Democrats are still grappling with how to handle losing the government shut down battle over the weekend while they continue discussions with Republicans on a DACA compromise.
Large group of moderate senators will meet at 5 pm today to begin putting together immigration proposals. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will host. Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) will vet ideas for rest of Senate.
— Alex Bolton (@alexanderbolton) January 24, 2018
But as the clock ticks down for a deal on DACA, Congress will have to come up with a brand new proposal. The one offered by Senators Dick Durbin, Lindsey Graham and Jeff Flake last week, which didn't come close to President Trump's requirements of building a wall, ending chain migration and the visa lottery program, isn't going to cut it.
"In the bipartisan meeting here at the White House two weeks ago, we outlined a path forward on four issues: serious border security, an end to chain migration, the cancellation of the outdated and unsafe visa lottery, and a permanent solution to DACA," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said during the briefing Tuesday afternoon. "Unfortunately, the Flake-Graham-Durbin agreement does not meet these benchmarks. In fact, it would not secure our border, encourage more illegal immigration, increase chain migration, and retain the visa lottery system. In short, it’s totally unacceptable to the President and should be declared dead on arrival."
"The President has been extraordinarily consistent on immigration and what his priorities are. His views are shared by the vast majority of the American people, and have bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives," she continued.
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Meanwhile, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's decision to yank any kind of funding for President Trump's border wall has put the breaks on a DACA deal from the White House.
Cryin’ Chuck Schumer fully understands, especially after his humiliating defeat, that if there is no Wall, there is no DACA. We must have safety and security, together with a strong Military, for our great people!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2018
Although DACA doesn't expire until March, Democrats are once again demanding a deal be tied to spending legislation by February 8.
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