November 16, 2016 - 6:15pm
Even as some local officials continue to say they will provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., is calling on cutting federal funds to those cities .
Noting that ten of the largest sanctuary jurisdictions in the nation garnered $700 million in block grants this year, Buchanan showcased his support of two pieces of legislation on Wednesday: Kate’s Law and the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. Kate’s Law adds more penalties for illegals who are deported, return to America and are caught again. The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act would cut off federal funds to cities that refuse to back federal immigration laws.
“Taxpayers should not be supporting cities that ignore federal law,” Buchanan said. “While we are a nation of immigrants, we are also a nation of laws. Our number one priority should be targeting criminals that are here illegally.
“Congress must act to protect Americans from criminals and make every state and city across the country enforce the laws on the books,” Buchanan added.
Noting that some of the nation’s largest cities were already talking about resisting incoming President Donald Trump’s call for tougher immigration laws, Buchanan, who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee, said Congress needs to push back by cutting the purse strings of sanctuary cities.
“Washington needs to send a clear message to sanctuary cities – if you don’t follow the laws, you don’t get federal funding,” Buchanan said. “It is dangerous and unconscionable that so many cities across the country blatantly ignore the rule of law and still get rewarded with taxpayer dollars.”
Since Trump’s election last week, mayors of large cities across the nation--including Bill de Blasio in New York City and Rahm Emmanuel in Chicago--have doubled down on their support of sanctuary for illegals.
