Reid Attaches Controversial Immigration Measure to Defense Bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday that he will add the DREAM Act, a controversial and divisive immigration measure, onto a defense policy bill the Senate plans to consider next week.  With his political maneuver, Reid hopes to divide Republicans between voting in favor of the defense bill — a measure that would likely normally pass with bipartisan support — and in opposition to the DREAM Act.  Also attached to the defense bill is a measure to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy barring gays from openly serving in the armed forces.

The DREAM Act –or the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act — would provide a path to citizenship for young immigrants currently living in the country illegally so they can freely enroll in school or serve in the military.  ”I know we can’t do comprehensive immigration reform,” Reid said at a news conference. “But those Republicans we had in the last Congress have left us.”

In the past, the DREAM Act fell short of cloture in the Senate.  This time, however, the bill has a supporter in the White House. President Barack Obama helped to pass similar legislation while in the Illinois state legislature, and has voiced support for the federal legislation on the campaign trail.

Critics say the legislation would spend federal money on undocumented immigrants at the expense of American citizens and may actually encourage illegal immigration. They also argue that DREAM Act is little more than amnesty disguised as education reform and that American citizens would be forced to compete with undocumented immigrants for access to the country’s colleges and universities.

Reid himself is facing a tough reelection campaign that may come down to key votes from the Latino community.  In addition, President Obama and Democrats in Congress have previously promised immigration activist groups and labor unions progress in moving toward citizenship for America’s estimated 12 million illegal immigrants.  The DREAM Act may prove to be Democrats’ last best hope of appeasing Hispanic voters before the election without alienating other voting blocs who oppose amnesty for illegals.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called Reid’s decision “needlessly controversial.”

The Senate will need 60 votes to take up the bill next week, and Reid said Tuesday he is not yet sure if he has enough votes.

Comments (79)

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  • GulfPeg
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 5:27am

    Reid has sold his soul to the devil!

    Report Post »  
  • GulfPeg
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 5:25am

    We only have to hope that the Democrats that have run from Obama REALLY mean it by voting NO to the Defense Bill that includes the Amnesty Bill.

    Report Post »  
  • ZeitgeistBuster
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 4:52am

    Harry, I know this is a repugnant thought to you, but I don’t care how it hits you. The country belongs to the average joe out here.

    I know that you are working to punish us and give it to others who have no stake in it, … that America belongs to the world somehow, … but only God can make that determination.

    I know that he dispossesed Ancient Israel for turning their backs on their agreement they made with God. I pray that if God is showing us the door in our time, that we make like the people of Ninevah and humble ourselves.

    But if we are being overpowered by God’s hand, then Senator Reid you are playing the wrong part. Instead of putting yourself in the role as one who benefits from our being dispossesed, shouldn’t you rather stand in the gap, and have some thought for the suffering that may be visited on us and our children?

    What has happened to your humanity sir?

    Report Post » ZeitgeistBuster  
  • 2ndrevolution
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:18am

    Harry Reid is suffering from terminal brain damage caused by years of progressive liberalism. There is no cure.

    Perhaps we can have all the illegals move to Harry Reid’s community and he can personally pay for all of their medical care, education expenses, unemployment, and all the rest of the freebies that “we the people” are paying them with our tax dollars.

    “We the people” have had enough!!!!!!!! Throw this bum out of office and don’t pay his pension or health care benefits. He’s been robbing the taxpayers of this country long enough.

    Report Post »  
    • annieoakley
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:24pm

      All of the thieves in congress are complicit. They are on the public dole and only represent themselves and the GOP and whatever is left of the Democratic Party. Maybe Rove is pissed because people aren’t behind the GOP, but what good does it do to vote for a Republican if they are going to vote like a DEMORAT.

      Report Post »  
  • Timekeeper
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 2:04am

    This is exactly the type of politician and Politics that WE need to clean out – from City Hall – to teh Halls of Congress. …attatching a backdoor amnesty bill to a “defense authorization bill” is dishonest dispicable pander politics. Harry REID has done nothing in 24 years in the senate. He’s best known for his backroom deals, the middle of the night vote on healthcare and vote buying with the Louisianna Purchase, the Corn Husker Kickback and the Florida Flim Flam. KEEP Voting them out – We ARE maing a difference and after November Congress WILL look more like US. Thank God.

    Report Post »  
  • RedStag
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:50am

    I can’t wait until this guy is doing stupid crap in the privacy of his own house. Stop disgracing our capitol building, you jerk!

    Report Post »  
  • David Foxfire
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:49am

    This is why we need to put a new amendment in the constitution: No Riders to bills, No Add-ons to bills, and all bills NEED TO BE READ ALOUD in it’s entirety before a vote can even be called.

    Report Post »  
  • stonebrash
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:42am

    A frequently used technique: slip a little poison into an otherwise needed bill. Gives the Republicans a terrible choice to make. Vote for it and they spread the poison. Vote against it and they look like they are, once again, opposing what is needed.
    If Republicans did call their bluff maybe Dems would be forced to bring bill back later without the poison?

    Report Post » stonebrash  
  • behonest
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:25am

    I really think it is time to bring our troops home to defend our soil, They are needed hear!!!!!
    I am so sick of these people in congress using our soldiers and children to push through every socialist agenda “We should call their bluff”

    Report Post » behonest  
  • the blazer
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:21am

    Let your pals in Congress know how you feel on this. Both Houses. All Repubs need your support on standing against this; Dems need to know you are not fooled by their tricks. Send Reid’s opponent a couple bucks.

    Report Post »  
    • tierrah
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 5:24am

      just emailed both senators and the retiring representative to get some courage and stand up to this idiocy!!!!!!!

      Report Post » tierrah  
  • zolon5
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:18am

    Reid, Pelosi, Obama and the radical leftists have hi jacked the Democratic Party. George Soros and his billions is pulling the strings and financing the overthrow of our economy. By leaving the borders open, they gain not only votes, but overwhelm the states economy by draining their health, education and welfare coffers. By his radical printing of money he is devaluing the American dollar. Our savings will go up in smoke with inflation and when all is ruined, then Obama can begin to build the nation he wants from the ashes. The, U.S.S.A, The United Socialist States of America. We must get people out to vote……they are expecting a low turnout. If this is so, we will lose. Who is making plans for that possibility? Our people in office should be making plans ahead of time on how to proceed in bringing our beloved U.S.A. back to Constitutional values. For one, we need to start investigations into the Communists/Marxists, we have in Washington and clean house.

    Report Post » zolon5  
    • stepinwolf
      Posted on September 28, 2010 at 11:32pm

      ZOLON5 Reid, pelosi and obama have only one goal.. to make America a communist country. They will do anything to get their agenda complete. That means getting votes legal or not. Getting the illegals votes is very important to achieve their goal. I grew up in S. Calif. and have seen what happens when the illegals over run the system… Now Calif. is in the toilet and broke. I was in the army for 3 years and when i got back from Nam Calif. looked like Mexico. I just had to leave and now live in S. central Al. . I never wanted to see another weapon after i got out of the army….But now i have many to protect my family and never leave home with out my 44 mag. to many illegals to much crime. Wal Mart looks like the tijuana boarder the store is packed with ilegales…. But this is a democratic vote for sure. Don’t know how much longer we can take this invasion allowed by reid, pelosi and osama obama.. So lock and load my friend cuz there will be fire in the streets soon. And reid and the rest of all his commie snakes in Washington will do what they have to till our flag comes down for ever..

      Report Post »  
  • coldjoint
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 1:05am

    stop giving away the country. make them earn it.

    Report Post »  
  • CW2 B.
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:58am

    This is another reason why I hate politicians these days.

    Report Post » CW2 B.  
  • janie46
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:52am

    I think the part of this that is scariest is that DREAM is for minors! D is for development of what? The minds under thirty that are more maleable? R is for relief from what? Maybe just relief as in food stamps, medicaid and govt. money? wait, they already have access to that. E is for education in the socialist way? Required reading; Rules for Radicals (in spanish). If the population in the US is already too high (according to the smart people), then why is the govt. hell bent on adding to the number? But then, if common sense was required to be a congressman or senator, or president for that matter, all but about a handful would be out of work.

    Report Post »  
  • redneckphilosopher
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:45am

    I don’t think Harry cares if this passes or not. He needs the Latino vote so he can say at least I tried and he can say the Rep. just don’t care for the military or Latinos

    Report Post »  
  • jb1972
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:29am

    I agree, this is the crap of seasoned politicians that we are sick of.There needs to be laws banning unrelated material added to other bills. The republicans have to stand up and go after Reid and the Dems for even trying this!

    Report Post » jb1972  
  • RESTORATION1787
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:24am

    Once again, Reid is Hell bent on tearing this country apart. Defense + Amnesty, All or Nothing. What a slime ball to the exponential power!

    Report Post » RESTORATION1787  
    • Eagle07
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:55pm

      This is nothing more than a pathway to amnesty.Reid needs to go big time.

      Report Post »  
  • Debrabate
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:21am

    As a person that depends on the defense funding budget being passed…. as a military wife, daughter and mother… as an AMERICAN…

    I say no to this bill.

    I am tired of people sneaking junk in. The military and thier families are not dumb enough to fall for this. Surely those in Washington do not believe that everyone is just as dumb as the Establishment is!

    O’Donnell 2010!!
    You betcha WE WILL!

    Report Post » Debrabate  
  • grnhrn
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:11am

    What we need is “legislation” that a bill stands or falls on its own. No more attachments,riders, or any form of slipping in legislation under any non like bill. Didn’t they also slip something fishy into the child supplemental bill. I swear that when americans rise up and take it to the streets they will blame us- but the blood will be on their hands as the did everything possible to provoke it.

    Report Post »  
    • Montana Libertarian
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:02pm

      Of course, this proves we need four items institutionalized, whether by constitutional amendment or the rules in both houses of congress:

      1. No bill shall deal with more than a single topic.
      2. Each bill introduced will be published in full and proposed amendments to it published as offered. Such publication must be widely disseminated and complete at least 30 days prior to any vote.
      3. All votes in both houses of Congress shall be recorded as to how each member voted and the results published immediately. This pertains to committee votes as well as full house votes.
      4. All acts of Congress shall apply to Congress equally as they apply to the citizens of the nation.

      Montana Libertarian  
  • krjones
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:08am

    Rino’s beware!

    Report Post »  
  • JF
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:08am

    Wow, I must say Reid just wont stop, will he? I think he is trying to do as much damage to the United States as he can before being fired by the people. O’ Lord, I call upon You to help us! Please stop these people from tearing this country apart before we have a chance to humble ourselves before you and restore this nation under You again.

    Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
    • littlebin518
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 9:24am

      I add my voice to your prayer.
      I am not confident that somehow Reid will sneak through and pull out a win though.

      Report Post » littlebin518 ✟  
  • rose2580
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:05am

    Stinks on Ice Times 10 to the Nineth

    Report Post » rose2580  
  • carol m
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:05am

    OMG what a bunch of underhanded sneaks. These people have taken underhanded and sneaky to a new level. Now if the republicans don’t vote for the bill they will be villified because they do not support the soldiers. If they do support the bill they will be villified for letting illegal aliens in . I think Harry Reid knows he is done so he is gonna be like the GZ mosque they want a victory mosque. Well Harry Reid wants a victory before he gets booted out.

    Report Post »  
    • DanB
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 6:09pm

      A good analysis. The Democrat leadership has been saying that they’ll retain control this November come elections. I wonder if this sort of tactic is one of their aces up their sleeve. Though, probably more a Jack. I don’t trust the politicians right now. When they say they will remain in power when it seems like the polls show a different story, well, it sort of frightens me. And then I read your analysis of this move to toss the two issues together and it begins to make sense that they are trying to separate the Republican party from their base. It’s just too bad that they seem not realize that Republican Party is already perceived as separated from their base and are seemingly being dragged back to their base during the primaries….

      Report Post »  
  • Sunnyr
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:04am

    What an exercise in futility. This ignorant old fool must know this does not have a chance of passing. Democrats who are facing an election will run in the opposite direction. Idiot!

    Report Post » Sunnyr  
    • JF
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:09am

      we can only hope and pray!

      Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
  • jcatlanta
    Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:00am

    I hate to say this, but the conservatives need to NOT vote for this poison pill in the bill.

    Report Post » jcatlanta  
    • Watcher438
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 12:54am

      You’re right, though. We need a constitutional convention to stop these idiotic people from attaching lines into a bill that have nothing to do with the bill proposed. We need an ammendment to the constitution to put limits on what can be attached to any bill in congress. We need a “bill” resolution, so that congress can not attach any extra spending into any other bill that they propose. Unfortunately, they love their power so much, that that will probably never happen. I’m tired of seeing the “bridges to no-where” being attached to a defence bill or any other.

      Stupid kids,,,

      Report Post »  
    • 79USMC83
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 6:53am

      There should be a LAW that nothing can be attached to a NEW BILL that does not pertain to that BILL. This is the thing WE THE PEOPLE, that are the Homer Simpson’s to the elitist view as common sense. This is a tactic used by Career Politicians like Reid to create anger and make the other PARTY look bad. We have figured this one out REID!! Even Homer Simpson knows what you are trying to do!! Why do you think WE THE PEOPLE are standing up and saying ENOUGH of your PARTY POLITICS and PARTY AGENDA POLITICS. It is another example of sliding things in through the back door because you know WE THE PEOPLE are against AMNESTY!!! What we need in the DEFENSE BILL is a LAW for TERM LIMITS NOW !!!!!! To get rid of the REIDS,PELOSI and FRANKS of the “Government Stupid” that look down on WE THE PEOPLE as ignorant!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Mike Ivey 2010
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 7:47am

      I agree both Rep. and Dems do this attachment and it needs to be outlawed

      Report Post »  
    • BusManDan
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 10:32am

      In typical Washington fashion…if the Dims can hide this in the funding bill for the military and it gets voted down the Dims will use that to say that the Republicans are not supporting our troops…and try to make it a campaign issue. The Dims are already saying if the GOP wins a majority in November they will shut down the government by refusing to fund all the stupid spending the Dims have passed so far.

      Report Post »  
    • jeffdubya
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 11:35am

      Anyone calling for a concon is a shortsighted idiot.

      Report Post » jeffdubya  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on September 15, 2010 at 11:45am

      Jeffdubya,

      I would agree with your statement. However, like the internet shutdown option, the opening of a Con-Con, is one of the “Triggers” that will move the “Roof Top Voters” to begin casting their ballots @2900FPS. Since that is an event that will come one way or another, if they’re dumb enough to do it, let the game begin.

      Report Post »  
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