Bill Summary
The "End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act" is a piece of legislation aimed at terminating the Shelter and Services Program operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The main provisions of the bill include:
1. **Prohibition on FEMA Programs**: It prohibits FEMA from providing any support for sheltering and related activities conducted by non-federal entities, particularly in relation to alleviating overcrowding in short-term holding facilities managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
2. **Rescission of Funds**: The bill mandates the rescission of unobligated funds previously allocated to FEMA for operations and support related to U.S. Customs and Border Protection from two specific appropriations acts (the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024).
Overall, the bill reflects a legislative effort to restrict federal assistance related to immigration detention and services, particularly for individuals who may be undocumented.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act" could affect people:
1. **Impact on Immigrant Families**: The termination of the Shelter and Services Program could significantly affect undocumented immigrants, particularly families and individuals seeking refuge or safety in the U.S. Without federal support for sheltering services, these individuals may face increased difficulty in finding safe and adequate housing, potentially leading to homelessness or dangerous living conditions.
2. **Strain on Local Resources**: Local communities and non-profit organizations that often assist immigrants and those in need may experience heightened pressure. With the federal government stepping back from providing support, local resources may become overwhelmed by the influx of individuals seeking assistance. This could lead to a reduction in available services for all community members, not just those who are undocumented.
3. **Legal and Social Ramifications**: The legislation may exacerbate existing social tensions and legal challenges regarding immigration. By formally prohibiting federal assistance to a specific demographic, it could reinforce negative perceptions of undocumented immigrants, leading to increased discrimination or hostility. Additionally, local law enforcement and social services may face legal challenges or dilemmas in balancing their responsibilities toward all community members versus the stipulations of this legislation.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1668 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1668
To terminate the Shelter and Services Program of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 27, 2025
Mr. Cloud (for himself, Mr. Webster of Florida, Mr. Edwards, Mr.
Haridopolos, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Rose, Ms. Boebert, and Mr. Harris of
Maryland) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on
Financial Services, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To terminate the Shelter and Services Program of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``End FEMA Benefits for Illegal
Immigrants Act''.
SEC. 2. TERMINATION.
(a) Prohibition.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency may not carry out any program to support sheltering
and related activities provided by non-Federal entities, including
facility improvements and construction, in support of relieving
overcrowding in short-term holding facilities of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection.
(b) Rescission.--The unobligated balances of the following amounts
are rescinded:
(1) The amounts made available and transferred to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency in the matter under the
heading ``operations and support'' under the heading ``U.S.
Customs and Border Protection'' under the heading ``SECURITY,
ENFORCEMENT, AND INVESTIGATIONS'' in title II of division F of
the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Public Law 117-
328; 136 Stat. 4730).
(2) The amounts made available and transferred to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency in the matter under the
heading ``operations and support'' under the heading ``U.S.
Customs and Border Protection'' under the heading ``SECURITY,
ENFORCEMENT, AND INVESTIGATIONS'' in title II of division C of
the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law
118-47; 138 Stat. 598).
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