House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized House Democrats over their reported plan to vote against funding for the Department of Homeland Security, arguing the move could impact multiple agencies responsible for national security and emergency response.

Johnson raised the issue during remarks addressing the upcoming vote, emphasizing the range of federal operations overseen by DHS.

“From Democrats with their radical ideology and the mess that President Trump and Republicans are working in earnest to clean up so we can save American lives and protect the homeland,” Johnson said.

He said the Department of Homeland Security includes far more than border enforcement agencies and warned that the funding measure affects multiple components of national security.

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“And now we have look. DHS, is not just ice and CBP, okay, it's it's so many agencies responsible for keeping us safe. You're talking about the Coast Guard, talking about FEMA, our cyber security infrastructure, our counterterrorism coordination, all of that is at stake right now, and the Democrats are going to vote tomorrow not to fund those operations.”

Johnson said the timing of the vote is particularly significant given current global developments and military activity involving Iran.

“Just think of that massive mission critical functions, especially right now, and the military action in Iran makes it all more urgent and crucial to have a fully funded, fully staffed DHS across all its departments,” Johnson said.

The Department of Homeland Security oversees a wide range of agencies and programs, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Coast Guard, and national cyber defense operations. The department also coordinates counterterrorism efforts and works with federal, state, and local partners to address national security threats and disaster response.

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Johnson argued that failing to approve funding for the department would affect those operations.

“They cannot argue otherwise, it's madness,” Johnson said.

He also framed the vote as part of a broader debate over national priorities in Washington.

“As members of this body, our first and most basic duty is to ensure the safety of American citizens,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he believes Democrats have placed a higher priority on immigration-related issues involving individuals in the country illegally.

“Maybe that's why they sat through that line at the State of the Union. They're more interested in protecting illegal aliens. They see that is their first responsibility.”

Johnson said he believes the upcoming vote reflects that priority.

“There's no other way to explain this if they ever want to correct the impression that their party prioritizes the welfare of illegal aliens over the welfare of American citizens. Tomorrow would be a great place to start,” Johnson said.

According to Johnson, Democratic leadership had circulated guidance to members ahead of the vote.

“But they again, have sent out a whip notice instructing Democrats to vote down homeland security funding,” Johnson said.

Johnson concluded his remarks by emphasizing the seriousness of the issue and expressing frustration with the situation.

“I had to drop the mic right here and walk out of this room. That's all you need to know,” Johnson said.

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