WASHINGTON — Dallas-based U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña is one step closer to running Immigration and Customs Enforcement — though she’s likely in a tough fight.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-8 Wednesday to move Saldaña’s nomination to the full Senate floor. But Republicans on the committee, including Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, opposed her nomination, setting up a potentially contentious confirmation process going forward. It’s unclear when the Dallas prosecutor will receive a floor vote.
Obama tapped Saldaña in August to lead ICE, a massive agency within the Department of Homeland Security. The post has been vacant for more than a year, partly a result of tension between President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans.
One of ICE’s main missions is to track down undocumented immigrants — by far its most politically delicate challenge. After Obama announced his executive action on immigration, which would shield about 5 million from deportation, the issue has taken on an even bigger focus.
Cornyn, who supported Saldaña’s nomination for U.S. Attorney in 2011, said in a statement that he was “troubled” by the Dallas prosecutor’s recent remarks on the president’s orders. Saldaña said she believes Obama’s executive action was legal.
“I cannot support her nomination to be our nation’s chief immigration enforcement officer until she explains her views before a full hearing in the Judiciary Committee,” Cornyn said.
The deputy GOP leader’s position signals a shift from his apparent support of Saldaña in September, when he introduced her at a confirmation hearing and praised her qualifications to helm ICE.
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3 comments:
You carry Obama's water and you get wet.
No mames pajarito!
The Repuks are scared stiff of a "Meskin wise Latina".
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