Some of the Republican Senators who supported the Gang of Eight comprehensive immigration-reform bill seem pleased with House leadership’s tone on the issue. When I asked Senator Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) what he made of the House’s progress on immigration reform, he said, “I make smiles!”
“Obviously there’s a tone that’s coming out of the House that gives you a sense that there may be some progress made,” he continued, adding that he hopes “we make some progress on it this year.”
And Senator John McCain (R., Ariz.), one of the original co-sponsors of the Gang of Eight bill, told me he’s “always optimistic.”
“At least it’s on the agenda, and I’m hopeful,” he said, adding that he’s told House immigration-reform advocates that he’s glad they’re moving forward.
“They don’t want to be told what to do by a senator,” he added.