Call and write the Senate - if we stop, they win

Though George W. Bush is supposed to be the President of the United States, a few days ago he told Hispanics to step into the middle of the Senate immigration debate and make sure that senators who have been bombarded with calls from Americans who oppose the bill also hear from them.

The amnesty bill was revived by the Senate's top Democrats and Republicans. They have been under pressure from pro-immigration groups and are facing a determined push by President Bush. Administration officials have worked hard to mobilize business groups and immigrant rights organizations.

But members of both parties caution that passage is anything but certain. Senator Reid said he will keep the Senate in session through their scheduled July Fourth vacation if necessary to ensure the immigration bill and the energy bill are finished.

Senate opponents showed no sign of acquiescing to the deal. 'I appreciate the extra $4.4 million effort to fund border security, but there's simply no reason why we should be forced to tie amnesty to it,' Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) said of the president's pledge. Referring to the extra funding, Rep. Brian P Bilbray of California, who is leading the opposition in the House, said 'Only in Washington would people believe that throwing money at the problem is going to solve it. This is a blatant attempt by senators to extort votes so they can fast-track an amnesty plan.'