Back to work: Congress has much to decide, but no real hope of consensus

As Congress returns this week, the nation will be watching.

It is finally down to the wire.

After months of debate, political spin and votes that seem to go nowhere, citizens don't hold out much hope that there will be any kind of agreement on what should happen with some key issues that are currently clogging the legislative pipeline.

But the Washington crowd is going to meet. They are going to debate. And in the end, something will be decided about at least one of the most pressing decisions -- immigration.

There are many opinions on the proposed legislation. Some think it will cause more harm than good, while others think it is at least a step forward after months of sitting still.

Either way, it is going to prompt another round of speeches, name-calling and yet another close vote.

And while there is so much more to say on this issue, there really should be a bottom line: Immigration reform is fine, as long as the leakage at the borders is stopped first.

Otherwise, we have done nothing but placate a voting group and have not offered meaningful change that will be good for the country.

We will see if anyone in Washington can see past partisanship to realize that fact before it is too late.

Published in Editorials on July 8, 2013 11:03 AM