(The Center Square) – Snow hammers America, and across the aisle from a North Carolina Republican congressman there’s chatter to allow a shutdown of the part of government needing emergency assistance.
Americans as collateral damage for people illegally entering the country and staying, to paraphrase how he put it.
U.S. Rep. Rev. Mark Harris says Minnesota’s elected leaders are “inflaming” the surge in violence against federal agents trying to enforce the nation’s laws. A third shooting in 18 days, a second one fatal, has led Democrats in the U.S. Senate to insist on decoupling their vote on six parts of the $1.25 trillion spending package – because of Homeland Security – that is on the cusp of funding the government without need for a continuing resolution.
“Let me get this straight,” Harris said. “After a snowstorm disables the nation, Senate Democrats are threatening to shut the government down and withhold FEMA funds? All because they want to protect criminal aliens.”
Enhanced immigration enforcement through Operation Metro Surge has been ongoing in Minnesota, specifically the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Similar operations have been conducted elsewhere in the country by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and lawmen with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
“Sanctuary cities must end. Full stop,” Harris said.
Minnesota, led by second-term Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, has been a welcoming state for immigrants. Investigations by local television, as well as self-described independent journalists, has brought a bright light of focus on accusations of fraud and a conspired effort to disrupt federal immigration enforcement.
Congressional hearings have begun on the former; an FBI probe is underway on the latter.
Harris’ position is backed by law. To enter America from another country, if not a U.S. citizen, a visa or some other travel authorization is required to be presented at a port of entry. And, it is against the law – local, state or federal – to impede a law enforcement operation.
Harris is one of several from North Carolina in Congress speaking out on the subject.
Twelve bills make up the appropriations package. The U.S. House has passed them all; senators on Tuesday are expected (weather permitting) to take up the other six. Respective departments without appropriation by Friday’s midnight deadline would shut down at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Sunday said, “Senate Republicans must work with Democrats to advance the other five funding bills while we work to rewrite the DHS bill. This is the best course of action, and the American people are on our side.”
Within the Department of Homeland Security are nine major agencies, including Customs and Border Patrol; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Others include the Transportation Security Administration; U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers.
Defense ($838.7 billion); Homeland Security ($65 billion-$66.4 billion); Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies ($186.6 billion-$198.7 billion); Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies ($89.9 billion-$90.4 billion); Financial Services and General Government ($23.2 billion-$23.6 billion); and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs ($46.2 billion-$51.7 billion) are the six bills.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has signaled intent to side with Democrats. Others could join him. Republicans will need seven Democrats or independents – more if Rand or others cross the aisle – to reach 60 votes.
And there could be wild cards, like Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa. He said Monday he would “never” vote for a government shutdown yet also said he supports stripping the Homeland Security bill out of the package to be reworked.
Rep. Valerie Foushee, D-N.C., pleaded with Senate Democrats in a social media post Saturday.
She wrote, “ICE just murdered yet another person in Minnesota today. I am horrified and disgusted that these federal agents have been allowed to kill yet another person. ICE puts every single one of us at risk. Trump is allowing a federal agency to violate rights and take lives, and Congress’ continued inaction is complicity.
“While people are dying at the hands of our government, the House continues to vote to give billions of taxpayer dollars to support this agency.”
Rep. Deborah Ross, D-N.C., on Monday reiterated her call for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or be removed from office. Foushee is one of many in agreement.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said an impartial investigation is needed for the fatal shootings involving federal agents. He said that’s a basic standard.
“For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state and local law enforcement,” Tillis said. “Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy.”
America has gone three decades – fiscal year 1997 – since a fiscal year starting Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30 had regular appropriations bills passed on time and no need for any continuing resolutions. This year has already infamously included the longest – 43 days – government shutdown in history.
