An effort led by moderate Republicans in the House to bring immigration issues to the floor is gaining steam, and Speaker Ryan appears powerless to stop it.
The majority of the GOP caucus opposes bringing immigration issues up for a vote before the midterms. But that hasn't stopped about 20 Republicans from signing a discharge petition to bypass the leadership and bring the issue to the floor for a vote.
The unfolding legislative battle is a nightmare for Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and his lieutenants, because it exposes a fervent intraparty split in the GOP and pits leadership against many of the politically vulnerable members that are key to saving the Republican majority this fall.
A pair of GOP lawmakers on Wednesday signed on to a discharge petition that would set up a series of votes on immigration bills on the House floor later this year. The move came just hours after party leaders pleaded with rank-and-file members to stand down.
Are Republicans Draining or Filling the Swamp?