Colorado’s Morning News, Mike Coffman, April 19, 2018
Station: KOA, 850 am
Guests: Coffman, Mike
Date: April 19, 2018
Topics: Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Rep. Linda Sanchez, Queen of the Hill Rule, Immigration, Enhanced Border Security, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, President Trump, White House,
HOST APRIL ZESBAUGH: [00:00:02] Talking DACA on Capitol Hill: [playing audio clip of U.S. Rep. Linda Chavez] “We could pass it. We believe there is enough support within the Republican caucus. But 100 of the most conservative members of that caucus are making policy for the rest of the United States.” Congresswoman Linda Sanchez is vice chair of the Democratic caucus, as a group of bipartisan House lawmakers discusses plans to force debate on a permanent DACA fix. Our own Republican Congressman Mike Coffman is playing a big role in that effort as he helps push a ‘Queen of the Hill’ rule. What is it? Let’s get into that with him. Congressman Mike Coffman [is] on the live line to talk about it. Good morning!
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM COLORADO’S SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, MIKE COFFMAN: [00:00:33] Oh, Good morning, April.
ZESBAUGH: [00:00:34] This is a rule that sets up a series of immigration votes. How exactly does it work, though?
MIKE COFFMAN: [00:00:38] Well, the way it works: the rule is four different bills that would be all considered essentially at the same time. And whatever bill gets the most votes would be the bill that passes the House.
HOST MARTY LENZ: [00:00:55] Speaker Paul Ryan seems like he’s getting blamed by Democrats for refusing to let a bipartisan bill come to the floor. Do you see it the same way, Congressman?.
MIKE COFFMAN: [00:01:02] Well, we really need to get going on this I mean the President gave the Congress six months to get something done that would involve border security and some solution for these young people who were brought to this country illegally but grew up here, went to school here, oftentimes know of no other country. And so, it’s — I mean, we haven’t had a single vote on the floor on this. And so, we’ve really got to get moving.
ZESBAUGH: [00:01:27] Why is this so important to you, that you’ve come out in front of this effort.?
MIKE COFFMAN: [00:01:31] Well, this is, uh — I’ve got a significant Hispanic community in this district. I’ve gotten to know a lot of the young people, and it’s very frustrating. They’re really caught in a gray area. I had one young woman who wanted to go to the United States Naval Academy, graduated from the top of her class from an Aurora public high school, had all the other the right scores, had the right activities. But her parents took her here when she was one year old from Mexico illegally. Now, she doesn’t remember anything about Mexico. [She has] never been back there. This is the only country she’s ever known. So we just really have to resolve the situation for these young people.
LENZ: [00:02:06] And why is it not getting resolved, Congressman? Is this all politics, or is there something more nefarious taking place?
MIKE COFFMAN: [00:02:12] Well, you know, unfortunately a lot of it is just politics. But I think we just got to get moving! I think if we could get something to the Senate and get them get them going, you know, we’ll — and work with the White House — I think we could get something done that would involve what the President asked for, which was, you know, enhanced border security and some future for these young people.
ZESBAUGH: [00:02:32] All right. Congressman, thanks for the time we got with you. We appreciate it.
MIKE COFFMAN: [00:02:36] Oh, thank you.
