Reid adds controversial immigration measure to defense bill
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/09/14/art.getty.harry.reid.jpg caption="Harry Reid said he will add the DREAM Act to a defese policy bill next week."]
Washington (CNN) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday he will add the DREAM Act, a controversial immigration measure, to a defense policy bill the Senate will take up next week.
The decision means the defense bill, which often passes with bipartisan support, will be home to two major, thorny political issues – the other being the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Reid called the DREAM Act "really important" and said it should be passed because it provides a path to citizenship for young illegal immigrants who go to college or serve in the military. DREAM is an acronym for Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act.
"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."
Many Hispanic voters are angry with Democratic leaders for not doing more to pass an immigration overhaul. The decision by Reid to add the DREAM Act now could help soothe that anger.
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 doesn't know if he has enough votes.
A desparate act by a desparate man.
The Lame duck bills have begun!
Hey . . . maybe we should adopt the same policy as Iran. For everyone who illegally enters our country, fine them $500,000 . . . that would certainly help our economy. Instead, we just let everyone in . . . ignoring the rule of law and we pay for their healthcare, the birth and schooling of their children, etc. etc. Unless "we the people" rise up and say "stop . . . NO MORE" . . . it will continue.
Please vote these people out. If nobody votes for the defense bill now that this fool has added the nightmare act too it will all be on the heads of the democrats. If a dam bill is not good enough to stand alone on it's own for a vote yea or nea it does not need to be passed. To hold a very important bill hostage for the likes of this crap is TRRASON. When are we going to start putting these fools in jail for their crimes???????????
Can't the Dems ever do anything on the up and up? (And I'm not talking about 'Bawney Fwank'....)
stop the liberals at any costs
If this is so important then pass it on its own accord....Nothing should be piggy backed that could and prob will derail this country and turn it into the new Mexico...
Reid is a scumbag. Don;'t hide your liberal crap in the defense bill. Bring immigration reform up on it's own if you have the cajones, which you do not. You are a little man, a wimp. You are the guy, when we were kids, we beat the crap out of because you are/were such a sniveling little prick.
The time has come to stop everything. Quit trying to buy votes with money we don't have!
Reid needs to given a home down in an outdoor privy.
What a dirt bag.......
It is criminal to try to sneak in a mass amnesty inside another spending bill. If it was a good idea, it should stand alone on its merits. EXCEPT amnesty is a very bad idea that will undermine millions of unemployed American citizens and their families.
Every amnesty ever given has brought waves of more illegal immigration after it.
Reed is a poor excuse for a Senator. Please Nevada, put him out to pasture where he belongs.
Reid, trying to destroy America one bill at a time.
Reid, the old dinosaur turd, is trying to win an election the Stinkle Barry way......just buy the votes. Oh, important note, do it with the taxpayer's money not your own. Good God, is November here yet?
How do illegal immigrants get into the US military?
Are they hiring other non-Americans like russians, iranians, syrians, north koreans as well??
Amnesty by any other name. Shame on Reid.
"Doubling Down On Defeat", by Harry Reid.
Has our Congress *ever* flipped super-majoritys?
Hey Harry, How about add an Idiot Elimination Act to the bill?
It would get rid of you and all the democrats who can't understand why tax, spending, and regulation reductions are more important for economic growth than higher taxes, more debt and giveaways to buy votes from the unproductive.
Harry Reid has done nothing wrong, improper, or shady in all his years in government. Just ask him. He'll agree.
It makes me sick when any politician adds-on bullcrap to a defence bill. I am hoping this old douche gets voted out along with the rest of the trash.
Harry is desperate to buy votes. Can you blame him? He's losing his job and I am sure this is traumatic to watch from his perspective. He is bound to do just about anything. It doesn't matter. He is toast.
We already have in place those that serve in our military a path to US citizenship. What the DREAM act does is ADD COLLEGE, which is another route for amnesty. Surely those liberals (OOPS, PROGRESSIVES) can see the difference.
Once again another reason to vote OUT Harry Reid...
Legal citizens can't afford college, but taxpayers should be expected to pay college costs for illegal immigrants? Reid and his supporters are taking this nation on the fast track to insolvency.
Time to put this garbage in the can. Let him serve his time under Sheriff Joe where he belongs.
Anything to ruin this country as fast as you can huh Harry??