Democrats anxious to see the White House’s vision for immigration put into full play — especially President Obama’s executive action to grant amnesty to tens of thousands — are calling out a Republican-led border security bill as a “wimpy” attempt to deal with a massive issue.
The bill, headed by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul, would require Homeland Security to block all illegal migrations in the coming years, The Hill reported. A marked-up version of the measure is headed for a floor vote next week — and Democrats aren’t happy.
“They shouldn’t try to fool anybody,” said Rep. Xavier Becerra, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, The Hill reported. “This needs a big fix and tinkering on the edges doesn’t solve it. And trying to avoid dealing with the tough issues is a wimpy way to make policy in Washington, D.C.”
Just a few months ago, Mr. McCaul’s approach to immigration was to reach out to Democrats and try to craft a bipartisan bill, The Hill reported. His newer, hard-core measure has set Democrats on edge.
“This is a horror of a bill,” Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said, The Hill reported. “The cost is enormous and it’s just impossible for the Homeland Security Department, I believe, to even engage in some of the responsibilities being asked for.”
Mr. McCaul’s proposal isn’t even popular with all of those in his own party.
“We cannot be satisfied with measures that create the appearance of doing something while changing little,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions, The Hill reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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