Congresswoman Dean to the Republican DHS Funding Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on her opposition to Republican funding agreement for DHS, following the GOP 76-day partial government shutdown: " Republicans are failing to govern. Republicans control the House, Senate and White House. And yet for 76 days, they failed to fund critical agencies — FEMA, the Coast Guard, TSA — they failed to fund those who work there to keep Americans safe. The House should have passed this bill weeks ago, but because of the Speaker’s fecklessness, thousands of dedicated public servants spent the last two months wondering if or when they would get paid. Many were forced to take other jobs to afford food, housing, and child care. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I care deeply about ensuring our government is appropriately funded. But these are not normal times. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to rein in ICE and CBP. In recent weeks, I visited ICE detention facilities in Philadelphia and Dilley, Texas. I have seen terrified children — their tiny bodies fighting illness and infection — who are not receiving adequate medical care. I have heard the horror stories of families whose loved ones have died in ICE custody. This is not what America stands for. It's not who we are. So while I am relieved that Republicans' DHS shutdown has ended, I will continue to use my vote and my voice to oppose any additional funding for ICE and CBP. This lawlessness must end." Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania. ###