Former Homeland Security Secretary Calls for Government Reopening

Jeh Johnson, the former Homeland Security Secretary, expressed his willingness to move beyond party lines, urging Congress to reopen the federal government.

The government remains shut down after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and many Democrats blocked a Republican spending bill earlier this week. While speaking on “The Source with Caitlan Collins,” Johnson emphasized the need for Congress to act and shared his reasons for breaking from party lines.

“I’m stepping away from the party line on this,” he said. “Although I identify as a Democrat, I align with John Fetterman and Angus King on the need for action. The issue lies in the fact that it requires 60 votes in the Senate to pass a budget. This constant struggle—what’s happening now and potentially in the future—where minority parties tie essential issues to the budget, is concerning.” Johnson pointed out the recurring nature of this issue as budgets face deadlines every fall.

“While affordable health care is crucial, I worry about the pattern we’re establishing every September, October, and November. The primary purpose of Congress should be to fund the government, maintain operations, and ensure that the 3 million federal workers can effectively serve the nation,” he added.

Johnson, motivated to see the agency remain open, shared a touching story about a Transportation Security Administration employee battling terminal cancer who feared losing his paycheck. “My heart goes out to those workers caught in this political turmoil,” he said. Reflecting on similar past experiences, he mentioned that years ago, Republicans were also aiming to shut down the Department of Homeland Security over immigration issues, but his priority was always the workforce. “A TSA agent in New Jersey told me, ‘I have stage 4 cancer and I need my paycheck for my co-pay.’ That’s what drives me,” he explained.

When directly asked if Democrats should vote to reopen the government, Johnson did not hold back. “I think Congress should vote to reopen the government,” he affirmed.

Last week, Senate Democrats again rejected a bipartisan spending bill, marking the fifth such attempt to reopen the federal government. Although three Democrats sided with Republicans, the majority refused to provide the necessary votes to pass the bill.

Republican Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana criticized Democrats for prolonging the shutdown in their effort to reclaim millions for projects they deem wasteful. He pointed out that while budget cuts were already made, pressure from the far-left faction of the party could threaten any potential deal unless certain funding is reinstated.

Kennedy listed specific items Democrats want restored, such as $4 million for LGBTQ initiatives in various regions, $3.6 million for dance workshops for male sex workers in Haiti, and $6 million for media grants in Palestine.