Hagerty, Norman propose cutting federal housing funds for sanctuary cities
A new bill introduced by congressional Republicans aims to halt housing grants to sanctuary cities that do not comply with federal law and immigration authorities. Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee emphasized that cities promoting illegal immigration should not receive federal housing subsidies. The bill, initially introduced last year by Hagerty and then-Senator JD Vance of Ohio, targets federal housing grants provided by the community development block grant program.
The community development block grant program, overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides funding to states, cities, and counties to improve urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment. The bill comes as part of President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to crack down on sanctuary cities, with threats to revoke federal funding for non-compliance with the administration’s immigration policies.
Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina, who is co-sponsoring the bill in the House, highlighted the importance of public safety over politics. The bill specifically addresses sanctuary jurisdictions that impede the sharing of information on immigration status or block compliance with Department of Homeland Security requests, leading to the revocation of federal grant funding.
The White House has also targeted community development block grants in its budget proposal, aiming to eliminate the program entirely. The administration argues that the program is better funded and administered at the state and local levels. President Trump’s budget proposal includes approximately $5 billion in cuts to community development programs, including over $3 billion in grant funding for the community development block grant program.
In light of ongoing unrest and violence in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, the bill aims to hold cities accountable for prioritizing illegal immigrants over public safety. It sends a clear message that cities harboring illegal immigrants will no longer receive taxpayer money. The legislation is part of a broader effort to enforce federal immigration laws and ensure that sanctuary cities comply with the administration’s agenda.
Overall, the bill represents a significant step in the ongoing battle over immigration policy and federal funding for sanctuary cities. By targeting housing grants, congressional Republicans are sending a strong message that cities must comply with federal law or face the consequences. The bill’s introduction reflects the continued efforts to address immigration issues and uphold the rule of law in the United States.
