Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) has released the following statement on a letter she signed along with Representatives Sam Graves, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith, and Ann Wagner to Senator Claire McCaskill regarding H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015:
"It's time to stop holding our homeland's security hostage in order to cover the president's illegal executive actions regarding amnesty. Senate Democrats must take up the Homeland Security funding bill to ensure America's borders, airports, and ports are safe. The current funding bill runs out in 11 days. The House passed the bill in January but now Senate democrats are refusing to allow it to come up for debate. It is time to quit the political blame game, take up the bill, and pass it.
Senator McCaskill can be part of the solution. She can and should reject the president's unconstitutional executive actions and lend her support to fully funding our Homeland Security. Until now, she has been part of the problem joining with Harry Reid and others to block action on the bill. This is irresponsible. We call upon her to vote to proceed so the process can work out. The American people deserve a government that works and want to have their voice heard. The House acted, it is time for the Senate to quit playing games and listen to the American people.”
Letter text below:
The Honorable Claire McCaskill
United States Senator, Missouri
730 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator McCaskill,
On behalf of the people in Missouri, we respectfully request that you reconsider your recent vote to block full and open debate on the House-passed bill to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), H.R. 240 the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015.
President Obama’s executive actions on immigration represent an attempt by the President to unilaterally rewrite our nation’s immigration laws. In response to these unconstitutional actions, the House approved the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill in January, funding this crucial agency while prohibiting funding for President Obama’s unconstitutional executive actions on immigration.
As you know, DHS funding will expire in 11 days. It is imperative that we work together to fund the critical functions at DHS to ensure Americans are safe at home and abroad. Our constituents and the American people demand action.
Furthermore, we remind you of your recent statement, “our immigration system is broken, and I support a comprehensive plan to fix it, but executive orders aren’t the way to do it.” Many other Democratic Senators have also publicly stated that they oppose the President’s unilateral actions. We urge you to stop protecting the President’s unconstitutional actions, and vote to fund a Department tasked with keeping Americans safe.
We recognize you may have disagreements with the House-passed bill; however, as elected representatives we believe those differences should be resolved through the democratic process. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has offered an agreement to Senate Democrats for an equitable amendment process. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to offer constructive ideas that improve the underlying bill, and protect America’s national security.
As members of your constituency and fellow members of Congress, we sincerely hope you will strongly consider our request and vote to proceed on debate so that Congress can properly deliberate the merits of this important bill. We look forward to continued discourse among our delegation and Congress on this vital issue.
Respectfully
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