A top Republican says the House will take up immigration reform before the 2014 midterms.
Oregon Republican Greg Walden says the House won’t consider a comprehensive immigration reform bill, but will likely take a piecemeal approach.
House Republicans have dragged their feet on immigration since the Senate passed its sweeping legislation in June with a strong majority. Democrats have repeatedly called on House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to bring the Senate bill up for a vote, arguing it would pass if brought to the floor.
House Democrats have pushed their own comprehensive immigration bill, which has the backing of just three Republicans. But GOP leaders have shown no appetite for the Democratic bill either, insisting a piecemeal strategy is the only way to get something done.
House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said the chamber would not have time to vote on an immigration measure this year, pointing out there were too few legislative days left on the 2013 calendar to address such a complex issue. Other Republicans have acknowledged it would become tougher to move on immigration reform as the midterm elections draw near, but said they are committed to getting something done.
