Democrats Demand House Return to Vote on DHS Funding

House Democrats Urge Speaker Johnson to Reconvene for DHS Funding Vote

Washington D.C. – House Democrats are strongly calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring Congress back from its recess to vote on a bipartisan bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The push comes amid ongoing concerns about national security, economic stability, and election integrity, with lawmakers expressing frustration over the stalled legislation.

Iran Conflict and Economic Concerns Dominate Discussion

The urgency to return to Washington is amplified by escalating tensions in the Middle East and their impact on the U.S. economy. Following President Trump’s threats to bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, global oil prices have surged, with average gas prices in the U.S. topping $4 a gallon. Colorado Congresswoman Brittany Petterson, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, criticized the administration’s handling of the conflict.

“I mean, he is completely unhinged and unwell. And when I think about our service members whose lives are being put on the line by this deranged president, our national security that is at risk.”

Petterson also pointed to the administration’s downplaying of the economic impact, noting that rising costs for groceries, gas, and utilities are straining American households. She argued that the president’s focus on tax breaks for the wealthy, while cutting healthcare for millions, shows a disregard for the needs of ordinary citizens.

DHS Funding Standoff and Criticisms of ICE

Democrats are particularly focused on a bipartisan Senate measure for DHS funding that they say has been twice passed by the Senate. Speaker Johnson had previously agreed to bring this measure to the House floor, but it reportedly contains no funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Republicans had initially criticized this bill.

The plan, as outlined by Democrats, is for the House to pass the Senate bill first, and then later address funding for ICE and Border Patrol through separate, party-line legislation. Congresswoman Petterson emphasized the need for immediate action.

“The Senate has now moved forward with this bill twice. It’s what Democrats have been calling for from the very beginning. We want to rein in this rogue agency. We are not going to give another dime to ICE until we bring common sense reforms that are necessary that the American people agree with.”

Petterson stressed that essential workers, such as TSA agents, Coast Guard personnel, and cybersecurity agents, should not be held hostage by these political negotiations. She believes that Speaker Johnson and President Trump are the sole reasons for the delay in passing the DHS funding bill.

Concerns Over Election Integrity and Voter Access

Another significant issue raised is President Trump’s executive order aimed at creating a national list of eligible voters and restricting mail-in voting. Petterson expressed strong opposition to this move, highlighting Colorado’s established system for mail-in ballots.

“There’s already lawsuits moving forward. It is in the Constitution that states oversee our elections. It’s actually a critical piece of making sure we can’t, we don’t have somebody unhinged like Donald Trump that could have a better chance at stealing an election if it’s nationalized.”

She assured that Colorado’s Attorney General and Secretary of State, along with state laws, would prevent the federal government from dictating who can cast a mail-in ballot. Petterson asserted that Colorado possesses one of the most secure and accessible election systems in the country.

Supreme Court Ruling on Conversion Therapy Sparks Outrage

The discussion also touched upon a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors, deeming it protected speech under the First Amendment. This decision has drawn sharp criticism due to the broad medical consensus that conversion therapy is harmful.

Congresswoman Petterson, who had previously worked to ban such practices in the state legislature, called the ruling devastating. She cited studies indicating that children undergoing conversion therapy are twice as likely to attempt suicide.

“It’s heartbreaking when I think about kids who are going to be forced to go through this now, who are not going to be protected by our law. But we’re going to keep fighting and we need to pass protections at the federal level.”

Petterson vowed to continue the fight for protections at the federal level, underscoring the need to safeguard vulnerable youth.

Looking Ahead

As Democrats continue to press for a return to session, the focus remains on passing essential DHS funding and addressing the economic fallout from international conflicts. The ongoing legal challenges to federal actions on voting rights and the push for federal protections for LGBTQ+ youth will also be key areas to watch in the coming weeks.

Source: Democrats call on Speaker Johnson to bring House back to end DHS shutdown (YouTube)