DACA update: the Problem Solver Caucus seems to be close to a deal. They'd be a formidable voting block (20-30 senators) that would seem to have a good shot at pulling in the needed 60 votes to pass a bill.
They're discussing what we've been calling a narrow deal: pathway to citizenship for 1.8 million DREAMers, border security funding, but not too much else. The catch...
...is that this bill won't be popular among House Republicans. Even if it could pass the House on a bipartisan vote, Paul Ryan has said he won't bring it forward for a vote (this shields him from the wrath of his Caucus). President might not sign it as well.
Big part of what the Problem Solver Coalition is trying to do is get a bill not just that will pass (that's relatively easy) but pass with enough Republican votes to put pressure on Paul Ryan.
How much is that? Who knows. 30ish senators from each side would be ideal. One senator told me he thinks they need at least 20 Rs for it to have a chance. So they're bouncing around proposals trying to get there.
Also some senators giving the impression they're much less close to a deal than others. Key question is: "what can Democrats stomach that wins over enough Republicans?"
