Democrats join GOP to pass legislation cracking down on sanctuary cities
A recent development in the fight against sanctuary cities has seen two bills passing the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The first bill, passed on Thursday, aims to withdraw Small Business Administration (SBA) services from jurisdictions that provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants. The legislation was approved in a 211 to 199 vote, with five Democrats joining Republicans in support.
Among the Democrats who crossed party lines to vote for the bill were Reps. Henry Cuellar of Texas, Laura Gillen of New York, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington. This bipartisan support came despite House Democratic leaders advising their caucus to vote against the bill.
The bill would require SBA offices at the regional, district, and local levels to relocate if their locations are publicly designated as sanctuary jurisdictions. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota emphasized the importance of holding cities accountable for not following immigration laws and prioritizing the safety of their citizens.
The second bill, passed on Friday, explicitly prohibits individuals in the U.S. illegally from obtaining SBA loans. Eight Democrats supported this legislation, including Perez, Cuellar, Gillen, and Davis, as well as Reps. Tom Suozzi of New York, Josh Harder of California, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, and Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan.
House Democratic leaders did not provide guidance on how to vote for the bill, indicating a lack of consensus within the party on the issue. The bipartisan support for these bills reflects the ongoing political significance of illegal immigration and sanctuary cities, which played a crucial role in Republican victories in the previous election cycle.
The first bill was introduced by Rep. Brad Finstad of Minnesota, while the second bill was proposed by Rep. Beth Van Duyne of Texas. These legislative efforts underscore the commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring the safety and security of American citizens.
Overall, the passage of these bills highlights the complexity and divisiveness of the sanctuary city debate, as well as the willingness of some lawmakers to prioritize national security and law enforcement over partisan politics. This ongoing discussion is likely to continue shaping the political landscape and policy decisions in the future.
