Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, said he thinks Congress will reform immigration in 2014 because of Speaker John A. Boehner’s break with the tea party during the budget debate.
“For the first time, Speaker Boehner said he won’t let the minority of his caucus — the tea party minority — run the show,” Mr. Schumer said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.”
Mr. Boehner, Ohio Republican, criticized tea party members of his caucus as well as outside conservative organizations who came out against the budget deal in December before it was even finalized. He also hired an immigration expert to be his assistant last month, which many have said is a good sign Mr. Boehner is ready to open the conversation on immigration reform.
Mr. Schumer pointed out that some conservative parts of the Republican Party, like businesses, want immigration reform and that the Congressional Budget Office has said it would improve the economy.
As an election year, Republicans will also be aware that passing immigration reform could improve their chances of coming out ahead in November.
“The Republican leadership realizes if we don’t do immigration and get immigration reform done, it hurts them politically,” Mr. Schumer said.
• Jacqueline Klimas can be reached at jklimas@washingtontimes.com.
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