WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lawmakers in Washington are raising domestic security concerns following the U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
U.S. officials have ramped up counterterrorism efforts and are warning of a heightened threat environment.
The partial government shutdown impacts the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — which has been without funding, going on nearly three weeks.
Crucial agencies like TSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are right in the middle of the funding fight — as many essential employees continue to work without pay.
“With an enhanced terror threat from Iran and Iran funded terrorist groups, it is vital that we ensure the Department of Homeland Security is fully funded and fully functioning,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
TSA, Secret Service, cybersecurity and other essential employees — working without pay as lawmakers call on White House and Democratic negotiators to strike a deal.
Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., is among the lawmakers who believe the partial DHS shutdown could place Americans at a higher risk.
“I agree. And that puts me, again at odds. I was the only Democrat to refuse to shut the government down. I do want to make some of those commonsense changes against ICE- I do want that,” said Sen. Fetterman. “We should be able to do that without punishing innocent Americans that are working, but also the kinds of security issues and risk that it actually creates.”
On Wednesday, the House advanced a GOP-backed funding bill for DHS — in an attempt to add pressure on Democrats to end the partial shutdown.
“Anybody who votes to block funding for the homeland, is shameful. I don’t know how else to describe it,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
Even if the funding bill eventually passes the House, it faces slim chances in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to advance — and where divisions remain sharp over ICE reforms.
“We shouldn’t say, ‘we give up on any accountability for ICE’s conduct and any change in training and policy because we have an urgent national security situation.’ There is robust funding available for a national security moment like this,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.
“Just because a war has started, a potentially illegal war, is no justification for condoning illegal acts by DHS,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
On Tuesday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was grilled by senators amid the department’s shutdown — largely over immigration enforcement tactics.
“What we’ve seen is a disaster under your leadership Ms. Noem,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday. “What we’ve seen, is innocent people getting detained that turn out are American citizens.”
All members of the House and Senate were briefed by administration officials Tuesday, just as lawmakers prepare to vote on legislation to limit the president’s authority regarding military action against Iran.
On Wednesday, a procedural vote — to advance a War Powers resolution — failed in the Senate, shutting down a Democratic push to hamstring the president’s authority. Sen. Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote against the measure and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the only Republican to vote for it.
The House is expected to vote on a similar resolution Thursday.
