WASHINGTON – Illinois' U.S. Senator Mark Kirk was the only Republican to vote "No" on Louisiana Senator David Vitter's proposal known as "Kate's Law," earlier this week. Illinois' other Senator Dick Durbin also voted "No," effectively blocking the bill the 60 votes needed for the bill move forward.
One Democrat – Indiana's Senator Donnelly – voted with the Republicans to progress the bill.
The bill would impose a mandatory minimum jail sentence of five years for illegal immigrants convicted of re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony or have three strikes for trying to enter the country illegally.
Kirk's office did not issue a statement explaining his reasoning.
Senator Vitter addressed the need for the legislation on the Senate floor before the vote:
