Jason Smith: Democrats are holding Department of Homeland Security hostage over politics

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

Last October, Washington Democrats started what would go on to become the longest shutdown in American history — all because their radical, far-Left base demanded an extension of temporary, COVID-era subsidies for insurance companies that Washington Democrats voted to let expire at the end of last year. 

After inflicting pain on millions of Americans impacted with delayed government services, flight disruptions, or missed paychecks, those same Washington Democrats eventually came to the realization that shutting down the government to achieve policy changes is a bad strategy. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman said, “The kinds of chaos and holding our government hostage is unacceptable.”

But next week, history is at risk of repeating itself, as Democrat leaders in Washington appear intent to shut down the entire Department of Homeland Security over disagreements they have with the Trump administration on immigration policy. Yes, you read that right — Washington Democrats are barreling our nation toward yet another shutdown over an entirely different issue. Their leadership prioritizes catering to their far-Left activists over the needs of everyday Americans. This isn’t about a lack of time or a lack of options. It’s about Democrats choosing partisan brinkmanship over public safety because they disagree with enforcing America’s immigration laws.

Funding the Department of Homeland Security is not optional. It is one of the most basic responsibilities of government. DHS doesn’t just handle immigration enforcement — it includes many components of government that impact the lives of everyday Americans. TSA keeps our airports running. The Coast Guard protects our waterways. FEMA responds when disaster strikes, like the winter storm that just covered most of our nation. Withholding DHS funding doesn’t hurt Washington — it hurts families trying to travel, communities recovering from storms, and Americans who rely on these agencies to function every day.

The DHS funding we passed in the House would keep these pivotal government functions operating, and I will continue fighting to ensure that our frontline personnel have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively for the American people. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who has become the target of far-Left anger over her work to implement President Trump’s tough border security, has delivered our nation a secure border. It would be unconscionable to tie her hands because a few radical Left activists prefer an open border and benefits for illegal immigrants.

Make no mistake: Democrats are holding DHS hostage over politics, and everyday Americans will be the ones to pay the price. I’m going to fight to ensure President Trump’s agenda, which has delivered the most secure border in American history, can continue intact. Americans expect their leaders put politics aside when it matters most and protect public safety. I will continue working to ensure DHS remains funded, our communities remain protected, and to avoid another Democrat shutdown that hurts families who have done nothing wrong.