The White House on Friday downplayed a veto-proof House bill that would stall the number of Syrian refugees coming to the United States, saying the bill would likely not pass the Senate.
“Based on what Senator [Harry] Reid said today, it does seem unlikely that this legislation is going to pass the Senate. He’s indicated that it does not have the votes to pass through the United States Senate,” spokesman Josh Earnest said.
In a blow to President Obama, 47 Democrats — including many facing tough 2016 re-election races — joined the GOP, giving them the two-thirds margin needed to override vetoes.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said pausing the process would be “the most reasonable and balanced thing for the administration to do.”
But Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters, “Don’t worry, it won’t get passed.”