Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said on Mar. 11 that Democrats are responsible for the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, accusing them of prioritizing illegal immigrant criminals over national security.
Barrasso’s remarks come as the Department of Homeland Security remains unfunded for 26 days, a situation he said leaves the country vulnerable to threats and puts federal workers at risk. The senator criticized Democrats for voting three times against funding the department and referenced recent statements from Senator Brian Schatz, who described Democrats as “very serene” about the shutdown.
“For 26 days now, Democrats have left our country undefended. Democrats in this chamber have voted three times to keep the Department of Homeland Security shut down. Once again, Democrats are putting illegal immigrant criminals ahead of the safety and the security of the American people,” Barrasso said.
He cited concerns about threats from Iran and recent incidents involving terrorism in New York City and Austin, Texas. Barrasso also highlighted impacts on federal employees, noting that only one-third of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency staff are currently working without pay while others have been furloughed. He said this has led to canceled or delayed security assessments and increased vulnerability for critical infrastructure such as energy grids and hospitals.
Barrasso further discussed challenges faced by Transportation Security Administration agents during the shutdown, including missed paychecks and increased unscheduled absences. He mentioned community efforts like food drives organized by service clubs to support unpaid federal workers.
The senator concluded by urging an end to what he called a “Democrat shutdown,” stating: “The American people deserve safety and security. It is time to reopen the Department of Homeland Security. It’s time to pay the people who protect our country. Let them get back to work protecting us.”
Barrasso’s comments reflect ongoing partisan disagreement over immigration policy and government funding.
