Washington, D.C. – House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement after the House passed two bills to strengthen federal immigration laws: H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act and H.R. 3004, Kate’s Law.
“No one should live in fear for their safety because their city or county refuses to cooperate with federal immigration laws. We are a country governed by the rule of law, and these bills reinforce existing immigration laws and put public safety first,” said McMorris Rodgers. “We want everyone to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are safe and secure in their communities and homes. Chairman Goodlatte’s legislation prioritizes public safety, provides a clear standard for jurisdictions to comply with federal law, and fulfills a promise we made to the American people.”
Note: Both bills, which were introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), strengthen federal immigration enforcement. H.R. 3003 withholds certain federal funds to jurisdictions that impede federal immigration enforcement efforts. Furthermore, this legislation provides law enforcement jurisdictions with a clear standard for compliance and protects jurisdictions who properly enforce the law. The bill also ensures that individuals who are in the country unlawfully and who commit serious crimes are detained during removal proceedings.
H.R. 3004 prioritizes public safety by enhancing penalties for deported felons who return to the United States. The bill is named after Kate Steinle, who was murdered in San Francisco by an unlawful immigrant who had previously been deported five times and was convicted of multiple felonies.