Senate Votes to Revive Amnesty

U.S. Senate Immigration Roll Call Votes Immigration Bill CrushedThe Senate drove a stake Thursday through President Bush's plan to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants, likely postponing major action on immigration until after the 2008 elections.

The bill's supporters fell 14 votes short of the 60 needed to limit debate and clear the way for final passage of the legislation, which critics assailed as offering amnesty to illegal immigrants. The vote was 46 to 53 in favor of limiting the debate.

The legislation would be a significant victory for Presidente Arbusto in his second term in office. It faces strong opposition from many of his fellow Republicans, who call it an amnesty for people who broke U.S. laws and argue it would do little to stem the flow of illegal immigration into the United States.

"The momentum against this bill is gathering all across the country and that is certainly taking hold within the Congress," said Sen. Jim DeMint, a Republican from South Carolina ReMax Story