Capitalizing on current political climate
US Representative Michael Rulli has introduced the “Giving Alien Migrants Back Through Lawful Excise Redistribution (GAMBLER) Act,” new legislation that would direct federal gambling excise tax revenues to immigration enforcement.
The legislation would transfer about $300m in yearly revenue, currently allocated to the general Treasury, into a newly created Border Enforcement Trust Fund for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
cited recent unrest in Los Angeles as evidence of “blatant disregard for law and order”
Rulli, an Ohio Republican, argues the bill addresses growing frustration with what he describes as lenient immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities. He cited recent unrest in Los Angeles as evidence of “blatant disregard for law and order,” claiming unregistered migrants are overwhelming public services and destabilizing communities.
“Working-class Americans are paying the price while blue states and sanctuary cities harbor millions of illegal aliens who wave foreign flags in our streets, vandalize property, and drain resources meant for our own citizens,” Rulli said, framing the bill as an economically responsible solution.
Uphill battle
The bill, which recodes a single section of the Internal Revenue Code 1986 to redirect the 0.25% tax, has prompted responses in Washington and Rulli’s home district.
promoting an elite-friendly agenda ahead of local interests
Protests have emerged outside Rulli family businesses in Ohio, including Rulli Brothers grocery stores, owned by Rulli’s family. Critics accuse the congressman of promoting an elite-friendly agenda ahead of local interests, especially around President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Others object to what they characterize as the politicization of gaming revenues and Rulli’s combative tone.
Bipartisan support would be required to overcome a filibuster, making the bill’s passage far from guaranteed.
