Sen. Kennedy Highlights Potential DHS Salary Freeze
Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana voiced concerns on Thursday about what he described as a political maneuver that could potentially freeze salaries for employees at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
While delivering remarks on the Senate floor, he dismissed allegations that lawmakers were approaching the budget discussions with good intentions regarding taxpayer money. Kennedy warned that the DHS is on the brink of a shutdown, and he expressed uncertainty about how it would be brought back if talks fail.
“The Department of Homeland Security is facing closure. We really don’t have a clear plan for reopening. What does that entail? It means ICE operations will halt. We’ve got some ideas for keeping them running, given that the funding is there. It also means TSA will be impacted; employees won’t get paid, which will certainly disrupt airport travel,” Kennedy stated. “The Coast Guard could also come to a stop. And let’s hope we don’t have a natural disaster during this time… It would be quite a mess if that were to occur. The reality is, we’re not just talking about policy here; it’s the raw, harsh politics at play. If you could witness what I see, you’d probably have a strong reaction to it.”
Kennedy criticized what he termed the “Karen Wing” of the Democratic Party, asserting that they are pressuring leaders to reject the DHS funding bill.
“Here’s the situation: a faction within the Democratic Party is exerting control. I’m not saying all Democrats are aligned, but there are certainly these factions. They approached Minority Leader Jeffries and Senator Schumer asking them to oppose the Homeland Security bill. The reason? They are aiming to defund ICE,” he explained. “We’ve been down this road before; they also sought to defund the police. What does that achieve? It merely empowers criminals. Now, they’re targeting ICE.”
In January, the House narrowly passed a spending bill intended to support DHS and ICE, albeit facing significant Democratic opposition. This stand-alone bill was approved with a 220-207 vote, where only seven Democrats sided with it, as many opposed ongoing ICE funding without substantial reforms.
Several Democratic lawmakers have openly suggested dismantling ICE, with Representative Jasmine Crockett from Texas calling for its complete abolition. There are also demands from House Democrats that any DHS funding should come with significant reforms to ICE, including requirements for warrants in specific enforcement activities.
Furthermore, the report indicated that Democratic lawmakers have threatened to withdraw support for spending bills that would continue ICE funding without addressing these structural concerns. A number of them have pledged to resist funding immigration enforcement agencies as part of a broader progressive effort to limit ICE’s authority.
