H.R.259 - No Funding for Illegal Migrant Billboards Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 259, the "No Funding for Illegal Migrant Billboards Act," aims to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by prohibiting the Department of Homeland Security from using funds to advertise the Immigration Detention Ombudsman's office or its functions to the general public via billboards or other means. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 9, 2025, and referred to the Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security. The bill is sponsored by Mr. Biggs of Arizona, Mr. Ogles, and Mr. Harris of Maryland.
The bill specifically targets advertising expenditures related to the Immigration Detention Ombudsman. It seeks to prevent the use of taxpayer money for promotional activities that might encourage or facilitate illegal immigration.
This legislation reflects concerns about the allocation of resources within the Department of Homeland Security.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 259 would restrict the ability of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman to publicize its services through advertising. This could lead to decreased awareness of the Ombudsman's office among detained immigrants and the general public.
The change would reduce spending on advertising. It could potentially free up funds for other activities within the Department of Homeland Security.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced government spending on advertising related to immigration matters.
- Potential reallocation of funds to other areas within the Department of Homeland Security.
- May discourage illegal immigration by limiting the promotion of services available to detained immigrants.
- Could address concerns about the use of taxpayer money for activities perceived as encouraging illegal immigration.
- Aligns with the principle of fiscal conservatism by limiting government advertising expenditures.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced awareness of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman's services among detained immigrants.
- Potential difficulty for detained immigrants to access information about their rights and available resources.
- May hinder the Ombudsman's ability to effectively fulfill its mandate of overseeing immigration detention facilities.
- Could be perceived as limiting access to information for vulnerable populations.
- May create a barrier for individuals seeking assistance with issues related to immigration detention.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality primarily revolves around the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech. However, this bill does not directly infringe upon individual speech. It restricts government spending on advertising, which is a matter of budgetary control.
Congress has broad authority over appropriations, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The bill appears to be a valid exercise of this power.
There are no apparent conflicts with other constitutional provisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).