Today on the Hill: Congress Postures on Immigration; Senate Clears Noms Queue

It’s been a quiet week in Washington since Monday’s shutdown drama, but both sides are starting to set the parameters for the next round of fights on government funding and immigration. President Trump took a conciliatory tone in comments to reporters in Davos, Switzerland yesterday, saying that Dreamers could “morph into” citizens over a period of 10-12 years — a break from past statements on the issue. While far from a commitment, the position may move the White House and congressional Democrats closer to a deal for the immigrants covered under the deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) program.

Meanwhile, House conservatives are calling for the lower chamber to vote on a much harsher immigration measure sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chair Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). While the Republican Study Committee — an influential group of more than 150 Republicans — have vocally supported the measure over Senate alternatives, it is unlikely the bill would gain much traction in the upper chamber. These dynamics are sure to accelerate when the House returns next week and Congress begins to press against the next funding deadline of Feb. 8.

The Senate has only one vote left today before breaking for the weekend. The chamber will hold a final up or down vote on the nomination of R.D. James to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army, leading the Army Corps of Engineers. The Senate cleared the nominations of both Alex Azar to lead the Health and Human Services Department and Samuel Brownback to be an at-large ambassador for international religious freedom on narrow margins yesterday.