While prospects for passing an immigration overhaul continue to diminish as the midterm campaign season heats up next year, immigration groups got a glimmer of hope when House Speaker John A. Boehner took aim at tea party critics and allowed a vote last week on a budget deal that averts the likelihood of another government shutdown next year.
Boehner, R-Ohio, charged the conservative factions with “misleading their followers” after groups like Heritage Action and the Club for Growth spoke out against the bipartisan deal agreed to by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray D-Wash.
Although the issues are different, the fact that Boehner stood up to those who also oppose an immigration overhaul is a sign to immigration supporters that Boehner may take a similar stand next year in an effort to pass immigration legislation.
"The two Houses of Congress and the two parties can work out immigration reform in 2014 in a similar manner,” Rep. Luis Gutiérrez said in a statement after the budget deal was reached. “It takes commitment from the leaders in both parties and it takes hard work and the willingness to compromise.”
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