Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) admitted Tuesday that even if the government shuts down over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, there is “enough money” for the department to continue its operations.
Escobar appeared on CNN’s the Situation Room as the deadline to fund the government, Jan. 30, is fast approaching. If the Senate does not reach a consensus on the appropriations bill to fund DHS, it will result in at least a partial government shutdown.
“This is a pivotal moment in America, and Americans are witnessing the attacks on American communities by the Department of Homeland Security,” Escobar said. “I think it‘s very important for Senate Democrats to do everything possible to ensure that we protect the American people and that we hold DHS accountable. And if that means withholding votes for funding bills, that‘s what that means.”
This comment referred to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) proposal to scrap the DHS appropriations bill and write a new one. The bill is one of six needed to fully fund the government. Schumer’s plan would prevent a complete government shutdown, which Escobar agreed with, saying, “I hate government shutdowns” because she has “a lot of federal employees in [her] district.”
Still, even a complete shutdown would not stop DHS or Immigration and Customs Enforcement from operating. President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act funded DHS with over $170 billion, which Escobar addressed.
“Unfortunately, because of that bill, the administration has enough money for ICE to continue operating this way for years,” Escobar said. “These are not two great options funding DHS as is or shutting down the government, but frequently in policy, you do not have a good option and a bad option.
“You have two really difficult options,” she said. “And in this case, I think it‘s critical that Senate Democrats do everything possible to protect American citizens and human beings in custody.”
The DHS appropriations bill narrowly passed the House of Representatives last week. The House passed all six bills.
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Democratic senators successfully shut down the government last year and set a record of 43 days over health insurance premiums.
All six of the appropriations bills need to pass a 60-vote threshold, which requires cooperation from both parties.
Despite the approaching deadline, the Senate canceled votes on Monday due to a snowstorm in Washington.