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Earlier today Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) blocked debate on an amendment that would have reauthorized E-Verify for another 5 years. With the continued use of procedural tactics, Senator Reid is obstructing efforts to protect American jobs.
This week, the Senate is debating a $410 billion Omnibus Appropriations bill (H.R. 1105) to fund the federal government until September 30, 2009. The bill has already passed the House of Representatives. The bill only contains a short-term, six-month extension (through September 2009) of E-Verify, a voluntary program that allows employers to verify whether new hires are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) has been working tirelessly on behalf of true immigration reformers to enact a long-term extension of the critical E-Verify program. Sen. Sessions has filed an amendment that would extend E-Verify through September 2014. (Senate Amendment 604). You may recall that last month Senator Sessions tried to attach a long-term extension of E-Verify to the Stimulus Bill but was blocked by Senate Leadership.
Earlier today, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) attempted to call up the Sessions Amendment to allow the Senate to debate this very important, common-sense amendment. Senator Reid objected to allowing any debate on that amendment saying: "I'm not as familiar with that as Senator Sessions... I object...."
But on March 2, 2009, just a few days ago, Senator Reid sent out a letter to a constituent stating that he fully supported extending E-Verify. Senator Reid said "I support reauthorization of the E-Verify program...." and even went further saying: "I strongly believe that every job in our country should go only to those authorized to work in the United States. This is why I strongly support programs like E-Verify...."
Senator Reid is clearly engaging in double-speak when it comes to E-Verify. He tells the American people he supports extending E-Verify but then blocks a long-term extension!! Senator Reid either knows what E-Verify is, as his letter suggests, or he is not familiar with this important program. If Senator Reid truly supports reauthorizing E-Verify why does he continue to object to any debate on an amendment to reauthorize the program?
THERE IS NO TIME TO LOSE! Please call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and tell him:
- Going after employers who hire illegal workers is the key to returning legitimacy to our immigration system.
- E-Verify, a voluntary program, is one of the most effective tools employers have to help ensure their workforce is legal. This program deserves to be permanently reauthorized.
- Finally, tell Senator Reid to stop obstructing the Sessions' Amendment. Tell him to allow a fair up or down vote on E-Verify so that we can protect American jobs.
After you call Senator Reid, please call Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator Jeff Sessions to thank them for working hard to pass the Sessions' E-Verify Amendment. Let them know you support their efforts.
Call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at 202.224.3542 and 202.224.5556
Call Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell at 202.224.2541 and 202.224.3135.
Call Senator Jeff Sessions at 202.224.4124
Remember, there is still time to make a difference if you act NOW. To learn more about E-Verify, read FAIR's talking points.
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