A Major Victory for the Rule of Law

Statement

Dear neighbor,

Yesterday was a major step forward to restore the separation of powers and the rule of law in our country. The U.S. Supreme Court released their decision on United States v. Texas, a case challenging President Obama's unconstitutional executive amnesty plan. The Supreme Court was tied 4-4, which means the lower court's decision to halt the Administration's amnesty plan will stand.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to legislate. President Obama's plan to grant illegal aliens amnesty through executive order was a violation of the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution. In March, the House took action when we voted to authorize Speaker Ryan to file an amicus brief opposing the Administration's unilateral action on executive amnesty in United States v. Texas. It was the first time in history that an amicus brief had been filed on behalf of the House, sending a clear message that Republicans stand against President Obama's power grab to grant amnesty to those that have broken the law.

The decision by the Supreme Court sets a precedent that the executive branch does not have the power to legislate and restores the rule of law in our country. Those that enter the country illegally should not be rewarded with amnesty.

Texas is ground zero for illegal border crossings, which affect our economy and our safety. As your representative, I will continue to advocate for Texans by restoring the rule of law, increasing border security, and working to cut off federal funding to jurisdictions that ignore immigration laws and put our families' safety at risk.

This week the House Appropriations Committee considered the fiscal year 2017 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. This bill provides funding for crucial agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Together, these agencies perform the important job of protecting our borders and maintaining national security.

During consideration of the bill, I offered an amendment to prevent dangerous criminal illegal aliens from being released into our communities after they've served their sentences. The Obama Administration has created priority levels to categorize criminal illegal aliens based on their crimes and then expedite their deportation. However, the Administration has not been following their own policy to immediately deport the most dangerous criminals after they're released from prison. My amendment ensures that criminals convicted of drug trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence and murder will not be released into our communities to put our families' safety at risk.

We've all heard of the tragedies that have occurred at the hands of criminal illegal aliens that were released instead of being deported. The story of Kate Steinle has stuck with me because her death could have been prevented. My amendment makes sure that the Obama Administration follows their own policy and stops allowing dangerous criminal illegal aliens into our communities so that further tragedies can be avoided.

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you and Texas in the United States House.

Sincerely,

John Culberson

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