by Ann Shibler
A very important and worthy amendment was just defeated in the Senate by a 55-43 vote. Senators Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and David Vitter (R-La.) introduced an amendment designed to stop the Obama Administration’s lawsuit against the State of Arizona and its taxpayers for SB 1070, the immigration bill that was recently passed and goes into effect July 29.
DeMint understands the situation in Arizona: “States like Arizona shouldn’t be prosecuted for protecting their citizens when the federal government fails to do so. The federal government is rewarding illegal behavior and encouraging many more to enter our nation illegally when they refuse to enforce our laws. States along the border are facing kidnappings, drug trafficking, human trafficking and gang violence and they have a duty to keep their residents safe.”
And Vitter hit the nail on the head when he stated: “The state of Arizona is simply taking responsibility for a problem that the federal government has neglected for years, but Washington’s only response is to oppose these new enforcement efforts and take them to court. The Obama administration should not use taxpayers’ money to pay for these lawsuits that the American people overwhelmingly oppose.”
Amendment #4464 would have prohibited President Obama, the Department of Justice, and other agencies from participating in lawsuits seeking to invalidate the Arizona law by defunding those efforts. DeMint sought to attach the amendment to legislation extending unemployment benefits, a measure that was certain to pass, but the amendment was rejected. The pertinent but simple part of the text reads:
No funds made available in any provision of law may be used to participate in any lawsuit that seeks to invalidate those provisions of the Arizona Revised Statutes amended by Arizona Senate Bill 1070, 49th Leg., 2nd. Reg. Sess., Ch. 113 (Az 6 2010) (as amended by Arizona House bill 2162, 49th 7 Leg., 2nd Reg. Sess, Ch. 211 (Az. 2010)).
After a phone conversation with both Senators’ offices, it appears that the 55-43 vote has not left them deflated or defeated. In fact, Senator DeMint’s office was rather pleased with the vote. After all, the Senate is controlled by very liberal Democrats and a 55-43 vote, with two not voting — one being Vitter who was unexpectedly called out of town — gives some hope that this amendment can be revived and perhaps brought up again and attached to another piece of legislation.
In order to renew interest in this very effective method of stopping the Obama Administration from using taxpayer money against its own citizens in an effort to circumvent the will of the people and the Constitution, we need to become proactive. We can immediately contact our representatives and senators and encourage them to take part in protecting Arizona’s actions to re-establish the correct ground rules for legal admission into this country, helping to control the anarchy on the border as well.
First, check the roll call vote and see how your Senator voted. Then, click here to send an email to your senators and representative. If one or both senators voted “Nay,” let them know they have transgressed the will of the people in this matter. Next, within the same email, encourage your representative in the House to copy, introduce, and support a similar measure in the House. Then, get to work by passing this information on to all in your circle of life who are concerned about the illegal immigration in Arizona, and about the extent that the Obama Administration will go to dictate policies and conditions for individual states, all in direct contradiction of the Constitution of the United States.
Used by permission. Taken from The John Birch Society website, dated Friday 23 July 2010 13:35. ©2010
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