Posted on 05/09/2012 8:30:50 PM PDT by smokingfrog
The House voted early Wednesday morning to stop the Obama administration's lawsuits against state immigration laws.
The amendment, which strips funding so that the Justice Department cannot pursue the lawsuits, passed 238-173. Twelve Democrats voted for it, while six Republicans voted against it.
The amendment specifically applies to laws in Arizona, Oklahoma, Missouri, Utah, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Indiana. The Obama administration and immigrant-rights groups have sued to block laws in each of those states.
"Instead of using tax dollars to sue states, the Department of Justice and other branches of this government should start focusing on enforcing existing immigration laws," said Rep. Lou Barletta, a Pennsylvania Republican who as mayor of Hazleton oversaw a city ordinance cracking down on illegal immigration. "Until they do, the Department of Justice should not receive one federal tax dollar to sue states."
Last month the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the Obama administration's challenge to Arizona's crackdown law, which requires state and local police to check the legal status of those they are investigating whom they suspect of being in the country illegally.
The amendment still would need approval by the Senate and acceptance by President Obama — both of which are unlikely. But Wednesday's vote underscores the popularity of state laws. Recent polling shows an overwhelming majority of voters support the idea of states being able to act.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Give them a real choice in the Senate. DOJ gets 60% of last years budget or they can vote for the amendment. Lets see what they do.
What "last year's budget"?
I mis-spoke. Should be 60% of last year’s spending.
WOW!!
Along with the $1 Million they want to strip from the DoJ for Fast and Furious lies, stonewalling and obfuscation, the GOP led House is REALLY putting the screws to Holder. LOL!
“”Instead of using tax dollars to sue states, the Department of Justice and other branches of this government should start focusing on enforcing existing immigration laws,” said Rep. Lou Barletta”
Good for Lou Barletta!
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