President Donald Trump claimed on Saturday that he never pressured House Republicans to pass an immigration overhaul bill — either the GOP leadership-backed legislation or more conservative proposal.
Trump on Saturday also called on Republicans to get rid of the filibuster rule in the Senate, arguing that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer would do so if Democrats take majority of the chamber in November.
“Either we need to elect more Republicans in November or Republicans must end the ridiculous 60 vote, or Filibuster, rule – or better yet, do both. Cryin’ Chuck would do it on day one, but we’ll never give him the chance. Some great legislation awaits – be smart!” Trump said in Twitter.
Though he said Saturday he never pressured Republicans, Trump had tweeted hours before Wednesday’s vote in the House that members should support the compromise bill.
“House Republicans should pass the strong but fair immigration bill, known as Goodlatte II, in their afternoon vote today, even though the Dems won’t let it pass in the Senate,” Trump wrote in all caps.
Later that day, the bill, although never expected to pass, failed by an even wider margin than expected — 121 to 301.
