Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) called on Democrats to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown in an op-ed published by Fox News Digital on March 19. Kennedy said the ongoing shutdown poses a serious risk to national security and urged his colleagues to restore funding immediately.
The issue is significant because, according to Kennedy, the lack of DHS funding has coincided with several apparent terrorist attacks in the United States. He argued that political disagreements should not interfere with essential government operations that protect public safety.
“My Democratic colleagues have opposed President Donald Trump’s agenda at every turn, and that’s their right. But their decision to shut down the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) isn’t some harmless act of political gamesmanship; it’s incredibly dangerous,” Kennedy said in his op-ed. He added, “In the one month since Democrats voted to deny funding to DHS, the United States has faced at least four apparent terrorist attacks.”
Kennedy continued, “We all know some Democrats hate President Trump more than the Devil hates holy water, but we’ve seen four apparent terrorist attacks in two weeks. The Department of Homeland Security isn’t a pawn in a political game. We need these officers focused on spotting sleeper cells, not their missing paychecks.” He concluded by urging action: “To my Democratic colleagues: Don’t wait for another attack to get serious about protecting America’s security. Reopen DHS today.”
Kennedy holds top Republican positions on subcommittees for energy and water development and economic policy, according to the official website. He also serves on Senate committees for appropriations, banking, budget and judiciary according to the official website. In addition to his legislative work, Kennedy contributes as an adjunct professor and substitute teacher according to the official website.
Kennedy earned degrees including a magna cum laude in political science, philosophy and economics from Vanderbilt University, a law degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Civil Law with first class honors from Oxford University according to the official website. He has authored books and articles on Constitutional law and Louisiana Products Liability Act according to the official website, served as executive editor of the Virginia Law Review and president of his senior class at Vanderbilt University according to the official website.
Observers will be watching closely for any developments regarding DHS funding as debate continues over national security priorities.
