Senate Immigration Bill Whip Count: Who Will Support It?

Which Senators Support Immigration Bill?

The Senate is expected to easily pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill this week, but it's still unclear whether sponsors will receive the 70 votes they're anticipating.

Below is The Huffington Post's assessment of each senator's position, based on public statements and their stance on a border amendment that went for a preliminary vote on Monday. Senators are divided based on likely "yes" votes and likely "no" votes -- not all of them firmly committed -- and those considered potentially up for grabs.

The list is subject to change and will be updated as more senators reveal their positions.

Not every senator has announced whether they will vote for or against the final bill, but those who supported a border security amendment on Wednesday are considered likely "aye" votes. That excludes Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who said that despite voting for the measure, he was unlikely to support for the "gang of eight" legislation, and Sen. Jeff Chiesa (R-N.J.), who voted for the amendment but against cloture to move forward on the final bill. Chiesa remains undecided, according to his spokesman.

The amendment was formally added to the bill in a 69 to 29 vote. If senators except Wicker remain on board, that would put the bill on track for 68 votes in favor for final passage. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), who co-sponsored the border security amendment, told reporters he hopes that Sens. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), neither of whom supported the amendment, could be won over if additional measures are added to the bill.

The number of senators officially backing the gang of eight plan increased after the vote on Monday, with Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) announcing he will support the immigration reform bill in the final vote.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Before You Go

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)

The Senate Immigration Gang Of Eight

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