June 16, 2006
Republican leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives continues to delay the start of a conference to reconcile immigration bills passed by the House and Senate. The revenue technicality previously discussed was the first volley; Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) said this week that hearings in the House on the Senate bill should be conducted prior to naming the House negotiators for the conference committee. Holding hearings on the Senate bill is almost certain to delay the conference committee until after Congress’ summer break which starts in August. The move may signify House Republicans’ decision that it is better to enter the November elections without any action on the immigration issue.
