Republicans look to squeeze Dems with vote to abolish ICE
House GOP leaders want to force Democrats to choose between their liberal base and swing voters.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018...ns-abolish-ice-vote-democrats-position-715420
House Republican leaders plan to hold a vote on a liberal bill to abolish the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency — forcing Democrats to weigh in on a controversial issue that has divided the party just months before the midterms.
“We can have a debate,” House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters Thursday, adding that the vote would occur before the August recess.
GOP leaders are also considering holding a vote on a "Medicare for All" proposal supported by progressives. That vote could take place in several weeks, said GOP sources.
The proposals, which have become a rallying cry on the left, aren't supported by party leaders or moderates, who warn it threatens to alienate independent voters in critical districts they need to win back the House.
Multiple GOP sources said House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) pushed for the “Abolish ICE“ bill to get a vote during a Republican Study Committee meeting Thursday, then again in a whip team huddle.
GOP members loved the idea: putting Democrats on record backing a measure that could turn off swing voters — or voting no and rebuking their own colleagues. It would also be an easy unifier for House Republicans, who are still licking their wounds from their own divisive immigration battle last month.
Republican leadership aides say a floor vote is likely later this month.........(SNIP)
House GOP leaders want to force Democrats to choose between their liberal base and swing voters.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018...ns-abolish-ice-vote-democrats-position-715420
House Republican leaders plan to hold a vote on a liberal bill to abolish the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency — forcing Democrats to weigh in on a controversial issue that has divided the party just months before the midterms.
“We can have a debate,” House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters Thursday, adding that the vote would occur before the August recess.
GOP leaders are also considering holding a vote on a "Medicare for All" proposal supported by progressives. That vote could take place in several weeks, said GOP sources.
The proposals, which have become a rallying cry on the left, aren't supported by party leaders or moderates, who warn it threatens to alienate independent voters in critical districts they need to win back the House.
Multiple GOP sources said House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) pushed for the “Abolish ICE“ bill to get a vote during a Republican Study Committee meeting Thursday, then again in a whip team huddle.
GOP members loved the idea: putting Democrats on record backing a measure that could turn off swing voters — or voting no and rebuking their own colleagues. It would also be an easy unifier for House Republicans, who are still licking their wounds from their own divisive immigration battle last month.
Republican leadership aides say a floor vote is likely later this month.........(SNIP)
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