Rep. Kelly voted no on ICE funding

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), who is leading impeachment efforts against Secretary Kristi Noem, voted against the Homeland Security funding bill that provides more money to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"Secretary Noem has weaponized DHS and her ICE agents, allowing them to run amok in our cities. I refuse to fund her reign of terror," said Rep. Kelly. "I'm using every tool at my disposal, including impeachment and Congress's power of the purse, to hold Secretary Noem accountable for violating our Constitution. President Trump's Big Ugly Law already gave ICE $75 billion, and Operation Midway Blitz wreaked havoc on Chicago. This funding bill only gives more to ICE so they can arrest people without warrants, violate people's civil rights, and ignore due process. For all these reasons, I voted NO."

Rep. Kelly voted for the three-bill minibus, which includes funding for the Department of Defense, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services. Included in the health bill is Rep. Kelly's legislation to prevent preterm births. The housing bill also included eight of Rep. Kelly's community projects for a total of $12,954,000.

"I'm proud to bring back nearly $13 million to my constituents to fund critical projects, including workforce development program, revitalization and infrastructure projects, and safety improvements," said Rep. Kelly. "For my constituents, I will always work across the aisle to bring back federal funds for projects that will directly help people thrive in the Second District."

Eight of Rep. Kelly's submissions for community project funds were included in the Department of HUD funding bill for a total of $12,954,000:

1. Project: Station Displays Across Chicago's South Side and Suburbs Project

Summary: Funds will help purchase and install visual information sign displays at Metra stations

Amount in Final Bill: $250,000

2. Project: Paxton Downtown Streetscape

Summary: Funds will go toward streetscape improvements on South Market Street.

Amount in Final Bill: $850,000

3. Project: 100th St Bridge over the Calumet River

Summary: Funds will help repair the 100th Street bridge over the Calumet River.

Amount in Final Bill: $850,000

4. Project: Prairie State College Workforce Development Education Expansion

Summary: Funds will expand Prairie State College's workforce development training facilities.

Amount in Final Bill: $250,000

5. Project: Jackson Park Safety and Accessibility Improvements Project

Summary: Funds will enhance the safety and accessibility of Jackson Park in Chicago

Amount in Final Bill: $1,200,000

6. Project: South Holland Neighborhood Revitalization Project

Summary: Funds will establish a revolving pilot program that will allow Village of South Holland to acquire and stabilize approximately 145 vacant homes in preparation for sales.

Amount in Final Bill: $500,000

7. Project: J Broadmeadow Road Extension Project

Summary: Funds will extend Broadmeadow Road in Rantoul, Illinois.

Amount in Final Bill: $850,000

8. Project: Hazel Crest Water/Sewer Renewal Program

Summary: Funds will renew and rehabilitate water and sewer infrastructure in Hazel Crest, Illinois.

Amount in Final Bill: $850,000