The Senate minority has continued to stall appropriations with demands for reform.
The Department of Homeland Security has been defunded for more than a month and members of the Senate minority continue to insist that reforms be made to federal immigration enforcement before they will approve appropriations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated more reforms were necessary after President Trump removed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Travel disruptions have occurred across the nation as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) experiences staffing shortages. TSA employees who are not receiving pay have called off work, and some have resigned, despite the usual, anticipated practice of receiving back pay from Congress for the length of a shutdown. Travelers at many airports are being impacted during spring break as security checkpoint wait times have increased substantially.
The Homeland Security funding needs 60 votes to pass in the upper congressional chamber. In addition to TSA, the lapse in funding is affecting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. The effort to pass the House-approved SAVE America Act has contributed to the delay in funding Homeland Security.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the Senate as they consider funding for the Department of Homeland Security and its many agencies.
- For Majority Leader Thune and Minority Leader Schumer to be discerning about the legislation for appropriations and the bill to increase election security.
- For the president and his advisors as they discuss the reforms the Senate minority is requiring.
- For members of the Senate committee as they begin confirmation hearings for Senator Mullin as the nominee for DHS secretary.
Sources: CNBC, Philly Burbs, Politico
