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June 11, 2007

ISSUE 1170

IMMIGRATION REFORM SUFFERS SENATE SETBACK

The Senate rejected a Democratic effort June 7 to move toward a final vote on compromise immigration reform. Only 45 senators voted to cut off debate on the sweeping legislation; 50 senators voted to oppose the cutoff. The vote came after Republicans said they had not been given enough time to work with the bill.

Majority leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., pulled the bill from the floor saying that although “we are finished with this for the time being,” that the Senate would “leave the door open to revisit immigration later this year.”

Just the day before, FFVA Member Jerry Mixon, a grower of blueberries and citrus, testified before the House on the need for comprehensive immigration reform. His testimony highlighted the economic ripple effects that would occur in communities across the country if Congress does not enact comprehensive reform that includes agriculture.

ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S RAP-UP

(Members-Only articles are indicated in bold.)