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Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday that the Obama administration will have to act alone on stemming deportations if the House doesnt move on immigration reform by this summers end.

The comments from Reid appeared to be the most definitive that the Senates top Democrat has given on the politically thorny question of whether the administration should use executive authority to halt deportations. Thats a top demand of pro-reform advocates, particularly from those who are skeptical the House will end up doing anything on immigration this year.

The issue for Reid, as it is for other Democrats, is timing. Senate Democrats believe there is a narrow window of about six weeks this summer from mid-June to the end of July for the GOP-led House to move immigration bills, and they want the focus during that period to be on Republican lawmakers, not the administration.

(Also on POLITICO:GOP blocks immigration proposals)

Weve waited 329 days, were willing to wait another six weeks, Reid said Thursday, referring to the number of days that have passed since his chamber passed a comprehensive reform bill. But at the end of six weeks, if something hasnt been done, then theres gonna have to be a move made. And its too bad we have to do that, because we all know things can be done administratively, but its better to change the law.

Reid said the best solution on immigration is a sweeping rewrite led by Congress. He endorsed an idea first floated by one of his top deputies, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.): Pass a bill this year, but have it take effect in January 2017 when a new president moves into the White House.

That is meant to take aim at a chief criticism from House Republicans: They dont trust President Barack Obama to implement an immigration bill.

(Also on POLITICO:Dems seek Obama midterm strategy)

If Republicans dont trust President Obama, lets give them a chance to implement the bill under President Rand Paul or President Theodore Cruz, Reid said, referring to two current Republican senators who are potential presidential contenders in 2016. (Cruzs first name is actually Rafael.)

To be clear, delaying immigration reform is not my preference, Reid continued. But I feel so strongly that this bill needs to get done Im willing to show flexibility.

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Reid: Immigration may belong to W.H.