The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate voted Tuesday to advance a landmark immigration bill, clearing away the first procedural hurdle in front of legislation opening the door to citizenship for millions.
The 82-15 vote was the first cast by the full Senate on the far-reaching bill that’s a top priority for President Barack Obama. A second procedural vote set for later Tuesday would officially open debate on the measure.
Hours earlier Obama appeared at the White House to prod Congress to send him a bill by fall.
“Congress needs to act, and that moment is now, “ Obama said, surrounded by immigration advocates, business and religious leaders, law enforcement officials and others in the East Room of the White House.
“There’s no reason Congress can’t get this done by the end of the summer,” the president said. “There’s no good reason to play procedural games or engage in obstruction just to block the best chance we’ve had in years to address this problem in a way that’s fair to middle class families, business owners and legal immigrants.”
