Homeland Security Funding Passed… For Now

Moments before a government shutdown, Homeland Security funding passed but only for three-weeks.

The surprising defeat, after weeks of bickering, lead to a three-week spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had given into the Democrats’ demands earlier this week and taking blame from the public, Speaker John Boehner’s weakness was exposed as he gave in on Friday.

Both Republican leaders are responsible for their parties’ efforts and have frustrated their party. Boehner commented saying the challenges of immigration, similar to abortion and education, are very controversial and difficult to assure that either leader will have enough votes on any bills for either of the issues.

Republicans currently hold 54 of the needed 60 seats to ensure passage of most legislation. Republicans had been using the Homeland Security issue to their advantage to fight towards their ultimate goal – stopping Obama’s executive action on immigration.  

GOP leaders are struggling to show they are in charge and conservatives are not happy with the outcomes of their leadership.  California Republican Devin Nunes lashed out about the bill saying, “A small group of phony conservative members who have no credible policy proposals and no political strategy to stop Obama’s lawlessness.”