Vote on Immigration Reform in Early Summer, Or the President Will Have No Choice But to Act
Today, actions from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and influential Spanish language journalist Jorge Ramos made it clear that if House Republicans fail to act on immigration legislation in the next several weeks, the President will have to do so.
Referring to House Republicans, Majority Leader Reid said:
We’ve waited 329 days [since passage of the Senate bill], we’re willing to wait another six weeks…But at the end of six weeks, if something hasn’t been done, then there’s gonna have to be a move made. And it’s too bad we have to do that, because we all know things can be done administratively, but it’s better to change the law.
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also weighed in, stating that House Republicans:
have about a six-week window, from June 10 after the last Republican primary until the August recess. If they don’t pass immigration reform them, the president will have no choice but to act on his own…The only blame will fall on the House Republicans who against the wishes of their party and the American people who are just following Steve King’s dictates and refusing to move.
And one of the most influential Spanish language journalist in the country, Jorge Ramos, took on Speaker Boehner’s excuses for inaction, asking the Speaker “Why are you blocking immigration reform? You could bring it to a vote but you haven’t.” Ramos likewise challenged Senate Democrats to do more to ensure the President acts to reduce deportations.
According to Lynn Tramonte, Deputy Director of America’s Voice:
When Jorge Ramos travels to the Hill challenging Republicans and Democrats alike to step up on immigration, it’s a good day for the cause of fair immigration reform and pro-family policies. Senate Democrats issued a clear call to action for House Republicans and the Obama Administration, while Speaker Boehner offered nothing new and even tried to claim Ramos was voicing opinions rather than facts. But it’s indisputable that the House GOP has not scheduled any votes on pro-immigration policies; they have held votes on Steve King-inspired measures; and they have a short window of time to change course. If they don’t, the President will be forced to do what he can to make these insane immigration laws a little more humane, and there will be no way for Republicans to claim credit or avoid blame.
327 Days Since Senate Passed its Immigration Bill; 37 Days Left Until Window of Opportunity Closes
