|
Senate Sets Aside Two Weeks to Discuss Immigration Reform
Though bipartisan talks on immigration reform have thus far failed to produce a Senate bill in the current session of Congress, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has decided to set aside the next two weeks to debate the issue and bring back to the Senate floor legislation that was approved by the chamber last year.
That measure contains provisions to beef up border security, establish a guest worker program and create a tiered system for applications for citizenship tied to how long illegal immigrants have lived in the country.
While last year’s bill was supported by a majority of the Senate Democrats and 23 Republicans, the political climate has changed and a number of GOP lawmakers have indicated that they won’t vote for it again.
Reid has offered to use the legislation as a place-holder that will be replaced with a bipartisan bill negotiated with the White House. However, it remains uncertain whether an agreement can be reached within the timeframe he has laid out.
 NAHB is urging senators to enact comprehensive immigration reform and is running an ad this week in the National Journal in support of a bill that would provide for an effective guest worker program, create a fair and efficient employee verification system, strengthen the economy and protect U.S. borders.
In the House, Reps. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) on March 22 introduced H.R. 1645, the Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy (STRIVE) Act of 2007. The bill would enhance the nation’s border safety, create a new employee verification system and establish a new visa program to manage the future flow of immigrants into the U.S.
NAHB believes that H.R. 1645 is a solid first step toward achieving meaningful immigration reform and continues to work with lawmakers in both chambers to advance legislation to overhaul the nation’s immigration laws.
To read H.R. 1645, click here and enter the bill number in the box at the center of the page.
For more information, contact Jenna Hamilton at NAHB or call her at 800-368-5242 x8407.
To see ads that have run in the National Journal as part of NAHB's congressional ad campaign, click here.
Plan to Attend the 2007 NAHB Legislative Conference on June 6
The 2007 NAHB Legislative Conference provides a unique opportunity for builders to speak directly with their members of Congress and to take a stand on the issues that affect their businesses and bottom line.
The day-long conference is on Wednesday, June 6 and coincides with the NAHB spring board meeting in Washington, D.C.
Attending the 2007 Legislative Conference offers NAHB members an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Lobby members of Congress to protect your business
- Establish lasting relationships with your elected federal officials
- Share builder concerns in a national forum in Washington, D.C.
- Learn the latest policy developments on the key issues affecting your business
- Demonstrate your industry’s commitment to responsible policies, pragmatic reforms, effective programs and providing the resources necessary to meet our nation’s ongoing housing needs
- Network and share business strategies with your peers
- Learn how to be an effective advocate for your business and your industry
- Make your views known on Capitol Hill
- Do your part to ensure that NAHB’s issues are heard by Washington policymakers
- Galvanize a united front on Capitol Hill
For more information or to register, click here.
|
