This week, the House of Representatives witnessed the passage of two significant bills aimed at curbing sanctuary cities, with notable bipartisan support.
The first bill, approved on Thursday, seeks to revoke Small Business Administration (SBA) services from areas that provide refuge to illegal immigrants. The legislation garnered a 211 to 199 vote, with five DemocratsReps. Henry Cuellar, Laura Gillen, Don Davis, Jared Golden, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perezaligning with the GOP, despite opposition from House Democratic leaders.
According to Fox News, the bill mandates the relocation of SBA offices at regional, district, and local levels if they are situated in publicly designated sanctuary jurisdictions. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer emphasized the accountability being imposed on these cities, stating, "House Republicans are holding these cities accountable for their refusal to follow immigration law and protect their citizens."
He further asserted that "under President Trump, lawlessness that endangers the American people and prioritizes illegal aliens will not be rewarded with federal dollars and resources."
The second bill, passed on Friday morning, explicitly prohibits individuals residing illegally in the U.S. from accessing SBA loans. This legislation saw support from eight Democrats, including Perez, Cuellar, Gillen, Davis, Tom Suozzi, Josh Harder, Marcy Kaptur, and Kristen McDonald Rivet. Notably, House Democratic leaders refrained from directing their caucus on how to vote regarding this bill.
The introduction of these bills by Rep. Brad Finstad and Rep. Beth Van Duyne underscores the enduring political significance of illegal immigration, a topic that has been instrumental in securing Republican victories across various branches of government.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on upholding immigration laws and ensuring that federal resources are allocated in alignment with national priorities.
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