7. Washington Watch:

US House measure is a result of rancher Krentz's slaying

The Arizona Daily Star, our of Tucson, reports that Republican lawmakers want to give Border Patrol agents unfettered access to all public lands along the border, whereas they must currently adhere to some rules and restrictions as to where they can freely go.

At heart of the legislation, sponsored by Republican Bob Bishop, the bill would prohibit the Department of the Interior from preventing BP agents from crossing protected terrain. Currently, BP agents must get approval to cross lands with endangered species off-road.

Many argue that the increased access won’t change the facts on the ground, and couldn’t have helped the rancher, Mr. Krentz, who was slain by a suspected immigrant. The restrictions imposed on public lands are based on decades of bipartisan legislation and are crucial to protecting wildlife, according to a representative of Defenders of Wildlife.

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/border/article_fa5c1624-485e-11df-9d8e-001cc4c03286.html

* * * * * *

Michelle Obama: 'Immigration reform is necessary'

USA Today reports that on her first solo trip, first lady Michelle Obama, in Mexico, said that changes to the immigration system were necessary, but noted that they will be “politically difficult.”  She cited the need for bipartisan cooperation and support for any bill to pass.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/04/michelle-obamaimmigration-reform-is-necessary/1

* * * * * *