The Washington Post reports Republicans are stressing a security first approach to immigration reform – and that due partially to distrust of the Obama Administration – prospects for a deal this year are uncertain. House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal have all said they would support an immigration overhaul package if it focuses first on security. Ryan says the border can’t continue to be overrun – and it must be a verify-but-trust approach. Cantor says trust will be key to getting any bill through Congress – and Republicans are concerned by the President’s comments during his State of the Union address the he won’t stand still as Congress remains gridlocked and will use his executive powers to change and enact policies. President Obama told CNN last week he considered it a sign of progress that House Republicans are preparing guidelines for reform.
Source: NAFB news service