Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso called on March 12 for Senate Democrats to join Republicans in fully funding the Department of Homeland Security, warning that continued lack of funding is putting Americans at risk.
Barrasso said the ongoing shutdown of the department is affecting national security and public safety. He argued that the agency, created after the September 11 attacks, plays a critical role in protecting citizens from terrorism and other threats.
“It’s not a question of if the Democrat shutdown is hurting the American people. It is a matter of public record. Democrats are endangering Americans on the ground, in the skies, and even in cyberspace,” Barrasso said during his remarks on the Senate floor.
He criticized Democratic leaders for refusing to fund the department and accused them of prioritizing what he described as political interests over national security. Barrasso said, “The American people expect their government to take our nation’s security seriously. Democrats don’t seem to be thinking that way at all.”
Barrasso also highlighted impacts on Transportation Security Administration agents, cybersecurity staff, and other personnel who have missed paychecks or been furloughed due to what he called a “Democrat-caused shutdown.” He referenced reports of increased absences among TSA agents and longer airport lines as examples of how travelers are being affected.
Concluding his remarks, Barrasso urged immediate action: “The Department of Homeland Security must be funded fully and immediately. And I’m tired of excuses from the Democrats because that’s all they are. Excuses.”
The debate over funding comes amid broader disagreements between Senate Republicans and Democrats regarding immigration policy and border security.
