Congresswoman Duckworth Calls on Congress to Avoid Reckless DHS Shutdown

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) called on Congressional Republicans to pass legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). On Friday night, DHS will run out of funding and be forced to shut down, putting our national security at risk at a time when we face threats at home and abroad. Nearly 75% of hardworking full-time DHS employees would go without pay, including those who patrol our borders, keep our skies safe and protect our coasts. In addition, a bulk of DHS management and headquarters administrative support activities would cease.

"The majority in Congress is acting irresponsibly by refusing to pass a clean bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security," said Duckworth. "In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris, and continued calls by terrorist organizations to attack Western targets, it's crucial that we continue to fund DHS. Discontent over the President's executive order on immigration should not jeopardize Congress' responsibility to keep American families safe. I urge my colleagues to come together to pass this crucial legislation for our national security."

"This is not just a Washington, DC issue. There are 4,179 DHS employees in Illinois who would be forced to go without pay and be unable to contribute to our economy. A shutdown would negatively impact the Custom and Border Patrol agents and TSA screeners at O'Hare International Airport who are committed to keeping one of the nation's busiest airport efficient and safe."

Congresswoman Duckworth is a cosponsor of H.R. 861, which would keep the Department of Homeland Security open, and the DHS Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, which ensures that all federal DHS employees receive retroactive pay if there is a shutdown.

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