WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito stands behind the President’s actions more than 10 days after the attack on Iran. During an appearance on MetroNews Talkline, the Senator added Democrats need to drop their aversion to funding the Department of Homeland Security.
“My thoughts, which is shared by Americans is this needs to be short and effective. I think he originally said four to five weeks and I think he’s obviously looking for a way to annihilate their ability to attack us and others successfully. I don’t think he thinks we’re there yet, so that explains the ‘Worst is yet to come.’ statement, ” said Capito on MetroNews Talkline.
Capito said she doesn’t like the idea of troops on the ground, but understands why the President hasn’t been committal either way on the matter.
“I don’t think he wants to take any options off the table,” she said.
The remarks come just days after a home-grown terrorist attack on New York City while the U.S. Department of Homeland Security remains unfunded. Democrats remain opposed to funding the Department which is more than just ICE. DHS includes the TSA, Coast Guard, and other vital agencies. Actions to round up illegal aliens caused the original strife, but Capito said a bill to address the Democrats’ concerns was voted on.
“The Democrats and Chuck Schumer are basically holding our Department of Homeland Security hostage,” she said. “Last week it was, ‘Well we won’t vote for it until Kristi Noem is no longer there’. Well, she’s no longer there, we have a vote, and they all voted NO.”
Weary TSA agents in the airports are being forced to work without a paycheck for a second time this year. Many are calling in sick and the situation has left airports and travelers at a near standstill with many heading to spring break and Easter holiday destinations. Wait times for screening are now four and five hours.
“We’re flirting with a disaster here,” said Capito. “Not just a physical disaster, but these are people there to protect us and do a great job. We need to have them at full board and with their full attention. Withholding their paychecks does cause a distraction and it’s is a morale buster for all of these agencies as well as the country.”