Senate Democrats in a Wednesday letter to Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) are requesting input in talks on a budget reconciliation package the GOP is plotting to move President Trump’s agenda on immigration, tax reform and a host of other issues.
The Democrats in a letter led by Sen. Mark Kelly (Ariz.) argued the two parties would best work together on the plan.
“We understand that Senate Republicans have discussed using the budget reconciliation process to advance border security budget measures without any Democratic input,” the lawmakers wrote.
“While that’s your right, in working together on a bipartisan basis, we can achieve the best outcome for the American people. There are also limitations to what can be done under budget reconciliation, and as we’ve seen time and time again, no party has all the solutions on this or any issue.”
Democratic senators signing the letter in addition to Kelly included Sens. Mark Warner (Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Elissa Slotkin (Mich.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), John Hickenlooper (Colo.) and Chris Coons (Del.), as well as Sen. Angus King (I-Maine).
The write up outlined the uncertain circumstances for “dreamers” who were granted temporary protective status (TPS) under President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Trump rescinded the effort during his first administration but has signaled an openness for the demographic to receive legal pathways to citizenship.
The president promised to work with Democrats to “do something” about Dreamers in an interview with NBC as did “border czar” Tom Homan.
Democrats said they look forward to receiving the opportunity to weigh in.
“There is a lot of common ground for us to start on. We see a need for strong, commonsense, and fair immigration enforcement accompanied by the necessary resources to effectively secure our borders,” Democrats wrote in their letter.
“That’s important for our national security and to support border states. We also see a need for a firm but fair immigration system that streamlines processes and better addresses our workforce needs.”
The lawmakers later added they are willing to work in “good faith.”
“The American people are counting on us to find bipartisan solutions to our nations’ priorities. We remain ready to work with you in good faith to craft legislation that can achieve bipartisan support and 60 votes in the Senate.”
