Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York declined to comment on how long Democrats plan to withhold funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in light of several recent domestic terrorism allegations.
A Fox News Digital reporter posed two specific questions to Schumer in the Senate basement, asking, “With four domestic terrorism charges, is it time to fund DHS?” and “What’s next if Republicans don’t agree to your ICE reform demands? How long will DHS remain unfunded?”
Schumer, however, sidestepped those questions, simply saying, “Ask the Republicans.”
The funding for DHS expired on February 14 after Democrats did not support a spending bill that included certain reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They want to enforce strict conditions like banning ICE officers from wearing masks and tightening warrant requirements for public arrests. Republicans have dismissed these demands, arguing they would hinder President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Breaking the Senate’s filibuster rules requires at least seven Democrats, which is challenging since Republicans hold only 53 seats.
This funding deadlock comes at a time of heightened concern following a string of domestic attacks, raising alarms among Republicans about the impact of DHS being unfunded on national security preparedness. Calling for action, Republicans like Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) criticized Democrats for compromising the safety measures meant to protect against terrorism.
In light of recent incidents—a car crashing into a Michigan synagogue, a college shooting in Virginia, an explosive incident in New York, and a mass shooting in Texas—Barrasso stated, “With our country on high alert, Democrats shut down the very department tasked with protecting our country from terrorism.”
DHS oversees multiple agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Secret Service, making the funding issue all the more pressing for lawmakers. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, echoed Barrasso’s sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring DHS is sufficiently funded given the current global tensions.
The funding lapse has now surpassed the one-month mark.
