GOP Puts Immigration Bill On the Backburner

It appears Republican leaders are giving up on an election year immigration bill, deciding instead to hold hearings across the country this summer on the Senate proposal. The broad legislation passed by the Senate would provide a path to citizenship for most of the 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. The summer tour will include public hearings in various towns and cities throughout July and August.

By holding these public hearings, the Republican leadership will have to postpone any conference discussions on the competing House and Senate bills until at least the Fall. This will jeopardize any chance of passage by the end of the 109th Congress.

This delay is a clear sign that Republican leaders are struggling within their own caucus over what to do on immigration. Instead of waffling back and forth over what to do, these leaders should pass a strong border security bill that will help America better account for the people entering this country.