Kate’s Law may be put on agenda, aides say

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has informed Democrats he may schedule a vote next week on a hard-line immigration bill pushed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a GOP candidate for president.

The move could bring debate over immigration to the Senate floor just as it flares on the presidential campaign trail. Cruz has been sparring with Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, another GOP hopeful, as front-runner Donald Trump pushes for millions to be deported.

The bill is called Kate’s Law for a woman shot in San Francisco by an immigrant illegally in the country. It would increase penalties for re-entering the country illegally.

McConnell has been under conservative pressure to bring the legislation to a vote, particularly from Fox News Channel host Bill O’Reilly. But the move could give a platform to Cruz, with whom McConnell has sparred.

Democratic aides spoke anonymously Friday to disclose McConnell’s potential plans. McConnell’s spokesman, Don Stewart, said no decisions had been made. “While we are looking forward to having a vote on that important matter, it has not yet been scheduled, and the notice was not specific to next week,” he said.