WASHINGTON–The partial federal government shutdown involving the Department of Homeland Security that is now in its second week and which will soon mean missed paychecks for members of the Coast Guard, TSA employees and others, is further from being resolved than it as when it began, one credit union Hill expert agrees.
House Democrats have objected to more funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the wake of several deaths of protesters at the hands of ICE officers and other alleged cases of abuse of power. The Democrats have said they want numerous changes made on policies and other areas before they will vote in favor of new funding.
‘100% Dug In’
“Both sides are 100% dug in,” said Jason Stverak, chief advocacy officer with the Defense Credit Union Council. “If you go back to the (budget) reconciliation last year there was…around $70 billion that was set aside for ICE as a part of that, and they don’t need the money. I mean, that just that’s a fact. They have enough funding. Every other agency that is is a part of DHS is being held up because there is no agreement…and I don’t see a path forward at this moment or any compromises. Now, that could change, obviously, on the flip of a coin. An agreement could get worked out, but as of right now, in terms of a solution, we’re farther apart than we were a week or two weeks ago.”
Permanent Solutions, Not Temp Forgiveness
Stverak said the Defense Council continues to lobby Congress to fund the Coast Guard as it does its work “protecting our seaways.
“Temporary abatements forgiveness loans do not replace a permanent paycheck,” said Stverak. “We encourage Congress to act upon this and we encourage the administration, if there are funds available within DHS, to move over to ensure that our nation’s heroes can do their jobs knowing that they will be paid and there’s nothing that you need to worry about.”
