This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee completed its work on the “Gang of 8” Amnesty Bill. The full Senate is expected to take up the legislation the first week of June, when it returns from Memorial Day recess. On Thursday, House GOP leadership made clear that the House wouldn’t consider the Senate bill should it pass, but will work on its own legislation to reform immigration.
“While we applaud the progress made by our Senate colleagues, there are numerous ways in which the House will approach the issue differently,” the statement says. “The House remains committed to fixing our broken immigration system, but we will not simply take up and accept the bill that is emerging in the Senate if it passes. Rather, through regular order, the House will work its will and produce its own legislation.”
The statement was issued jointly by Speaker Boehner and Reps. Eric Cantor, Kevin McCarthy, Cathy McMorris-Rodgers and Bob Goodlatte. VA Rep. Goodlatte chairs the House Judiciary Committee, which is planning to consider a package of bills individually to reform the nation’s immigration system.
There is a separate effort in the House to draft a single, comprehensive proposal for immigration reform. That effort is being spearheaded by 4 Democrat and 4 Republican Congressman, similar to the Senate’s “Gang” negotiators.
The House Leadership seems committed to a more deliberative, piece-meal approach to the issue.
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