Cole Statement on Ending the Democrat-Led Department of Homeland Security Shutdown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Cole released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 7147, which will now head to President Trump's desk to end the Democrat-led Department of Homeland Security shutdown:

"Backed by President Trump, this funding bill ends the Democrat DHS shutdown. It fully restores funding, stability, and pay for the majority of critical operations including TSA, FEMA, Secret Service, Coast Guard, and CISA - and it does so without any policy restrictions at the center of Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats' radical agenda.

"While the far-left hoped to eradicate U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement resources, complete funding for those agencies is advancing concurrently. This two-pronged approach restores DHS immediately and makes it clear: enforcement will not be stripped.

"Having Democrats diminish Article I and force the use of reconciliation was not my preferred path. Yet, this is the reality before us. My support of today's action is for all the frontline personnel who would have - once again - been subjected to missed paychecks starting this weekend. I'd rather carry the weight of an imperfect move forward than ask them to carry the real-life burden of Democrat failure.

"Trying to unilaterally dictate which national security functions survive while holding key operations and employees hostage during the longest government shutdown in history is not a record I would be proud of - but it's one Democrats hold.

"I thoroughly regret the erosion of the appropriations process Senate Democrats have instigated, and the consequences that were paid by everyday Americans. It is not a standard I accept - and my votes and position throughout this process have made that clear, each and every time," said Congressman Cole.

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