DREAM (Amnesty) Act and DADT Votes Coming Up

UPDATE:  DREAM (Amnesty) Act fails 55-41 on cloture vote.  It's dead.  Just heard on MSNBC: "America is the only country that wants to deport valedictorians."  Geez.

UPDATE 2:  DADT advances 63-33.

The Senate is working this morning with two key votes - the DREAM (Amnesty) Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  The latter will likely pass so we'll have to add pink to our camo colors, but the DREAM Act is probably in trouble.  Sen. Jeff Sessions offers 10 reasons to oppose the DREAM Act:

* The DREAM Act Is NOT Limited to Children -- Applicants can be up to the age of 29

* The DREAM Act Will Be Funded On the Backs Of Hard Working, Law-Abiding Americans -- CBO failed to assess costs for education, increased levels of unemployment due to the addition of workers to the workforce, and increases in potential applicants because of loopholes.

* The DREAM Act PROVIDES SAFE HARBOR FOR ANY ALIEN, Including Criminals, From Being Removed or Deported If They Simply Submit An Application -- Burden of proving inaccurate information on a DREAM Act application is on the Department of Homeland Security.

* Certain Inadmissible Aliens, including those from high-risk regions, Will Be Eligible For Amnesty Under The DREAM Act

* Certain Criminal Aliens—including drunk drivers—Will Be Eligible For Amnesty Under The DREAM Act -- The DREAM Act allows applicants be convicted of 1 felony or up to 3 misdemeanors.

* Conservative Estimates Suggest That At Least 1.3 Million Illegal Aliens Will Be Eligible For the DREAM Act Amnesty. In Reality, We Have No Idea How Many Illegal Aliens Will Apply

* The DREAM Act Does Not Require That An Illegal Alien Finish Any Type of Degree (Vocational, Two-Year, or Bachelor’s Degree) As A Condition of Amnesty -- The applicant only has to complete the equivalent of two years of college.

* The DREAM Act Does Not Require That an Illegal Alien Complete Military Service As A Condition For Amnesty, and There Is already A Legal Process In Place For Illegal Aliens to Obtain U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service

* Despite Their Current Illegal Status, DREAM Act Aliens Will Be Given All The Rights That Legal Immigrants Receive—Including The Legal Right To Sponsor Their Parents and Extended Family Members For Immigration

* Current Illegal Aliens Will Get Federal Student Loans, Federal Work Study Programs, and Other Forms of Federal Financial Aid

I'm hearing there are four Democrats solidly opposed to the DREAM Act and I don't believe there are enough squishy Republicans to overcome that, so it's likely to fail. Of the two items the DREAM Act is far more dangerous so if only one can fail, that's the one to kill.

There is an ugly breakup on the left thanks to the DREAM Act vote.  The wacky left has fallen out of love with Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT).  It's a sad story.

UPDATE:  So far Republicans are holding together except for Sen. Lugar who voted "yes".  He just bought himself a primary challenge in 2012.  The ladies of Maine who are also known for squishiness have voted "no".

UPDATE:  Another RINO "yes" from Lisa Murkowski (AK) and outgoing Sen. Bennett (UT).  Dem Manchin from WV is a "no".  Liberal Republican Sen. Kirk is a "no".  This thing will not pass.