ICYMI: Washington Post Ed Board Underscores Risks of DHS Shutdown

Washington, D.C. - The Washington Post Editorial Board yesterday stressed the risks of the lapse in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding in the wake of Iran strikes and a potential terror attack in Texas. Citing U.S. Senate Appropriations Chair Sen. Susan Collins' (R-Maine) data on the implications of the shutdown for agencies, the editorial board writes:

"As America's conflict with Iran continues, the Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement about the heightened risk of lone wolf attacks. Yet the agency tasked with keeping Americans safe - one of the few responsibilities just about everyone agrees is appropriate for government - remains unfunded as Congress bickers over immigration politics.

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"Looming gaps pose real security issues. Only 800 of the more than 2,000 employees at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are currently working, according to data shared with us by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Most have been furloughed. The agency has cancelled assessments that detect vulnerabilities in America's critical infrastructure, which seems like bad timing in light of the Iranian regime's expertise at hacking.

"Over 50,000 TSA agents and screeners will miss their first paycheck this week. During last year's shutdown, nearly 10 percent were absent from work. Employees involved in processing for the FEMA Go system have also been furloughed.

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"Not everyone will get what they want. Congressional Republicans can't simply ban sanctuary cities. And Democrats won't get Republicans to ban every ICE operation in residential areas. They might look to savvy politicians like Collins, who was able to announce the end of an enhanced ICE operation in her state after appealing directly to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. In an interview, Collins said that 'sitting down with DHS and discussing strategies to focus on detention and deportation of criminals' is a good way to prevent ICE surges."

Read the editorial: Remember the Department of Homeland Security?

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