Chuck Schumer: Arizona Immigration Law Author Will Testify, But Not Gov. Jan Brewer

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Schumer is trying to shame Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer into testifying before his subcommittee on immigration.

The Republican governor has already declined an invitation from the New York Democrat to speak to senators about her state's controversial immigration law when she comes to Washington in April. Brewer will be in the nation's capital for a Supreme Court argument on the law, which a lower court has found to be at least partially unconstitutional.

But Schumer has now landed the law's author, former state Sen. Russell Pearce, who lost a recall election last year in part because of anger over the measure. Pearce has agreed to testify before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship, which Schumer chairs.

“Other Arizona officials responsible for this law are willing to come and defend it, but not Gov. Brewer," Schumer said in a statement on Tuesday. "The governor is the one who signed this bill into law; she shouldn't leave the defense of it to others.”

The state law would allow police to arrest anyone they suspected of being an undocumented immigrant if they stopped that person for some other reason and found the person was not carrying proper papers. Some critics say the measure amounts to racial profiling.

Lower courts have stayed that part of the law, and the high court will hear the challenge on April 24. Brewer's office has said she will be in town at the time, but deemed Schumer's invitation a "publicity stunt."

Michael McAuliff covers Congress and politics for The Huffington Post. Talk to him on Facebook.

Comments

[Frank Padia]

02:16 PM on 03/16/2012

Why would anyone agree to testify before aq committe they is actually a lynch mob? The only concerns the DNC has for the Hispanic population in the US is how they can exploit it for political gain. If they really cared about the problems in the Latino community, they would being working to help rather than making things worse. Their lack of action is EXACTLY why the kind of laws such as Arizona's become possible. When people are afraid, they will find ways to manage their fear. They will also find people to blame for it.

[fitzroya]

08:05 AM on 03/16/2012

Brewer acts like a drive-by internet troll, stirring people up with some outrageous controversy, then running and hiding because she can't weather the heat or scrutiny. There is something wrong with her, and leadership of anyone, let alone a State of the Union, is a bad idea. It happens too frequently, and a good question is why don't people see this weakness before it is elected into such an important role? People like her flourish in politics and representation.

[Peacockjp]

01:59 AM on 03/18/2012

I totally agree with you when it comes to Brewer - and for once - I agree with Schumer. I can't believe myself, but Even with my opinion of this Camera hugging, face time hungry pol - he's correct on this issue. Chuckie - please don't tell anybody I said this.

[Cacey]

07:53 AM on 03/16/2012

Brewer's been invited and refused. Now she should be subpoenaed and if she refuses slapped with Contempt of Congress charges and jailed. She is not above the law.

[FIERALOCA]

09:54 PM on 06/02/2013

She might just take the Fifth like some IRS person did.

[Snake1994]

05:07 PM on 03/15/2012

Brewer's not going because it's just another dog and pony show.

[NewAmericanow]

02:49 PM on 03/15/2012

Chuck Schumer is one of the worlds worst Senators

[spytheweb]

04:03 AM on 03/15/2012

I'am a democrat and i would like to know what is the democrats end game? Why do they want to flood the country with illegal aliens? Why is the federal government not enforcing the immigration laws? Why? Tell the US public what it is you are trying to do.

[the real minority]

07:44 PM on 03/14/2012

Is it me or should Chuck be wearing a white vest with restraints? He's freakin nuts.

[DavidNichols]

02:14 PM on 03/14/2012

Mr. Schumer, you should simply watch Governor Brewer's New T.V. Commercial for Arizona.

In it they show many People who "Came to Arizona, and Loved it so much they Stayed"!

Even moving their Businesses to Arizona.

Then Governor Brewer Say's; "Arizona is a Great Place, Come Discover Arizona."


She is Finally Telling the "Truth" about Arizona!

She made "Zero" Mention of Border Wars, or any Danger by Immigrants whatsoever!

The Border is Now Safe, and Republicans should now Keep their "Word" and address meaningful, and Humane Immigration Reform.

Schumer, Show Congress Governor Brewer's Arizona Commercial.

Washington should Finally be told the "Truth" about Arizona!

Governor Brewer wouldn't Lie and Coerse People to Arizona into Danger would She?

To: Truth.

[DavidNichols]

10:23 AM on 03/14/2012

Russell Pearce should be Testifying before a Jury for his Class Five Felony of Election Rigging/Tampering when he his Brother, and Two Neices ran a "Sham Candidate in his own Recall Election making a Mockery of the entire U.S. Electoral, and Judicial Systems!

As a Felon Pearce could be running for "Inmate of the Month"!

To: Justice for All.


Even when your Brother is a Judge.

[freedom1947]

10:06 AM on 03/14/2012

Gov brewer. Everyone knows your name.

[ennis438]

09:53 AM on 03/14/2012

Hey Chuck. Don't waste your breath . Jan is much more at home at a Nazi convention than a hearing trying to get the truth out of a corrupt law she loves.

[Norski]

09:50 AM on 03/14/2012

The Supreme Court is going to soon decide the fate of this law. Schumer has no say in it. Bringing in a parade of people to "testify" about this law TWO years after it was passed and before we know what the Supreme Court has to say is a joke and a waste of time. But apparently this show is more important than putting people back to work, changing the laws to make speculation in oil more difficult, and finding a way to get out of Afghanistan honorably. When "shaming" someone becomes more important than doing the business of the country, one can really understand where the current unpopularity of Congress comes from.

[jymfrancais]

09:24 AM on 03/14/2012

She's an older, uglier Sarah Palin, nothing more.

[spkninglsh]

08:31 AM on 03/14/2012

The best thing about this news is we get to see Jon Stewart's Schumer impersonation again.

[Sheldon archer]

08:31 AM on 03/14/2012

I just wish that they would stop posting her photos.