The Republican Party is split. Various politicians have
different agendas. Congressman Jeff Denham has begun the initiative to support
immigration reform that would provide millions of immigrants a path to
citizenship, a measure and bill that was passed by 185 Democrats (Dumain).
However, Republican Party leaders have ultimately been very reluctant to “hop
on board” with Congressman Denham and his endorsement of the Democratic
immigration reform (Shabad).
The
Republican Party looking to gain momentum for the 2014 congressional election
is proving to be on two different pages. The House Republican majority- whip
Kevin McCarthy (Calif.), the third ranking House Republican, has explicitly
told immigration advocates the House of Representatives will not vote on
immigration reform in this year (Shabad). In complete contradiction to
Congressman Denham’s goal, a house vote on immigration reform is not likely to
happen within the year.
As evident
by the House Republican Whip’s statement and Congressman Denham’s actions over
the course of the past few weeks, there is a disconnect between Republican leadership
and individual congress members in the House. An attempt to illustrate to the
American people a bi-partisan bill where each side of the isle didn’t matter,
Congressman Denham’s proactive role in tackling immigration reform has indeed
fallen short (Martinez).
Yes a valiant effort to put
political party differences aside, but an effort that was not seen by all,
especially to the leaders in his party. With the 2014 Congressional elections
around the corner, one must wonder if this disconnect in the Republican Party
as a whole will adversely affect the number of seats the Republicans gain or
lose. As Congressman Denham noted, “I did something that would be suicidal… in
a general election cycle… joined forced with pro-immigration reform groups..
some who have hit Republicans hard in every election year.” (Martinez) It
remains to be seen what the outcome will be.
Sources
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