Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) called on Democrats to end the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security in remarks delivered on March 19. Barrasso said the department has been closed for over a month, leading to security concerns and missed paychecks for federal employees.
The ongoing shutdown has raised concerns about national safety and the impact on law enforcement operations. Barrasso said, “The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for over a month. The Democrats shut it down. They want to peel it apart. They refuse to reopen it. Meanwhile, we are seeing long security lines, missed paychecks, and multiple terrorist attacks on American soil.”
Barrasso also referenced comments from an unnamed Democrat member who reportedly told Axios, “We’re making people hurt.” He continued, “It’s much worse than that. The Democrats have blood on their hands. Democrats continue to prioritize illegal immigrant criminals over American citizens.”
He outlined specific effects of the shutdown across several states: “In Georgia, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center – which trains federal law enforcement officers in over 100 agencies – is shut down. In Nevada, a field office for the Homeland Security Investigations unit that combats fentanyl and other drugs is unfunded. In Washington state, major upgrades for the Coast Guard at Homeport Seattle are on pause.” Barrasso added that recent negotiations between Republicans and Democrats have not led to solutions: “Democrats have responded first with silence. And then with spin. But never with solutions.” He concluded his remarks by saying, “None of this makes America stronger or safer. It makes America weaker. It is time to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. The American people know that the Democrats are the ones standing in the way of their safety.”
Barrasso resides with his three children in Casper, according to the official website. He chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Public Lands, Forests and Mining Subcommittee according to his official website, and operates offices in Casper, Cheyenne, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan and Washington to serve Wyoming constituents according to his official website. Barrasso has earned recognition as Wyoming Physician of the Year and served as president of the Wyoming Medical Society according to his official website.
As Senate Republican whip and a member of key committees focused on energy policy and public lands according to his official website, Barrasso continues to focus on issues important to Wyoming such as energy affordability and opportunities for ranchers.
