Sessions has long been a critic of legalizing undocumented immigrants, and has pushed to curtail immigration to the United States, in part by constructing a wall along the southern U.S. border.

Both bodies will have to write budgets and likely agree to a government-funding plan with President Obama. Senator Jeff Sessions should have the chance to lead that effort.

Sessions, a solution provider visionary revered by friends and colleagues for his candor and sense of humor, passed away this week. Jeff Sessions, a solution provider visionary revered by friends ...