Trump Ties DHS Funding Deal to Voter Law Backing
President Donald Trump asserts that his Republican colleagues should refrain from finalizing funding for the Department of Homeland Security until Congressional Democrats pass a measure mandating individuals registering to vote to show proof of U.S. citizenship.
In a social media post, Trump stated that congressional Republicans should not reach "any agreement" with Democrats until they consent to pass the voter bill called the Save America Act. Trump highlighted the requests from Democratic lawmakers concerning a disagreement over DHS financing that has resulted in the agency lacking funds since February 13.
The absence of funding has resulted in tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration employees working unpaid for five weeks, causing some airport security staff to report sick or resign completely. According to DHS on Sunday, TSA absences this weekend hit their highest mark since the partial government shutdown commenced.
Trump stated that passing the voter bill is "much more crucial than anything else" on the Senate's agenda, even more than DHS funding.
The legislation currently does not have the 60 votes required to surpass Democratic resistance in the 100-member Senate, where Republicans occupy 53 seats.
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Trump also sought Democratic support for additional provisions he wants included in the bill, such as prohibiting transgender women from competing in women's sports, criminalizing "transgender mutilation of our children," and limiting mail-in ballots to situations of illness, disability, military service, or travel.
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Republicans have opposed Democratic lawmakers' calls for changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a prerequisite for DHS financing.
In a bid to increase pressure on Democrats, Trump mentioned this weekend that he would deploy ICE agents at airports until Democratic lawmakers consent to a DHS budget bill. On Sunday, Trump stated he would send ICE agents to airports for as long as necessary, according to reports.
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Supporters of the Save America Act claim it would aid in preventing voter fraud. Republicans have repeated Trump's inaccurate assertions that many individuals living in the country illegally cast votes in U.S. elections.