CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE VOTES TO SUPPORT DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY WORKERS AND GUARANTEE COMPENSATION
Legislation Marks 11th House Vote to Re-Open Government, Funds Department of Homeland Security Through February 28
(Washington, DC) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle joined members of the House in voting for a Continuing Resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 28 and guarantee that DHS employees receive back pay for their work during the government shutdown.
"The biggest threat to our nation's security and the safety of millions of Americans is this president's refusal to reopen the government. The President claims to be concerned about border security, and yet he is seemingly unphased by the very real impact this shutdown has on the brave men and women who are dedicated to keeping our country safe," said Rep. Morelle. "Border patrol agents, members of the Coast Guard, and transportation security officers are going without pay while critical security operations are stymied nationwide. These selfless public servants are essential to protecting the American people – and they deserve better."
The legislation, H.J. 31, compliments a package of six appropriations bills that passed the House yesterday by offering a Continuing Resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security at current levels through February 28. Together, the two bills would ensure that the entire federal government can reopen—and federal employees can be paid—while further negotiations on border security take place.
The shutdown affects over 200,000 DHS employees who are furloughed or working without pay, includes members of Border Patrol, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation and Security Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Tomorrow, these men and women will miss their second paycheck.
Continued Rep. Morelle: "If the Senate and the President were truly worried about the safety and well-being of Americans, they would join us in passing this legislation to re-open the Department of Homeland Security immediately."
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