Politico is reporting that an earlier-than-expected debt ceiling deadline could delay immigration reform until next year. House Republican leadership aides reportedly said the mid-October target laid out by Treasury Secretary Jack Lew Monday is changing leadership’s plans to pass immigration bills that month. According to one aide – dealing with the debt limit earlier doesn’t change the overall dynamics of the debate – but will make it harder to find time for immigration bills in October.
There are actually fewer than 40 congressional working days before the end of 2013 and Congress has a lot of issues to deal with. Government funding will run dry on September 30th – the same time the extension of the 2008 Farm Bill expires. The House is only in session nine days – which Politico predicts will be crowded with the debate over the continuing resolution to keep the government operating.
Source: NAFB News Service