Today, the House Appropriations Committee passed its fiscal year 2016 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill. The bill provides funds to secure the nation’s border, enforce immigration laws, combat smugglers, protect against cyber threats, respond to natural disasters, and fight terrorism.  In addition, the bill improves oversight of DHS to hold this Administration accountable to the American people. The bill does not contain funds to implement President Obama's executive action on immigration, and specifically bars the use of funds for these activities while there are legal proceedings on the issue.

“I am proud that our bill focuses first and foremost on border security, law enforcement, and fiscal responsibility,” said Rep. John Carter (R-TX-31), Chairman, Homeland Security Subcommittee. “This bill rejects the President’s attempt to undermine our laws, while using the tax payers’ dollars in a fiscally responsible manner.  Additionally, this bill requires the President to enforce current law as it is written, not as he would like to by executive order.  We must provide for our nation’s security and enforce the law while exercising fiscal restraint, which is what this bill offers.”

“This bill prohibits the release of any Priority I, or Priority II criminal alien from ICE custody. No longer will the President have the ability to release hardened criminals into our communities rather than deporting them to their home countries.

“In addition, this bill prohibits funding for sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration Agents. It is simply not fair that American taxpayers’ hard earned dollars go to cities whose reckless policies flood our streets with criminals and endanger our safety. The loss of innocent lives due to failed sanctuary city policies must stop. This is why I support this common sense solution to keep criminals where they belong—behind bars and away from our children to await deportation.”

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