The DREAM Act — a priority of Democrats in both Congress and the White House — faces a difficult future in the lame duck.
Even as Democrats in both chambers prepare to consider the measure this week, Republicans and centrist Democrats are already lining up to shoot it down.
The climb is particularly steep in the Senate, where Republicans will filibuster the hot-button bill, and even former sponsors now stand in opposition.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, for instance, was the lead sponsor of the original DREAM Act when it emerged nine years ago. But already facing pressure from conservatives surrounding his 2012 reelection bid, the six-term Utah Republican is "sprinting to the right" away from the proposal, according to Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice, an advocacy group lobbying for the bill.
Hatch spokeswoman Antonia Ferrier declined to comment Friday on whether Hatch supports the underlying policy. She said Hatch's opposition — at least in the near term — stems from the recent vow among Senate Republicans to deny everything that hits the floor before the Bush tax cuts and government funding issues are settled.
"Everything's a 'no' until the tax issue is resolved," Ferrier said.
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Orrin Hatch needs to be replaced.
ReplyDeleteDown with the "Dream Act" is GOOD to me. Our money, our jobs, our education and etc. should be afforded to the children and adults born in the United States of America legally. Thank you Congress. I'm sooooooooo tired of this illegally and anchor babies immigration bull. Down with the "Dream Act". Let's take care of our people and the unemployed citizens of the U. S. A.
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