Democrats are currently split on whether to exempt agencies like the Coast Guard and the Secret Service from a potential government shutdown, as a stalemate continues over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., referred to individuals involved in President Trump’s immigration policies as “lawless” and “reckless.” She emphasized the need to support agencies that are acting responsibly.
Some Democrats, however, believe that now is the time to firmly advocate for their changes, insisting they will not back any agreement that doesn’t directly meet their needs.
In light of recent violent confrontations involving Border Patrol agents and civilians in Minnesota, calls have grown for tougher warrant requirements and restrictions around practices like racial profiling, particularly before any funding goes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Republicans have expressed concern that such demands would hinder government operations, which has added to the tension. Nonetheless, DeLauro thinks there’s still hope for bipartisanship to safeguard unrelated agencies even if a deal isn’t forged by the upcoming deadline.
Meanwhile, DHS has adopted a two-week spending extension, initiated after lawmakers previously faced similar funding issues. When a dispute about ICE nearly derailed this legislation, they separated funding for non-DHS areas in an effort to minimize conflict. DeLauro believes Congress should repeat this approach now.
She also acknowledged the critical roles played by agencies such as the TSA and FEMA, supporting them while making it clear that she does not endorse the actions of ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
Other moderate Democrats backed her sentiment. Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York remarked that it seems reasonable to protect agencies from shutdown, especially those like the Coast Guard and TSA that are vital.
Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas agreed with DeLauro’s proposal, highlighting that, even if ICE were to shut down, it has sufficient resources to continue operating for a significant time due to prior funding legislation.
However, some remain uncertain about which strategy to adopt. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz from Florida emphasized that the pressing issue at hand is ensuring that ICE alters its current practices.
Echoing her concerns, Rep. Wesley Bell from Missouri expressed respect for DeLauro but stated he might need to vote against her suggestion given the current administration’s actions.
On Monday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries did not take a definitive stance on DeLauro’s proposal, though he noted that they wish to fund the government in ways that genuinely benefit public health and safety.
He indicated that the responsibility now lies with Republicans, as Democrats have presented them with their reform demands, but thus far, there has been no significant response.
