Winning on Immigration

WHILE talking to reporters about immigration reform recently, Sen. John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, floated a tantalizing option available to the House that would bedevil the Senate. “What if the House passed just the enforcement provisions of the Senate bill and sent it back to us?” Cornyn wondered aloud. When he was asked whether he’d vote for just those sections of the Senate’s “comprehensive” bill, he replied with a chuckle, “I’d sure take a look at it.” Later that week, House Republican leaders announced plans to hold hearings across the country on border security and on the most controversial provisions of a bill they have dubbed the “Reid-Kennedy” bill; and the “Border Security First Act” was introduced in the Senate by Pennsylvania Republican Rick Santorum.

In Washington’s immigration-reform script, congressional Republicans have been cast as villains intent on blocking enlightened policies – but they are refusing to play the part of spoilers. They are instead spoiling for a fight they are confident they can win.

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Kate O'Beirne

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WHILE talking to reporters about immigration reform recently, Sen. John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, floated a tantalizing option available to the House that would bedevil the Senate. “What if the House passed just the enforcement provisions of the Senate bill and sent it back to us?” Cornyn wondered aloud. When he was asked whether he’d vote for just those sections of the Senate’s “comprehensive” bill, he replied with a chuckle, “I’d sure take a look at it.” Later that week, House Republican leaders announced plans to hold hearings across the country on border security and on the most controversial provisions of a bill they have dubbed the “Reid-Kennedy” bill; and the “Border Security First Act” was introduced in the Senate by Pennsylvania Republican Rick Santorum.

In Washington’s immigration-reform script, congressional Republicans have been cast as villains intent on blocking enlightened policies – but they are refusing to play the part of spoilers. They are instead spoiling for a fight they are confident they can win.