WASHINGTON – This afternoon, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) urged his colleagues to support “Kate’s Law,” which would better protect American citizens by increasing penalties for deported felons who illegally return to the United States.

Click here for full video of Congressman Pittenger’s speech in support of Kate’s Law, which will enhance penalties for deported felons who illegally return to the United States.

“One of the previous administration’s biggest homeland security failures was the lack of prosecution and enforcement for crimes committed by illegal immigrants.  For far too long, the Obama Administration failed to adequately punish illegal immigrants who committed felonies in the United States.

“A simple deportation is not enough.  The United States must prosecute and sentence all individuals who commit crimes and hurt Americans.  When we enforce the law, we create a deterrent mechanism for future bad behavior.  Failure to enforce the law is a failure to the American people.”

Later this afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on Kate’s Law (H.R. 3004) and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (H.R. 3003) which cracks down on sanctuary cities.