other Interior agencies, and the EPA. The Commission on Climate Change Adaptation is charged with recommending ways to deal with future climate change.

{HR 2643)

The Financial Services Appropriations bill aims to improve consumer protections, investment and government contracting oversight. Financial literacy would be bolstered and financial services in underserved populations and communities through such mechanisms as community development banks would be improved.

{HR 2829}

Senate did not agree to consider revised collective bargaining rules allowing for streamlined union representation should workers want.

{HR 800}

THE HOUSE AND SENATE ARE ADJOURNED UNTIL

JULY 9, 2007