David Jolly: “The House will soon consider legislation to address sanctuary cities, local policies that skirt Federal policies…”

“The House will soon consider legislation to address sanctuary cities, local policies that skirt Federal policies regarding the detention of undocumented individuals who have broken the law, a policy that led recently to a terrible tragedy. We should address this. It is right we do so. But I rise out of concern for the enforcement mechanism in the current draft of the legislation. The current draft would penalize sanctuary cities by reducing assistance to law enforcement, the very men and women we rely on each day to keep us safe. Consider the irony. To promote greater public safety in law enforcement, we are threatening to reduce assistance to law enforcement, when it is commissions and councils that actually adopt policies regarding sanctuary cities. This is simply wrong. We can do better. I anticipate voting for passage because we need to address this issue nationally, but I ask my colleagues today to work together. Let's replace this shortsighted provision that wrongfully punishes those who serve us each day on the front lines of law enforcement, men and women that, months ago, we lauded on this House floor during Police Week for the fine work they do. Let's not reduce resources for law enforcement. Let's ensure that we are able to increase and continue to invest in local law enforcement. ____________________”