Pontiac Times

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation introduced by Rep. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.) aimed at relocating U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offices from sanctuary city jurisdictions. The bill, known as H.R. 2931 - Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, seeks to ensure the safety of SBA employees by moving offices to areas that cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) expressed her support for the bill, stating, "Sanctuary cities should not be rewarded for violence and unlawful behavior." She criticized the opposition from Democrats, noting, "It’s telling that 195 Democrats opposed a bill to protect SBA employees."

Rep. Finstad emphasized the public safety concerns associated with sanctuary city policies, saying, "By circumventing federal law and encouraging illegal immigrants to come into our communities, failed sanctuary city policies have created a growing public safety crisis." He highlighted that his legislation aligns with two executive orders from former President Trump designed to protect SBA employees and entrepreneurs by relocating offices out of sanctuary cities.

Finstad expressed pride in the passage of his bill in the House and anticipates further progress through the legislative process. He stated that this move would ensure communities adhering to federal law can better serve small business owners.