Senators Tell Cities - No Sanctuary

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and other Senate Republican colleagues in reintroducing the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. Often, sanctuary cities prohibit their law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. This bill would allow local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and would pull taxpayer-funded grants to sanctuary cities. 

“Sanctuary cities have emboldened criminals and endangered American citizens, and it is wrong that our taxpayers are being forced to foot the bill for this reprehensible policy,” said Senator Scott. “This legislation will bring commonsense back to the table by eliminating taxpayer grants to these criminal safe havens and empowering law enforcement to protect our communities.”

“So-called ‘sanctuary cities’ refuse to enforce the laws on the books and release violent criminals in our country illegally—including rapists and murders—who go on to prey on both American citizens and the immigrant community. Moreover, many of these sanctuary jurisdictions actively prevent state and local law enforcement from coordinating with their federal counterparts.  They release murderers, rapists, and burglars who end up preying on the community. That is wrong. The American people, and Texas communities in particular, are tired of seeing our laws flouted and the crime that often accompanies illegal immigration. These jurisdictions need to be held accountable, and I will do everything I can to enforce our immigration laws,” said Senator Cruz. 

“Sanctuary cities undermine our nation’s legal immigration system and prevent law enforcement from being able to do their jobs. By promoting coordination between local and federal officials, this bill ensures these safe havens for dangerous criminals don’t receive certain taxpayer-funded grants, and I’m proud to support it,” said Senator Cornyn. 

“Our country welcomes individuals from around the world who want to be a part of our country, but we expect everyone to follow the rule of law and obtain residency or citizenship through the legal process. Our laws must be enforced as written, and any city that chooses not to enforce federal immigration laws should not be allowed to use federal funds to support their liberal activist efforts to undermine law and order,” said Senator Capito. 

“When the whims of local politicians prevent law enforcement officers from doing their jobs, our communities are less safe and our nation’s rule of law is shortchanged. City governments should not tie the hands of their law enforcement officers who are trying to comply with federal immigration law. Any city that chooses to force their officers to ignore our laws doesn’t deserve the benefit of taxpayer-funded federal grants,” said Senator Grassley. 

“Reckless sanctuary policies have allowed dangerous criminals back into communities in North Carolina, and that number will continue to increase as liberal politicians put politics ahead of the safety and security of their constituents. This legislation is a step towards law and order and will help ensure state and local law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration authorities to stop violent criminals who are here illegally. I have long fought against sanctuary cities and am proud to work on this legislation with my colleagues,” said Senator Tillis. 

“We are a nation of laws. If local and state governments fail to uphold our laws that seek to keep families safe and stop dangerous criminals, there should be consequences. These laws are on the books to improve public safety and strengthen national security. We must take action if we are ever to find a long-term solution to strengthen our borders and fix the current border crisis,” said Senator Rounds. 

“The crisis at our southern border is out of control. To get a handle on it, the Biden administration needs to enforce our laws. Sanctuary cities disregard federal immigration laws and need to be held accountable for their actions. This legislation will help to stop sanctuary cities and ensure that we are upholding the law of the land and maintaining the rule of law,” said Senator Hoeven. 

“President Biden’s immigration policies have created a disaster at our southern border. Liberal-run cities that support those policies and refuse to enforce immigration law are adding fuel to a fire that’s hurting Americans. Cracking down on cities that endorse and facilitate illegal immigration is a commonsense way we can begin to reverse President Biden’s border crisis,” said Senator Tuberville. 

“Sanctuary cities that prohibit their law enforcement officers from working with federal immigration authorities not only undermine our federal immigration laws, but also put law-abiding citizens at risk and create even more of an incentive for illegal immigration. This is the last thing we need as the humanitarian and national security crisis on our southern border – exacerbated by the Biden administration’s policies – continues to rage. I am proud to support this legislation and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure law and order is upheld in every community,” said Senator Boozman.  

“It is incomprehensible that cities and states willfully block enforcement of our immigration laws, particularly with the undeniable crisis at our southern border staring us in the face. The rule of law is vital to keeping our citizens safe, and there should be consequences for cities who refuse to make Americans’ safety a priority.  This bill would not only ensure that law enforcement officers can cooperate with federal immigration officers, but it would see to it that cities are not rewarded with taxpayer-funded grants for flouting our laws, “ said Senator Hyde-Smith. 

Organizations that support this bill include the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the AFL-CIO.

“Sanctuary policies not only jeopardize public safety, they also place an impossible burden on law enforcement officers who have taken an oath to enforce the laws equally and impartially. The ‘Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act’ will ensure that my members and police officers across this country no longer must choose between obeying local political dictates and the duty to protect their communities by cooperating with federal immigration officials to turn over violent criminals. We appreciate the leadership of Sen. Cruz in reintroducing this important legislation,” said Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).  

“Law enforcement is best able to maintain public safety when we work together at all levels. Unfortunately, sanctuary cities inhibit law enforcement collaboration, even when officers on the ground have a strong desire to work with federal agencies. This is a dangerous game to play. Especially considering federal law enforcement will not abdicate our authority to enforce the law against those that pose a threat. Therefore, sanctuary cities merely require additional federal resources to fill intelligence gaps and impose additional risks on law enforcement responding to situations. We applaud Senator Cruz for continuing this initiative to end sanctuary cities,” said Larry Cosme, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).  

“Sanctuary cities across the country have adopted policies which undermine cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies. These policies have allowed violent offending illegal immigrants to run rampant in our cities and endanger innocent lives. The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act recognizes the threat posed by these violent offenders and encourages local governments to comply with federal requests to detain these criminals. This act will provide necessary tools to help prevent crime and ensure our streets are safer for the American people. We stand with Senator Cruz in support of this bill and thank him for his support on this vital issue,” said Bill Johnson, the Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations.  

“The notion that a municipality can forbid law enforcement officials from sharing information or complying with a lawful detainer from federal immigration officials borders on insanity. We have seen repeatedly the victimization of people, including children, by persons who have been released from custody in disobedience to these detainers. For the federal government to assist these municipalities with funding is also absurd,” said Sam Cabral, the International President for International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO. 

Sens. Scott, Cruz, Cornyn, Capito, Grassley, Tillis, Rounds, Hoeven, Tuberville, Boozman, and Hyde-Smith were joined by Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) in co-sponsoring the bill. 

More from Senator Scott who is exploring a run for President of the United States in the Republican primaries:

Scott, Lankford Challenge Biden’s Unconstitutional Attack Against Religious Student Groups 

WASHINGTON – Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) along with Congressman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and their colleagues introduced the Equal Campus Access Act of 2023 to ensure that religious student organizations will not face discrimination on college campuses. 

“Too many public institutions of higher learning are silencing the voices of faith-based student groups, and I am proud to join my colleagues in standing up for the First Amendment. Freedom of speech isn’t just a nice idea —it’s a core American ideal,” said Scott. 

“On America’s college campuses, freedom of expression is under attack. Colleges need to remain an open arena for debate, discussion—and most importantly—faith. It is shameful that the Biden Administration is working to eliminate a rule that guarantees religious student organizations are not denied recognition, funding or any other rights that secular groups receive. We must ensure that our nation’s public colleges and universities are truly neutral toward all religious student organizations,” said Lankford. 

“Over the past few years, we have seen a concerning increase of incidents on college campuses where free speech and free association of students has been restricted due to religious beliefs. We should strive to reaffirm diverse theological beliefs and solidify religious freedom rather than encouraging discrimination. Students should not have to give up their First Amendment rights of speech, religion, and association to attend a public college, and this piece of legislation will ensure that these religious groups are afforded the same rights and protections as other student organizations,” said Walberg.  

Scott, Lankford, and Walberg are joined on this legislation by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). 

The Members are supported on this legislation by Cru, Christian Legal Society, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA), National Association of Evangelicals, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Coalition for Jewish Values, Religious Freedom Institute, Seventh-day Adventist Church—North American Division, Reformed University Fellowship, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), Concerned Women for America LAC, 1st Amendment Partnership, ReJOYce in Jesus Campus Fellowship, FOCUS, Christian Medical & Dental Associations, Coptic Medical Association of North America (CMANA), Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society/Asian American Christian Fellowship, The Impact Movement, Inc., American Principles Project, Sigma Alpha Omega Christian Sorority, Inc, Fellowship of Christian University Students (FOCUS), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kansas Family Voice, The FAMiLY Leader, Association of Christian Schools International, Queens Federation of Churches, Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), Michigan Catholic Conference, US Navigators, Young Life, and Catholic Medical Association. 

Following the Biden Administration’s proposed rule to roll back protections for religious student organizations, Scott and Lankford also led a public comment letter to urge the Department of Education to reverse course and instead keep the Religious Liberty and Free Inquiry Rule in place. When the rule was initially rumored to be rescinded, Scott and Lankford wrote to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to urge him to retain the rule. 

Scott and Lankford were joined on the letter by Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.),Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah). 

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Scott, Blackburn, Cassidy, Braun Introduce Bill to Stop Political Weaponization of National Labor Relations Board 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), along with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), introduced the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Reform Act. This legislation would amend the National Labor Relations Act to return the NLRB to its intended purpose: an independent federal agency that acts as an impartial body in deciding cases related to the National Labor Relations Act. 

Under President Biden’s watch, the NLRB has enacted or proposed numerous regulatory changes that significantly favor labor unions over employers and their employees. These regulatory changes include undermining workers’ ability to decide privately if they want to join or certify a union; proposing an expansion of the “joint employer” rule that increases liability on employers for workplaces that they don’t control; and making it more difficult for employees to decertify a union.

“For far too long, the NLRB has caved to the political whims of big labor unions at the expense of hardworking Americans and their families. This important legislation will bring fairness, balance, and bipartisanship to the NLRB, ensuring that workers are protected,” said Senator Scott. 

“Over the last two years, the National Labor Relations Board has wrongfully become a political arm for the Biden administration’s labor union interests,” said Senator Blackburn. “The pattern of biased weaponization against job creators must stop. This legislation ensures that the NLRB will act as an impartial federal agency for all employers and employees, not just unions.”

“The National Labor Relations Board is required by law to provide an unbiased framework to review disputes between employees and employers. However, this is not what we are seeing under the Biden administration,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill will stop the NLRB from weaponizing its power to target employers on behalf of labor unions.”

“Under the Biden administration, the National Labor Relations Board has chosen to engage in partisan advocacy, rather than doing its job. I have continuously held the NLRB to account in the past two years for their failures to protect American workers and employers, so I am glad to support this bill to return the agency to its intended purpose,” said Senator Mike Braun.  

The National Labor Relations Board Reform Act is endorsed by the Littler Workplace Policy Institute, California Business and Industrial Alliance, Freedom Foundation, Job Creators Network, and the Direct Seller Association.

Background:

• The NLRB is comprised of 5 board members that are appointed by the President to serve staggered 5-year terms and confirmed by the Senate. 
• Additionally, the NLRB’s General Counsel is also appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation, for a 4-year term. 
• The General Counsel is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of unfair labor practice cases.
• In recent years, the Board has become increasingly divisive and partisan, with labor policy shifting significantly with new presidential administrations.
• Additionally, the most recent general counsels under Democratic administrations have been pro-union activists with out-of-step views of federal labor law. 

The National Labor Relations Board Reform Act would: 

End the partisanship at the NLRB by: 

• Increasing the number of Board members from five to six and requiring an even split among Republicans and Democrats sitting on the Board;
• Imposing new term appointments for Board members that ensure one Republican seat and one Democrat seat each expire every two-years; and
• Requiring four Board members to approve all decisions, which ensures bipartisanship.

Restrain the NLRB’s General Counsel by: 

• Granting parties 30 days to seek review of the GC’s complaints in federal district court; and
• Providing for new discovery rights for involved parties, allowing access to memoranda and other documents relevant to the complaint within 10 days.

Encourage quick resolution of cases before the Board by:

• Allowing parties to appeal to a federal Court of Appeals if the Board fails to reach a decision in the case within one year.

Scott, Cassidy, Cornyn, Ernst, Colleagues Introduce CRA to Overturn Biden’s Reckless Student Loan Schemes 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, along with Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and 34 other Republican colleagues introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn President Biden’s student loan cancelation scheme, which would transfer up to $20,000 in student loan debt per borrower onto taxpayers, costing an estimated $400 billion. The CRA would also end the pause on student loan payments, which will have cost Americans a total of $195 billion by the time the most recent Biden extension is set to expire in August of 2023.

“President Biden continues to push inflationary and regressive policies at the expense of hardworking Americans. The truth of the matter is this proposal shifts the responsibility from white-collar borrowers to blue-collar taxpayers— this isn’t right,” said Senator Scott. “I will continue to fight this administration’s radical policies and protect the hard-earned dollars of South Carolinians.”

“President Biden is not forgiving debt, he is shifting the burden of student loans off of the borrowers who willingly took on their debt and placing it onto those who chose to not go to college or already fulfilled their commitment to pay off their loans,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It is extremely unfair to punish these Americans, forcing them to pay the bill for these irresponsible and unfair student loan schemes.”

“The Biden administration’s tuition bailout is bad public policy, and it's unfair to people who've paid their college debt off by working multiple jobs or consciously meeting their obligations,” said Senator Cornyn. “This would block President Biden’s political gambit from driving up inflation, incentivizing universities to raise tuition, and forcing hardworking Texans to pay off the debts of wealthy graduates.”

“President Biden’s attempt to transfer nearly half a trillion dollars in debt to hardworking Americans who chose to avoid or pay off student loans is unfair and unaffordable. That’s why I’m fighting to stop Biden’s student loan socialism and protect Iowa taxpayers from being forced to foot the bill,” said Senator Ernst.  

Senators Scott, Cassidy, Cornyn, and Ernst were joined by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), James Risch (R-Ind.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

U.S. Representative Bob Good (R-Va.) introduced the companion CRA resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“President Biden’s so-called student loan forgiveness programs do not make the debt go away, but merely transfer the costs from student loanborrowers onto taxpayers to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars,” said Representative Good. “Congress should stop these unilateral actions, and I am proud to lead the fight in the House to hold President Biden accountable for his reckless, unfair, and unlawful student loan proposal. I hope all my colleagues will join me and support this effort.”

Background:

Sen. Scott’s efforts to combat reckless student loan policies and support responsible spending include:  

• Urging the Secretary of the Department of Education to rescind its reckless Income Driven Repayment (IDR) rule proposal, which would reduce the amount of student loan debt borrowers have to pay back by 40 percent and cost taxpayers up to $1 trillion. 
• Demanding answers from the Department of Education about federal employees potentially receiving refunds for student loan payments that the federal government made on their behalf.
• Introducing the Student Loan Accountability Act, which would prohibit the Biden administration from canceling student loan debt, a move which would add up to $1.7 trillion to the national debt, further fueling inflation. 

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Senator Scott Challenges Biden Administration on WOTUS Rule 

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) challenged the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule by voting in favor of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval. 

“The Biden administration’s WOTUS rule takes power from the hardworking people who live on and work the land and puts it in the hands of out-of-touch DC bureaucrats,” said Senator Scott. “With more wetlands than the majority of states, South Carolina stands to be disproportionately harmed by this regulatory overreach. Today, I’m proud to take a stand for hardworking farmers and landowners in South Carolina and across the country.”

Background: 

The Biden administration announced this new WOTUS rule on December 30, 2022.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn the WOTUS rule by a margin of 227-198 on March 9, 2023.

The WOTUS rule represents a significant increase in the scope of federal authority, enabling government agencies to exert control over practically all bodies of water including wetlands and streams.

Under the Biden WOTUS rule, individuals may be required to demonstrate that water on their property does not fall within the purview of the federal government. This reverses the previous standard in which the government was responsible for providing such evidence.

Senator Scott has consistently opposed increasing the EPA’s jurisdiction over private waters through the WOTUS rule:

• In 2015, Sen. Scott opposed the then-proposed WOTUS rule increasing federal overreach. He also joined his Senate colleagues to protect Americans from the expanded WOTUS rule.
• In 2022, Sen. Scott and his Senate Republican colleagues raised concerns to the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on their pending rule change.
• Sen. Scott also joined as an original cosponsor on S.J. Res 7, Senator Shelley Moore Capito’s (R-W.Va.) resolution of disapproval upon Senate introduction.

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