WATCH REPLAY: President Trump Addresses Joint Session of Congress

By  //  February 28, 2017

(FOX NEWS) – President Trump voiced tentative support Tuesday for immigration legislation ahead of his address to a joint session of Congress, potentially opening up a new and contentious debate as he also vows to tackle health care, taxes and the economy.

“The time is right for an immigration bill as long as both sides are willing to compromise,” Trump said at a lunch with news anchors.

He reportedly is open to considering a pathway to legal status for some illegal immigrants. But it’s unclear how far Trump might press the issue in his address Tuesday night, as he also pushes for increased border security and other priorities.

The hint at renewing the immigration reform debate in Congress drew a mixed response late Tuesday from Senate leaders.

Asked about the prospect, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said, “If he’s got an idea, we’d be happy to take a look at it.”

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But Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voiced doubt. “He’s got a lot to undo, I mean, the immigrant community is rightfully scared, of what President Trump has done,” he said.

The speech comes at critical moment, as Trump tries to galvanize a Congress that, despite being under full Republican control, still has not advanced legislation to deal with key campaign vows to replace the Affordable Care Act and reform the tax system. He is under pressure Tuesday to unite party allies behind a common agenda.

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