Los Angeles Times
By Lisa Mascaro
March 26, 2014
WASHINGTON
-- As the minority party, House Democrats have little power to move
legislation over Republican objections, but they launched a long-shot
effort Wednesday to
push House Speaker John A. Boehner to bring an overhaul of the nation's
immigration laws to a vote.
The
maneuver began with a news conference on the steps of the Capitol amid
morning snow flurries. It continued as Democrats tried to round up 218
lawmakers' signatures
on a discharge petition that would force the vote. And it hit a
crescendo when Democratic lawmakers one by one stood on the House floor
pleading with GOP leadership to give the bill a chance.
"Speaker Boehner, we're here to demand a vote," said Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.).
Even
President Obama weighed in, shifting blame away from his
administration's policies. The House bill is similar to a Senate-passed
effort, and Obama noted that most
Americans support an overhaul.
"The
only thing standing in the way is the unwillingness of Republicans in
Congress to catch up with the rest of the country," Obama said.
By
the end of the day, fewer than 218 lawmakers had signed the Democrats'
petition to forcefully discharge the bill from legislative limbo and
onto the floor. Even big-name
support from actress America Ferrera and leading immigrant advocacy
groups could not move the GOP.
Boehner
has said immigration reform is something that "ought to be dealt with."
But House Republicans have shown little interest in tackling the issue
soon, especially
before the midterm election.
For more information, go to: www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com
No comments:
Post a Comment