On Thursday, House Republicans passed two bills aimed at reducing illegal immigrant crime. President Donald Trump took to twitter to show his approval for both “Kate’s Law” and “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act.”
Following the passage of Kate’s Law from the House floor, Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) asked his Democratic counterparts to show support for the new legislation. He also explained the bill, saying, “Thank you Chairman Goodlatte, we appreciate your boldness in protecting the citizens of America with great legislation,” he began. “When the father of Kate Steinle, Jim, testified before Congress he said, ‘everywhere Kate went throughout the world, she shined the light of a good citizen from the United States of America.’”
“Unfortunately, due to unjointed laws and basic incompetence of the government,” he explained, “the United States has suffered a self-inflicted wound in the murder of our daughter by the hand of a person that should have never been on the streets in this country.”
“Well today we can resolve that,” he concluded.
“Two years ago this weekend, Kate’s life was ended when she was gunned down by a five time deported criminal illegal alien with seven prior felony convictions,” Walker continued. “Kate’s Law will stiffen penalties, helping to stop these preventable tragedies.”
“Additionally,” he added, “the House will pass the ‘No Sanctuary for Criminals Act’ as well. You just heard, will Democrats participate. Well 80 per cent support ending ‘sanctuary cities’ and no citizen should be in danger because politicians think they are above the law.”
“So will Democrats participate?” he asked. “Will they listen to their constituents? 80 per cent of Americans feel pretty good about this law.”
Walker seems to be probably referring to the recent Harvard-Harris poll that showed over 80 percent of individuals surveyed wanted their cities to adopt federal immigration policies regarding illegal immigrants. However, he did not use the term “sanctuary cities” when he asked.
On its official website, the White House’s explanation of the “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act” reads:
For States or localities determined to be in violation of Federal law, H.R. 3003 would restrict their eligibility to receive certain Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security grants. Instead, under this bill, those grant funds would be reallocated to States and localities that comply with Federal law. Additionally, this bill would provide for more robust detention of criminal aliens. The Administration is committed to strengthening enforcement of our Nation’s immigration laws in order to improve national security and public safety. This legislation is critical to these efforts.
And “Kate’s Law” is explained as:
H.R. 3004 would increase the penalties that may be imposed on criminal aliens convicted of illegal reentry, deterring reentry and keeping criminal aliens off our streets. The bill is consistent with the Administration’s broader efforts to strengthen enforcement of our immigration laws and improve the security of our Nation’s borders.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bills as they are in line with major campaign promises. However, it is to be noted that both bills face a tough battle in the Senate before they reach the president’s desk for his final approval.
