Immigration Reform Bill Gaining Support In The House

By Sarah Mamula
Talk Radio News Service

“We have reached the milestone,” said Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) on Thursday. At a press conference surrounded by immigrants and other representatives, Gutierrez announced that the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity (CIR ASAP) bill he introduced has surpassed 100 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.

“The legislative clock is ticking,” stressed Gutierrez. “We know people are getting deported at the highest rate in modern history.”

Guttierez said the need for Congress to pass his plan is critical, especially with only one month to go before many provisions within the recently signed Arizona immigration law start to take effect. He called the Arizona law a call to action, and said a pragmatic solution must be found for what he referred to as a “broken system.” The Illinois Democrat added that he wants something passed before Congress recesses in August.

Gutierrez's bill would require illegal immigrants to register with the government, go through a background check, and learn English before becoming an American citizen.

With respect to a possible federal lawsuit against Arizona’s recent immigration law, Guitierrez said the legal action is not meant to fuel anger towards Arizona’s attempt at controlling its border, but rather to protect the constitutional rights that are entitled to everyone in the country. Guitierrez said the law is not a solution and could set a dangerous precedent if fully implemented in Arizona and other states.

“We simply cannot expect to get rid of a population about the size of Ohio, or their 4 million American citizen children,” said Gutierrez, referring to the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States.

Napolitano Says New Technology Will Help Secure U.S. Border

By Sarah Mamula - Talk Radio News Service

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday that border and immigration security is the responsibility of the federal government.

Napolitano praised President Obama for his efforts to increase border security in the southwest and added that "the Obama Administration has taken it's responsibility seriously."

According to Napolitano, the administration's strategy has been successful by obtaining personnel, resources and the technology required to protect the border.

"Statistics today reflect that this approach is working," assured Napolitano.

Napolitano said the U.S. Border Patrol has increased its numbers from 10,000 to 20,000 agents, more technology is being deployed to detect smugglers and illegal cargo, and businesses that consciously hire illegal immigrants are experiencing a federal crackdown.

In addition to increased cooperation between the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in combating border-related crimes, the 652 miles of fencing requested by Congress is expected to be completed by the end of the 2010.

"It is a very different picture now than it was before," said Napolitano. "For the first time, the Department of Homeland Security is screening 100 percent of southbound rail shipments for illegal weapons, drugs, and cash."

According to Napolitano, President Obama has requested an additional $500 million to be allocated towards securing the southwest border and will deploy 1,200 National Guard troops to strengthen the border.

Napolitano announced the beginning of computer system that will interconnect data systems of all state, local and tribal law enforcement entities working along the southwest border with those of the DHS and Department of Justice (DOJ). She also said that an automated license plate recognition system, called Project Road Runner, will also be implemented to target both north and southbound drug trafficking and associated illegal activity.

When questioned about the administration's lawsuit against Arizona's new immigration law and the refusal of the Republicans to agree with Obama's proposed immigration and border security reform, the Homeland Security Secretary refused to comment.

Congressional Black Caucus Urges Senate To Pass Jobs Bill

Robert Hune-Kalter
Talk Radio News Service

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) hand delivered a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Wednesday, urging him to support job creation, especially for America’s youth.

The Senate recently rejected a provision put forth by the House to create summer employment for youths but CBC Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said they were able to make headway in creating jobs for young Americans.

“In this bill we were able to negotiate a $1 billion provision for a summer youth jobs program, our black farmer settlement [and] an expansion of temporary assistance for needy families,” Lee said.

The CBC points out that although the unemployment rate dropped May, the unemployment rate for African-American youths showed a 1 percent increase between April and May to 38 percent.

“I used to remember when the summer came, young people were just anxious to have that opportunity for their first job, to deny that opportunity to young people today is a crime,” said Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J.)

The CBC is looking at passing a jobs bill as soon as possible, saying that funding would be most effective during the summer months while students are out of school.

“If the bill is approved at 3:30 today, we still have a problem, and that’s why we can’t wait,” said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Mo.). “The money goes through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to the state governments, then they go to the municipal government, which requires a vote to accept the money.”

Boehner Says Barton Will Remain Ranking Member

Robert Hune-Kalter-Talk Radio News Service

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) will continue to serve as Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee despite the Texas Republican’s widely criticized apology to BP.

“Joe Barton recanted his apology to BP last week, and apologized to colleagues today,” Boehner said during a press briefing at the Republican National Committee headquarters.

The White House had suggested that House Republicans reconsider Barton’s status, pointing out that it may be unwise to let somebody with the Congressman’s views to have such a prominent voice in shaping energy policy.

Boehener was joined at the briefing by House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence (R-Ind.). The Republican leaders blasted the Democrats’ for declining to submit a budget.

Barton’s apology came during BP CEO Tony Hayward’s Capitol Hill appearance last week. Barton described the White House’s attempt to have BP set up a $20 billion escrow account to handle claims arising from the Gulf Coast spill as a “shakedown.”

“I do not want to live in a country where any time a citizen or a corporation does something that is legitimately wrong is subject to some sort of political pressure that … amounts to a shakedown. So I apologize,” Barton said.

Watchdog Group Questions Kagan's Qualifications

Robert Hune-Kalter
Talk Radio News Service

Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, held a panel Tuesday with hopes of shedding light on Supreme Court Justice nominee Elena Kagan’s lack of experience.

“Would you pick an imminent jurist with years of experience on the bench, known for fairness and application to the law, perhaps, President Obama did not, he chose someone with zero levels of experience,” said Carrie Severino, Chief Counsel and Policy Director at the Judicial Crisis Network.

According to Judicial Watch, Kagan has had very little experience trying cases in court or spending time as a judge and the group said there is very little known about her policies and consider her to be a “stealth candidate.”

“She freely mixes in her legal analysis, ideology, personal opinions, policy, all as if there is no difference,” said Curt Levey.

The panel hopes the Senate will weigh all options and take all factors into consideration before making a decision.

“Our founding father’s never envisioned the Senate being a rubber stamp for the president,” said Brian Darling, Director of Senate Relations at Heritage Foundation. “That does not mean the Senate should be a rubber stamp for whomever the President sends for confirmation.”