“The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for over a month. The Democrats shut it down. They want to peel it apart. They refuse to reopen it. Meanwhile, we are seeing long security lines, missed paychecks, and multiple terrorist attacks on American soil.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today called on Democrats to end their shutdown of American security and to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

“The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for over a month. The Democrats shut it down. They want to peel it apart. They refuse to reopen it. Meanwhile, we are seeing long security lines, missed paychecks, and multiple terrorist attacks on American soil.

“Here’s what one Democrat Member told Axios this week: ‘We’re making people hurt.’ It’s much worse than that. The Democrats have blood on their hands. Democrats continue to prioritize illegal immigrant criminals over American citizens.

“I want every American to know why this is happening.

“For more than a month, Republicans have tried to negotiate with Democrats. In the spirit of good faith, the White House outlined an offer just days ago. That offer addresses mutual concerns and areas of cooperation. This includes officer IDs and body cameras. At the same time, it protects the ability of law enforcement officers to uphold our immigration laws. Democrats have responded first with silence. And then with spin. But never with solutions.

“Here’s what that means. In Georgia, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center – which trains federal law enforcement officers in over 100 agencies – is shut down. In Nevada, a field office for the Homeland Security Investigations unit that combats fentanyl and other drugs is unfunded. In Washington state, major upgrades for the Coast Guard at Homeport Seattle are on pause.

“None of this makes America stronger or safer. It makes America weaker. It is time to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. The American people know that the Democrats are the ones standing in the way of their safety.”

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