Hill Cool to Bush Immigration Plan

Washington Post ^ | January 11, 2004 | Helen Dewar

[Pubbie]

President Bush's proposal to give temporary legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants is running into stiff resistance from both left and right on Capitol Hill and stands little chance of enactment this year, according to supporters and opponents.

While this assessment is based on early responses, with the lobbying effort barely begun, some lawmakers say the measure's only chance of passage this year would require an all-out push by the president, and even that might not be enough. Many liberal Democrats say the plan does not go far enough in helping immigrants attain U.S. citizenship. And many conservative Republicans, especially in the House, say it goes too far in rewarding foreigners who broke the law to enter the country.

In light of these divisions, consensus may be difficult if not impossible in the politically charged atmosphere of a presidential and congressional election year, congressional and other sources said.

[SNIP]

It usually takes several years to pass major immigration bills, which are legally complex and politically sensitive. Moreover, they generally are drafted on a bipartisan basis, which is difficult in an election year.

Because of these factors, even GOP congressional leaders appear skeptical about prospects this year.

"Democrats are not going to want to give Bush a victory in an election year, and there is some significant opposition from conservative Republicans," a senior House Republican leadership aide said. "This makes it very difficult to do in an election year." The aide estimated as many as 50 House Republicans could vote against the proposal.

"It's something we're going to try to do, but it's going to be tough," said an aide to GOP leaders in the Senate, which is regarded as more open to liberalizing immigration rules.

Foes were even more dubious about prospects. "Based on the conceptual plan as laid out, it's highly unlikely it will ever see the light of day" in Congress, said Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), an outspoken critic of Bush's proposal.

[SNIP]

Some strategists in both parties believe Bush may be content to use the proposal in his reelection campaign to court Latino voters, rather than push it to a vote this year.

[Pubbie]

I'm not entirely opposed to a Temporary Guest Worker program that doesn't lead to citizenship, however, if you want to help block this Proposal, I suggest you contact these Congressmen:

***REPUBLICAN HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS***




*Chairman Of The Committee, James Sensenbrenner*

Washington, D.C. Office
To write about issues pending in Congress, internships, flags, or tours, contact:
2449 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-4905
Telephone: (202) 225-5101

My e-mail address is sensenbrenner@mail.house.gov.
If you contact me through e-mail, please include your postal mailing address.

*Henry Hyde*

Washington D.C.
2110 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4561
Fax: (202) 225-1166

*Howard Coble*

Washington, DC
2468 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-3306
Phone: 202.225.3065
Fax: 202.225.8611

EMAIL: howard.coble@mail.house.gov

*Lamar Smith*

Washington D.C. Office
2231 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-4236
202-225-8628 fax

*Elton Gallegly*

Office of Congressman Elton Gallegly
2427 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515-0523 Phone: (202) 225-5811
FAX: (202) 225-1100

*Bob Goodlatte*

Washington, DC Office:
2240 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-5431
(202) 225-9681 fax

*Steve Chabot*

Washington Office

129 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

(202) 225-2216
(202) 225-3012 (fax)

*Bill Jenkins*

Congressman Bill Jenkins
1207 Longworth Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone No. (202) 225-6356
Fax. (202) 225-5714

*Chris Cannon*

Washington Office
118 Cannon House
Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-7751
Fax: (202) 225-5629
Email: cannon.ut03@mail.house.gov

*Spencer Bachus*

Washington, D.C. Office
442 Cannon Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
202 225-4921 phone
202 225-2082 fax

*John Hostettler*

Washington, DC Office
1214 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
TEL: (202) 225-4636
FAX: (202) 225-3284

Email- John.Hostettler@mail.house.gov

*Mark Green*

Congressman Mark Green
1314 Longworth Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5665
Fax: (202) 225-5729

Mark.Green@mail.house.gov

*Ric Keller*

Washington Office:

419 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone (202) 225-2176
Fax (202) 225-0999

*Melissa Hart*

Washington, DC Office
1508 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Ph. 202-225-2565
Fx. 202-226-2274

*Jeff Flake*

Washington, DC Office Address:

424 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0301


(202) 225-2635 - phone
(202) 226-4386 - fax

*Mike Pence*

In Washington DC
1605 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3021 office
(202) 225-3382 fax

*J. Randy Forbes*

WASHINGTON DC OFFICE
307 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-6365
Fax: 202-226-1170

*Steve King*

Washington, D.C. Office
Office of Congressman Steve King
1432 Longworth Office Building
Washington D.C. 20515
(202) 225-4426
Fax: (202) 225-3193

*John Carter*

Washington, D.C. Office
408 CHOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3864

*Tom Feeney*

Washington, D.C. Office

323 Cannon House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
phone:(202) 225-2706
fax:(202) 226-6299

*Marsha Blackburn*

509 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
202-225-2811
202-225-3004 fax

[Pubbie]

*Ping*!

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[wardaddy]

Does anyone have a Tom DeLay response to the President's proposal?

[.cnI redruM]

>>>>>>"Based on the conceptual plan as laid out, it's highly unlikely it will ever see the light of day" in Congress, said Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), an outspoken critic of Bush's proposal.

Gallegly is a stud. I love hearing it straight and without a chaser.

[Pubbie]

I read that Delay said he had "serious reservations" about the plan.

He probably said that just to lower expectations of passing this thing because he knows that at least 80 Republicans would vote against this thing in it's current form.

I don't think the House leadership wants to touch this becasue it is so divisive in the Caucus.

[umgud]

I am in favor of a guest worker program, but only after we address illegal immigration and the anchor baby issue.

[wardaddy]

Nor is it clear how far Republican leaders in Congress would go in pushing for quick action. Democrats said they believe the issue does not enjoy a high priority with GOP leaders, in part because it is so divisive in their caucuses. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) has said he is optimistic about the bill's prospects. But House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.), while stopping short of declaring opposition, said he had "heartfelt reservations" about a program that "seems to reward illegal behavior ."

Looks like DeLay is either fence sitting or wishes not to publicly clash swords at this juncture with a President he is known to admire.

[wardaddy]

Yes.

[kellynla]

Wardaddy, I can tell you that I understand Delay is against the idea but I can't quote you chapter and verse at this moment. Thanks for the ping, Pubbie. This whole GWB proposal is DOA, in fact I doubt if it even makes it to the floor of congress. Bottom line, I think it was just a trial ballon or maybe posturing so W could say he "wanted" to help the Hispanics eventhough his heart is not really in it. Rove probably told him he might pick up some Hispanic votes although I think the Hispanic-Americans are against the idea. Have a great Sunday.

[truthkeeper]

Hill Cool to Bush Immigration Plan

Well, thank God. Here's a sanity BTTT!

[VU4G10]

Conservative Republicans ?

[navyblue]

President Bush needs to get a clue and remember that little thing called American sovereignty.

The principle of the sovereignty of the people, which is always to be found, more or less, at the bottom of almost all human institutions, generally remains there concealed from view. It is obeyed without being recognized, or if for a moment it is brought to light, it is hastily cast back into the gloom of the sanctuary. - - Alexis de Toqueville

Even the French knew better!

[KantianBurke]

Haha! Hey Frist, kiss my tukas!

[international american]

"Gallegly is a stud. I love hearing it straight and without a chaser."

He is my rep, and is zeeee best!! Also has a lot of clout on the hill!

[tiamat]

truthkeeper wrote:

Hill Cool to Bush Immigration Plan

Well, thank God. Here's a sanity BTTT!

**********************************

I really think bush knows they won't go for it , too.
Nor does he truly expect it to pass as proposed.

I think the plan is Election Year manuevering, and stealing the Dem's thunder ( again)
President Bush has stolen several of the Leftist's "pet causes" and knows darn well that they will never fly, but it makes him look and sound good to some parties.

Just politics

Tia

[Cubs Fan]

At least there is still some conservatism left in the republican party.

[Pubbie]

That is my theory too!

[Imal]

Many liberal Democrats say the plan does not go far enough in helping immigrants attain U.S. citizenship. And many conservative Republicans, especially in the House, say it goes too far in rewarding foreigners who broke the law to enter the country.

In other words, the president is on the right track after all.