Iran strikes put DHS shutdown in full focus as agency employees skip pay

The partial government shutdown caused Department of Homeland Security employees to lose paychecks as the United States engaged Iran with airstrikes that brought the country to the brink of war.

On Saturday, the United States and Israel began targeting Iranian positions, including the palace of dictator Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, who was later declared dead by Jerusalem authorities. The attacks raised concerns of retaliation, possibly within U.S. borders.

“I am coordinating directly with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and disrupt any potential threats to the homeland,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. he said.

By Friday into Saturday, Transportation Security Administration officers were effectively working pro bono, with the agency calling them “true models of selflessness and sacrifice.”

The agency said in a statement that Democrats’ “political theater is making life difficult for these officers and their families,” adding, “Currently, the men and women of TSA are coming to work without a paycheck due to the reckless shutdown of DHS, while Democratic members of Congress are still getting paid.” he said.

Lawmakers noted the disparity Saturday as eyes turned to the security of America’s homeland amid Iran’s promise of retaliation.

“Given developments in the Middle East and the ongoing threat posed by Iran and its terrorist proxies, Democrats in the House and Senate should stop the politics and immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security,” said Rep. Daniel Meuser, R-Pa.

The congresswoman from Blue Mountain, the district that hosted the agency’s most recent purchase of a migrant center in Shartlesville, added that blocking DHS funding amid rising global tensions is “irresponsible and dangerous.”

“Democrats in Congress must join Republicans, act responsibly, and stop obstructing efforts to fund DHS,” Meuser said. he said.

Meuser added that protecting Americans is a core federal responsibility and that the United States cannot afford national security delays.

DHS Closure Triggers TSA’s ‘EMERGENCY MEASURES’ as Lawmaker Warns Airports May Feel Economic Pain

Keystone native Sen. David McCormick echoed that sentiment Saturday.

“Now may be a good time for Democrats to abandon their opposition to DHS funding and pass legislation that will support our homeland security,” McCormick said.

“Given the evolving situation in the Middle East, it is dangerous to continue playing political games with our national security.”

While many Democrats have voiced concern or opposition to the Trump administration’s strikes, McCormick’s counterpart, Sen. John Fetterman mocked critics about wrote.

But the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee criticized the operation.

Mississippi Representative Bennie Thompson told NOTUS News He said Saturday that Trump’s attack lacked a “clear strategy,” adding that the United States was “vulnerable to cascading terrorist attacks today because of Trump’s reckless, provocative actions.”

CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION

“I am deeply concerned about the Administration’s attention to potential threats and its ability to protect Americans,” he added.

Just before the strikes, Senate and House Democratic leaders issued a joint statement addressing the current circumstances of the DHS shutdown.

“We have received the White House counteroffer and are reviewing it closely. Democrats are committed to fighting for real reforms to rein in ICE and stop the violence,” said New York Senator Charles Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries.

Fox News Digital has reached out to DHS for additional comment.

Related Article