Staff Reports
In the latest chapter of the political tug-of-war in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has found itself in the crosshairs, courtesy of an impasse over funding. As the calendar flips to another government shutdown, the familiar blame game heats up, with Democrats and Republicans pointing fingers like it’s the national sport. The Democrats, those paragons of virtue, are refusing to back a crucial funding bill unless the Republicans agree to wield a magic wand and redefine the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Apparently, they believe that if ICE gets an overhaul, butterflies will suddenly pop out of nowhere and the southern border will become a field of dreams.
Meanwhile, over on the Republican side, staunch supporters of President Trump are not exactly lining up to drink the Democrats’ Kool-Aid. They seem happy continuing their support for ICE and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as is, standing firm against the demands for dramatic changes. In this fight, it appears, if anything needs changing, it’s perhaps the Democrats’ approach. After all, it doesn’t take crystal ball gazing to predict that unless there is some serious compromise coming pretty soon, parts of the federal government are destined for yet another frustrating shutdown. This situation might have been humorous if it weren’t for the real-world consequences impacting agencies like FEMA, the TSA, and the Secret Service, whose employees are soon-to-be working for free. Nothing quite like potentially putting the nation’s security personnel in a situation where they might need a GoFundMe page to pay their bills.
The merry-go-round continues as Congressman Mike Lawler steps up to the mic. With a tongue and cheek, he outlines how House Republicans have diligently passed all twelve appropriations bills only for them to be flummoxed by the Senate. Lawler makes it clear; shutdowns are not something he’s ever endorsed – hinting that unlike the Democrats, he prefers a government that functions. Negotiations, according to him, should be the way forward, even in discussing ICE.* After all, slowing down Homeland Security doesn’t exactly scream national security, does it?
Amidst all the political maneuvering, President Trump, ever the straightforward conveyor of opinions, has been advocating the elimination of sanctuary cities. This, according to him and a chorus of supporters, would make communities safer rather than preserving them as havens for wrongdoers. Congressman Lawler is on board with this, echoing the sentiment that sanctuary cities are a misnomer—more refuge for oafish criminals than innocent citizens. In his backyard of Rockland County, Lawler is leading the charge against any moves to make it a sanctuary county. He’s nearly single-handedly treating the proposal like it’s a vampire and he’s got the garlic ready.
On the side, a debate is simmering over the Save America Act. Pushed forward amidst cries of voter suppression from the Democrats, it aims for something the majority of Americans want: proof that voters are indeed who they say they are. Lawler and Republicans like him feel that simply asking for a valid photo ID during elections is not akin to asking for someone’s soul. Yet, the pushback from Democrats implies they fear losing an election if only citizens are let into the booth. In New York, where discussions of allowing illegal immigrants to vote had once been serious, Republicans stood their ground and were victorious. It begs the question—why such reluctant resistance to secure and legitimate voting?
