WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced amendments in the House Rules Committee during a hearing on the FY 2021 Appropriations package for Defense, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development.

Lesko introduced an amendment to ensure that a portion of the $2.8 billion allocated for land ports of entry be designated for the modernization of the San Luis I Port of Entry in Arizona. This amendment was made in order by the committee.

“The San Luis I Port of Entry is in desperate need of modernization to address many national security issues facing the United States as a result of the crisis at our southern border,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “This port is an important part of securing our homeland and its modernization will help stop human, sex, and drug trafficking and will also increase the speed of legal commerce across the border. I’m pleased that this amendment was made in order and I hope it will be supported by my colleagues on the floor of the House during the full vote.”

Lesko also introduced additional amendments that Democrats voted against and thus were not ruled in order.

Lesko introduced an amendment that bars states that defy immigration enforcement from receiving federal funding. This would include states that allow sanctuary cities to harbor illegal immigrants.

“If you are not going to enforce our federal laws, you do not deserve the benefit of federal funding,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “We cannot continue to incentivize states that fly in the face of the rule of law and allow illegal immigrants to run free.”

Lesko also introduced an amendment that prevents states that allow for the sale of THC in the form of candy, soda, chocolate, ice cream, or other kid-friendly forms, as determined by the FDA, from receiving federal funding.

“Earlier this year, House Democrats pushed a proposal to eliminate flavored tobacco products that were targeted at children. This amendment echoes that legislation by extending the ban on kid-friendly products to THC products,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “If we are going to ban one product because it is kid-friendly, we must also consider the risks of the other.”

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