[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 2664]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              DHS SHUTDOWN

  (Ms. MENG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today urge my colleagues to pass a 
Department of Homeland Security funding bill without political strings 
attached.
  This funding is especially relevant to us New Yorkers who, 
unfortunately, understand too well the consequences of terrorism. Just 
yesterday, three ISIS supporters were arrested in Brooklyn for their 
plans to travel abroad to join the terrorist group. Without adequate 
Homeland Security funding, we might not have caught these terrorists.
  The Department of Homeland Security not only protects our borders and 
airports in ways we experience daily, but also works inconspicuously to 
guard our community by providing grants and training for law 
enforcement, transportation, and even local nonprofits.
  Currently, DHS is unable to allocate these hundreds of millions of 
dollars in grants that directly assist our communities and basic 
infrastructure. These address the unique planning, training, 
organization, and exercise needs of high-threat urban areas, like New 
York City.
  It is reckless to use Homeland Security funding as a bargaining chip. 
A mere political disagreement is no excuse to risk an attack on 
American lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up H.R. 
861, the clean DHS funding bill that would keep the Department open so 
it can carry out its mission of keeping the American people safe.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Yoder). As the Chair previously advised, 
that request cannot be entertained absent appropriate clearance.

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