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February 1, 2017

Bills to Repeal Trump Ban Backed By Nearly All Congressional Democrats

Washington, DC – Legislation to rescind Donald Trump’s Executive Order that bans travel for nationals of seven countries has already garnered the support of nearly every Democrat in the House and Senate. 

In the House, 185 of the 196 Democrats in the chamber have signed onto legislation offered by Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), the Statue of Liberty Values Act (SOLVE/H.R.724). The bill would rescind Trump’s executive order and prohibit any funding to enforce it. House Democrats held a series of speeches yesterday on the floor in support of repealing the ban and asked for unanimous consent to vote on the bill, which was blocked.

Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced S. 240, which would rescind the Executive Order and ensure that it has no legal effect. The bill is cosponsored by 38 of the chamber’s 48 Democrats. Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer sought an immediate vote on the bill Monday night, but Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK)– the author of the letter to Iran’s leaders warning them not to agree to the Iran nuclear deal – blocked a vote on the measure.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) also introduced legislation (S. 248) to withhold funding for the Executive Order and declare it illegal based on the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. His bill is cosponsored by seven other Senators.

While no Republican in the House or the Senate has signed onto the legislation, a number of them have expressed opposition or concern with Trump’s order. It is unclear if Republicans lawmakers will offer any alternative measure to address the concerns they have raised with the ban.

Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson was confirmed this afternoon 56-43. Additionally, the Judiciary Committee advanced Attorney General nominee Jeff Sessions by a party-line 11-9 vote, with a final vote to come in the days ahead. Sessions is reported to have been heavily involved in the planning of the Executive Order. Barring Republican objections, Sessions is likely to move forward. Both nominees are expected to play a major role in implementation of the order.


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