Dems try to tie immigration to Ryan budget

House Democrats are seeking a vote on comprehensive immigration reform as part of this week’s budget debate.

Reps. Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and Joe Garcia (D-Fla.) on Monday offered an immigration language amendment to the latest budget resolution crafted by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). A similar symbolic amendment in support of comprehensive immigration reform was voted down in the Budget Committee before the Ryan plan was sent to the floor last Wednesday.

{mosads}Democrats have been trying to force GOP leaders to bring an actual immigration bill to the floor using a discharge petition. The Senate last year passed a comprehensive bill, but House Republicans favor a step-by-step approach of passing tougher border measures first and leaving the thorny issue of status for illegal immigrations to the end of the process.

The immigration amendment joins several others before the Rules Committee on Monday.

House Democratic leaders are offering their alternative visions, crafted by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

The conservative Republican Study Committee is offering a budget that balances in four years, as compared to the Ryan plan, which would balance in 10 years.

The liberal Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus are offering alternatives as well. And once again, Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) is offering a resolution based on President Obama’s budget in the hopes of embarrassing the president by showing weak support among his own party.

In addition, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) is offering an amendment calling for greater transparency in how the government accounts for mandatory spending.