>>>This is shameful. It goes against the add-on restrictions which supposedly were going to end. It needs to be it's own bill:
>>>
>>>http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/14/reid-adds-controversial-immigration-measure-to-defense-bill/
>>
>>We are in agreement. Riders are by their nature a perversion of the legislative process. It doesn't matter that this is legislation I happen to believe in. This is not the way to do it.
>>
>>If the Republicans don't take control of both houses of Congress in November, which I consider a real possibility, I think he will return to immigration reform. If passed it won't be everything supporters want, any more than health care reform or financial reform were, but IMO it's possible to get a decent bill through. Something that provides a reasonable chance of citizenship to people who spend some period of time like five years as registered guest workers and stay out of trouble. It's a big country and we've got room for plenty more.
>
>Is that what they call and 'ear mark'?

No. Ear marks get added to the bill after it is voted on. That way the only record of the ear mark is in the final bill and there is no debate on the ear marks as well. Ear marks are really bribes to the voters of the state that elected them or paybacks to campaign donors. congressman or senator.