The Senate at Work?

Watching the Senate Judiciary Committee the other day (on C-Span) going through a tortuous process of trying to put together an outline of an immigration policy reform bill, was excruciating. Yet, without getting into the specifics of the varied proposals themselves, it was quite a telling scene.

First, it was a oft not seen example of the 'sausage making' of legislation. Generally, hearings of its sort are held behind closed doors. Those doors only open usually to public purview after some finished legislative proposals are offerable (or none at all, sometimes). Although much work had already been done by various Senate staffers, the hearing was still a good example of the painful give and take of an on the surface, honest effort at legal reform.

Second, one came away with a good idea of the thoughtfulness and work ethic of various senators. It seemed the more ideologically driven the legislator, the higher their degree of legislative input and personal participation in the give and take. I note particularly Sens. Kennedy (D-MA) and Kyl (R-AZ) as examples here.

This exercise in public disclosure on Capitol Hill is somewhat rare. It was mostly the result of public and right wing extremist peer pressure on reasonable and moderate senators to come up with an immigration bill- fast. Also, it is easy to assume the Senate wanted all to see that they take the matter seriously and are actually working on a solution. Still, the urgency of the hearing was palpable with the threat of passage of more draconian legislation (like that of the House), i.e. the Frist measure.

Of course, a final bill with inevitable ensuing amendments is far from the Senate floor. There is much wrangling to be done. Yet, it was refreshing to see our legislators doing some important and yes, honest work- something Americans don't usually associate with them these days.

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