No DOT Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act
Summary
The "No DOT Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from providing grants or contracts to sanctuary cities. A sanctuary city is defined as a state or political subdivision that restricts information sharing with federal immigration authorities. The bill allows the Secretary to waive the prohibition if the activity is deemed in the national interest, with notification to relevant congressional committees.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would restrict federal transportation funding to sanctuary cities. This could impact infrastructure projects and transportation services in those areas. The waiver provision provides some flexibility, but it requires justification and congressional notification.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially strengthens enforcement of federal immigration laws.
- Could incentivize cities to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
- May redirect transportation funds to areas that comply with federal law.
- The waiver process ensures projects in the national interest can still proceed.
- Could reduce costs associated with undocumented immigrants.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could negatively impact infrastructure and transportation projects in sanctuary cities.
- May strain relationships between the federal government and local communities.
- Could disproportionately affect communities with large immigrant populations.
- The definition of "sanctuary city" may be subject to interpretation and legal challenges.
- May face opposition from groups advocating for immigrant rights.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is complex. Congress has broad power over spending (Article I, Section 8), but conditions on funding must not be unduly coercive to the states (Tenth Amendment). The definition of "sanctuary city" and its impact on states' rights could be challenged. The bill does not appear to violate any individual liberties explicitly protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).