Monday, July 09, 2007

House Democrats Undecided on Immigration

House Democrats are undecided on how to proceed on immigration, according to Roll Call ($). What's the politically sensible move? Always listen to Rahm Emanuel to figure that out:

According to a spokesman for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), House Democrats have yet to determine a course of action, including whether to proceed with a series of smaller bills targeted to topics such as border security rather than a single piece of legislation...

In the meantime, Congressional Hispanic Caucus leaders, who have strongly supported moving an immigration measure this year, have asked to meet with Democratic leaders this week on the issue.

“We believe there is still a possibility it can happen,” CHC Chairman Joe Baca (D-Calif.) said at a press conference June 28, following the Senate vote...

Nevertheless, some key Democrats declared the comprehensive bill effectively dead following the Senate vote.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), who chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law, said after the Senate vote: “They have voted against proceeding, so we can’t proceed.”

While the California lawmaker said her panel will “consider what, if anything, we should do,” she declined to state whether the House could pursue alternate legislation, assigning that decision to Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) echoed that sentiment, blaming President Bush for failing to unite Republicans on the issue, stating: “There’s no chance of passing legislation now.”

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