House Speaker Rejects Senate Bill, Proposes Clean Funding for DHS

House Speaker Rejects Senate Bill, Proposes Clean Funding for DHS

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Thursday that House Republicans will not support the Senate’s proposed bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), citing its provisions that he claims would “reopen our borders” and halt the deportation of dangerous immigrants. Instead, Johnson proposed a “clean, simple, continuing resolution” to extend funding for DHS agencies until May 22nd, ensuring that essential personnel continue to be paid.

Republicans Vow to Stop “Radical Agenda”

During a press conference, Speaker Johnson stated unequivocally that Republicans would not be part of any effort to weaken border security or immigration enforcement. He characterized the Senate Democrats’ proposal as a “radical crazy agenda” that would effectively open the borders and prevent the removal of individuals deemed dangerous. Johnson pointed to recent incidents, including the killing of an 18-year-old college student in Chicago and an elderly man being pushed onto subway tracks in New York City, as examples of the dangers posed by what he described as a “wide open border” under the current administration.

“We are going to deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens because it is a basic function of the government.”

Details of the Senate Bill Spark Outrage

Speaker Johnson read an excerpt from the Senate bill that he found particularly alarming. According to his account, Section 4 of the bill stated that “US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Security Operations under the heading of US Customs and Border Patrol and Protection shall have no force or effect for purposes of this act and amounts specified in the final bill under the subheading Border Security Operations and under the heading US Customs and Border Protection and under the headings of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Department of Homeland Security shall be zero.” Johnson declared, “We’re not doing that,” calling it “unconscionable” that Democrats would attempt to pass such measures in last-minute negotiations.

Impact of Government Shutdown on DHS Employees

Johnson highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing funding dispute on DHS employees, who have reportedly gone without paychecks for 42 days, making it the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history. He noted that nearly 500 TSA agents have resigned due to the lack of regular pay, leading to long lines and travel disruptions at airports. Johnson credited President Trump for taking executive action to ensure TSA agents are paid, a move he said is currently being processed by the Office of Management and Budget.

House Republicans’ Proposed Solution

The House Republican plan, as outlined by Speaker Johnson, involves passing a clean continuing resolution to fund DHS until May 22nd. This measure aims to provide uninterrupted funding for the department’s 10 agencies, including TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, allowing them to continue their critical work. Johnson expressed hope that the Senate would accept this proposal, which he believes can be passed quickly. He stated that House Republicans have made multiple attempts to fund Homeland Security, contrasting their actions with what he described as Democrats using people as “pawns” in political games.

President Trump’s Support for the House Plan

When asked about President Trump’s stance, Speaker Johnson confirmed that he had spoken with the President shortly before the press conference. He stated that the President “understands exactly what we’re doing and why and he supports it.” This endorsement signals a unified front between the House Republican leadership and former President Trump on the approach to DHS funding.

Addressing Concerns Over Shutdown Extension

In response to a question about whether the House’s proposed vote would extend the shutdown, Speaker Johnson asserted that it would not. He reiterated that House Republicans have voted multiple times to fund Homeland Security and accused Democrats of not supporting these efforts. Johnson emphasized that the Republican plan is not about playing political games but about fulfilling the government’s “most basic responsibility” to protect the American people. He urged Democrats to join in passing the clean funding measure to “stop the pain” being inflicted on DHS employees.

Looking Ahead

The proposed clean continuing resolution from the House now moves to the Senate for consideration. The coming days will reveal whether the Senate will accept the House’s proposal or if the funding stalemate will continue, potentially prolonging the impact on DHS employees and national security operations. The focus remains on whether a bipartisan agreement can be reached to ensure the consistent funding of critical government functions.

Source: Speaker Mike Johnson Rejects Senate Bill to Fund DHS (YouTube)