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Washington, D.C. - Recently, officials at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) called off the deportation of an illegal immigrant who is married to his same-sex partner in the United States. This decision follows U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s instruction to an immigration court to ignore the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in future rulings. Earlier this year, the Justice Department abandoned its obligation to defend DOMA, a federal law enacted by Congress and signed by President Clinton to protect the institution of marriage.
Washington, DC - During his press conference today, President Obama made remarks regarding the E-Verify program and comprehensive immigration reform. Following his remarks, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the statement below.
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to hold a hearing tomorrow on the DREAM Act, a bill that would legalize millions of illegal immigrants currently living in the United States. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the statement below.
Washington, D.C. - Last week, the Obama administration announced changes to Secure Communities, a program intended to identify illegal immigrants in police custody who have been arrested and fingerprinted. These changes could potentially allow millions of illegal and criminal immigrants to remain in the United States. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) criticized the Obama administration for this misguided decision.
Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary Committee today approved a bill (H.R. 1933) to help hospitals in inner-city neighborhoods and rural areas that have difficulty in attracting nurses. Specifically, it reauthorizes the H-1C temporary visa program that allows foreign nurses to come to the U.S. to work in health professional shortage areas for an additional three years.
The bill was reported favorably to the House floor by voice vote. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the bill’s sponsor, today praised the Committee vote.
Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary Committee today approved the Secure Visas Act (H.R. 1741), a bill to help prevent terrorists from obtaining U.S. visas and to allow U.S. officials to expedite the removal of terrorists who are in the United States on a visa. The bill was reported favorably to the House floor by a vote of 17-11.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the bill’s sponsor, today praised the Committee vote.
Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives today passed a bill sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) that updates our patent system to encourage innovation, job creation and economic growth.
Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives today adopted a manager’s amendment to H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act, a bill that makes much-needed reforms to our patent system.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) offered the manager’s amendment as part of an agreement with the Appropriations Committee over language addressing fee diversion.
Chairman Smith: The foresight of the Founders in creating an intellectual property system in the Constitution demonstrates their understanding of how patent rights benefit the American people. Technological innovation from our intellectual property is linked to three-quarters of America’s economic growth, and American IP industries account for over one-half of all U.S. exports.
Washington, D.C. - The Committee on Rules has favorably reported a rule to allow a floor vote on the Smith Manager’s amendment to H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act. The bill is expected to be considered by the full House tomorrow.