Luján Statement on DHS Funding Bill 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on funding parts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, implementing the Senate Democrats’ plan to pay our TSA workers, Coast Guard, and more, while holding the line against funding for ICE and Border Patrol: 

“I’m glad that the hardworking men and women of TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and across DHS are finally getting paid. This crisis was entirely preventable. 

“After 41 days of holding travelers hostage and blocking Democrats’ efforts to fund TSA, President Trump decided he had the authority to pay TSA officers all along. Senate Democrats offered legislation more than 10 times to pay TSA officers. Republicans blocked each effort.

“Under the Trump administration, ICE and CBP have spiraled into chaos without oversight. These untrained agents have killed two American citizens, executed warrantless searches, and terrorized our communities. 

“We made a promise to the American people: no blank check for President Trump and Stephen Miller’s lawless ICE and CBP. That’s what we forced President Trump and Republicans to accept. 

“But this is not over. ICE and CBP must be held accountable, and I will continue fighting for meaningful, common-sense changes that protect our rights and keep our communities safe. That’s what New Mexicans expect and deserve.” 

Background from the Senate Appropriations Committee: 

The funding bill released and passed by the Senate mirrors the bill that Senate Democrats introduced on March 5 – and that Democrats have repeatedly tried to pass through unanimous consent, but that Republicans have blocked on each occasion.

The bill funds all of the Department of Homeland Security, except for ICE and Border Patrol, which receive no new appropriations. It guarantees backpay to workers who went without pay during the shutdown, and retains the new accountability measures included in the legislation introduced in January.

Following major DHS scandals, Senator Luján introduced legislation to hold ICE and CBP accountable, increase transparency, and make communities safer. 

Senator Luján opposed the confirmation of Senator Markwayne Mullin to serve as DHS Secretary. He also voted against Kristi Noem’s confirmation as DHS Secretary and successfully pushed for her ouster.

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