Here We Go: Dems Prepping Amnesty Push in Lame Duck Session?

Guy Benson | November 16, 2010 9:29 AM

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez tells Politico that Democrats are "ready" on immigration reform:

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) told reporters on Monday that he might meet with President Obama this week to talk about a way to pass immigration legislation during Congress's lame-duck session.

"The White House is ready and willing, and we may be having another meeting with the White House very soon this week," Menendez said on a conference call, adding that Obama is "clearly interested" trying to reach a deal on immigration before the Congress convenes.

“He made it clear that he is willing to move forward if there is bipartisan support," Menendez said. "We need some clear response from some of our Republican colleagues."

As Allahpundit notes, "immigration legislation" could mean any number of things, from the DREAM Act to full-fledged "reform." No matter what Democrats' play may be, Republicans must block it -- even if some of them may support elements of the underlying legislation. This Congress no longer has the consent of the governed; it is conducting a lame duck session in every sense of the phrase. It would be absolutely unacceptable for this Pelosi/Reid Congess to pass any landmark legislation this year, much less anything controversial.

Senate Republicans, especially, must stand together on this principle. Their caucus clings to the filibuster prerogative by the slimmest of margins, and things will remain that way into December due to Illinois' shameful (and possibly intentional) incompetence. People can debate over whether or not the GOP has a mandate when the new Congress convenes in January. What is most certainly not under discussion is whether the American people rejected the Democrats' agenda forcefully enough. That message was sent unambiguously on November 2nd, and it must be respected.