DHS Faces Intensified Scrutiny After Shooting, Raising Shutdown Risk
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Congressional pressure on the Department of Homeland Security is escalating following the death of Alex Pretti, potentially leading to a government shutdown and even impeachment proceedings.
- Democratic calls for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem are gaining momentum.
- Senate Democrats are threatening to block a key funding bill unless it includes restrictions on the agency.
- Republican support for DHS is appearing less unified than after previous incidents.
Washington – The Department of Homeland Security is confronting unprecedented congressional scrutiny in the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, with Democratic criticism growing sharper and Republican defenses becoming more hesitant. The escalating tensions could trigger a partial government shutdown, contentious hearings, and potentially, an impeachment vote.
Impeachment Efforts Gain Traction
Representative Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) is leading the charge with articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Kelly’s office anticipates a significant increase in co-sponsors in the coming days.As of Sunday evening, the articles had garnered 120 Democratic co-sponsors – surpassing half of the 213 Democrats in the House. Kelly has the authority to force a vote,though the timing remains uncertain.
Funding Bill faces Collapse
Senate Democrats are threatening to block a key funding bill unless it includes restrictions on the agency. The six-bill spending package, which includes funding for DHS, is now in jeopardy.”We will not allow this funding to move forward without significant changes to address the concerns raised by this tragic shooting,” said Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.).
Republican Response is Fractured
while Republicans initially rallied around DHS,defending the agency’s actions,that unity appears to be fraying. Representative dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) echoed this sentiment.
Representative Kat Cammack (R-Fla.), a conservative and ally of former President Trump, stated, “Leaders at every level must lower the temperature, enforce the law, and protect public safety. In the days ahead, we will work to ensure a full and clear review of events.”
Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) emphasized the importance of an objective investigation, stating, “Law enforcement shoudl conduct an objective investigation and get the facts. We defend people’s free speech and right to protest,” but added, “it is not right to interfere or obstruct law enforcement in their official actions.”
A Tale of Two Responses
The evolving response from Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) highlights the shifting Republican tone. After Renee Good’s death, Fischbach called the incident a “targeted assault on ICE agents” in a post on X, writing, “I stand with the officer who acted in self-defense to save lives.” However, following Alex Pretti’s death, she wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in minneapolis and fully support the ongoing investigation.”
Debate Over Gun Possession
Some Republicans also diverged from the administration’s position regarding Pretti’s possession of a firearm. Representative Chip Roy (R-texas) wrote on X that “ICE should not leave Minnesota” but that “carrying a gun & magazines is not an invitation for cops to shoot you,” adding, “Fighting cops (esp. w/ a gun) might be.”
democratic Support Erodes
Prior to the shooting, DHS maintained some level of Democratic support on Capitol Hill, but that backing appears to have largely evaporated. Representative Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.), one of seven swing-district centrists who approved a DHS funding bill last week, has now signed on as a co-sponsor to Kelly’s impeachment articles. Even centrist Senator Jacky Rosen (D-nev.) has called for Noem’s impeachment.
The most immediate consequence of the shooting will likely be felt in the Senate, where the fate of the six-bill spending package hangs in the balance. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) declared this weekend that Democrats will not support the DHS funding bill.
