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Rep. Ken Buck Introduces “No Bailouts for Illegal Aliens Act” in the House

May 28, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Ken Buck (R-Colo.) introduced legislation to ensure taxpayers aren't bailing out states and localities that are setting up programs to send COVID-19 cash payments to illegal immigrants. The No Bailouts for Illegal Aliens Act serves as companion legislation for Sen. Tom Cotton's original bill.

Congressman Ken Buck (R-Colo.):

"With more than 40 million Americans out of work, it is unfair to send hard-earned taxpayer dollars to non-citizens who entered this country illegally. We need to prioritize the American people by making sure taxpayers are not subsidizing blue states' plans to give cash payments to illegal immigrants."

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.):

"Congress passed the CARES Act to help workers impacted by the China virus pandemic, not to give a handout to those who broke our immigration laws. The federal government shouldn't be subsidizing states' efforts to send cash to illegal aliens."

Jessica Anderson, Executive Director of Heritage Action for America:

"Representative Buck continues to prove his willingness to fight for American workers during this time of economic turmoil. The No Bailouts for Illegal Aliens Act defends Americans who have been harmed by our governments' response to COVID-19 from irresponsible politicians using every opportunity to advance a radical agenda. States like California have redirected vital assistance from Americans to illegal immigrants, and this bill would put an end to that."

Chris Chmielenski, Deputy Director, NumbersUSA:

"It is absurd that, in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic and the resulting unemployment crisis, certain states would want to divert taxpayer money to illegal aliens. We applaud Congressman Buck for leading the effort in the House to stop it."

Original cosponsors:

  • Rep. Ted Budd
  • Rep. Matt Gaetz
  • Rep. Chip Roy
  • Rep. Scott DesJarlais
  • Rep. Jeff Duncan
  • Rep. Greg Murphy
  • Rep. Debbie Lesko
  • Rep. Thomas Massie
  • Rep. Bill Posey
  • Rep. Steve King
  • Rep. Rick Crawford
  • Rep. Denver Riggleman
  • Rep. Brian Babin, D.D.S.
  • Rep. Mo Brooks
  • Rep. Andy Biggs
  • Rep. Bob Gibbs
  • Rep. Ben Cline

Outside group support:

  • Heritage Action for America
  • NumbersUSA
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform
  • Center for Immigration Studies

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Background:

  • Washington Examiner: ‘Newsom offering $500 cash payments to illegal immigrants due to coronavirus'
  • Fox News: ‘Seattle City Council calls for $100 million 'relief fund' for illegal immigrants'
Issues:Immigration