National Security
Democrats are committed to enhancing our national security and advancing key American interests, while supporting human rights and democratic values at home and abroad.
In the 117th Congress, Democrats passed a bipartisan defense authorization bill that strengthened our national security, ensured our military personnel have the resources they need to defend our country, and bolstered our allies and international interests. In the 118th Congress, Democrats will build on these gains by continuing to help President Biden keep Americans safe.
We will continue to work with the Administration to provide our diplomats and our troops with the tools needed to carry out their missions abroad safely and effectively. This will include continuing to work with our allies to ensure Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine ends in defeat for Putin, that America maintains its competitiveness against China’s authoritarian challenges, and that the world is free from threats posed by Iran.
Don’t miss today’s editorial in USA Today (full text below) calling out Republicans for threatening to shut down the Department of Homeland Security over a tantrum on immigration.
Mr. Speaker, the Congress has five legislative days left until February 27.
Yesterday, House Democrats introduced a clean bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security for the remainder of the fiscal year and prevent a shutdown of DHS – and every single House Republican voted against it.
National Journal’s review of the first six weeks of the GOP-led 114th Congress isn’t kind. Charged with the duty to govern responsibly and get things done for the American people, Republicans have spent more time fighting amongst themselves than accomplishing anything substantive. Take a look at some highlights (or lowlights, as it were):
Wanted to be sure you saw today’s Republican quote of the day urging Republican leaders to pass a clean bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, courtesy of Republican Senator Mark Kirk from Illinois (who has clearly changed his tune from yesterday):
I was proud to cosponsor a bill today to fund the Department of Homeland Security for the remainder of the fiscal year at the level agreed to by Democrats and Republicans.
This morning, the President sent Congress the text of a resolution to authorize continued military operations against ISIL, in response to bipartisan calls for a new AUMF that addresses the threats we face today.
A look at today’s headlines shows that Republicans remain deeply divided over how to fund the Department of Homeland Security as we near the February 27 deadline (we know you’re completely shocked). Instead of recognizing the obvious solution to their self-imposed impasse (a clean DHS funding bill), House and Senate Republicans are more focused on passing the buck than taking action.
With only 8 legislative days left until the Department of Homeland Security runs out of funding, House Republicans continue to hold our national security hostage to their political agenda.
There really is no controversy with respect to the funding of the Homeland Security Department.