Senate Blocks 2 Bills on Immigration
AP reports that the U.S. Senate has blocked two measures stemming from last year’s deadly San Francisco shooting. The first measure would have barred federal funds from “sanctuary” cities, jurisdictions which restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The second measure, pushed by Senator Ted Cruz, would have increased the maximum sentence for illegal re-entry into the United States, with up to a 10-year penalty for an individual denied admission or deported at least three times.
Congressional Republicans have pressed for restrictions since the July 2015 shooting of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco. The man charged in her death was undocumented despite a long criminal record and multiple deportations. He had been released by San Francisco authorities.
Each Senate measure faced a 60-vote threshold. The first measure fell short, 53-44. The second measure failed on a 55-42 vote.