Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) addressed the Senate regarding an upcoming vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), criticizing Democrats for not supporting funding measures. For almost three weeks, according to Barrasso, Democrats have withheld support for DHS and its anti-terrorism operations.
Barrasso cited a Gallup poll indicating that Americans consider preventing international terrorism as the top foreign policy priority. He argued that shutting down DHS undermines this goal, saying, “There’s a poll that’s out by Gallup, and it says what should be ‘very important in terms of U.S. foreign policy goals.’ And the number one thing is to prevent future acts of international terrorism. Well, how do we prevent it? Who is it in this country that counters terrorism? It’s the Department of Homeland Security which the Democrats – and they’re going to have to vote again today – are likely, as they’ve announced, to vote to keep it shut down. That is a betrayal of the American people. He used the word ‘betrayal’ and to me, that’s where it fits: with what actions the Democrats are likely to take today.”
He continued by referencing another finding from the same poll about preventing nuclear proliferation: “What’s the number two ‘very important purpose of U.S. foreign policy as a goal’ from the Gallup poll of the American people? Number two is preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. So what do we hear the Minority Leader talk about? His opposition to the efforts to show Peace through Strength and undermine the ability of Iran to develop and use and deploy nuclear weapons. Once again, betrayal by the Democrats of the American people.”
Barrasso emphasized that protecting citizens should be government’s first responsibility: “Today, the Senate will vote on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. This vital department needs to be funded immediately. The Democrats have been blocking it for weeks. Protecting the American people is not optional. It is the first duty of government.”
He accused Democrats of prioritizing immigration policies over national security: “For three weeks, Democrats have held hostage the Department of Homeland Security. Why? Because Democrats continue to prioritize illegal immigrant criminals ahead of American citizens…Democrats refuse to fund the Department because they want to turn America into a sanctuary country.”
Barrasso also mentioned recent events he sees as linked threats: “Now that America has struck Iran, the number one threat to our homeland is terrorism…Last weekend in Austin, Texas, a lone-wolf terrorist opened fire into a crowded establishment – killing three Americans and wounding over a dozen more…The warning lights are flashing red.”
He raised concerns about border security under President Joe Biden’s administration: “When Joe Biden was in office, 1,500 illegal immigrants from Iran were arrested at our southern border. Democrats released half of them into our country…And these are just people we know about.” Barrasso said millions more entered without being detected.
Discussing current agency impacts during this period without funding approval, Barrasso noted effects on cybersecurity readiness: “The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency – which is part of DHS – protects our nation’s critical infrastructure…Today only 800 out of over 2,000 employees are on job…Because shutdown canceled both physical and cybersecurity assessments.” The CISA typically coordinates federal protection against cyberattacks; reduced staffing could affect risk management across sectors like energy or transportation.
He also quoted Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), stating Murphy called funding DHS “ridiculous,” then added his own criticism: “It is ridiculous to shut down agency responsible for finding terrorists in our country and stopping them.”
Barrasso concluded by reiterating Republican efforts at negotiation: “Republicans have negotiated with Democrats in good faith…This is time for safety, strength and security.” He ended with repeated warnings about potential attacks during ongoing shutdowns: “The Democrat shutdown endangers every American…The next cyberattack on our homeland – Democrats will bear full responsibility…the next criminal who crosses our border illegally and kills an innocent American – Democrats will bear full responsibility.”
Barrasso stated he would support immediate funding for DHS alongside fellow Republicans.
