Between the number of Democrats in the House and the number of Republicans who support a path to citizenship, there have long been enough votes to pass immigration reform through the House. The trick has just been getting Speaker Boehner to give the issue a vote — just like he gave the debt ceiling a vote this week even though less than a majority of his caucus was onboard.
This week, the discharge petition — which would force Boehner’s hand on that vote — is back on the news. Here’s what Sen. Chuck Schumer said in a statement today to the New York Times:
The idea that’s begun circulating, to do a discharge petition on immigration reform in the House, is a good one and I would urge House Democrats to take it up. It’s clear a majority of the House supports immigration reform. A minority faction has scared Republicans out of acting even though large parts of the Republican base, including business and religious groups, support the bill, making a discharge petition an appropriate remedy.
And here’s Ed O’Keefe, the Washington Post Congressional reporter, tweeting about what the House Democrats are considering:
Rep. @jahimes (D-Conn.) tells reporters that D’s considering options on #immigration, including poss. discharge petition for Senate bill
— Ed O’Keefe (@edatpost) February 13, 2014
House Dems at their annual mtg were asked Tues. night to discuss which bill they should try to introduce via discharge petition. (1/2)
— Ed O’Keefe (@edatpost) February 13, 2014
The House D #immigration bill is 1 of several that could eventually be intro’d by D leaders w/ a discharge petition. (2/2)
— Ed O’Keefe (@edatpost) February 13, 2014
It’s like what we and all of these other commentators have been saying. Republicans have an opportunity to take action on immigration reform this year. If they don’t, President Obama — or Nancy Pelosi — will.
