CHANGE IN SENATE LEADERSHIP COULD MEAN CHANGE IN IMMIGRATION AGENDA

This week Washington, D.C. was rocked by the announcement from Vermont Senator James Jeffords that he was leaving the Republican Party and would become an Independent.  While switching party affiliation is rare enough – it has happened only seven times in the past 50 years – Jeffords’ departure may be the first time such a switch has cost a party its control of Congress.  The Senate was deadlocked at 50-50, with Republican Vice-President Dick Cheney casting the tie-breaking vote.  Jeffords announced that he would vote with the Democrats on organizational issues, in effect making Tom Daschle (D-SD) Senate Majority leader.

The power shift means that committee chairs will also change.  Current Judiciary Chair Orin Hatch (R-UT) will be replaced, most likely by ranking Minority Member Patrick Leahy (D-VT), although there is speculation that Joseph Biden (D-DE) could become the chair.  Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), who is currently the Chair of the Immigration Subcommittee, will be replaced, most likely by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA).

Control of the Senate includes the power to set the legislative agenda and to determine which bills will be debated both in committee and by the full Senate.  Former Majority Leader Trent Lott often prevented important immigration legislation from being heard, especially legislation that would restore due process to immigration law.  It is expected that more legislation of this sort will be heard now.