June 21, 2011 DURBIN ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER SENATE HEARING ON THE DREAM ACT - Page 3

Testimonies? This is nice. When I saw the word "testimonies," I only thought about government officials providing statistics favorable to our cause. Having actual affected people is significantly important.

Yes. Let's all be optimistic for a momemnt and assume the best. Last year, many Republicans, particularly in the lower house, declared that they were going to vote no on the DA because the Democrats were rushing the legislation through Congress without sending it to committee, which Republicans claimed was no way to handle the issue given the numerous concerns that the DA presents. Now, let's assume that Republicans were being honest about those statements, and present several questions: Could this year be different? Assuming that Democrats allow this legislation to go through committee, address concerns, allow for amendments, and combine it with E-verify, could this be the year?

I really hope that they're setting up for a e-verify/dream act compromise or something.

I hope the Dream Act passes this year, we literally cannot hold on much longer.

compromise on something.

the bill might stand a chance if they compromise and put e-verify and DREAM Act together. I might just be optimistic to make myself feel better but i think it might pass. I dont wanna get my hopes up thoughh

Can we do anything to help Durbin?

This certainly seems promising. I hope all goes well. Hope floats!

Looks like a big match up between Republicans and Democrats. Diane Feinstein needs to make an impact here. She has been pushing that AgJobs bill for some time now and she knows her state is very dependent on undocumented agricultural workers. Schumer has experience with CIR and Leahy is just plain awesome. On the other hand we have a stringent opponent of any form of legalization, Jeff Sessions who is expected to lead the pack. Even though he does sound racist some times, I feel as a senator he is genuine and doesn't flip flop like that clown Orrin Hatch. Durbin should try hard to persuade to Sessions to come up with some sort of compromise. Kyl needs to do his part for Arizonans.

Can somebody clarify what this hearing thing is?

You bring up another interesting bill that undoubtedly increases the chances of the DA passing this year if combined. I think sessions is the most stringent. Kyl, Grassely, and Cornyn, for example, might compromise on E-Verify. As for Hatch, it is a possibility that he might support the DA this time given Durbin's genuine interest to have a SERIOUS discussion over this bill in the Senate.

I think we can pressure these Republicans to garner more right-wing support IF A COMPROMISE IS REACHED ON E-VERIFY AND DREAM Act. . . AND MAYBE EVEN AG JOBS. So in other words, let's how things develop.