Lindsey Graham: 'Let's Vote' on Immigration Crackdown Bills

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Saturday called for the Senate to hold floor votes on multiple immigration enforcement measures, saying the public deserves to see where lawmakers stand as Congress faces mounting pressure to resolve Department of Homeland Security funding.

In a social media post, Graham said that while he opposes the Democratic immigration package, he believes it should still be brought to the Senate floor.

"While I believe the Democrats’ proposal regarding ICE and immigration are fatally flawed and will take us backward on immigration enforcement, I think it deserves a vote in the U.S. Senate," Graham wrote.

He added that he is prepared to introduce the Democratic proposal himself to force a vote, stating, "Therefore, if no one else will, I will introduce the Democrat package to ensure it gets a vote on the floor - and I will enthusiastically vote no."

Graham also pushed for a vote on legislation backed by Sen. Eric Schmitt, writing, "I also believe the Senate should take up @SenEricSchmitt’s Protect America Act to strengthen our immigration laws."

In addition, Graham said lawmakers should vote on his own bill aimed at cracking down on sanctuary city policies involving criminal illegal aliens.

"Finally, the Senate should have a vote on my legislation to end sanctuary city policies regarding criminal illegal aliens," he wrote.

Graham argued that forcing votes on all three measures would help define the political divide on immigration enforcement.

"These three votes will be important for the country to understand the terms of the debate and who offers the best solution," he said.

The senator said he expects the measures to be taken up soon.

"I look forward to taking these matters up next week," Graham wrote. "Democrats have been anxious to have their say about immigration enforcement. So am I. Let’s vote."

Graham's push comes as Congress continues negotiations over DHS funding, with lawmakers under pressure to avoid a shutdown while also debating possible policy restrictions tied to ICE enforcement and border operations.

Republicans have warned that Democratic demands could weaken immigration enforcement, while Democrats argue reforms are needed to increase oversight and accountability.

• House Dems Eye Funding DHS Without ICE, CBP Money
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