Former Homeland Security Secretary Calls for Government Reopening
Jeh Johnson, the former Homeland Security Secretary, expressed his willingness to step away from party lines and urged Congress to take action to reopen the federal government.
The government remains in a shutdown after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and many Democrats blocked a Republican spending bill earlier this week. During his appearance on “The Source with Caitlan Collins,” Johnson emphasized that he was breaking from party lines and outlined several reasons for Congress to act.
“I’m ready to step away from the party line on this issue. I’m a Democrat, aligning with John Fetterman and Angus King. The crucial problem is that passing a budget in the Senate requires 60 votes. I worry about what happens year after year, where minority parties use this process to link it to other significant issues,” Johnson stated.
“Of course, healthcare is essential, but I really worry this pattern will repeat every September, October, and November. Congress’s key role should be to fund the government, keep operations running, and ensure that the 3 million public servants can do their jobs effectively,” he added.
Johnson’s motivation to keep the agency operating came after hearing from a Transportation Security Administration employee diagnosed with stage 4 cancer who was concerned about missing paychecks.
“My heart goes out to those caught in this political struggle, being used as pawns,” Johnson remarked. “Years ago, Republicans were attempting to shut down DHS over immigration, and I was driven by concern for the workers. Many are living paycheck to paycheck. One TSA agent from West Orange, New Jersey, shared with me, ‘Secretary, I have stage 4 cancer and need my paycheck for co-pay.’ That experience really moved me.”
When directly asked whether Democrats should support efforts to reopen the government, Johnson’s response was firm.
“I believe Congress should vote to reopen the government,” he affirmed.
Last week, Senate Democrats turned down a bipartisan spending bill that could have reopened the federal government for the fifth time, opting instead to continue the shutdown. While three Democratic senators sided with Republicans, the majority maintained their stance against the necessary 60 votes to pass the bill.
Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, criticized Democrats for extending the government shutdown by insisting on the return of millions for what they term wasteful overseas projects. He pointed out that lawmakers had already cut spending from the budget, but the more progressive wing of the party threatened to block any agreement unless funding was reinstated.
Kennedy outlined a list of items Democrats want restored, which includes $4 million for LGBTQ initiatives in the Balkans and Uganda, $3.6 million for dance workshops for male sex workers in Haiti, and $6 million for media grants in Palestine.
