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.
HOUSE
VOTES TO EXTEND SECTION 245(I) DEADLINE
SISKIND'S IMMIGRATION BULLETIN