WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democrats are now threatening to block funding for the Homeland Security Department after federal agents shot and killed a Minneapolis resident over the weekend. Blocking funding could potentially trigger another government shutdown.
“This is a totally avoidable tragedy and we have more loss of human life that didn’t have to happen and we have got to see a full investigation as to what happened, what went on,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R- NY). “I mean, anytime you have lethal force used by an officer that’s standard operating procedure and I know that is proceeding in the state of Minnesota but the temperature in Minnesota has to turn down.”
Tensions between ICE agents and Minneapolis residents were already heightened following a shooting earlier this month. House Democrats sought to reign in on funding for ICE and put in more guardrails with the agency, but the House ultimately passed the measure with a few Democrats joining Republicans. However, this latest shooting could complicate the bill’s path in the Senate.
Right now, funding for DHS is lumped in with other appropriations bills. On Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY) called for the funding package to be broken up, which would allow the Senate to pass the non-DHS portions while Democrats try to re-work the DHS bill. Schumer adds his conference “will not provide the votes to proceed to the appropriations bill if the DHS funding bill is included.”
Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters (D- MI) stated he will not vote for the DHS funding bill because “it lacks necessary reforms to immigration enforcement.” He adds “DHS’ current immigration enforcement operations are not protecting our homeland security or making American communities safer. They are causing chaos and fear. They are violating Americans’ constitutional rights. We need stronger guardrails and accountability.”
Pennsylvania Republican Senator Dave McCormick (R- PA) shared on social media in part: “I support the Border Patrol, ICE, and the critical work they do to enforce our laws. Irresponsible rhetoric and a lack of cooperation from Minnesota’s politicians are fueling a dangerous situation. I also agree with the NRA and others- we need a full investigation into the tragedy in Minneapolis. We need all the facts.”
Senator John Fetterman (D- PA) also adds that he wants to see the DHS funding bill stripped from the minibus package. He adds it’s unlikely it will happen and we could face another government shutdown.
It’s unclear if Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R- SD) will break apart the funding package.
