NJGOP Calls on Congressional Democrats to End DHS Shutdown, Stop Playing Politics with National Security

COLTS NECK — NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Hanlon is calling on Congressional Democrats to end the partial government shutdown keeping the Department of Homeland Security closed and unfunded. A month into the shutdown, TSA wait times are growing at airports across the country, compromising public safety and forcing dedicated federal workers to go without pay.

“It’s time for Democrats to put our national security first and reopen DHS,” said Chairwoman Hanlon. “We are already a month into this shutdown, and with each day that passes the safety and security of our country is increasingly compromised.”

The federal government has been partially shut down since February 14, when Democrats refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security in an attempt to gain leverage over immigration enforcement policies, consequently cutting off funds from critical federal agencies including the Transportation Safety Administration, the Coast Guard, FEMA and CISA (Cyber Intelligence Security Administration) and putting the public’s safety at risk.

“Democrats in Washington know ICE is already funded, but our nation is being held hostage by the demands of the Far Left. Even Democrat Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania admits that his party shut down the Department of Homeland Security for no valid reason since this has no impact on funding for ICE,” Chairwoman Hanlon said.

In addition to grave concerns over compromised national security, the partial shutdown occurring has also impacted New Jerseyans flying during peak travel season. At Newark Liberty International Airport, waits of up to four hours for travelers are reported according to a news report by News12, as TSA agents go unpaid due to the shutdown and callouts among workers have increased across the country.

“At a time when national security should be heightened due to increased threats, Democrats are putting the safety and security of Americans at risk by continually voting against funding for the Department of Homeland Security. I urge them to do the right thing and restore funding immediately before tragedy occurs,” said Chairwoman Hanlon.

About the NJGOP

The New Jersey Republican State Committee is the official entity of the Republican National Committee and represents more than 1.6 million Republicans registered in New Jersey. For more information, visit NJGOP.org.