Dems Seek To Pressure Boehner on Immigration
Sen. Chuck Schumer suggests using a discharge petition to force House vote on immigration. NYT: "[Schumer] accused House Republicans of trying to 'sweep this issue under the rug,' and added, 'In the next few months you’re going to see increased pressure, and the discharge petition is one such way.' ... [But] Democratic lawmakers and aides eager to see an immigration overhaul before the end of the year privately say that the path forward is still through Mr. Boehner; they are hoping that now that the potential debt ceiling crisis is out of the way, the House Republican leadership will return to the question of immigration once the mood has mellowed slightly."
W. Post George Will takes on anti-immigration reform Republicans: "Many Republicans say addressing immigration will distract from a winning focus on Obamacare. But a mature party avoids monomania ... Many Republicans say immigration policy divides their party. If, however, the party becomes a gaggle of veto groups enforcing unanimities, it will become what completely harmonious parties are: small ... Zero-sum reasoning about a fixed quantity of American opportunity is for a United States in a defensive crouch, which is not for conservatives."
"Waiting on immigration is a crazy move for GOP" argues W. Post's Greg Sargent: "...for Republicans, the immigration calendar is actually pretty unforgiving. The crux of the issue is this: Either Republicans embrace immigration reform in time for the 2016 presidential race, or they don’t. If they decide not to, that doesn’t ensure a loss, but it’s a pretty big gamble ... waiting makes it more likely reform could fail after yet another contentious GOP primary debate — saddling Republicans with more negative immigration baggage, heading into another general election."
Setback For Natural Gas
New study raises climate concerns regarding methane leaks from natural gas. The Hill: "A study released Thursday by Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) revealed that while natural gas emits less carbon dioxide during combustion than other fossil fuels, the potential for [methane] leaks ... put a damper on its 'climate benefits.' ... emissions of methane are significantly higher than official estimates, with leaks from the natural gas system being one significant contributor ... While the gas system is leakier than thought, in the long-run electricity generation through the burning of gas opposed to coal makes a greater dent in total greenhouse gas emissions over 100 years ... When it comes to powering trucks and buses with natural gas in place of diesel fuel, however, gas will likely add to effects that compound global warming ..."
President to announce "climate resilience fund." The Hill: "During his visit to California on Friday, President Obama will announce a new $1 billion resilience fund for communities battling climate change ... The administration's fund will invest in research to gather data on the impacts of climate change, help communities prepare for the impacts, and support innovative technologies and infrastructure..."
Breakfast Sides
House Dems also look to discharge petition for minimum wage hike. The Hill: "The discharge petition faces a high bar, as it would require at least 18 Republicans to buck their leadership and endorse the measure – a scenario the Democrats readily acknowledge is unlikely ... Still, the Democrats are hoping the extra political pressure will amplify the Democrats' economic message this election year ..."
Pelosi opposes fast-track. CNN: "'Camp-Baucus in its present form is unacceptable to me,' Pelosi said, referring to the bipartisan sponsors of the bill ... Pelosi insisted her opposition 'is not a rejection of the President’s trade agenda; it’s a rejection of the current form of Camp-Baucus.' ..."
