Shuler presses leaders on immigration
Doug Abrahms


WASHINGTON - Rep. Heath Shuler met with House Democratic leaders before President’s Day about his immigration bill, but no promises were made about when the legislation might see a vote, a spokesman said.

Shuler, D-Waynesville, has 136 cosponsors of his legislation that would strengthen border security, spend more on workplace enforcement of immigration laws, and require employers to verify workers’ status through a Department of Homeland Security database, which currently is voluntary.

So far, no committee has agreed to take up the immigration bill and the House majority leader’s office couldn’t be reached for immediate response. If Shuler or others could round up 218 cosponsors, they could force a vote on the bill on the House floor, but the congressman has no current plans to take that step, said spokesman Andrew Whalen.

“Our push has never stopped to get cosponsors,â€