If the Senate's immigration overhaul bill goes to negotiations with the House, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said it would "win."
According to Reid, who spoke with Las Vegas public radio station KNPR, public opinion sides with the Senate and the bipartisan "Gang of Eight's" comprehensive immigration reform. Though Reid said he suspected House Republicans would attempt to block deliberation, he added, "if we go to conference, we would win."
There are many reasons why House Republicans might want to stall the immigration bill, reports Politico. While bill's pathway to citizenship is reason enough for most, Politico says, others are concerned that a conference committee could lead to a debt ceiling increase
But not every Republican is opposed to the measure. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) on Thursday made positive comments about the Senate immigration bill. it’s something that could have helped this community,” Denham said, according to the Modesto Bee.
In support of a compromise, Gang of Eight leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he would be open to passing immigration reform in parts rather than as one bill, though Reid might not approve.
"We've tried to do that for decades," Reid said of a step-by-step process. "It's like a puzzle ... you have to do the whole puzzle."
