Post by pavel on Jan 26, 2016 5:20:25 GMT -6
WASHINGTON (AP) - A widening Republican rift over revamping the nation's criminal justice system is dashing hopes for overhaul in the final year of President Barack Obama's tenure despite strong bipartisan support and a concerted effort by the second-ranking GOP senator.
One of the top advocates in Congress, John Cornyn of Texas, faces reluctance from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opposition from a home-state colleague and Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz and reservations from several GOP senators, who expressed their concerns at a closed-door meeting last week.
As opposition has grown, Cornyn is lowering expectations for election-year success.
"I am hopeful, but I don't think it's critical we do it this year," the three-term senator said in an interview with The Associated Press a day after the private Republican caucus meeting. "I have been involved in a lot of fights around here that have taken us years to get things done. And ultimately the question is, can you get it done at some point."
Read more: www.reporternews.com/news/366521201.xhtml
One of the top advocates in Congress, John Cornyn of Texas, faces reluctance from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, opposition from a home-state colleague and Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz and reservations from several GOP senators, who expressed their concerns at a closed-door meeting last week.
As opposition has grown, Cornyn is lowering expectations for election-year success.
"I am hopeful, but I don't think it's critical we do it this year," the three-term senator said in an interview with The Associated Press a day after the private Republican caucus meeting. "I have been involved in a lot of fights around here that have taken us years to get things done. And ultimately the question is, can you get it done at some point."
Read more: www.reporternews.com/news/366521201.xhtml