Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) has called out Senate Democrats for attempting to insert last-minute changes into a funding agreement for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The proposed amendments, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have sparked bipartisan concern over potential delays to critical national security funding.
Controversial Amendments Threaten Deal
Sources familiar with the negotiations reveal that the amendments include provisions that could weaken border enforcement measures and prioritize non-citizen welfare programs over American workers. Kennedy accused Democrats of attempting to 'sneak in ideological priorities' at the eleventh hour, jeopardizing bipartisan support for the deal.
This isn’t about homeland security—it’s about politics. They’re trying to undermine border enforcement while ignoring the needs of American citizens.
The funding agreement, which aims to allocate billions to DHS for border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response, has been stalled for weeks. With a government shutdown looming, Kennedy emphasized the urgency of passing a clean bill without partisan additions.
Impact on American Workers
Critics argue that the proposed changes would divert resources away from protecting American jobs and sovereignty. By prioritizing non-citizen welfare programs, the amendments could exacerbate economic strains on domestic workers already grappling with rising costs and stagnant wages.
The Senate is expected to vote on the funding bill later this week, with Republicans vowing to block any version that includes the contested amendments.