The longest Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown ended last week after President Donald Trump approved funding for the majority of its agencies, but House lawmakers are divided over which should receive funding.
The plan would fund DHS through Sept. 30, excluding immigration enforcement agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX) condemned House Democrats for the “75 days of Democrat dysfunction” that was the shutdown.
“House Democrats had 17 opportunities to stand with the men and women who risk their lives for our ports, our borders and other critical infrastructure,” Rep. Arrington said.
According to Rep. Arrington, House Republicans used reconciliation to fund ICE and CBP for the next three years.
“This will prevent the Democrats from shutting down the government and defunding ICE in the future and provide our agents the resources they need to secure the border, enforce the law and protect our communities,” Rep. Arrington said.
Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA) agreed that ending the shutdown was necessary because DHS workers deserve to be paid, adding it is also important Congress move forward for the sake of the people.
“Americans are asking us to move on from this era of shutdowns, gridlock, and hyper-partisanship, and to find common ground for the good of the country,” Rep. Kiley said.
However, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) said House and Senate Democrats had proposed funding agencies including the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard while negotiations on immigration enforcement continued.
“I am glad House Republicans finally joined us in doing so,” Rep. Fletcher said. “Passing this legislation funds the agencies that Americans depend on while withholding additional funding from ICE and CBP.”
Now, Rep. Fletcher said the ball is in the House Republicans’ court.
“Republicans must work to address Americans’ legitimate concerns and negotiate with Democrats on critical reforms to the Trump administration’s lawlessness in its immigration enforcement policies,” she said.
