Transcript of Pelosi Remarks at Press Event Calling on House Republicans to Pass a Clean DHS Funding Bill

February 13, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at a press event today on the Capitol steps calling on House Republicans to stop putting the politics of right-wing radicals ahead of the safety of American families, and join with Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security immediately. Below are the Leader's remarks:

"Good morning, everyone. Today, House Democrats gather on the steps of the Capitol to demand immediate action to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Next week, there will be only four legislative days left until the Department of Homeland Security shuts down. Twice this week, House Republicans have voted to block funding for a clean Department of Homeland Security bill to restore long term security to America's families.

"Four days left: the clock is ticking. When asked whether the House would take up the DHS spending bill, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said: ‘Why do we have to?' Here's why: forcing the Department of Homeland Security to shut down endangers the American people. Republicans must stop holding our homeland security hostage to their anti-immigrant grandstanding, and honor our sacred oath we take – all of us – the oath we all take: to support and defend the Constitution and the American people.

"Now, I'm pleased to turn it over to Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. She and Congresswoman Lowey are the authors of the clean funding of the Homeland Security bill. Thank you for your leadership, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard."