‘It’s my job to ensure that our members get a good bill’  Six
months after becoming majority leader, Rep. John A. Boehner,
Ohio Republican, sat down this week with The Washington Times to
discuss Republican priorities and negotiations in Congress to
pass an immigration reform bill.  Question: What is the real
likelihood of passing an immigration bill this year?  Answer:
I’d say the chances are 2-to-1 before the end of the year.  Q:
Honestly? Both sides are pretty dug in.  A: I’ve had senators
talk to me — Democrats and Republicans — who want to move on.
Our hearings are having an effect on them. So, I think there’s a
way to get there.  Q: Which side will have to give in?  A: We’ll
know more on Labor Day after we go through August and the
hearings.  Q: You were among the 17 House Republicans who voted
against the House enforcement-only bill. Why?  A: There were
issues in my jurisdiction [as chairman of the House Education
and the Workforce Committee] in the bill. I was being denied my
jurisdiction. Finally, th