Recently, the House took up authorization and appropriation bills for the Department of Homeland Security. During debate on the DHS Authorization bill, three amendments were considered. The first amendment introduced by Representatives Cox (R-CA) and Sensenbrenner (R-WI) authorized $40 million in federal funding for state and local police agencies who enter into memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with ICE to enforce immigration laws. This amendment passed by a voice vote. The second amendment, introduced by Representative Norwood (R-GA) sought to declare that state and local law enforcement officers have inherent authority to enforce federal immigration laws, including the apprehension, detention, and removal of aliens in the United States. This provision (which was drawn from Representative Norwood's CLEAR Act) passed by a 242-185 margin. 

A third amendment to the DHS Authorization bill was introduced by Representative Slaughter (D-NY). It would require DHS to create four remote enrollment centers for the FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS programs. 

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An effort in California to allow undocumented immigrants to drive legally was revived in the state Senate.  The new measure, approved by the Senate transportation committee on an 8-to-5 vote, represents a change from previous versions. 

The revised bill from Sen. Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) would create a 'driving-only license,' with a special design or color to differentiate it from regular licenses. The licenses would be free of the usual $25 fee.  The bill requires more than a majority vote because it would take effect immediately if signed into law, rather than be delayed until the start of 2006 like most new laws. 

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H.R.2789 : -- Private Bill; For the relief of Gabriella Dee.
Sponsor: Rep Dent, Charles W. [PA-15] (introduced 6/7/2005)      
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 6/7/2005 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. 

H.R.2827 : -- Private Bill; For the relief of Malachy McAllister, Nicola McAllister, and Sean Ryan McAllister.
Sponsor: Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] (introduced 6/8/2005)      
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 6/8/2005 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

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