Several Texas Republican lawmakers are criticizing Senate Democrats over the ongoing dispute surrounding the funding for the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that the stalemate is affecting national security operations and federal workers.
U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R) accused Democrats of prioritizing illegal immigrants over public safety on social media.
"Senate Democrats are holding America hostage with their DHS funding shutdown to protect violent criminal aliens like Kele Christian Alves-Pereire," wrote Rep. Van Duyne. "Putting violent criminal aliens ahead of the safety of American citizens is shameful."
Senate Democrats are holding America hostage with their DHS funding shutdown to protect violent criminal aliens like Kele Christian Alves-Pereire.
Putting violent criminal aliens ahead of the safety and security of American citizens is shameful. https://t.co/OTJ8fJxSYC
— Beth Van Duyne (@Bethvanduyne) March 17, 2026
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R) also criticized the funding impasse, arguing that lawmakers themselves should not receive special treatment while federal agencies face uncertainty. Sen. Cornyn announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at eliminating expedited airport screening privileges for members of Congress.
"It is hypocritical for Democrats to continue to refuse to fund TSA and other Department of Homeland Security functions, while getting expedited treatment at airports unlike their constituents," said Cornyn.
It is hypocritical for Democrats to continue to refuse to fund TSA and other Department of Homeland Security functions, while getting expedited treatment at airports unlike their constituents
I am filing a bill that would prohibit special treatment for Members of Congress at…
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) March 17, 2026
His proposal, titled the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airport Act, would require members of Congress to undergo the same Transportation Security Administration screening procedures as regular travelers and prohibit the use of federal funds to provide lawmakers with priority access at airport checkpoints.
The bill would still allow members to participate in publicly available programs such as TSA PreCheck.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R) weighed in on the debate, warning that the funding standoff is already impacting TSA employees.
"TSA agents missed full paychecks today after Senate Democrats blocked full DHS funding for the fourth time," Sen. Cruz wrote on X. "Wait times are growing, officers are quitting to support their families, and national security is being treated like a political game."
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R) echoed similar concerns, accusing Democrats of undermining national security.
"National Democrats are rooting for America, and the President, to fail abroad while making our country more dangerous at home by blocking funding for Homeland Security," said Rep. Roy.
National Democrats are rooting for America, and the President, to fail abroad while making our country more dangerous at home by blocking funding for Homeland Security.
Defeat our enemies abroad. Secure the homeland. Stop the political games. pic.twitter.com/WUFhi9pVdO
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) March 14, 2026
The dispute over DHS funding remains unresolved in Washington, with lawmakers continuing negotiations over how to fund the agency while broader political disagreements persist.
