Post shutdown, the GOP is kind of all over the place. After struggling with a split party during the shutdown negotiations, it seems the conference needs some time to work out their differences; hence no vote on immigration. With only 19 days left in session before the end of the year, it doesn’t look like much will be done. (SHOCKING)
According to many sources from across the Republican leadership, there is little optimism that the group can all coalesce around one immigration plan. Additionally, many are looking to avoid another gridlock with the Democrat run senate.
President Obama is also ramping up his messaging on immigration, which is no doubt going to make it harder for the Republicans to get anything accomplished with the senate. Just yesterday Obama said, “It’s good for our economy, it’s good for our people, and we should do it this year”. But when Obama want something done, that doesn’t really mean that the Republicans are going to work extra hard to get it accomplished.
Other prominent immigration supporters like Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have also backed off any deal, saying the Obama administration has “undermined” negotiations by not defunding his signature health care law. Rep. Raul Labrador (R-Idaho) went further, saying Obama is trying to “destroy the Republican Party” and that GOP leaders would be “crazy” to enter into talks with Obama.
That rhetoric combined with signals in private conversations with lawmakers and staff has led some immigration advocates to say they see the writing on the wall and they aren’t going to invest heavily until there’s more momentum.
With a limited number of days left in session it seems silly to get our hopes up there could be some sort of immigration deal. It will be interesting to see how long this latest government shutdown will affect legislating.