President Obama and the Democrat-controlled Senate are putting this country at risk by failing to fund the vital agencies within the Department of Homeland Security. Today, Congressman John Carter (R-TX31), Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee introduced H.J. Res 79, to ensure funds for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Coast Guard and the Office of Biometric Identity Management. The bill passed the House by a vote of 249 to 175.

“Our border is not secure. In fact, our border is constantly under siege from smugglers and traffickers alike. There are brave men and women patrolling our border, manning our ports of entry, and conducting border enforcement, drug interdiction, and investigative missions, but not being paid. Right now, crucial operations are being conducted, but with minimal, essential personnel. This is unacceptable,” said Congressman Carter, one of eight House Republican members selected to be a Continuing Resolution Conferee.

H.J. Res 79 ensures Border Patrol can conduct full operations from San Diego to Brownsville and along our Northern border as well. It ensures ICE can maintain its investigation capability and that the Coast Guard can perform vital protection efforts along our coastlines. This bill ensures that our immigration verification and biometric identity systems are up and running- an absolute necessity.

“The House has repeatedly offered versions of a continuing resolution to sustain the government’s operations… to no avail. We have offered to negotiate, to convene a conference, and to work out the differences but the Senate is refusing to even come to the table,” said Congressman Carter. “We have a duty to ensure our borders and coastlines are safe and secure and that our laws are being enforced…and this bill does so without increasing the rate of spending and in a manner entirely consistent with the current law.”