On DHS Funding, Top Republican Joins Growing Chorus Against Republican Leadership
"If I have to vote against Republicans, I will," said Long Island U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.). "If I have to vote against the Republican leadership, I will. I'm not going to see another 9/11…The threat from terrorism is greater than at any time since 9/11…the worst thing we can do is let our enemies think we are backing off, that we are cutting off funding…This involves human lives and this is too risky a game to be playing here," King said.
But Speaker Boehner isn't listening to this Congressman King. It's Rep. Steve King who has his ear. In fact, he and other extreme, Tea Party anti-immigrant radicals sent Mr. Boehner a thank you note for siding with them:
"We write you today to thank you for standing firm…" [2/23/15]
There are only four days left until the Department of Homeland Security shuts down:
- Washington Post Editorial – On Homeland Security funding, Republicans govern without logic
It's hard to grasp the logic that would impel GOP lawmakers to suspend funding for the gigantic department when the move that inspired their threat in the first place…A number of House Republicans have shrugged off the effect of a cutoff of funds, pointing out that 85 percent of the department's personnel are considered "essential," meaning they would stay on the job — though without receiving paychecks. Another 30,000 would be furloughed, straining a department already notorious for poor morale. Is that a sensible way to treat the Secret Service, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, Transportation Safety Administration, customs officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to name just some of the department's parts?
On taking control of both houses of Congress, Republican leaders pledged to avoid further government shutdowns. They then set precisely the opposite course — a course seemingly designed to prove they are incapable of governing.
- New York Times – Funding Fight Over Homeland Security Poses Dangers for the G.O.P.
After promising an era of responsible governing and an end to federal shutdowns, congressional Republicans find themselves mired in an immigration fight that could cause funding for the Department of Homeland Security to run out on Friday…It is a risky moment for the new congressional majority. A nasty partisan impasse over funding for a vital agency would probably damage the party's brand just months after Republicans took power, and the impact could carry over into the next election cycle.
- Washington Post – Republicans split on DHS funding, edging closer to partial agency shutdown
Congressional Republicans remained sharply divided Monday over how to fund the Department of Homeland Security, prompting White House officials to begin preparations for a potential shutdown of the agency this weekend…Now, with four days before the security agency's budget lapses, senior Republicans are pushing for a new strategy that does not directly link Obama's actions on immigration to funding for DHS.