Vote Blocks Immigration Bill

Supporters of a federal immigration bill were unable to get the 60 votes needed to limit debate in the Senate, likely postponing any action of the issue until after the presidential election.

The vote fell 14 votes short, Reuters reports.

Associated Press reports that the vote is a setback for President Bush. The bill would have strengthened border security, created a guest worker program and paved the way to legal status for an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants.

Bush had telephoned senators this morning to seek their support in advance of the vote.