Schumer: Immigration bill to pass Senate by..

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WASHINGTON • A senator guiding an immigration overhaul bill through Congress says he wants the Senate to pass the measure by July 4 and predicts as many as 70 votes in support.

Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer said Sunday that the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers working on the bill is moving forward over House Republicans' objections. The New York senator adds that the eight lawmakers who developed the legislation would consider amendments to their proposal.

Schumer says that if Republicans oppose an overhaul of immigration laws, they will see their party relegated to minority status for a generation. He predicts voters will punish lawmakers who stand in the way of an overhaul and says House Speaker John Boehner is in a tough spot with conservatives.

Schumer spoke to NBC's "Meet the Press."

Schumer: Immigration bill to pass Senate by July 4