K-LO: Cornyn Says "No" to Cloture:

WASHINGTON— U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, top Republican on the Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee, made the following statement today regarding the return of the immigration reform bill to the Senate and his intention to oppose the motion to proceed to this deeply flawed legislation. A vote on the motion to proceed is expected within the next several days.

“Passage of a comprehensive immigration reform bill has been, and remains, one of my top priorities in the Senate. It has become clear however, that I and many others will not be able to introduce amendments to fix key areas of this very complex bill. That is deeply disappointing.

“This bill was written by a small group of Senators behind closed doors. Those few amendments that will be considered next week were similarly chosen behind closed doors. I have sought an open, transparent and extensive amendment process to ensure a fair opportunity to improve the legislation.

“While I could not support the bill as it was introduced, I have worked diligently to strengthen its provisions and fix it through the amendment process in several key areas. I have continually supported efforts to address our nation’s border and interior security as well as our labor market needs, especially for Border States like Texas.

“Yet, because of this closed-door agreement, I and others will be denied an opportunity to even have our ideas considered. As a result, I have no choice but to oppose the motion to proceed to this deeply flawed legislation.

“Political expediency should never be a substitute for a full and fair debate, particularly on an issue of such importance to America’s security.”