U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) today cosponsored H.R. 861, a bill that would prevent a Feb. 28 shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency charged with keeping America safe.

“There are only 16 calendar days until the Department of Homeland Security shuts down due to House Republican obstruction, and Congress is not scheduled to be in session next week. Meanwhile, America and DHS must remain vigilant and focused on threats to our security here at home. Congressional Republicans are making that very hard to do as the days count down with no end in sight.  DHS is responsible for aviation and border security, emergency response, cybersecurity, and chemical facility oversight to name a few of its important missions in keeping America safe,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. 

On Wednesday, House Republicans unanimously voted to block consideration of the clean bill to fund DHS, even after Republican leaders in the Senate declared the House GOP bill with its harsh anti-immigrant riders to be dead on arrival.

“If Republicans insist upon shutting down aviation security, it is certain to have an effect on Florida travel and tourism and our improving economy. International travel, border crossings and our transportation systems must be protected and not thrown into chaos,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.

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