Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11th district, announced Sunday he will seek re-election to Congress.

"It has been an honor and privilege to represent the people of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional district," Barletta said. "While I have made significant progress on a number of important issues, including fighting against illegal immigration, strengthening our national security, and saving taxpayer dollars, it's clear that there is still work to be done. I respectfully ask my friends and neighbors for their support so that I can continue to fight for these and other common sense policies that will strengthen our communities and this great nation."Barletta plans to continue combating illegal immigration.In 2015, he sponsored legislation to block President Barack Obama's executive amnesty plan, defund sanctuary cities, and increase the penalty for overstaying a visa."I have fought for more than a decade to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into our country," Barletta said. "This is an issue that affects our national security and many American jobs. I will continue to stand up for American workers by opposing any attempt to grant amnesty to illegal aliens."Last year, Barletta was appointed to serve on the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, where he is responsible for overseeing federal efforts to secure the homeland. He co-sponsored legislation to temporarily halt the refugee program by cutting off funding for any resettlement activity until stronger safeguards are implemented."National security is one of the most pressing issues facing our nation today," Barletta said. "I'm proud of my work to help strengthen our defenses against terrorists and protect the American people. This is certainly an issue I look forward to focusing on in the year ahead."As Chairman of the Subcommittee for Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management of the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Barletta said he has saved taxpayers nearly $3 billion by reducing the federal real estate footprint."As a former small business owner and mayor, I always look for innovative ways to solve problems and reduce government waste," Barletta said. "More federal leases are set to expire soon, and I'm excited to save taxpayers even more money by continuing to change our approach to government office space."Barletta and his wife, Mary Grace, live in Hazleton. They have four grown daughters - Kelly, April, Lindsey, and Grace - and are the proud grandparents of Gabriel Louis, Madeleine Grace, and Julia Mae.