Pelosi Statement on Call for Clean DHS Funding Bill by Former Homeland Security Secretaries

"Former DHS Secretaries Tom Ridge, Michael Chertoff, and Janet Napolitano have joined a bipartisan chorus in an urgent call for Republicans to put forward a clean DHS funding bill that removes uncertainty from an agency charged with keeping America safe.  Their leadership is a refreshing reminder of an era when Republicans in Washington refused to play games with the safety of the American people.

"The new Republican Congress' willingness to shirk their moral obligation to satisfy the anti-immigrant fringes in their party sets a dangerous precedent.  Now is the time for Republicans to act responsibly and pass a clean DHS funding bill.  With only 30 days remaining until the DHS shuts down, Republicans in Congress are squandering time by pandering to anti-immigrant extremists in their party instead of acting in the best interest of our national security.

"Enough is enough.  Amid a time of rising concerns and acts of terrorism around the world, Republicans should join with Democrats to put the security of the American people before the special-interests and anti-immigrant fringes and send a clean DHS bill to the President's desk now."