Cost of immigration enforcement bill could deter Blue Dog support
By Mike Soraghan
Posted: 04/07/08 07:46 PM [ET]

A Democratic-sponsored immigration enforcement bill supported by Republicans could add $40 billion to the deficit over the next 10 years, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said Monday, a figure that could scare off fiscally conservative Democrats being pressed to support it.


Republicans have initiated a discharge petition to move Rep. Heath Shuler’s (D-N.C.) bill, which is opposed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Their targets are mostly Blue Dog Democrats who hail from conservative districts more likely to support tough measures against immigration.



But Blue Dogs are also opposed to adding to the federal deficit, so the cost of the bill could make them think twice before getting on board. Democratic leaders believe the high cost will deter more Blue Dogs from signing on.


So far, 185 members have signed on as co-sponsors. The most recent Democrat was Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) on March 31.


“You need more Democrats and Republicans to get to 218. This report doesn’t help you get there,â€