Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Vote Against Department of Homeland Security Funding Bill

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting against legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which was passed by the House of Representatives.

"As the current administration pursues the most reckless and extreme mass deportation agenda in modern American history, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have spiraled out of control. Nearly every day, the public is faced with new reports of inhumane treatment of migrants, violence against our fellow citizens, and Americans who have had their constitutional rights undermined by agents of this Department. This erosion of civil liberties and the rule of law have sown chaos in our communities and even led to the tragic and unnecessary death of a mother and American citizen.

"As a co-equal branch of government, Congress is charged with the responsibility to protect the civil rights of our fellow citizens, ensure transparency for the public, and put an end to executive overreach when necessary. Unfortunately, while Democrats in Congress have asked for basic reforms to uphold these duties, such as requiring warrant standards for detentions, use of force standards and trainings, and the protection of sensitive locations like churches and schools, Republicans in Congress refuse to take any meaningful action to rein in this administration. In fact, rather than addressing immigration reform or tackling issues important to all Americans such as skyrocketing health care, utility, and housing costs, Republicans in Congress prefer to spend more taxpayer dollars supporting this irresponsible agenda while developing mega detention centers across the country, including in Kansas City.

"While I have long supported comprehensive immigration reform that will strengthen border security in conjunction with upholding America's tradition of welcoming hardworking immigrants, I cannot support the continuation of chaos that this agency is creating in communities nationwide. Therefore, I voted against the funding bill."

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.