The DREAM Act amnesty is a hot topic in the Senate lame duck session this week. Senator Harry Reid continues to push this amnesty toward a vote, but the clock is ticking. Reid did not file for cloture today, but told senior aides that he intends to file early this week and move forward with the bill as promised.
Back on November 17th, @SenatorReid posted this on Twitter "I will move the DREAM Act as a stand alone bill in the lame duck. It's good for the economy & Pentagon says good for natl security."
Firm "NO" is a Good thing
Senator Hutchison's office took a good meeting with us and gave us a statement yesterday "Senator Hutchison has been consistent and clear about her position against the current DREAM Act legislation, particularly her concern that the bill goes far beyond the intended group of children who grew up in the U.S. and attended primary and secondary schools here." She will vote NO on the cloture and NO on the DREAM Act. Her staff was clear that she is not supporting the DREAM Act.
Senator LeMeiux's staff spent 20 minutes with us and said he is clearly opposed to the DREAM Act in its current form. His office communicated to us from a statement "he won't support such aid for the DREAM Act authorization and effective measures are taken to secure our borders." LeMeiux is a NO on cloture and a NO on the DREAM Act.
We had a very nice 30 minute meeting with Senator Kay Hagan's staff. She is opposed to the DREAM Act. Her staff said that she has made multiple statements against the bill but we could not pin down specifics. I'm comfortable reporting that she is a NO on cloture and a NO on the DREAM Act, but calls into her office to get the official statement on record would help.
Lindsey Graham's staff reported that he will not support the DREAM Act. His staff meet with us and were very polite. They pointed us to his statement on Fox News Sunday this past weekend. He will not support the DREAM Act as a stand-alone measure. We were instructed to call his press secretary for an official statement and to get something more on the record. He has not made a statement for the press, but he is a NO on cloture and a NO on the DREAM Act.
Senator Johanns staff was very pleasant and spent about 30 minutes with us. They were happy to see us and good to see people who are against the DREAM Act. His staff pointed us to his website and press room pages and releases. Johanns is a NO on cloture and a NO on the DREAM Act.
No Statement is a Bad sign
We need calls into John McCain's office. We did not get a statement from his office. We are working on scheduling a meeting for Tuesday or Wednesday, but we did not get anything from his staff on Monday.
Much the same from Scott Brown's office. No statement, they requested that we set a meeting.
Senator Gregg's office said that he is hoping to retire before a vote comes up! They said that we could schedule a meeting, but that his staff is pretty booked this week.
We had 20 minutes with Senator Jim Webb's staff, he did support the DREAM Act in 2007. He has no statement currently. His staff reported that the Department of Defense asked that the DREAM Act be included as part of a recruiting effort. They need and want the DREAM Act. However, his staff that he has no statement on the current bill and that he is reviewing the situation.
Ugly in Maine
It's coming. Staffers have the DREAM Act on their tally sheets, they are fielding calls left and right and answering emails from constituents. The calls are pretty even across the board, but the open-border and pro-amnesty side are getting more calls into Senators Collins and Snowe from Maine. Both of the lovely ladies from Maine voted YES for the DREAM Act in 2007.
The major push back from the GOP camp in Maine was that (1) the DREAM Act does have numerical limits as there is specific end frame called the "qualification period" and that our facts about "no end date for the application process" were not correct. (2) On in-state tuition, Collins staff communicated to us that her constituents are pushing for state rights and that shouldn't in-state tuition be a states rights issue and not a federal issue. This is a big point that we need to counter on. (3) They are probably dropping the age limit to 30 and there is no way that anyone up to age 35 or 41 as we were reporting could qualify. Another key point form our meeting here is that Collins' staff agreed that it was a complex problem, but that no one was coming to them with a solution for the 2.1 million young adults and that next year there will be more.
Both Senators voted NO a few months ago but strictly on the lines of procedure and lack of debate. They both want to discuss the issues and they are looking to their constituents for more input. The open-border sides are beating us 5 to 1 on phone calls and e-mails into their offices.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Grassroots Lobby Day 1
DREAM Act Lame Duck
Monday, November 29, 2010
SENATE TARGETS
Monday, November 29, 2010
SENATE TARGETS
- Collins
- Snowe
- Hagan
- Graham
- LeMeiux
- Hutchison
- McCain
- Brown
- Johanns
- Gregg
- Casey
- Webb
- Sessions
- DeMint
- Cornyn
- Can we meet with the Legislative Director or Legislative Assistant on Immigration for 20 minutes to discuss Immigration and the DREAM Act? We do not support the DREAM Act.
- If not today, then can we schedule a meeting for later this week?
- Has the Senator made a yet statement on the DREAM Act? Where can we find it? It is on their website? Can we have a copy?
- I understand that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is trying to force the DREAM Act amnesty through the Senate this week during the lame duck session. The American people are speaking loud and clear! We oppose amnesty and we expect Congress to stand with us.
- If Senator Reid brings the DREAM Act up during the lame duck session, we request that the Senator vote NO on cloture and NO on the DREAM Act.
- FAIR http://www.fairus.org/site/DocServer/DREAM_Act_one_page_2010_S3827.pdf?docID=5363
- NumbersUSA http://www.numbersusa.com/content/files/DREAM_1pager.pdf
- Senator Sessions http://www.fairus.org/site/DocServer/Sessions_DREAM_Act_Alert.pdf?docID=5381
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Cyber Monday, DREAM Act and Lame Duck
Happy Holidays to all. I hope that each and every one of you had a great Thanksgiving and happy holiday weekend. I enjoyed some much needed family and friend time, plus I got to travel across this great coutry of ours and now it's time to get back to work! Congress is back in session on Monday, November 29th and the DREAM Act is on the docket.
WHAT TO DO
We need you in DC this week if you can make it. The Tea Party Immigration Coalition is leading a 3 day Grassroots Lobbying charge starting Monday November 29, 2010. The group is advertising on Facebook and putting out an all points bulletin to all concerned citizens, Tea Party groups, 9/12 Patriots and all others united together. The groups will meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week at 9:30am at the Hyatt Regency Washington and head to the halls of Congress pushing the people's message to STOP the DREAM Act amnesty.
If you can be in DC on Monday (Nov 29), Tuesday (Nov 30) or Wednesday (Dec 1) this week. Please call or email or meet at the Hyatt on New Jersey Ave on Capitol Hill in DC. Please email immigrationactionreport@gmail.com for more details. Or just show up ready for a day in the halls of Congress. We need your help!
The unemployment rate is currently at 9%. Check here to see what it is in your state or county. Nevada is at 14.5%, California is at 12.2% and Wayne County, Michigan (Detroit) is at 14.4%. How can we grant amnesty to anyone until America is put back to work?
THIS IS A PROBLEM
The open-border coalition and pro-Amnesty groups are charging full speed ahead behind Senator Harry Reid and his promise to bring the DREAM Act up during the Lame Duck session. Queen Nancy Pelosi claimed that there could be a vote on the DREAM Act as early as November 29th, and President Obama said that he would like to see the bill on his desk by the end of the year. What else do you need to know?
The DREAM Act is Amnesty for 2.1 million young adults under the age of 35 who were brought to this country illegally. Many of them did not cross the border on their own, but their law breaking parents put them in harms way and placed them in this country without proper documentation. And now the want a reward? They want citizenship plus in-state college tuition? They want a free pass.
PLEASE IF YOU CAN
Please try to make it to Washington D.C. to help. The groups will meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week at 9:30am at the Hyatt Regency Washington and head to the halls of Congress pushing the people's message to STOP the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act will equal a nightmare for American taxpayers. Barron's estimates illegals may create an output of $400 trillion a year in their underground economy. That means a loss of about $400 billion in tax revenues for America, not to mention the money we lose that is sent back to relatives in their home country. Bear Stearns believes 4-6 million jobs have gone underground to illegals, which harms the American worker. And legitimate businesses suffer when forced to compete with the low prices and cheap labor of competitors who employ illegals. PLEASE IF YOU CAN. Get to DC this week.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
STOP - DREAM Act - Talking Points & Call List
While you are getting ready for Thanksgiving, Turkey Day, and Black Friday shopping day. Please take a few minutes to read over these alerts and take action if you are in any of the states below!
TALKING POINTS: It is very disappointing that Sen. Reid is trying to force an amnesty through Congress and onto the American people when 22 million Americans cannot find a job. Congress needs to concentrate on creating jobs for these Americans instead of creating amnesties for illegal aliens!
TALKING POINTS: I understand that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is trying to force the DREAM Act amnesty through the Senate during the lame duck session. I hope you realize that the American people have made it loud and clear that we oppose amnesty and we expect Congress to uphold our will. Losing the House does not give the Congressional Democratic Leadership the right to put millions more Americans out of work!
CALL THIS LIST TODAY -- IF YOU LIVE IN THESE STATES -- AND PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK HERE -- THANKS!!
**Special Thanks to NumbersUSA for the list below**
ALASKA
Sen. Lisa Murkowski She goes back and forth on amnesties. Did her scare in almost losing her seat make her a little more attentive on this kind of thing? Too often in the past, she has seemed to trade her vote FOR open borders to get some kind of pork barrel for the state. Will she be different this time?
Anchorage: 907-271-3735 907-271-3735
Fairbanks: 907-456-0233 907-456-0233
Ketchikan: 907-225-6880 907-225-6880
Wasilla: 907-376-7665 907-376-7665
Kenai: 907-283-5808 907-283-5808
KANSAS
Sen. Sam Brownback He voted YES on the DREAM amnesty back in 2007. But he remains uncommited this time in public. He was just elected governor. Help him see that a YES vote now would immediately hurt his approval ratings.
Topeka: 785-233-2503 785-233-2503
Wichita: 316-264-8066 316-264-8066
Overland Park: 913-492-6378 913-492-6378
Garden City: 620-275-1124 620-275-1124
Pittsburg: 620-231-6040 620-231-6040
LOUISIANA
Sen. Mary Landrieu She has generally voted with US, especially as she faced tough re-election in 2008. She falsely was reported last week as coming out as a YES. But why is she remaining Uncommitted?
New Orleans: 504-589-2427 504-589-2427
Baton Rouge: 225-389-0395 225-389-0395
Shreveport: 318-676-3085 318-676-3085
Lake Charles: 337-436-6650 337-436-6650
MAINE
Sen. Susan Collins She voted YES in 2007. But her statements this week lean toward NO. You have driven her to the brink of a good decision; help her do it right.
Portland: 207-780-3575 207-780-3575
Augusta: 207-622-8414 207-622-8414
Bangor: 207-945-0417 207-945-0417
Lewiston: 207-784-6969 207-784-6969
Caribou: 207-493-7873 207-493-7873
Biddeford: 207-283-1101 207-283-1101
Sen. Olympia Snowe She voted YES in 2007. But she is up for re-election in 2012. She has seen some other ensconced high-seniority Republicans nearly lose or lose to Primary challengers this year. A vote for amnesty now could make her a real target. It is a good sign that she hasn't declared herself a YES yet.
Portland: 207-874-0883 207-874-0883
Augusta: 207-622-8292 207-622-8292
Bangor: 207-945-0432 207-945-0432
Auburn: 207-786-2451 207-786-2451
Biddeford: 207-282-4144 207-282-4144
Presque Isle: 207-764-5124 207-764-5124
MICHIGAN
Sen. Debbie Stabenow When she was coming up for re-election in 2006, she voted with us. But after winning, she voted YES on the DREAM Amnesty in 2007. Now, she is a Democrat coming up for another election in 2012 after big Republican gains in Michigan in the 2010 election. She is obviously conflicted and afraid to reveal either way. How does she tell Michigan's unemployed in 2012 that she voted to give millions more work permits to illegal aliens?
Detroit: 313-961-4330 313-961-4330
Grand Rapids: 616-975-0052 616-975-0052
East Lansing: 517-203-1760 517-203-1760
Traverse City: 231-929-1031 231-929-1031
Flint: 810-720-4172 810-720-4172
Marquette: 906-228-8756 906-228-8756
MISSOURI
Sen. Claire McCaskill She voted NO in 2007 and has been one of the more reliable pro-enforcement votes among Democrats. Missouri swung strong toward Republicans in the 2010 elections. So, why is she holding back on announcingt a NO now? She was one of the original co-sponsors of Harry Reid's placeholder amnesty bill in winter of 2009. She is very close to Pres. Obama. She is conflicted. Like others on this Undecided list, she probably hopes the vote doesn't occur so she doesn't have to anger either side of the issue.
St. Louis: 314-367-1364 314-367-1364
Kansas City: 816-421-1639 816-421-1639
Springfield: 417-868-8745 417-868-8745
Columbia: 573-442-7130 573-442-7130
Cape Girardeau: 573-651-0964 573-651-0964
MONTANA
Sen. Max Baucus He was one of the few Democrats who voted NO last time. He has indicated he is leaning NO.
Helena: 406-449-5480 406-449-5480
Billings: 406-657-6790 406-657-6790
Bozeman: 406-586-6104 406-586-6104
Great Falls: 406-761-1574 406-761-1574
Glendive: 406-365-7002 406-365-7002
Missoula: 406-329-3123 406-329-3123
Kalispell: 406-756-1150 406-756-1150
Butte: 406-782-8700 406-782-8700
NEBRASKA
Sen. Ben Nelson He has been one of our more reliable Democrats but he voted YES on the DREAM amnesty in 2007. He is facing huge battle for re-election in 2012. He has just come out with a statement indicating he is leaning NO, but it is ambiguous.
Omaha: 402-391-3411 402-391-3411
Lincoln: 402-441-4600 402-441-4600
NORTH CAROLINA
Sen. Kay Hagan Her statements indicate leaning NO, but they aren't clear enough.
Charlotte: 704-334-2448 704-334-2448
Raleigh: 919-856-4630 919-856-4630
Asheville: 828-257-6510 828-257-6510
Greensboro: 336-333-5311 336-333-5311
Greenville: 252-754-0707 252-754-0707
NORTH DAKOTA
Sen. Kent Conrad One of few Democrats to vote NO last time and is leaning NO now. Up for re-election in 2012.
Fargo: 701-232-8030 701-232-8030
Bismarck: 701-258-4648 701-258-4648
Grand Forks: 701-775-9601 701-775-9601
Minot: 701-852-0703 701-852-0703
Sen. Byron Dorgan Our most reliable Democrat who voted NO last time. But he is retiring and perhaps has different senses of obligation. Why hasn't he clearly put himself in the NO column this time?
Fargo: 701-239-5389 701-239-5389
Bismarck: 701-250-4618 701-250-4618
Minot: 701-852-0703 701-852-0703
SOUTH CAROLINA
Sen. Lindsey Graham One of the most pro-amnesty Republicans. But he has said amnesties have to be linked to tough new enforcement. South Carolinians have thought he was impossible to budget, but their constant complaints to him on immigration seem to have helped him step away from pushing for a blanket amnesty earlier this year.
Columbia: 803-933-0112 803-933-0112
Greenville: 864-250-1417 864-250-1417
Pendleton: 864-646-4090 864-646-4090
Mount Pleasant: 843-849-3887 843-849-3887
Florence: 843-669-1505 843-669-1505
Rock Hill: 803-366-2828 803-366-2828
WEST VIRGINIA
Sen. Joe Manchin This Democrat is replacing the always-anti-amnesty Sen. Byrd. Manchin's statements indicate he is leaning NO. Time to get a commitment to what thre people of his state overwhelmingly want.
Washington, D.C.: 202-224-3954 202-224-3954
TALKING POINTS: It is very disappointing that Sen. Reid is trying to force an amnesty through Congress and onto the American people when 22 million Americans cannot find a job. Congress needs to concentrate on creating jobs for these Americans instead of creating amnesties for illegal aliens!
TALKING POINTS: I understand that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is trying to force the DREAM Act amnesty through the Senate during the lame duck session. I hope you realize that the American people have made it loud and clear that we oppose amnesty and we expect Congress to uphold our will. Losing the House does not give the Congressional Democratic Leadership the right to put millions more Americans out of work!
CALL THIS LIST TODAY -- IF YOU LIVE IN THESE STATES -- AND PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK HERE -- THANKS!!
**Special Thanks to NumbersUSA for the list below**
ALASKA
Sen. Lisa Murkowski She goes back and forth on amnesties. Did her scare in almost losing her seat make her a little more attentive on this kind of thing? Too often in the past, she has seemed to trade her vote FOR open borders to get some kind of pork barrel for the state. Will she be different this time?
Anchorage: 907-271-3735 907-271-3735
Fairbanks: 907-456-0233 907-456-0233
Ketchikan: 907-225-6880 907-225-6880
Wasilla: 907-376-7665 907-376-7665
Kenai: 907-283-5808 907-283-5808
KANSAS
Sen. Sam Brownback He voted YES on the DREAM amnesty back in 2007. But he remains uncommited this time in public. He was just elected governor. Help him see that a YES vote now would immediately hurt his approval ratings.
Topeka: 785-233-2503 785-233-2503
Wichita: 316-264-8066 316-264-8066
Overland Park: 913-492-6378 913-492-6378
Garden City: 620-275-1124 620-275-1124
Pittsburg: 620-231-6040 620-231-6040
LOUISIANA
Sen. Mary Landrieu She has generally voted with US, especially as she faced tough re-election in 2008. She falsely was reported last week as coming out as a YES. But why is she remaining Uncommitted?
New Orleans: 504-589-2427 504-589-2427
Baton Rouge: 225-389-0395 225-389-0395
Shreveport: 318-676-3085 318-676-3085
Lake Charles: 337-436-6650 337-436-6650
MAINE
Sen. Susan Collins She voted YES in 2007. But her statements this week lean toward NO. You have driven her to the brink of a good decision; help her do it right.
Portland: 207-780-3575 207-780-3575
Augusta: 207-622-8414 207-622-8414
Bangor: 207-945-0417 207-945-0417
Lewiston: 207-784-6969 207-784-6969
Caribou: 207-493-7873 207-493-7873
Biddeford: 207-283-1101 207-283-1101
Sen. Olympia Snowe She voted YES in 2007. But she is up for re-election in 2012. She has seen some other ensconced high-seniority Republicans nearly lose or lose to Primary challengers this year. A vote for amnesty now could make her a real target. It is a good sign that she hasn't declared herself a YES yet.
Portland: 207-874-0883 207-874-0883
Augusta: 207-622-8292 207-622-8292
Bangor: 207-945-0432 207-945-0432
Auburn: 207-786-2451 207-786-2451
Biddeford: 207-282-4144 207-282-4144
Presque Isle: 207-764-5124 207-764-5124
MICHIGAN
Sen. Debbie Stabenow When she was coming up for re-election in 2006, she voted with us. But after winning, she voted YES on the DREAM Amnesty in 2007. Now, she is a Democrat coming up for another election in 2012 after big Republican gains in Michigan in the 2010 election. She is obviously conflicted and afraid to reveal either way. How does she tell Michigan's unemployed in 2012 that she voted to give millions more work permits to illegal aliens?
Detroit: 313-961-4330 313-961-4330
Grand Rapids: 616-975-0052 616-975-0052
East Lansing: 517-203-1760 517-203-1760
Traverse City: 231-929-1031 231-929-1031
Flint: 810-720-4172 810-720-4172
Marquette: 906-228-8756 906-228-8756
MISSOURI
Sen. Claire McCaskill She voted NO in 2007 and has been one of the more reliable pro-enforcement votes among Democrats. Missouri swung strong toward Republicans in the 2010 elections. So, why is she holding back on announcingt a NO now? She was one of the original co-sponsors of Harry Reid's placeholder amnesty bill in winter of 2009. She is very close to Pres. Obama. She is conflicted. Like others on this Undecided list, she probably hopes the vote doesn't occur so she doesn't have to anger either side of the issue.
St. Louis: 314-367-1364 314-367-1364
Kansas City: 816-421-1639 816-421-1639
Springfield: 417-868-8745 417-868-8745
Columbia: 573-442-7130 573-442-7130
Cape Girardeau: 573-651-0964 573-651-0964
MONTANA
Sen. Max Baucus He was one of the few Democrats who voted NO last time. He has indicated he is leaning NO.
Helena: 406-449-5480 406-449-5480
Billings: 406-657-6790 406-657-6790
Bozeman: 406-586-6104 406-586-6104
Great Falls: 406-761-1574 406-761-1574
Glendive: 406-365-7002 406-365-7002
Missoula: 406-329-3123 406-329-3123
Kalispell: 406-756-1150 406-756-1150
Butte: 406-782-8700 406-782-8700
NEBRASKA
Sen. Ben Nelson He has been one of our more reliable Democrats but he voted YES on the DREAM amnesty in 2007. He is facing huge battle for re-election in 2012. He has just come out with a statement indicating he is leaning NO, but it is ambiguous.
Omaha: 402-391-3411 402-391-3411
Lincoln: 402-441-4600 402-441-4600
NORTH CAROLINA
Sen. Kay Hagan Her statements indicate leaning NO, but they aren't clear enough.
Charlotte: 704-334-2448 704-334-2448
Raleigh: 919-856-4630 919-856-4630
Asheville: 828-257-6510 828-257-6510
Greensboro: 336-333-5311 336-333-5311
Greenville: 252-754-0707 252-754-0707
NORTH DAKOTA
Sen. Kent Conrad One of few Democrats to vote NO last time and is leaning NO now. Up for re-election in 2012.
Fargo: 701-232-8030 701-232-8030
Bismarck: 701-258-4648 701-258-4648
Grand Forks: 701-775-9601 701-775-9601
Minot: 701-852-0703 701-852-0703
Sen. Byron Dorgan Our most reliable Democrat who voted NO last time. But he is retiring and perhaps has different senses of obligation. Why hasn't he clearly put himself in the NO column this time?
Fargo: 701-239-5389 701-239-5389
Bismarck: 701-250-4618 701-250-4618
Minot: 701-852-0703 701-852-0703
SOUTH CAROLINA
Sen. Lindsey Graham One of the most pro-amnesty Republicans. But he has said amnesties have to be linked to tough new enforcement. South Carolinians have thought he was impossible to budget, but their constant complaints to him on immigration seem to have helped him step away from pushing for a blanket amnesty earlier this year.
Columbia: 803-933-0112 803-933-0112
Greenville: 864-250-1417 864-250-1417
Pendleton: 864-646-4090 864-646-4090
Mount Pleasant: 843-849-3887 843-849-3887
Florence: 843-669-1505 843-669-1505
Rock Hill: 803-366-2828 803-366-2828
WEST VIRGINIA
Sen. Joe Manchin This Democrat is replacing the always-anti-amnesty Sen. Byrd. Manchin's statements indicate he is leaning NO. Time to get a commitment to what thre people of his state overwhelmingly want.
Washington, D.C.: 202-224-3954 202-224-3954
Friday, November 19, 2010
Obama makes major push for DREAM Act
Make no mistake about it, the DREAM Act will be coming up for a vote after Thanksgiving. The vote will be some time during the week of November 29th.
The President is behind it. Senator Harry Reid is behind it. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is behind it. And, we have a Lame Duck congress on their way out with nothing to lose. This is the perfect storm. The DREAM Act is Amnesty.
Below is the letter that Obama's team sent out to their entire e-mailing list today. Read it. Understand it.
I want you to realize how important it is to NOT let this DREAM Act pass during the Lame Duck session. Read below to see what the President is up to!
++++++++++++++++++++
Dear _____,
President Obama has made it clear: He wants Congress to deliver the DREAM Act to his desk before the year is out.
This important step forward on immigration reform would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented youth willing to work for a college degree or serve in our armed forces -- people who are Americans in every way but their legal status.
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have supported this change for years -- and it would be law today if it weren't for political posturing in Washington.
The American people showed this month they were tired of the gridlock -- but right now, members of Congress are wondering if people like you are going to hold their feet to the fire.
Stand with President Obama today -- and support the passage of the DREAM Act.
We all know that not everyone in Congress agrees on comprehensive immigration reform.
But that is exactly why we must move forward now in areas where there is broad support across the board.
President Obama has already moved ahead, toughening enforcement of the laws on the books. But that alone is not enough. This issue is too important for Congress not to act -- especially when 70 percent of voters support passing the DREAM Act and giving these hardworking youth a path forward.
It's a reform rooted in basic fairness.
Americans do not believe in punishing innocent children for their parents' actions. We believe in rewarding the folks who work hard to get an education; we believe in honoring the people who make great sacrifices to serve their country.
These are principles we take pride in -- principles that have made this nation great. And these are principles we need to stand up for today.
The President has taken a stand. Now he needs us to get his back.
Add your name to the sign-on letter and show that we will not stop fighting until the DREAM Act is sent to the President's desk:
http://my.barackobama.com/DREAMact
++++++++++++++++++++
The President is behind it. Senator Harry Reid is behind it. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is behind it. And, we have a Lame Duck congress on their way out with nothing to lose. This is the perfect storm. The DREAM Act is Amnesty.
Below is the letter that Obama's team sent out to their entire e-mailing list today. Read it. Understand it.
I want you to realize how important it is to NOT let this DREAM Act pass during the Lame Duck session. Read below to see what the President is up to!
++++++++++++++++++++
Dear _____,
President Obama has made it clear: He wants Congress to deliver the DREAM Act to his desk before the year is out.
This important step forward on immigration reform would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented youth willing to work for a college degree or serve in our armed forces -- people who are Americans in every way but their legal status.
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have supported this change for years -- and it would be law today if it weren't for political posturing in Washington.
The American people showed this month they were tired of the gridlock -- but right now, members of Congress are wondering if people like you are going to hold their feet to the fire.
Stand with President Obama today -- and support the passage of the DREAM Act.
We all know that not everyone in Congress agrees on comprehensive immigration reform.
But that is exactly why we must move forward now in areas where there is broad support across the board.
President Obama has already moved ahead, toughening enforcement of the laws on the books. But that alone is not enough. This issue is too important for Congress not to act -- especially when 70 percent of voters support passing the DREAM Act and giving these hardworking youth a path forward.
It's a reform rooted in basic fairness.
Americans do not believe in punishing innocent children for their parents' actions. We believe in rewarding the folks who work hard to get an education; we believe in honoring the people who make great sacrifices to serve their country.
These are principles we take pride in -- principles that have made this nation great. And these are principles we need to stand up for today.
The President has taken a stand. Now he needs us to get his back.
Add your name to the sign-on letter and show that we will not stop fighting until the DREAM Act is sent to the President's desk:
http://my.barackobama.com/DREAMact
++++++++++++++++++++
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Boehner, Cantor sprint past Nancy Pelosi on Facebook
Don’t blink twice, don't look now, but the number of middle-aged Americans over 35, 45, and even 55 on Facebook is growing fast. In the past few months, the number of people over 35 on FB has nearly doubled. Politicians take note! Marketers need to think about how to serve this group of new users.
Facebook is important for every brand, personality, politician and celebrity alike. Facebook’s audience has continued to grow in recent months, fueled by expansion primarily in users 26 and older. FB has been growing particularly rapidly amongst people over 45 across the country.
Facebook is important for every brand, personality, politician and celebrity alike. Facebook’s audience has continued to grow in recent months, fueled by expansion primarily in users 26 and older. FB has been growing particularly rapidly amongst people over 45 across the country.
Let's see what the Democrat and Republican leaders in the U.S. House have said in the past 24 hours. It's clear to see who got the memo.
Republican House Leadership
John Boehner I'm honored to have been elected by my colleagues to be Speaker-designate for the 112th Congress. Our new majority - forged by a movement that has repudiated Washington - will be humbler, wiser, & more focused on the priorities of the people. Americans want a smaller, less costly, more accountable government; more jobs & less spending. Our team, anchored by more than 80 new members, will fight to make it happen.
Eric Cantor I am humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me by selecting me to serve as the Majority Leader for the 112th Congress. I am eager to get to work on behalf of the American People. We are a nation at a crossroads, and it is our responsibility and our mandate to deliver results so that we can return America to opportunity, responsibility and success.
Kevin McCarthy Honored to be selected the Republican Majority Whip for the 112th Congress by my colleagues.
Democrat House Leadership
Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- No comment, nothing
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer -- No comment, nothing
Majority Whip James Clyburn I look forward to working with our tremendous team to create jobs and continue moving our country forward as Assistant Leader.
Facebook Users By Age and Gender
With the rapid growth amongst older users, the majority of US Facebook users are now over 25. There are now 6 million users 13-17, 19.5 million 18-25, 13.4 million 26-34, 9.7 million 35-44, 4.6 million 45-54, and 2.8 million over 55. In other words, there are more Facebook users 26-44 than 18-25 today.
Women now outnumber men in every age group on Facebook. In total, women now make up about 56.2% of Facebook’s US audience, up from 54.3% late last year. Women most outnumber men in the 18-25 and 26-34 age groups, where there are 1.4 females for every 1 male on Facebook.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Busy, Busy... Pelosi and the new Mr. Speaker
DC was busy, busy today. The Democrats and the Republicans elected their new leadership in the House, the new GOP canceled their Slurpee summit with the President on the Bush tax cuts and Senator Harry Reid vows to push forward with an agenda in the Lame Duck that the American public does not want. What's new and what's changed?
DEM Leadership
On the DEM side Queen Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) beat challenger Heath Shuler (D-NC) 150-43 for Minority Leader in the House. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is the DEM whip and Jim Clyburn (R-SC) takes the new #3 "made-up" spot. No big surprises, but I'd like to get a list of those 43 Dems who did not vote for Pelosi. They are not all Blue Dogs, but maybe they are now!?
GOP Leadership
On the GOP side... it's Boehner, Cantor, McCarthy and company. What to learn more? Read the TIME magazine article "Mr. Speaker" and the 1,000 other articles on how John Boehner will rule the House.
Senate Targets
DEM Leadership
On the DEM side Queen Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) beat challenger Heath Shuler (D-NC) 150-43 for Minority Leader in the House. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) is the DEM whip and Jim Clyburn (R-SC) takes the new #3 "made-up" spot. No big surprises, but I'd like to get a list of those 43 Dems who did not vote for Pelosi. They are not all Blue Dogs, but maybe they are now!?
GOP Leadership
On the GOP side... it's Boehner, Cantor, McCarthy and company. What to learn more? Read the TIME magazine article "Mr. Speaker" and the 1,000 other articles on how John Boehner will rule the House.
GUITERREZ on Fox News today
Luis Guiterrez (D-IL) was on Fox News this morning talking about his meeting yesterday with President Obama. Luis says the DREAM Act is a "down payment" and "we had 11 GOP cosponsors, plus Rupert Murdoch, we have broad business support, plus military and religious support" he says that the DREAM Act is "where the consensus is today." Guiterrez says Obama still believes in Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) and the DREAM Act is one part, one step in the right direction.
REID goes for it on the DREAM Act
During his re-election campaign in Nevada, Senator Reid said he would try again to pass the DREAM Act, and in a Twitter message on Wednesday evening, his office said he would try to do it in the Lame Duck as a stand-alone bill.
Latino voters helped Reid keep his Nevada Senate seat. Election night polls by Latino Decisions, a nonpartisan research group, showed that Latinos cast 10 percent of the votes in Nevada’s Senate race, with 90 percent backing Reid. He defeated Republican Sharron Angle, 50 percent to 45 percent.
The DREAM Act would offer an amnesty to illegal aliens who attend college or serve in the military, but would open the door for massive legal immigration through Chain Migration and encourage future incentives for more illegal immigration. And oh yeah, the age limit is 35!
Reid tried to attach similar legislation as an amendment to a big military DOD bill before the midterms, but Republicans blocked the bill in part because of procedure and they said the Democratic leader was using it for campaign purposes. Either way, its a walking nightmare.
Senate Targets
Reid is making a major push targeting certain Republicans to cross the aisle and work with him on the DREAM Act. Targets are --> George Lemieux of Florida, Robert Bennett of Utah, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire and George Voinovich of Ohio.
Five to seven Republicans would most likely be needed to push the DREAM Act through the Senate because not all Democrats support it, said Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice, a Washington group that backs a comprehensive overhaul of immigration law.
Sharry said his group and other supporters will lobby Republicans who have shown support for the measure in the past, as well as those who are retiring. That includes Robert Bennett of Utah, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire and George Voinovich of Ohio.
Sharry said his group and other supporters will lobby Republicans who have shown support for the measure in the past, as well as those who are retiring. That includes Robert Bennett of Utah, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire and George Voinovich of Ohio.
Tick Tock... Tick Tock
Congress will break for Thanksgiving week & return Nov 29, or so I'm told. Real legislating is expected to occur then on big issues, including resolving how to extend the Bush tax cuts, resolving (or not resolving) the fiscal year 2011 appropriation bills & determining whether to hold votes in the House and Senate on the DREAM Act and DADT.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Immigration News - On my Desk right now
Border Security
Fox News started a new web news series yesterday called "America's Third War"
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/11/15/americas-war-national-guards-new-mission/
The National Guard is on the border, but are the 1,200 troops making a difference? They have no authority to detain and they are simply watching the fence. They have been trained and are deployed for at least 1 year. But are apprehensions up or down? The local authorities are happy to have more boots on the ground, but troubles still rage in Nogales and Pinal County is the #1 pass through in the United States. "We need 3,000 troops here," says the county sheriff.
GOP Transition Team
Fox News started a new web news series yesterday called "America's Third War"
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/11/15/americas-war-national-guards-new-mission/
The National Guard is on the border, but are the 1,200 troops making a difference? They have no authority to detain and they are simply watching the fence. They have been trained and are deployed for at least 1 year. But are apprehensions up or down? The local authorities are happy to have more boots on the ground, but troubles still rage in Nogales and Pinal County is the #1 pass through in the United States. "We need 3,000 troops here," says the county sheriff.
GOP Transition Team
Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) is in charge as chair of the Majority Transition Committee in the House. If John Boehner (R-OH), Eric Cantor (R-VA), and Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) are elevated to new GOP leadership, will they change the equation on Immigration? The results from the 2010 midterm elections are in. The country voted, and the GOP win was a White House wipeout for the Democrat party. 435 seats were up for grabs in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Republicans won by a landslide. The GOP picked up at least 64 seats and counting in the House, they only needed 39 to take control. It takes 218 votes to pass a bill in the U.S. House and strong leadership is needed for any bill to navigate its way to the House floor.
13 Freshman GOP Senators
The new freshman class will be sworn into office January 2011. These newly-elected members are already in Washington D.C. getting their feet wet and ready to go to work. Who are they?
Manchin, Coons and Kirk
Three new Senators will be seated in the Lame Duck. Where do they stand on Immigration issues? How would they vote on the DREAM Act in a simple up and down vote?
Don't touch my Junk and Lame Duck
It's been a busy 2 days. The 2010 Lame Duck session of Congress started yesterday on November 15th while the big news story of the day was a California guy who told a TSA airport screener "Don't touch my junk." Both stories got equal press.
It is freshman week on Capitol Hill. The 64 new Republican U.S. House members arrived in Washington DC along with the 13 new Senators elected during the 2010 midterm elections. Unemployment is hovering around 10% and on the Immigration front, the DREAM Act amnesty is being thrown around like a rag doll from Reid to Pelosi to Menendez to Obama back to Menendez and on to Guiterrez. The open-border coalition hopes for a vote before Thanksgiving, the immigration-reduction groups know better.
I've started a new Facebook fan page on Immigration news called "Immigration Action Report" http://www.facebook.com/ImmigrationActionReport
I have a new Twitter feed up http://twitter.com/IARnews
NumbersUSA has a new Facebook fan page up as well and there are new faxes up on their Action Board on the DREAM Act for all their members.
It's a great time for activists, Tea Party and 9/12 patriots, grass roots groups and main line Republicans, Libertarians and Independents alike. And, yes, for all of you Conservative Democrats too.
And of course this new Blog is up and now running!
Thanks all and Welcome :-)
It is freshman week on Capitol Hill. The 64 new Republican U.S. House members arrived in Washington DC along with the 13 new Senators elected during the 2010 midterm elections. Unemployment is hovering around 10% and on the Immigration front, the DREAM Act amnesty is being thrown around like a rag doll from Reid to Pelosi to Menendez to Obama back to Menendez and on to Guiterrez. The open-border coalition hopes for a vote before Thanksgiving, the immigration-reduction groups know better.
I've started a new Facebook fan page on Immigration news called "Immigration Action Report" http://www.facebook.com/ImmigrationActionReport
I have a new Twitter feed up http://twitter.com/IARnews
NumbersUSA has a new Facebook fan page up as well and there are new faxes up on their Action Board on the DREAM Act for all their members.
It's a great time for activists, Tea Party and 9/12 patriots, grass roots groups and main line Republicans, Libertarians and Independents alike. And, yes, for all of you Conservative Democrats too.
And of course this new Blog is up and now running!
Thanks all and Welcome :-)
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