Young: Time for Democrats to Fund DHS, Protect Our National Security

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

“When the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security began 26 days ago, Democrats called for significant reforms to ICE in exchange for DHS funding. Since then, the Trump administration has made a number of changes at ICE to ensure the agency is focused on its mission of bringing criminal illegal aliens to justice. In the Senate, Republicans have attempted to negotiate in good faith on a series of ICE reforms Democrats support, including body cameras, deescalation training, and additional oversight of ICE activities. Yet still, Democrats refuse to fund DHS.

“The current DHS shutdown affects far more than just ICE. It impacts TSA agents and has resulted in flight delays for Americans across the country. It impacts our Coast Guard, FEMA, Border Patrol, and cybersecurity and critical infrastructure teams defending against foreign attacks.

“In this time of war, I am particularly concerned that leaving the Department of Homeland Security unfunded is a national security risk. It is time to end this shutdown and protect our homeland. Senate Democrats should join Republicans and fully fund DHS.”