President Obama on Thursday will meet with key Democratic senators to discuss the ongoing push for immigration reform, his spokesman said.
The group of five senators visiting the White House includes the four Democratic members of the so-called “Gang of Eight,” the bipartisan group that helped draft the controversial immigration measure, White House press secretary Jay Carney said
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Also at Thursday’s meeting will be Sen. Patrick Leahy, Vermont Democrat, who on Wednesday introduced an amendment to the legislation that would allow an American to sponsor his or her same-sex partner for a Green Card.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform
It’s unclear whether the Leahy amendment — which could chip away at Republican support for the bill — will be discussed.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform
Also at Thursday’s meeting will Democratic Sens. Richard Durbin of Illinois, Charles Schumer of New York, Michael Bennet of Colorado and Robert Menendez of New Jersey.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform
There will be no Republicans at the meeting, but that doesn’t mean the president isn’t engaged with the GOP, Mr. Carney said.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform
“The president has in recent days been in contact with a number of Republicans on the progress being made on comprehensive immigration reform. He is reaching out to both parties,” he told reporters.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Immigration Reform
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