Press Releases

Congressman Jason Smith authored and passed an amendment this evening by a vote of 225-195 that stops federal highway funds for sanctuary cities. Cities like San Francisco use federal tax dollars to improve their roads, highways and bridges while at the same time breaking U.S. law by protecting all illegal immigrants in their city from deportation. The legislation echoes an earlier executive order by President Trump to cut off federal grants to sanctuary cities by prohibiting all federal transportation, housing and development funds from going to sanctuary cities for the coming fiscal year. 

“We are a nation of law and order, and cities that actively work against the law of the land should face consequences. I am proud to say that my home state of Missouri doesn’t have any sanctuary cities which is exactly why Missourians’ hard-earned federal tax dollars shouldn’t go to U.S. cities that cannot follow the law of the land,” said Congressman Smith. “The bottom line is, cities and counties that fail to work with us to make America safe cannot be trusted with federal funds.”

Over 300 cities and counties have policies to stonewall the federal government and prevent the Department of Homeland Security from effectively enforcing the United States’ immigration laws. Smith’s legislation would keep more than $56.5 billion federal tax dollars from going to sanctuary cities.

“I completely agree with President Trump, sanctuary cities are a threat to the safety of Missourians and all Americans,” said Congressman Smith. “That is why I am fighting to keep federal funds away from cities like San Francisco that violate federal laws and use Missourians' hard-earned federal tax dollars to harbor and shield criminals from the full reach of the law.”

This amendment builds on Smith’s No Transportation Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act which would prevent sanctuary cities from receiving any federal highway funds.

Smith has a strong record of voting for and passing legislation that secures America’s border and puts the safety of Missourians first.

In June, with the support of President Trump, Smith acted to give U.S. Customs and Border Protection more resources to secure the border by making it easier for them to hire military veterans and law enforcement officers. In July, he continued his work to enhance U.S. security by advancing Kate’s Law which will keep Missouri and all Americans safe from the danger of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. At the same time, he voted for the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, which increases penalties for Sanctuary Cities and disqualifies them from receiving some federal funds.

The text of Smith’s legislation can be found here.