Tennessee republicans push DHS funding amid Iran tensions and security concerns

Описание: The Department of Homeland Security has been unfunded since Feb. 14, as tensions overseas, involving Iran, raise concerns among some lawmakers about potential security risks in the United States.

The House is expected to vote later this week on restoring funding, as negotiations continue between congressional leaders and the White House.

Congress has been unable to pass spending legislation due to democrats and republicans locked in a stalemate over immigration policy.

Several Tennessee Republicans are calling for DHS to be fully funded immediately.

U.S. Rep. John Rose (R-Tennessee) told FOX 17 News he is concerned about the impact a funding lapse could have on national security operations.

“The possibility exists that there are sleeper cells here in the country and we need American security professionals on the job and with the resources to do their job to protect the American people,” Rose said.

Rose added that partial government shutdowns can disrupt federal operations.

“Any time you have a partial government shutdown, it is a deterrent to the federal government doing its job,” he said.

DHS oversees agencies including TSA, FEMA, border security operations and federal cyber defense efforts that protect critical infrastructure.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tennessee) provided FOX 17 News the following statement:

“I am in complete support of President Trump, Secretary of War Hegseth, and Secretary of State Rubio as they carry out Operation Epic Force.

For 47 years, Iran has targeted American servicemembers, planted sleeper cells, and called for our destruction. That ends now.

We must permanently dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities while preventing a prolonged war. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security must be fully operational so it can root out all Iranian-backed terror cells planning a counteroffensive in Tennessee at this time of heightened risk.

I urge every Democrat to put American security over politics.”

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) also weighed in on social media, posting:

“Democrats must end their political stunt and vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security immediately.

Preserving our national security has never been more important.”

However, retired FBI supervisory special agent Scott Augenbaum said DHS is part of a broader national security network and emphasized that key operations will continue despite the funding lapse.

“Homeland Security does play a role in keeping the country safe. There’s no doubt about it,” Augenbaum said.

He noted that the FBI remains the lead agency on counterterrorism investigations and that joint task forces continue operating.

“The job is going to get done no matter what,” Augenbaum said.

FOX 17 News reached out to U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee) for comment but did not receive a response.

Augenbaum added that Tennesseans should remain aware of their surroundings, noting that local and state law enforcement agencies also play a role when threat levels are heightened.

https://fox17.com/news/local/tennesse...
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