Beatty Urges Funding of the Department of Homeland Security

Beatty Urges Funding of the Department of Homeland Security

Agency funding expires in a few hours, the clock is ticking

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) urged for the expedient passage of a bill to fund the Department of Homeland security on the House floor today. There are only a few hours until the Department of Homeland Security shuts down on February 28, closing down the bulk of DHS's management and support of the homeland security infrastructure that was built following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"We only have a few more hours before funding for the Department of Homeland Security runs out. That means a few more hours to ensure that our ports and borders are secure, to keep our airports and skies safe, and to make sure our first responders are trained and protected," said Rep. Beatty. "Majority leadership has decided to put our national security at risk and put the economic security of our public servants in jeopardy."

All 192 Members of the House Democratic Caucus have cosponsored a bill, H.R. 240, which would fund DHS through the end of the fiscal year. House Republican leadership proposed a last-minute three week funding bill that would delay a shutdown and fail to deliver for our long-term national security needs.

"40,000 borders agents, 50,000 airport screeners, and 40,000 Coast Guard military members, who are essential workers, will continue to work without pay, while Congress continues to receive pay. That is no way to thank Americans who put themselves in harm's way and secure the homeland. I urge my colleagues to fulfill our most basic duty – to ensure the safety and security of the American people," said Rep. Beatty.

Although some DHS employees would continue to work in the event of a shutdown, they would be forced to do so without pay, creating significant economic hardship and dealing a blow to morale. Among those who would be expected to protect Americans without getting paid would be:

• More than 40,000 Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers;
• More than 50,000 TSA aviation security screeners;
• More than 13,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement agents and officers;
• More than 40,000 active duty Coast Guard military members;
• More than 4,000 Secret Service law enforcement agents and officers.

Three former DHS Secretaries, including two that served under Republican President George W. Bush, sent a letter to Senators Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid calling for a clean DHS funding bill. Former Secretaries Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff, and Janet Napolitano all signed the letter.