House Democrats passed a bill on Wednesday that would repeal the travel ban on citizens of 13 countries and limit Presidential authority to issue such bans in the future.
“The bans have hurt our relationships with other countries, harmed refugees, isolated us from our allies and given extremists propaganda for recruitment,” Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D- WA) said on the House floor. “Most important, they do not make our country safer. And let's be clear, a pandemic is not the time to push forward these xenophobic bans.”
The NO BAN Act was previously brought before Congress in March; right after President Donald Trump used his authority to temporarily suspend travel from China to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Later the same day, Democrats quietly pulled the act from consideration.
The measure was brought up again and passed Wednesday on a 233-183 party line vote.
Under the act, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security would have to consult with Congress before imposing a travel restriction; otherwise the directive would be immediately terminated.
While Democrats lauded its passage Wednesday, the No Ban Act is not expected to advance in the Senate.