River Region Times

Washington, D.C. - In a move aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing tragic accidents caused by drunk driving, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed Rep. Barry Moore's bill, H.R. 6976, The Protect Communities from DUIs Act. The legislation, which received a vote of 274-150, seeks to compel President Biden to deport illegal immigrants who have been convicted or committed the offense of driving while impaired.

During his opening statement on the House floor, Rep. Moore highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding alcohol-impaired driving. He stated, "Every 45 minutes. That's how often someone in the United States dies in a crash involving an alcohol impaired driver. In 2021 alone, there were 13,384 alcohol-related driving fatalities. In the same year, drunk driving crashes led to nearly 400,000 injuries and deaths. Those crashes don't discriminate -- it could be me, it could be you, or it could be one of our family members."

Rep. Moore's personal connection to the issue further underscores the urgency of the legislation. He shared a heartbreaking story, saying, "This issue hits close to home for me. There was a newlywed couple from my hometown of Enterprise, Alabama, named Angel and Jeremy Seay. I knew them personally. Angel and Jeremy were riding their motorcycle together when an illegal immigrant under the influence of alcohol collided into them with his pickup. Their lives were cut dramatically short. Sadly, tragedies like this are not uncommon across our country."

The passage of this bill reflects the determination of lawmakers to address the serious consequences of drunk driving and protect communities from further harm. It underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their immigration status.

The Protect Communities from DUIs Act has sparked both support and opposition. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard lives and prevent future accidents, while opponents express concerns about the potential impact on immigrant communities. Nevertheless, the House of Representatives has spoken, and the bill will now move forward for consideration in the Senate.

As the bill progresses, it is crucial to keep in mind the words of Rep. Moore, who stated, "We must act to prevent more innocent lives from being lost to drunk driving incidents. This legislation is about protecting our communities and ensuring that those who endanger lives through impaired driving face the appropriate consequences."

The passage of Rep. Moore's bill serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to address the issue of drunk driving and its devastating effects on society. By focusing on preventing impaired driving incidents, lawmakers aim to create safer roads and protect the well-being of all individuals.