Sen. Marco Rubio and the "Gang of Eight" have garnered endorsement from a key name in the political game: Fox News host Bill O'Reilly.
According to a report from Politico.com, O'Reilly announced his support for the sweeping overhaul in immigration reform in the United States just hours after Republican senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) unveiled a major amendment regarding border patrol.
"It is time for the U.S.A. to pass immigration reform," O'Reilly said on his show Thursday night. He added that he hopes "this bill does become law."
"It's not perfect but it's the right thing to do," O'Reilly said.
The talk show maven seemed supportive of the Hoeven-Corker amendment, which would push up to $30 billion in manpower and technology in patrolling the U.S.-Mexican border, as part of the larger push for broad immigration reform. O'Reilly said he believes the amendment will go a long way in making the border secure.
TheHill.com reports that O'Reilly said immigration reform is "politically necessary" for the GOP, as the party has increasingly lost Latino votes in recent elections.
"The Republican party has a lot to lose here," O'Reilly said. "If it doesn't compromise, many Hispanic voters will reject the GOP entirely, pretty much dooming the party in the future."
With the Hoeven-Corker amendment, Republicans have stepped up their influence in the immigration reform debate. Sen. Rubio says he supports the amendment and has said that he hopes it will solidify bipartisan support for overall legislation on the immigration reform issue.
It's arguable that with Rubio's praise of the new amendment along with O'Reilly's recent endorsement, the overwhelming reach could be critical in helping win the Republican support needed for successfully passing immigration reform when it comes to vote in the Senate.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
