Ilhan Omar Addresses DHS Shutdown Responsibility
During a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) admitted that Democrats share the blame for the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), particularly at a time when the threat of domestic terrorism is reportedly elevated.
In her remarks about the 47-day shutdown in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, Omar, along with her progressive colleagues, pointed out that Democrats in Congress are unwilling to back a DHS funding bill unless Republicans consent to certain changes regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“As many are aware, Democrats have stated they won’t approve a spending bill for the DHS unless they agree to ten reforms,” Omar asserted. “These reforms include basic changes, like requiring ICE agents to be identifiable while patrolling neighborhoods.”
She emphasized that despite the attempts to negotiate, “the Republican Party and the president have turned down any of these options.” Omar noted that the DHS encompasses more than just ICE and Customs and Border Protection, yet lacks necessary funds for TSA personnel, coast guard operations, or cybersecurity staff.
“At a moment when the risk of terrorism is above average,” she remarked, it’s particularly concerning that the agency is hindered.
House Democrats have consistently resisted reopening DHS since federal funding lapsed on February 14.
Last month, nearly all House Democrats voted against a DHS funding bill that included various Democratic stipulations, such as mandatory body cameras and training for ICE officers, due to increasing concerns about potential threats from Iranian terrorist factions.
In a similar vein, Senate Democrats have also opposed Republican measures aiming to reactivate the department. Recently, the Senate advanced a funding bill for DHS that does not allocate funds for ICE and CBP, which the House is anticipated to review soon.
Senate Republicans plan to finance ICE and CBP through reconciliation, which allows passage without needing 60 votes, on a later date.
