Will US Senate Force through “Amnesty Bill” Despite Public Discontent?

Polls indicate 69% of Americans surveyed want border security and enforcement of immigration laws rather than so-called comprehensive immigration reform, yet the Senate is apparently going to try to force through the latter before the upcoming holiday.

Harry Reid allowed very little criticism or debate on the Senate floor today as certain amendments to the "immigration reform" bill, which many Americans refer to as the “amnesty bill,” were voted on. A procedural vote is scheduled for tomorrow and 60 votes are required to prevent the killing of the bill. Those who support the legislation hope they can scrape together enough votes and if so, intend to try to complete the measure by Friday. Constituents continue writing and calling their elected officials, and some lawmakers are actually listening. Republicans Kay Bailey Hutchison and David Vitter both made strong statements. Hutchison was quoted as saying she saw no way she could vote the legislation in “any form.” Vitter said it was “disgraceful” that he and others were not being allowed to do the work of their constituents. More quotes on Bloomberg, including one from Arlen Specter (R) Pennsylvania, one of the sponsors of the bill. Specter stated that supporters of the bill will "see the will of the Senate work one way or another.'' The will of the Senate? What happened to the will of the people? This “amnesty bill” may leave a bad taste in voters’ mouths even if it does not pass. It appears that many people feel betrayed by their elected officials and it’s unlikely they’ll forget about this issue during the next election. This goes for Democrats and Republicans alike, as John McCain who supports the measure is learning. In his bid for the presidency he is not enjoying the support he once did. Only about 20% of the people polled supported this legislation and the percentage of likely primary voters who now support John McCain is only about half of that at 11%. *Poll data per Rasmussen Reports.