--This week's commentary is part 4 of a 5 part analysis of how U.S. policy and politics will be affected if the Democrats win the majority of seats in one or both houses. 
--The article focuses on how the outcome of the election will affect the issue of illegal immigration.
--This is a long article, but well worth reading to gain an understanding of the importance of the outcome of this year's elections.  Before answering the questions, think about the following:

• The Republicans currently hold the majority in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
• Many races are close and Democrats could gain control of one or both houses of Congress in next week's elections.
• The outcome of the election will determine which party will be in the majority; the majority party for each house controls the committees.  The committees control which bills will be voted on, and which will be tabled (laid aside; defeated)
• For an explanation of committees, see Senate.gov.
• For information on how the committees control the process of making a bill into a law, go to BensGuide.gov.
• For an explanation of the roles of all of the leaders in the Senate and the House,  click here.

1.  List the majority (Republican) and minority (Democrat) leaders of both houses.

2.  List the four major immigration questions Congress must address after the elections. (para. 13)

3.  a) Which party supports enforcement of existing immigration laws?  (para. 24)
b) Which party supports legalization of illegal immigrants currently in the U.S.?
c) Which party supports President Bush's position on illegal immigration?
d) What will happen in the immigration debate if Democrats win the majority; what will happen if Republicans win the majority?

4.  Who are the Republican and Democrat congressmen up for the leadership of the House Judiciary Committee? How do their views on illegal immigration differ? (para. 26)

5.  What are the upcoming major decisions for the Senate Appropriations Committee? (para. 38)

6.  Did the reporter do a good job of explaining how the outcome of the election will affect the illegal immigration issue?  Explain your answer.