East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Jim Risch has introduced the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, a legislative measure aimed at blocking federal funding to sanctuary cities that provide benefits to illegal immigrants. This initiative aligns with former President Trump's Executive Order titled "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders," which prohibits federal agencies from offering taxpayer-funded services to undocumented immigrants.

Risch commented on the bill's intent, stating, "Sanctuary cities abuse taxpayer dollars and fuel the illegal immigration crisis." He emphasized that his proposal would prevent these jurisdictions from using federal resources to support illegal immigrants directly.

The bill is supported by several Republican senators, including Mike Crapo (Idaho), Steve Daines (Montana), Tim Sheehy (Montana), Eric Schmitt (Missouri), Pete Ricketts (Nebraska), Mike Lee (Utah), Jim Banks (Indiana), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi). Representative Nick LaLota introduced a similar version in the House of Representatives.

Crapo expressed concern over the use of taxpayer money, saying, "Not a single taxpayer dollar should be used to provide unwarranted hand-outs to non-citizen migrants or to cities giving them any unearned financial advantages." He stressed that federal funds should focus on securing borders rather than encouraging illegal immigration.

Daines highlighted the impact on Montana residents, attributing it to what he termed as President Biden's border crisis. He noted, "I'm glad to join my colleagues in introducing a bill to prevent Montana taxpayer dollars from ever being used to fund sanctuary cities."

Sheehy criticized policies that encourage illegal immigration: "It's time we put an end to the backward policies that encourage illegal immigration."

Ricketts argued for accountability among sanctuary jurisdictions: "This bill would bring needed accountability to those who facilitate illegal immigration."

Lee pointed out safety concerns related to sanctuary cities: "Lawless so-called sanctuary cities should no longer get a free pass."

Banks underscored the need for compliance with federal law: "If state and local leaders refuse to comply with federal law... they must be held accountable."

Hyde-Smith echoed these sentiments, noting public confusion over funding for sanctuary cities: "Folks in Mississippi and around the country are baffled by cities and states that aid and abet illegal immigration."

The proposed legislation defines a "sanctuary jurisdiction" as any government entity withholding citizenship information from authorities. It aims to restrict such jurisdictions from accessing federal funds meant for aiding illegal immigrants.