Senate Democrat: Immigration reform not happening this year

[The Northerner]

Comprehensive immigration reform isn't going to happen this year, a Democratic senator said over the weekend.

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said he didn't expect a comprehensive bill to make its way through Congress, which returns in September for several weeks of work before breaking again for midterm elections.

The freshman senator said he was working with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on a bill, but didn't expect it to come up during 2010.

"Sen. Schumer and I are working to bring a package to Congress," Merkley told constituents at a town hall meeting, according to the Salem Statesman Journal. "But reform isn't going to happen this year."

Merkley's acknowledgment reflects a growing pessimism among congressional Democrats that they would be able to tackle immigration reform in any meaningful way this year.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/116321-dem-senator-immigration-reform-isnt-happening-this-year

[liberal N proud]

1. Something for the Republican Congress to take care of

:sarcasm:

[geek tragedy]

2. Congress is done working for until the possible lame duck session. nt

[doc03]

3. Be prepared on November 3rd the big question

from the talking heads lips "Is Obama a Lame Duck President?" You can bet that will be the first thing out of Tweety's mouth.