[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 25 (Friday, February 13, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, here we go again.
  It appears that my colleagues on the other side have short memories 
and do not remember the consequences that led to a backlash from the 
American people when they shut down the Federal Government in the last 
Congress.
  Republicans continue to play politics with the Department of Homeland 
Security funding by insisting that any funding bill overturn the 
President's executive actions on immigration. If the Republicans fail 
to pass a DHS funding bill, the consequences will be severe. One direct 
consequence is that there will be no funding of new nondisaster grants 
to local and State governments, law enforcement, fire departments, and 
other emergency responders.
  As ranking member on the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, 
Response, and Communications, I understand how critically important 
these grants are to safeguarding our communities. Protecting the 
Homeland Security Grant Program is critical to ensuring that our 
cities, transportation systems, and first responders have the 
capabilities to prepare for and to respond in times of disaster.
  Mr. Speaker, simply put, Republicans should stop putting politics 
ahead of the safety of the American people and join with Democrats to 
fund the Department of Homeland Security.

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