|
Mann Act II Introduced Into Senate After Passage in House, Bill Still Faces Difficult Trial
|
 The
Great Debate is about to hit high gear in America's most hallowed halls.
Not since the days when John Caldwell Calhoun dueled Daniel Webster some
two centuries ago, has there been such a polarized and electrified senate
stage. After its passage through the House of Representatives, the Mann
Act II has arrived on the floor of the august United States Senate.
The bill's primary sponsor, Senator Julia Mann (R., Illinois), has no illusions about the tough road ahead. Unlike the often unruly and mercurial house, the conservative senate is in no mood to act rashly. Whatever the polls may say, America's one hundred senatorial statesmen often feel they know what is best for their country. They serve as congress' conscience, the last line of popular restraint in the legislative process. Senator Mann's real concerns, however, center on threats from outside the senate chamber. Into this debate comes a host of powerful forces. The broad coalitions supporting the law are arrayed against a well-funded and well-organized opposition purportedly spearheaded by 7 to 1. In fact, Senator Mann claims to have had to accelerate the schedule of the act's introduction and debate in order to avoid a "perversion of the process." No one can tell how the final tally will fall. Corporate concerns are split, although the majority appear opposed to passage. Professional associations, citizens' groups and religious organizations are similarly sundered. Internationally, both the Canadian government and the North Atlantic Free Trade Association supported the measure when it was in the house. The European Union and Pacific Rim Organizations will also lobby on behalf of the act. The Mexican government, the Pan American Union, and the Pan American Trade Association vigorously disagree. Senator Mann notes that the already rarefied atmosphere on Capitol Hill has heated up quite a bit since the house approved the bill. "These are exciting but potentially dangerous days. We may see some violence… even on the Hill!" she noted with measured concern. "We cannot trust everyone to abide by their better instincts, much less the Constitution." Introduced on the so-called "Fast Track" pursuant to the 40th Amendment of the Constitution, the Mann Act II could become law with the next few weeks. If so, all of America's states and voting commonwealths will be compelled to hold binding referendums to determine whether their legislatures must adopt the 48th Amendment. This "Sentient Being Voting Rights Amendment" would grant
citizenship and voting rights to all sentient beings created or naturalized
in the U.S. |
| AIT Today Home |