Arizona’s Senator Jon Kyl boycotted today’s Judiciary Committee hearing on Arizona’s immigration law. Kyle said that the hearings, called for by Senator Chuck Schumer, were simply another effort to pressure the justices.
Today’s hearing comes a day before the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Arizona’s immigration law SB1070.
Former Senator Russell Pearce and Senator Steve Gallardo, two of Arizona’s most divisive politicians were going to participate in the hearings called by Senator Chuck Schumer.
According to the Washington Times, Tuesday’s hearing, convened by Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, has been contentious since he announced he would hold it. Mr. Schumer initially invited Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, who signed the law, to testify, but she declined.
Senator Kyl said that Schumer didn’t consult with anyone from the Arizona congressional delegation before calling the hearing, which “demonstrates that it is intended to be more of a spectacle than a forum for learning anything useful,” according to the Washington Times.
“I will not participate in today’s hearing because it is strictly political theater. The timing of the hearing just one day ahead of the Supreme Court’s review of the law suggests that its purpose is either to influence the court’s decision or to garner publicity,” Mr. Kyl said in a statement.
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