Reid Issues Statement On Border Bill's Passage

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) issued the following statement on the passage of the $600 million border security bill:

“Nevadans understand the challenges that exist because of our broken immigration system. We need comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, cracks down on unscrupulous employers, and requires those here illegally to get right with the law, learn English, pay taxes, pass criminal background checks, and go to the back of the line. This morning, the Senate passed a $600 million border security package that will help law enforcement officials in the fight against smuggling and other criminal activities in the border area. But I continue to believe that increased enforcement along our borders is only one part of a sound, comprehensive solution to fix our broken immigration system, and more work remains to achieve that ultimate goal.

“Democrats are open to working with Republicans toward a bipartisan solution on comprehensive immigration reform. And we are hopeful that Republicans will match our commitment to fix our broken system in a way that respects our laws and honors our values as a nation.”

Unemployment Benefits Claims Increase

According to statistics released this morning by the U.S. Department of Labor, applications for jobless benefits increased by 2,000 last week. In total, 484,000 Americans filed first-time claims, the highest number since February. Click here for the full report…

Sharpton Blames Press For Rangel's Troubles

The Rev. Al Sharpton indicted members of the news media last night during a lavish bash to celebrate the 80th birthday of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.).

“You have started and executed the political crucifixion,” Sharpton said at the event, which was held in Manhattan’s posh Plaza hotel.

Rangel faces over a dozen charges that he violated House ethics rules.

Senate Ethics Panel Re-Opens Probe Into Countrywide Loans

The Hill newspaper reports today that the Senate Ethics Committee has decided to take another look into the participation of Senators and staffers in a VIP mortgage lending program at Countrywide Financial Corp…

California Awaits Gay Marriage Decision

Same-sex couples in California may be able to marry as soon as Thursday, pending a decision from U.S. District Judge John Vaughn Walker. 

Walker, who last week ruled that a ballot initiative to outlaw gay marriage was unconstitutional, accepted a request from same-sex marriage opponents to put a temporary stay on his verdict. He will rule today on whether or not it will be maintained as proponents attempt to appeal last week’s ruling.