David Price: “Mr. Chairman, section 642(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 prohibits…”

“Mr. Chairman, section 642(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 prohibits governments from withholding immigration-related data when it is requested by other government entities with a legitimate need for the information. This amendment, which our friend from Colorado has offered many times before, would prevent DHS from awarding funds to any government entity that fails to comply with the law. Now, as far as I know, Mr. Chairman, the Department of Homeland Security has never reported a failure to comply with the law, with this underlying law. The Justice Department has never filed suit against any entity for violating this statute. So I don't know how our friend would explain that. I would say it renders unclear why this amendment is necessary or what effect it is likely to have. I would yield to the gentleman, and I would appreciate his responding to a few questions that would help us understand the thrust of this amendment. Does the gentlemen know of any DHS funding today that is used in contravention of section 642(a) of the 1996 Immigration Act?”