AFGE once again called on Congress to pass a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security and end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
In a letter to House lawmakers, AFGE National President Everett Kelley specifically urged the passage of H.R. 7147, as amended by the Senate, the long overdue compromise to fund DHS which was passed unanimously by the Senate on April 20.
Kelley pleaded with lawmakers stating that “failure to pass this bipartisan compromise before Friday, April 24 guarantees that Transportation Security Officers, civilian Coast Guard employees, and FEMA professionals will go unpaid unless the administration steps in, as it did last month.”
While the administration has signed executive orders to provide backpay for DHS workers who went unpaid for more than a month, it is Congress’ job to ensure that agencies are properly funded and workers are paid. Congress holds the power of the purse, and they need to use that power to fund DHS and pay its employees.
AFGE has deep concerns about the impact to worker livelihoods and government services if Congress fails to act. Last week, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the department will run out of emergency funds to pay employees’ salaries the first week of May.
“The House has the opportunity to demonstrate its bipartisan support of the hardworking professionals of DHS who serve the public with dedication, respect, and excellence, including Transportation Security Officers who ensure our nation’s commercial airlines are the safest in the world,” Kelley continued in the letter. “Surely House leaders can find 40 minutes for the House to consider H.R. 7147.”
AFGE once again called on Congress to pass a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security and end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
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