The Senate voted Tuesday to jump-start a stalled immigration measure to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants.

The vote began shortly after noon EDT on whether to revive the legislation after support for it faltered three weeks ago. President Bush was optimistic that supporters would succeed and by week’s end actually pass the bill, which is one of his top domestic priorities.

“We’ll be moving our attention to the House after the Senate passes this comprehensive piece of legislation,” he told business leaders and representatives of religious, Hispanic and agricultural communities.

But the bill’s backers first had to get 60 votes to bring it up again. Just 45 senators—only seven of them Republicans—supported such a move the last time around.

Conservative critics who paint the measure as amnesty for lawbreakers said their efforts to stop the legislation were gaining momentum.

“We do still have a shot to stop it, but it’s only going to be if the American people raise the level of their voices in the next 24 hours,” said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

The legislation faces still more trials, even if it scales its initial obstacle. Votes still loom on amendments that could alter key parts of it. Another make-or-break test vote could come as early as Thursday.

Take Sen DeMint’s advice America, raise your voices! Contact your Senators and let them know they will not be re-elected if they vote in favor of this bill. John Hawkins at RightWingNews has started the PayBackProject to target any Republican Senator who votes in favor of the amnesty bill. Let your Senator know you will join the Pay Back Project if they vote for this bill!

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Congress, Immigration, Politics