Hoyer: It is Time to Pass a Clean DHS Appropriation Bill for the Entire Fiscal Year

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) delivered the following remarks today at a press conference with House Democratic leaders to urge House Republicans to bring a clean bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security to the Floor for a vote:

“The Republicans pledged to America that they would not join together very controversial issues with non-controversial issues.  It took them less than two weeks to break that Pledge to America, and, in doing so, they have put the safety of Americans and the security of America at risk by taking hostage a bill that we all support. In December I advised them [that by funding the Department of Homeland Security through a short-term continuing resolution], they would be in a cul-de-sac and would be right in the place that I predicted… We need – and the American people expect us– to [pass a clean bill to] protect their security, protect them and their families.

“It is time to pass the Department of Homeland Security appropriation bill for the entire year of 2015.  Let us hope our Republican friends and the Republican leaders have the common sense and the sense of duty to do so.  Bring that bill to the Floor now, Mr. Leader.”