Republicans delay second vote on immigration bill

'Compromise deal' postponed until next week to secure support

WASHINGTON - Republican leaders in the US House of Representatives on Thursday were forced to twice delay a vote on a "moderate" immigration bill amid chaos over the White House practice of separating families who illegally cross the US border.

Following the failure of a vote on a "hardline" immigration bill, with 193 votes in favor and 231 against, earlier in the day, House Speaker Paul Ryan told lawmakers that the second voting for a "moderate" bill on immigration would be postponed until Friday.