House bipartisan immigration talks lose key member
Key lawmaker quits House bipartisan immigration talks but other members still aim for deal
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A key GOP lawmaker has abandoned bipartisan immigration talks in the House amid a dispute over health coverage for people here illegally, but others in the group intend to push forward toward a deal.
A spokesman says Congressman Raul Labrador of Idaho has quit the group of eight lawmakers working toward sweeping immigration legislation. Labrador made the announcement after a meeting Wednesday night where lawmakers couldn't resolve the health care disagreement to his liking.
The issue had hung up the group for weeks as Labrador pushed to ensure immigrants here illegally paid for all their own care. Now a House aide, speaking anonymously to discuss the private talks, says others in the group will move ahead without him.
The House group has promised a bill for months without delivering.
