McCain Says Time Is Running Out On Immigration Reform

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) _ Republican presidential hopeful John McCain said Saturday that time is running out on overhauling immigration policy. <br/><br/>``We&#39;ve got other things to do in the Senate,&#39;&#39;

Saturday, June 9th 2007, 5:26 pm

By: News On 6


NEWTON, Iowa (AP) _ Republican presidential hopeful John McCain said Saturday that time is running out on overhauling immigration policy.

``We've got other things to do in the Senate,'' McCain told reporters. ``Hopefully we can come to an agreement, but in all candor _ a little straight talk _ time is not on our side.''

McCain also challenged opponents of the plan to step up.

``The status quo is de facto amnesty _ fact,'' the Arizona senator said. ``So for us to do nothing and celebrate the fact that we stopped this legislation, well then those who have a better idea can give it to us. We can consider it and move forward.''

A comprehensive plan supported by McCain, President Bush and a group of bipartisan senators fell 15 votes short of the 60 needed on Thursday in a critical test to limit debate and allow a vote on the measure itself. As a result, many in Washington have declared major immigration changes are dead for now.

McCain, though, said it was possible to pass a bill.

He spoke after a town hall event in Newton, where immigration dominated discussion and McCain spent much time defending the stalled proposal.

Opponents of the legislation, he said, are not listening to the public.

``People want us to resolve this issue. The majority of Americans support a comprehensive approach to it,'' McCain said.

Immigration is a frequent topic at McCain's campaign events in Iowa, where precinct caucuses are expected to launch the presidential nominating calendar in January.

``This is a burning issue,'' he said. ``Every town hall meeting I have there is this kind of deep concern. But there's also a desire to see us do something. They wonder, 'Why won't you fix it?' That's why they send us to Washington. To fix things.''
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