Bell, Stanton Introduce Resolution to Recognize the Critical Missions of TSA, FEMA, and CISA and Express Concern on Dangerous Undermining of Those Missions

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Greg Stanton (D-Az.) introduced a resolution to recognize the critical missions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and express concern that the systematic reduction of their career workforces has undermined those missions and endangered the safety and security of United States citizens.

"TSA, FEMA, and CISA perform critical duties for our country, and their employees deserve to be treated fairly," said Rep. Bell. "America is experiencing a tumultuous time, and as we handle a rise in violence and threats, our TSA officers, disaster response teams, and cybersecurity professionals need to receive their paychecks. The American people rely on these organizations to ensure safety and security, so it is critical that their missions are not hindered from being carried out."

"The skilled men and women of FEMA, CISA, and TSA don't make headlines - they prevent them. They rush into disasters and work behind the scenes every day to keep Americans safe," said Rep. Stanton."This administration has gutted their ranks, and now Trump and House Republicans are using these essential workers as a bargaining chip rather than have a serious conversation about accountability measures for ICE. Our constituents are less safe as a result. I'm joining Rep. Bell to say these essential workers deserve our gratitude and support."

"On behalf of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents more than 800,000 federal and D.C. workers, I strongly support this resolution introduced by Reps. Wesley Bell and Greg Stanton recognizing the critical mission of the Department of Homeland Security and the dedicated public servants who carry it out every day," said Everett B. Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees. "At a time of heightened threats, DHS employees ­- from TSA officers to cybersecurity experts to emergency managers - continue to show up and protect the American people, even when they are made to do so without pay. This resolution rightly underscores both the urgency of fully funding DHS and the extraordinary commitment of its workforce. Congress must match that commitment by ensuring these workers receive the resources they deserve and the pay they have earned."

Read the full resolution here.