Chuck Schumer Pushes DHS Funding Plan for TSA and FEMA While Leaving Out ICE and CBP

Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, urged Republicans on the Senate floor Wednesday not to block a Democratic proposal aimed at funding most agencies under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security while excluding funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Schumer said Democrats were prepared to ensure continued funding for agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, United States Coast Guard, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to Schumer, the proposal would allow these agencies to continue operations and ensure workers are paid while lawmakers continue debating broader immigration and border enforcement issues. The Democratic leader accused Republicans of blocking earlier attempts to advance similar funding legislation, arguing that GOP objections contradict claims that they want to support agencies like TSA and FEMA. Schumer said Democrats are ready to move forward immediately and called on Republicans to allow the measure to pass by unanimous consent, stressing that Congress should avoid political games and ensure critical homeland security agencies remain funded.