Read on Twitter
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. (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't take it up in the House. 4
Durbin reminding people that S.386 doesn'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's right that it'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't agree to all the changes. He'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'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's founding principles. Now calling for a vote. 14
Durbin now highlighting the differences between his version and Lee's. Durbin is saying Lee has made key changes he requested. He accepts Lee'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's not going to go anywhere. The question is if Scott will object to a vote when it's rejected. 17
Scott is objecting to the vote. 18
This isn'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'll get this done soon. END OF THREAD. 19
Thanks also to Senator Lee, obviously. I'm glad he was pragmatic and able to reach across the aisle here.
