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I will now live tweet the Senate floor proceedings. Durbin has just started speaking. Lee is there as well. 1
You can also watch at https://www.c-span.org/video/?474523-1/senate-session&live.">https://www.c-span.org/video/... (h/t to @anirb_das ) 2
Durbin is reminding that an obvious solution is to increase the number of green cards. 3
Durbin is reminding people that a much better bill - that did away with per country quotas AND raised green card numbers passed the Senate in 2013. But Rs wouldn& #39;t take it up in the House. 4
Durbin reminding people that S.386 doesn& #39;t include more green cards. It is NOT the solution to that problem. BUT - Durbin said he is willing to make a deal with Senator Lee. 5
Early adjustment filing is a key point in his willingness to compromise. And it protects children from aging out. Also a key to the deal. And it has the H-1B language Durbin wanted. 6
Now talking about the hold harmless clause and the 50/50 rule. Compromises reached on both of those prior hold ups. 7
Durbin wanted to pass this today before the Senate leaves for the August recess. He asked Cornyn to have a hearing, but got a no. He& #39;s right that it& #39;s ridiculous that the Immigration Subcommittee does NOTHING but have hearings on enforcement. 8
Now explaining the changes in the Durbin version of the two bills we expect to be introduced today. There are only subtle differences between the two, by the way. 9
Durbin is crediting the positive advocacy work of the doctors for his movement on this. Well done PAHA! 10
Now Senator Lee is up explaining why he couldn& #39;t agree to all the changes. He& #39;s thanking Durbin and saying he has to reject a few of the changes because it would bring opposition. 11
Lee is bringing up the TVA story regarding IT staffing companies. Reminding that 386 doesn& #39;t add to green card numbers (needs to keep the Trump-types happy). The bill makes H-1B reforms. 12
Lee is talking about the 50/50 provision (which I actually support because it more fairly distributes H-1B visas to small employers and occasional filers). 13
Lee now talking about the impact of nationality discrimination. 100+ year waits for green cards for India. This discrimination is inconsistent with America& #39;s founding principles. Now calling for a vote. 14
Durbin now highlighting the differences between his version and Lee& #39;s. Durbin is saying Lee has made key changes he requested. He accepts Lee& #39;s amendment. 15
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has just got up to speak. Wants to offer an amendment. He wants to have a carve out based on the language they speak. Lee is objecting. 16
That& #39;s not going to go anywhere. The question is if Scott will object to a vote when it& #39;s rejected. 17
Scott is objecting to the vote. 18
This isn& #39;t happening today. Sorry. @SenatorDurbin made this bill a lot better and is now a supporter. Thank you, Senator Durbin! A lot of people advocated in a positive way with him and thanks are due to their work. Hopefully, we& #39;ll get this done soon. END OF THREAD. 19
Thanks also to Senator Lee, obviously. I& #39;m glad he was pragmatic and able to reach across the aisle here.
