House Passes Rep. Black’s Amendment to Block Funding for Fed’s Lawsuits against States

The House approved an amendment offered by Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.) on Tuesday night that would prevent funding for the Justice Department’s lawsuits against state immigration-enforcement laws. The amendment was offered to the 2013 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act that would provide funding for the Department of Justice for the next fiscal year. The House passed the measure by a 238-to-173 margin.The Justice Department has filed lawsuits against immigration-enforcement laws passed in Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Last month, the Supreme Court listened to arguments in the lawsuit against Arizona and a decision is expected in June. Rep. Black’s amendment, however, if passed and signed into law, would prevent funding for further action against the states.An amendment offered by Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) would have reduced funding from the spending bill for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). The program reimburses states that incarcerate illegal aliens, but Rep. Davis’ amendment would have reduced funding provided in the bill by $10 million. The amendment was overwhelmingly defeated 99-to-311 with 96 Democrats crossing party lines to oppose the amendment.Several more immigration-related amendments could be considered before a final vote is taken on the bill, including an amendment offered by Rep. Jeff Landry (R-La.) that would prevent funding for relief for illegal aliens who have been ordered to be deported.