The Senate immigration bill lacks the 60 votes it needs to clear the chamber, a key lawmaker confirmed Tuesday.

Sen. Bob Menendez said during a brief interview that he was “confident” the legislation would ultimate attract the 60 votes, and perhaps more by the time the final votes are tallied. But consistent with my report on the status of the bill published Monday evening, the New Jersey Democrat and “Gang of Eight” member indicated that the legislation’s border security measures would need to be strengthened to attract the Republican support it needs to pass.