Overview

• The House approved the measure 226–197, with 11 Democrats joining Republicans and all 197 no votes coming from Democrats.
• Sponsored by Reps. Stephanie Bice and Brad Knott, the bill raises the maximum sentence for illegal entry to five years and increases penalties for repeat reentry to as much as 10 or 15 years depending on prior offenses.
• It mandates a sentence of five years to life for someone who enters unlawfully and is later convicted of a felony, according to bill summaries and sponsor statements.
• The Office of Management and Budget said on Sept. 8 that President Trump would sign the legislation if it reaches his desk.
• The Senate received the bill on Monday, and with 53 Republicans in the chamber it could pass by simple majority unless a filibuster requires 60 votes, while Sen. Ted Cruz has related companion legislation in the Judiciary Committee.