Sens. Reed, Casey Refuse to Answer Question About How Many DUIs an Illegal Can Get and Be Legalized

Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-Penn.) (AP Photo)

(CNSNews.com) -- Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) both refused to answer a question about a section in the Senate’s far-ranging immigration bill concerning how many DUI convictions an illegal alien is permitted to have and still be granted legal status in the United States.

After declining to answer the question, both senators went on to vote for the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, which passed the Senate Thursday on a 68-32 vote.

The legislation in fact allows an illegal alien who has two DUI convictions to be granted legal status and be put on a path to citizenship. (See section 3702 of legislation.)

On Capitol Hill, CNSNews.com asked Sen. Jack  Reed (D-R.I.): “Do you know how many DUIs an illegal alien can get and still be legalized in the Senate immigration bill?”

Reed did not answer the question. Instead, one of his aides interjected, likening the question to a trivia quiz, “like what’s the capital of Florida or can you name me the Bill of Rights real quick?’

CNSNews.com noted that the DUI section is “an important part of the bill,” but Reed declined to answer.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) similarly declined to answer the question about the bill’s DUI provision.

CNSNews.com asked Casey, “Excuse me, sir, can I ask you a really quick question about immigration?”

“What’s your name, sir?” Casey responded.

“Ryan, I’m from CNSNews.”

“You’re from what?” Casey inquired.

“CNSNews.com.”

“Oh, okay.”

“The question is: Do you know how many DUIs an illegal immigrant can get and still be legalized under the Senate immigration bill?”

The senator did not answer but instead walked away.