A Senate immigration bill passed a procedural test on June 26, keeping debate alive on the controversial measure. Lawmakers voted 64-35 to limit debate on the bill, four more than the 60 required by Senate rules, thus moving closer to a floor vote on the legislation itself. Passage of the bill is by no means assured

President Bush supports the measure, which would tighten border security and also establish a temporary-worker program and a way for illegal immigrants now in the U.S. eventually to become citizens. But conservatives have opposed the bill, contending it amounts to "amnesty" for those in the U.S. illegally.