No DOT Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act

This bill would block the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from giving grants or other federal transportation funds to “sanctuary cities.” A “sanctuary city” here means a state or local government that limits sharing information about a person’s immigration status or refuses lawful requests from Homeland Security to hold or update them about someone in custody. The DOT could make a case-by-case exception only if it certifies the project is in the national interest, with advance notice to Congress committees.

Key points

• Who is affected: Cities, counties, and states with sanctuary policies; local transportation agencies; residents who rely on federally funded roads, transit, bridges, and airports.
• What changes: These places would lose access to DOT grants and other federal transportation money, unless an exception is granted in the national interest.
• When: Would take effect upon becoming law; waivers can be issued case by case with advance notice.