Salazar Backs Gop's Driver's License Bill

U.S. Rep. John Salazar broke with most other Democrats and congressional Hispanics in voting Thursday for a strict set of immigration reforms. By a 261-161 vote, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would force states to adopt standards intended to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining driver's licenses. The bill also would clear the way for finishing a security fence along the U.S.-Mexico border and would make it easier for judges to deport immigrants in political asylum cases if they are suspected of having ties to terrorists.  Governors and state motor vehicle departments said the bill would be too costly and would require them to take on the role of immigration officers.  The vote was split mostly on party lines, with all four Colorado Republicans in favor and Reps. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, and Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, opposed.  The exception was Salazar. The Manassa Democrat was one of four members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to vote for the bill; 14 voted against it.  "The congressman wants to take immediate action to strengthen national security, and part of the answer is to take a look at our immigration laws in a way that the 9/11 Commission recommended," Salazar spokeswoman Nayyera Haq said. [more]