Update: Kate's Law failed by a vote of 55-42 on Wednesday, failing to meet the 60-vote threshold. Sen. Cruz, as you can imagine, was extremely disappointed in his colleagues.
"It is disappointing to see Democratic leaders stand with convicted felons rather than the American people," he said in a new statement. "Once again, many Democrats have politicized an issue that shouldn't be a red state/blue state issue.”
It appears the sanctuary city legislation introduced by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) has also failed.
**Original Post**
Kate’s Law may get a vote on Wednesday and as a result usher in some common sense punishment for illegal immigrants. After Kate Steinle was killed by an illegal immigrant last summer in the sanctuary city of San Francisco, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced legislation that would mandate a minimum 5-year prison sentence for illegal immigrants who have been previously deported.
On Wednesday, Cruz implored his colleagues to vote with Americans’ safety in mind.
"This vote ought to be an easy decision," Cruz said on the Senate floor. "Just ask yourself, with whom do I stand? I hope that my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, will choose to stand with the American people, the people who we should be protecting rather than convicted felons like Kate Steinle's killer.”
In addition to Kate’s Law, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, which prohibits federal dollars from going to cities that have relaxed immigration policies, is also up for a vote. Unfortunately, over 300 U.S. cities, counties and states act as sanctuary cities that prevent officials from enforcing immigration laws.
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) echoed Cruz’s desperate plea when urging the Senate to vote wisely.
“Congress has an obligation to protect Americans from dangerous criminals,” Buchanan said. “These two bills ensure we prioritize public safety and will prohibit taxpayer dollars to locations that provide safe harbor to illegal immigrants. You shouldn’t get federal funds if you ignore federal law.”
Similar legislation passed the House last year. It’s time for the Senate to “follow their lead,” Buchanan said.