US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB50

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

Keeping Aid for Municipalities And Localities Accountable Act or the KAMALA ActThis bill prohibits the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to assist non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are not lawfully admitted permanent residents. The CDBG program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides states, local governments, and Indian tribes with funds for economic and community development.The bill also specifically prohibits HUD from making a CDBG grant to any state, local government, or Indian tribe that carries out a housing or community development program that assists such individuals. 

Impact

If enacted, HB50 would significantly alter the framework of federal assistance programs under the Housing and Community Development Act. The bill introduces restrictions that would prevent any financial aid provided via federal grants from being allocated to non-residents, thereby solidifying the legal accessibility criteria for such funds. This could lead to numerous implications for various municipalities that rely on these grants to address local housing needs, potentially leaving vulnerable populations without necessary support.

Summary

House Bill 50, known as the Keeping Aid for Municipalities And Localities Accountable Act (KAMALA Act), seeks to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 by specifically prohibiting the use of federal grants to assist individuals who are not nationals of the United States or those who do not have lawful permanent residence. The intent of this legislation is to restrict access to federal housing assistance programs from undocumented individuals, thereby aiming to ensure that these resources are solely available to legal residents and citizens.

Contention

The KAMALA Act has sparked notable debate regarding the balance between federal funding regulations and the humanitarian aspects of housing assistance. Proponents argue that limiting funding to legal residents is a necessary measure to preserve the integrity of government assistance programs. Conversely, opponents contend that this bill could exacerbate existing inequalities and negatively impact communities where undocumented individuals contribute to the workforce and local economies. They claim that restricting aid based on immigration status undermines broader community welfare, especially in areas with high immigrant populations.

Congress_id

119-HR-50

Policy_area

Immigration

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB502

Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act This bill modifies the definition of rural area that is used for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program and adds provisions for small communities.As background, the grant program supports projects that improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas. Eligible applicants for the grant program include states, regional transportation planning organizations, local governments, and tribal governments.For purposes of the program, the bill defines rural area as an area outside an urbanized area that has a population of 30,000 or less. Current law requires a rural area to be outside of an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000.The bill includes provisions for small communities (i.e., an area outside an urbanized area and that has a population of 5,000 or less). The bill sets the maximum federal cost-share at 90% for project grants carried out in a small community. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must use at least 5% of the program's annual funds to provide grants for projects in small communities. The bill also removes the prohibition against DOT using more than 10% of program funds for grants that are under $25 million.Further, program grants may be used for highway, road, bridge, or tunnel projects that would benefit the economic development or quality of life for citizens of the local community.The bill also specifies that the program's goals include the generation of economic growth and development in rural areas. 

US SB62

America First ActThis bill limits the eligibility of certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) for various federal benefits and grants, makes permanent the child tax credit increase, and requires individuals to provide evidence of satisfactory immigration status prior to receiving specified benefits.The bill prohibits asylees, parolees, and individuals withheld from removal from receiving certain federal benefits, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income. The bill further restricts on the basis of immigration status benefits under federal health programs such as Medicare, emergency disaster relief, housing assistance, food assistance, early childhood assistance, student aid, and Community Development Block Grants.The bill also makes permanent the increase in the child tax credit set to expire at the end of 2025. In addition, this tax credit and the earned income tax credit are not available to asylees, parolees, individuals granted temporary protected status, individuals withheld from removal, individuals granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status, and non-U.S. nationals with employment-based immigrant visas.Federal aid is reduced for elementary and secondary education by 50% annually to jurisdictions that do not assist federal immigration enforcement actions (deemed sanctuary jurisdictions under the bill).The bill also removes statutory exemptions for Haitian entrants that allows such entrants to receive various aid.Certain benefits are prohibited, including Medicaid and SNAP, until an applicant’s satisfactory immigration status is proved.The bill prohibits tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from using federal funds to support certain non-U.S. nationals.

US HB1560

Establishing the Municipal Grant Assistance Program and the Municipal Grant Assistance Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

US HB7791

To authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to prioritize the award of certain housing grants to applicants located in, or serving, low-income communities.

US HB716

Housing and Community Development - Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program Eligibility - Alterations

US S895

Provides for EDA oversight and control over certain local economic development, community development, and housing programs if corruption is suspected following criminal charge or conviction of local official.

US HB825

Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters ActThis bill prohibits individuals convicted of certain financial crimes from receiving assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA).Specifically, the bill prohibits individuals who have been convicted of a crime involving financial misconduct or a false statement with respect to certain COVID-19 loans (e.g., Paycheck Protection Program loans, Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, and Shuttered Venue Operators grants) from receiving any financial assistance from the SBA (other than a disaster loan).The prohibition includes SBA assistance to small businesses that have an owner, officer, director, or key employee who has been convicted of such a crime.

US SB123

Handgun Permit to Purchase Act This bill authorizes a grant program for states, local governments, and Indian tribes to implement and evaluate handgun purchaser licensing requirements.

US HB532

Handgun Permit to Purchase Act This bill authorizes a grant program for states, local governments, and Indian tribes to implement and evaluate handgun purchaser licensing requirements.

US HB1188

Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available Act of 2025 or the Police CAMERA Act of 2025This bill authorizes the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Department of Justice to make grants for states, local governments, and Indian tribes to purchase or lease body-worn cameras for use by law enforcement officers and to implement body-worn camera programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.