Secretary Noem out. We want accountability and oversight of ICE
Last week, Republicans have once again put forward a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill that fails to create accountability for ICE's reckless enforcement agenda and killing of U.S. citizens. I voted no, and I will continue to oppose full-year funding for DHS until ICE agents are required to follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency.
At the same time, Congress must ensure that FEMA, the Coast Guard, and critical aviation security functions within DHS remain fully funded and operational. These agencies are essential to helping the communities I represent recover from last year's devastating floods and prepare for the World Cup, and helping to keep Americans safe. I support legislation to fully fund every agency within DHS except ICE, CBP and the Office of the Secretary.
Despite voting no on the funding bill, the bill passed by a final vote of 221 to 209. In response, as the Ranking Member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am cosponsoring legislation to fully fund the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and every other agency within DHS except ICE, CBP, and the Office of the DHS Secretary.
Last week, Donald Trump also fired DHS Secretary Noem. Under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem's watch, federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Secretary Noem's actions repeatedly put politics over the public and hurt countless families and businesses.
Under new leadership, the DHS should reform and rebuild FEMA so that communities are prepared for future disasters, release frozen disaster aid, and reevaluate the use of and investment in essential U.S. Coast Guard assets.
Secretary Noem's replacement can start by delivering much-needed disaster funding to communities across the country and supporting the FEMA Act - the bipartisan bill I helped introduce last year. As the Ranking Member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I look forward to working with the next Secretary to strengthen FEMA and the Coast Guard.
More soon,
Rick
