On the recordFebruary 25, 2015
In 3 days, the Department of Homeland Security will needlessly run out of funding--yes, 3 days. Shutting down the Department of Homeland Security will jeopardize local disaster relief grants. It will stall critical safety training for firefighters and first responders and will force thousands of Border Patrol agents, Active Duty Coast Guard servicemembers, and airport security screeners across the country to work without pay. House Republicans are threatening the safety and security of our Nation and our families by refusing to pass a clean security funding bill, instead, pushing for anti-immigration amendments. This is unwise, this is unnecessary, and this is wrong. We should not play partisan politics when our Nation's security is on the line. We must pass a funding bill that does not include harmful provisions, so that our Nation remains safe and secure. That is why I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up H.R. 861, the clean Department of Homeland Security funding bill that would keep the Department open so it can carry out its mission of keeping the American people safe. The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Chair previously advised, that request cannot be entertained absent appropriate clearance. ____________________
