EckerNet.Com

E-Verify, one of the best tools we have for immigration enforcement and I\’ve written about it extensively in the past.  Technically funding for this program expired last Friday.  But now it is looking like it is receiving new life.  Previously Senator Menendez was blocking consideration of reauthorization of E-Verify.  Then Senator Harry Reid was trying to block it\’s consideration with procedural measures.  That has since backfired and Senator Reid has agreed to allow it\’s consideration.

Senator Sessions introduced Amendment 604 to HR 1105 (Omnibus Bill) that would re-authorize E-Verify for five years.  It was supposed to be considered today but the House adjourned for the day without doing so.  However, it is on the docket of amendments to be considered tomorrow.  So you still have time to let your Senator know that you want E-Verify to pass.

Call your Senators at 202-224-3121.

A couple things to cover or be aware of:

• Do not vote for cloture on HR 1105 before the Amendment 604 has been considered.
• E-Verify is NOT controversial, it\’s been applauded by leading Democrats for being an essential tool in the fight against illegal immigration.
• In these tough economic times it ensures that businesses are not hiring illegal immigrants instead of Americans.
• Some Senators are saying that the omnibus bill already has an extension….technically that\’s true but only for six months.  Extending it six months at a time is how we got here in the first place.

Sen. Sessions\’ Amendment (#604) to the spending omnibus bill (HR 1105) would reauthorize the E-Verify employment verification system for a period of five years. However, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has consistently prevented him from doing so.

It is interesting that Senator Reid has been so unwilling to allow a vote on E-Verify, a program he claims to support. In a letter to a constituent Senator Reid recently wrote,

\”Our country is facing difficult economic challenges and I am working hard to make sure that we can get Nevadans back to work. … I support reauthorization of the E-Verify program, as well as immigration reform that is tough on lawbreakers, fair to taxpayers and practical to implement.\”

– Letter from Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), 2MAR09

Let\’s make Senator Reid live up to his word.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.