Republicans successfully pressed Democrats to act on border security legislation sponsored by freshman Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.). Republicans circulated a discharge petition that would force action on the immigration bill and gathered the signatures of 10 Democrats. More than 170 Republicans have signed it.
The defections of conservative Democrats on a controversial procedural tactic — the petition would usurp the authority of the Democratic leadership — appears to have given the House Ways and Means Committee incentive to schedule a hearing on immigration next week.
Republicans aim to drive a similar wedge between conservative Democrats and their leaders on intelligence reform.
“Our hope is to pass the bipartisan Senate-passed FISA bill,” said Michael Steel, spokesman for House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio).
Steel said that would happen if Republicans collected 218 signatures on the petition or came close enough to put pressure on Democratic leaders to act.
Republicans will focus their efforts on Blue Dogs, especially the 21 conservatives who signed a January letter to Pelosi announcing their support for the Senate intelligence bill.
“Any Blue Dog on record as one of the 21 who signed the letter to Pelosi should sign the discharge petition,” said Steel.
Hoyer is counting on his strong ties to Blue Dogs and their participation in talks about a compromise to forestall defections.
Vulnerable freshman Democrats and Blue Dogs say the issue demands action.
“Overall, it’s very important,” said Rep. Chris Carney (D-Pa.), a freshman member of the Blue Dog Coalition who often votes against his leadership.
Carney said that a compromise should protect national security and also respect civil liberties. He was one of the 21 Democrats who signed the letter to Pelosi, making him a prime Republican target.
“I’ve been in favor of the Senate bill. We’ll see what happens,” he said. Carney said that Republican leaders have not yet asked him to sign the discharge petition.
|
