Payne Calls On Congress To Pass A Clean DHS Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. – On the House floor this morning, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) urged House Republicans to work with Democrats to pass a clean funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video.

Click here to watch the Congressman’s remarks.

“Mr. Speaker, here we go again. It appears that my colleagues on the other side have short memories and do not remember the consequences that led to a backlash from the American people when they shut down the federal government in the last Congress.

“Republicans continue to play politics with Department of Homeland Security funding by insisting that any funding bill overturn the President’s executive actions on immigration. If Republicans fail to pass a DHS funding bill, the consequences will be severe. 

“One direct consequence is that there will be no funding of new non-disaster grants to local and state governments, law enforcement, fire departments, and other emergency responders. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I understand how critically important these grants are to safeguarding our communities. 

“Protecting Homeland Security grant programs is critical to ensuring our cities, transportation systems, and first responders have the capabilities to prepare for and respond in times of disaster.

“Mr. Speaker, Republicans should stop putting politics ahead of the safety of the American people, and join with Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security.”