Austin News

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Republicans, led by Ranking Member Ted Cruz, have sent a letter to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson demanding answers about the use of federal airport dollars to house illegal aliens at O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. The Senators argue that using airports and airport resources for this purpose misuses billions of dollars of federal taxpayer investment in the national airport system.

In the letter, the Senators express their concerns about the housing of illegal aliens at Chicago's airports. They mention that since at least June 2023, the city of Chicago has been housing illegal aliens at the Bus and Shuttle Center area of Terminal 1. They also note that more recently, the city has expanded this housing to accommodate even more illegal aliens, relocating courtesy shuttle pick-ups for actual travelers to another terminal. The Senators highlight that the city of Chicago is now utilizing Midway International Airport for this purpose as well.

The Senators emphasize that the federal government has invested hundreds of billions of dollars in the development of a nationwide public-use airport system. They quote the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stating that one of the most important obligations that come with receiving federal assistance is that the airport and its facilities must be available for public use as an airport. Repurposing airport facilities and infrastructure to house illegal aliens not only degrades taxpayers' investment in the national airport system but also violates the requirement that these federally funded facilities be available for public use as an airport.

The Senators also criticize the city of Chicago's decision to remain a sanctuary city. They mention that Chicago has publicly flouted federal law as a self-declared sanctuary city since 1985. They note that this decision has proven contentious and has led to a months-long dispute with tenants United Airlines and American Airlines regarding the future of a new terminal that is already over budget by more than $1.5 billion. The Senators question the city's ability to support this project and express concerns about Chicago converting its existing terminal and ancillary facilities into housing for illegal aliens.

The Senators directly address Mayor Johnson, highlighting his promotion of Chicago's sanctuary city status while avoiding making good on such platitudes. They mention that he characterized the sending of illegal aliens to Chicago as "sowing seeds of chaos" and implied that Texas Governor Greg Abbott is motivated by racial animus. The Senators also mention Mayor Johnson's demand for billions of dollars from American taxpayers to offset the costs of being a sanctuary city.

The Senators point out the crisis of illegal immigration brought on by the Biden administration and urge Mayor Johnson to advocate for border and transportation security, the enforcement of immigration laws, and consider reversing Chicago's sanctuary city policy. They also ask whether airport resources that could be used for valid purposes have been diverted to fund the shelter.

In addition to Ranking Member Cruz, Senators JD Vance, Todd Young, Marsha Blackburn, Dan Sullivan, Ted Budd, and Cynthia Lummis joined in sending these letters to Mayor Johnson.

The full text of the letter can be found [here](link).

In conclusion, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Republicans are demanding answers from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson regarding the misuse of federal airport dollars to house illegal aliens at O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. The Senators express concerns about the degradation of taxpayers' investment in the national airport system and the violation of requirements for federally funded airport facilities. They also criticize Chicago's sanctuary city status and raise questions about the city's ability to support its new terminal project. The Senators urge Mayor Johnson to advocate for border and transportation security and consider reversing the sanctuary city policy.