House Republicans ready to push for immigration reform in 2015

WASHINGTON, March 12 (UPI) -- A group of House Republicans said theyre eager to get cracking on immigration reform, and that a deal could be ready in early 2015 before the presidential campaign season kicks into gear.

Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, said in an interview Wednesday that many Republican are willing to work on a deal with Democrats after the midterm elections. However, he said, it all depends on President Barack Obama proving his trustworthiness to the congressmen.

"I actually think if the president understands the message that he needs to work with us and we need to trust him, I think we could do it early next year, said Labrador.

Thats a task easier said than done. One month after Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters his party doesnt trust the president to implement an immigration reform bill, Republican congressmen are still calling on Obama to prove his allegiance to the Constitution and commitment to securing the border.

"I don't know how you negotiate with a president who either will not follow the law or enforce the law, said Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas.

Hensarling, Labrador and a slew of other Republican lawmakers criticized Obamas imperial presidency at Conversations with Conservatives, a panel hosted by The Heritage Foundation. Almost every participant highlighted Obamas adjustment of Affordable Care Act enrollment and implementation deadlines as evidence of his overreach.

But Labrador said Republicans are willing to move on smaller pieces reforms after Novembers congressional elections if Democrats will moderate their all or nothing approach. Delaying work on a blockbuster deal until early next year gives both parties a chance to regroup after the midterm election and before the 2016 presidential campaign season gets going.

Labrador said the window between the two election cycles is the best chance for a bill to get the approval of both parties.

But Rep. Louie Gohmert said at the panel that he doesnt even want to touch the issue of immigration reform until the president secures the border.

You secure the border as confirmed by the border statesand we will work out a deal very quickly," The Texas Republican said.

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House Republicans ready to push for immigration reform in 2015

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