News

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Immigration Subcommittee Chairman Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) today criticized a California bill that would allow businesses in the state to opt-out of E-Verify.  This bill, the Employment Acceleration Act of 2011 (A.B. 1236), was passed earlier this week by the California State Senate.  The bill now heads to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk for signature.

Washington, D.C. - According to media reports, President Obama’s illegal immigrant uncle, Onyango Obama, has been released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being arrested in Massachusetts for driving under the influence, driving to endanger and failing to use a turn signal.  According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Onyango Obama has a final order of removal pending from 1992. 

Washington, D.C. - The Senate today passed the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (H.R. 1249), a bipartisan, bicameral bill that updates our patent system to encourage innovation, job creation and economic growth.  The Senate passed the bill today by a vote of 89-9.  The House overwhelmingly approved H.R. 1249 by a vote of 304-117 earlier this year.

Washington, D.C. - Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today outlined the Judiciary Jobs Agenda for the remainder of 2011, which includes legislation to encourage innovation, reduce frivolous lawsuits, rein in federal regulations and protect jobs for American workers. 

Washington, DC - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today introduced the American Specialty Agriculture Act (H.R. 2847), a bill to eliminate the problems plaguing the current H-2A temporary agricultural work visa program and establish a new H-2C program that will help American growers hire a legal workforce.

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today called on President Obama to exercise regulatory restraint in order to protect small businesses and America’s job creators from the growing costs of federal regulations.

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson’s reassignment to the Office of Legal Policy.

Washington, D.C. - The Administration’s announcement that they will review removal proceedings of illegal immigrants may strike another blow to 24 million unemployed or underemployed Americans.  The Administration’s policy could allow hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to receive work authorization.  Those illegal immigrants would then compete with Americans for jobs. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding the announcement.