By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Thursday, June 29, 2017, US Representatives: Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose), Martha Roby (R-Montgomery), and Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) voted in support of two bills that sponsors say are intended to strengthen our Nation’s immigration laws and fight back against illegal immigration. Both Kate’s Law, HR3004, and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, HR3003, passed the House last week.
Congressman Byrne said in a statement, “I am committed to working with President Trump to secure the border and combat illegal immigration. By passing these two important bills, we are sending a clear message that the safety and security of the American people comes first.
Rep. Byrne said, “Deported felons who return to the United States must be punished to the full extent of the law. At the same time, so called sanctuary cities, who harbor illegal immigrants and refuse to comply with Federal Law Enforcement officials, must be held accountable.”
US Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) said, “The House just took action to keep Americans safe by passing Legislation designed to combat violent crime by illegal immigrants and crack down on dangerous sanctuary policies.”
Congresswoman Roby said, “HR3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, would prohibit cities and states from implementing sanctuary policies and cut off taxpayer funding for jurisdictions that obstruct enforcement of Federal immigration laws. HR3004, Kate’s Law, would increase the maximum penalties for criminal aliens who reenter the United States illegally. The bill is named for Kathryn Steinle who was murdered in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant who had been deported several times prior.”
US Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) also voted for both bills. Rep. Brooks said on social media, “This Saturday marks two years since the tragic death of Kate Steinle, a San Francisco woman who was murdered by a violent illegal immigrant with seven felonies on his record and five deportations. Today the House passed Kate’s Law, with my support, and additional legislation to crack down on dangerous sanctuary city policies. This murderer should have never been released on our streets, and these bills are a step towards making America safe again.”
Rep. Mo Brooks is a Republican candidate for US Senate in this year’s Special Election to fill the seat vacated when Sen. Jeff Sessions (R) was confirmed as US Attorney General.
Rep. Roby said, “It’s unconscionable to think that our system failed so badly that innocent people have been the victims of violent crimes by illegal immigrants. Americans are rightly outraged by this, and we are working to put a stop to it. Our immigration system is broken and needs to be reformed, but border security and strict enforcement must come first.”
Byrne “I have no doubt that, if enacted into law, these bills would protect American lives and make our country a safer place.”
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) said in a statement, “Two years ago today, 32-year-old Kate Steinle was shot and killed in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant with a stolen gun and a rough criminal record of seven felonies. He should not have been here, and she should not have died. Sadly, Kate is just one of many victims of a crime like this that was so preventable. This cannot stand. That is why on Thursday, the House passed two very important initiatives to keep Americans safe. The first is called Kate’s Law, and it toughens penalties for illegal immigrants who repeatedly re-enter the country. The second cracks down on so-called ‘sanctuary cities’ that flagrantly disregard the rule of law. If a city does not cooperate with federal law enforcement, they should no longer receive federal grant money. End of story.”
Speaker Ryan concluded, “We are a nation of laws, and now, we must enforce the law.”
HR3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, makes state and local governments who shield unlawful and criminal immigrants from Federal immigration enforcement ineligible for certain Federal funds. The bill passed by a vote of 228 to 195.
HR3004, Kate’s Law, enhances penalties for deported felons who return to the United States. The bill passed by a vote of 257 to 167.
Both bills now move on to the Senate, which continues to have trouble moving any of President Donald J. Trump’s agenda.
