Will Constitutional Problem Derail Immigration Reform?

A procedural glitch is adding new, and possibly significant, hurdlesto the drive in Congress to approve sweeping changes to immigrationpolicy.

The problem stems from the Senate bill that would create aguest-worker program and a path to citizenship for many of the illegalimmigrants in the United States.

Participants in the guest-worker program would pay income taxes;illegal immigrants would, as part of the legalization process, berequired to pay back taxes and new fees.

The Constitution, however, gives the House sole authority tooriginate bills that include revenue measures and it allows any Housemember to object if a Senate bill does so.

Late last week, Senate aides said they received word from the HouseWays and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over revenue issues,that it would use that constitutional power to block furtherconsideration of the Senate bill. For full article, click here.

bh