Sen. Chuck Schumer, New York Democrat, said Monday that he thinks Congress still has a chance to pass immigration reform before the end of 2014.
“Most people are for immigration reform. Most Republicans, they’re in the vote-no, pray-yes caucus, they want it to pass as long as they don’t have to vote for it,” he said on MSNBC. “I still think we have a chance to pass it this year.”
While many tea party lawmakers are against reform, Mr. Schumer said GOP leadership in the House supports moving legislation forward. Waiting until June or July, when most of the tea party primaries are over, could be the best time for Congress to work on immigration reform, especially since it’ll be important in 2016 for Republicans.
“The leadership of the caucus realizes one thing, they won’t do it in 2015,” Mr. Schumer said. “And [not doing it] most certainly means they’re going to lose in 2016.”
On “Morning Joe,” Mr. Schumer also talked about Democrats’ use of anti-Koch brothers messaging to help in the midterm elections. While many have criticized Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, for repeatedly bringing them up on the floor and even blaming the situation in Russia on them, Mr. Schumer said he believes the message will work in November.
“If it’s our only strategy, we’ll lose. We have to have a positive agenda, that’s what our fair shot is. But we also need to have a shield,” he said. “I think the Koch brothers will work.”
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform
• Jacqueline Klimas can be reached at jklimas@washingtontimes.com.
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