As members of Congress who are responsible for crossing the partisan divide to craft an effective border security plan navigate the politically risky talks, they are preparing for the discussions to stretch well into the upcoming holiday season.
The bipartisan group of senators, known as the Immigration Reform Group, have been in negotiations over border security since the beginning of the 113th Congress in January, and they are continuing to make progress.
“We are beginning to make some real headway in the negotiations, but it is a difficult process due to the fact that the issues involved are so politically charged,” said Republican Senator Jeff Flake. “We are cautiously optimistic that a comprehensive deal can be reached that meets the needs of both sides.”
The landmark legislation that the group is considering would address issues such as undocumented immigrants, border security, and the passage of long-term immigration reforms. It is a difficult balancing act to find a solution that can pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law by President Obama.
In addition to the tight timeline, both parties have staked out hardline positions that make the potential agreement difficult to reach.
“We understand the urgency behind finding a solution before the end of the calendar year, but we must also ensure that the final proposal is inclusive and fair,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY). “We will keep working towards a solution that works for everyone, but doing so will require dedication and commitment from everyone involved.”
With the looming deadline and the deep division over policy priorities, the discussion could stretch well beyond the current December 31st deadline. The debate is likely to remain contentious, but it is the group’s hope that they will be able to make progress before the holidays.
“If we are going to be successful in the talks, the parties must be willing to move away from hardened positions and find common ground,” said Republican Sen. John McCain. “We are up against a tight timeline and the difficulties posed by a politically risky process, but we have no other choice than to keep trying to work out an agreement.”
As members of Congress who are responsible for crossing the partisan divide to craft an effective border security plan navigate the politically risky talks, they are preparing for the discussions to stretch well into the upcoming holiday season.
The bipartisan group of senators, known as the Immigration Reform Group, have been in negotiations over border security since the beginning of the 113th Congress in January, and they are continuing to make progress.
“We are beginning to make some real headway in the negotiations, but it is a difficult process due to the fact that the issues involved are so politically charged,” said Republican Senator Jeff Flake. “We are cautiously optimistic that a comprehensive deal can be reached that meets the needs of both sides.”
The landmark legislation that the group is considering would address issues such as undocumented immigrants, border security, and the passage of long-term immigration reforms. It is a difficult balancing act to find a solution that can pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law by President Obama.
In addition to the tight timeline, both parties have staked out hardline positions that make the potential agreement difficult to reach.
“We understand the urgency behind finding a solution before the end of the calendar year, but we must also ensure that the final proposal is inclusive and fair,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY). “We will keep working towards a solution that works for everyone, but doing so will require dedication and commitment from everyone involved.”
With the looming deadline and the deep division over policy priorities, the discussion could stretch well beyond the current December 31st deadline. The debate is likely to remain contentious, but it is the group’s hope that they will be able to make progress before the holidays.
“If we are going to be successful in the talks, the parties must be willing to move away from hardened positions and find common ground,” said Republican Sen. John McCain. “We are up against a tight timeline and the difficulties posed by a politically risky process, but we have no other choice than to keep trying to work out an agreement.”
