Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said on Mar. 11 that Democrats are responsible for the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that their actions have left the country vulnerable to threats and put federal workers at risk.
The dispute over funding for the Department of Homeland Security has led to a partial government shutdown, affecting critical agencies and thousands of employees. Barrasso said this situation is endangering national security and impacting the livelihoods of federal workers.
“For 26 days now, Democrats have left our country undefended. Democrats in this chamber have voted three times to keep the Department of Homeland Security shut down. Once again, Democrats are putting illegal immigrant criminals ahead of the safety and the security of the American people,” Barrasso said during his remarks.
Barrasso referenced comments from Senator Brian Schatz, who reportedly described Democrats as “very serene” about the shutdown. Barrasso contrasted this with what he described as serious threats facing the United States, including cyberattacks linked to Iran and recent incidents involving terrorism in New York City and Austin, Texas. He said that key personnel at agencies such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have been furloughed or are working without pay due to lack of funding.
He also highlighted impacts on Transportation Security Administration agents, noting increased absences and resignations among staff who are not being paid. “A food drive for federal workers who are going to work every single day who can’t get paid. And what do the Democrats have to say about it? Quote, ‘We are very serene’ they say, ‘about what is going on.’ That’s how the Democrats look at it today,” Barrasso said.
Barrasso cited specific cases involving crimes committed by individuals in the country illegally and criticized policies he described as prioritizing non-citizens over public safety. He called for immediate action: “The American people deserve safety and security. It is time to reopen the Department of Homeland Security. It’s time to pay the people who protect our country.”
The senator concluded by warning that continued obstruction would lead to further risks for Americans.
