Senate Democrats Push for Changes at Homeland Security
Senate Democrats are coming together to propose several restrictions and reforms targeted at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of their effort to limit its authority.
Currently, there’s a DHS funding bill on the table that contains some bipartisan restrictions. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and his fellow Democrats nearly all oppose the bill following the tragic shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Preti in immigration detention facilities in Minnesota.
Senate Republicans Initiate Voting Amidst DHS Discussions
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), in a bold move, has raised the stakes for securing his vote by demanding the dismissal of Stephen Miller, a key aide to President Trump and adviser on homeland security. As he and his colleagues fine-tune their proposals for DHS, Gallego expressed strong sentiments about Miller’s influence.
“Americans have had enough of his radical views,” Gallego stated. “It’s high time for Trump to let him go. We shouldn’t have to defund DHS just because of these extreme orders.”
Responses from Senate Republicans
Republicans in the Senate are actively reaching out to their Democratic counterparts, acknowledging that current negotiations are crucial compared to past government shutdown tactics. Yet, tensions remain high as Democrats are outraged by the actions of Miller and Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem. It’s unclear whether their continued employment will significantly impact the Democratic vote.
Both Miller and Noem face heavy criticism over their handling of the Minneapolis incident, especially after labeling Preti as a domestic terrorist in the aftermath of his death. As the White House engages in damage control, some Republicans are vocal about wanting Noem to step down.
Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) have both called for Noem’s resignation, emphasizing that her actions have led to widespread dissatisfaction among their ranks.
Implications for DHS Budget and New Criticism
Tillis specifically criticized Noem and Miller, pointing out the unfortunate implications of calling Preti a terrorist, referring to it as “an amateur’s finest hour” for sending such a message to Trump.
When asked if Noem should be removed, Tillis firmly stated, “100 percent,” although he stopped short of endorsing impeachment, which some House Democrats are considering.
“This should be a management call; she really needs to exit,” he noted.
Murkowski, who previously voted to confirm Noem, also conveyed her disapproval. “I’ve lost faith in her and think it’s about time for her to resign,” she remarked.
