U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) called on Senate Democrats to end the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security during a floor speech delivered March 27. McCormick said that withholding funds from the department puts national security at risk, especially amid ongoing threats and military operations in Iran.
The issue is significant because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees agencies such as TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the Coast Guard. The shutdown has led to unpaid workers and concerns about public safety across multiple sectors.
“Shutting down DHS to make a point on immigration is reckless, and it is devoid of basic, fundamental common sense,” McCormick said during his remarks. He cited recent attacks within the United States following combat operations in Iran and referenced specific incidents including an ISIS-inspired bombing in New York City, shootings at Old Dominion University and a bar in Austin, Texas, a vehicle attack at Temple Israel in Michigan, and a cyberattack on Stryker medical systems.
McCormick also highlighted issues caused by border policies under President Biden’s administration. “Just last Thursday…an illegal immigrant shot and killed an 18-year-old Loyola Chicago student,” he said. He argued that keeping DHS fully operational is necessary due to increased risks posed by undocumented immigrants entering during this administration.
He described how TSA agents have been affected by withheld paychecks: “TSA officers in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh airports have had to rely on food banks to get by.” According to McCormick, one quarter of TSA agents at those airports recently called out from work due to not being paid since the shutdown began; he added that more than 450 trained professionals have quit as a result.
The senator further stated that delays are affecting World Cup security preparations—including those planned for Philadelphia—while grants for houses of worship remain tied up. Local communities lack critical threat information sharing from DHS; cybersecurity readiness has declined; Pennsylvania firefighters have lost access to important training programs.
McCormick said he supports reforms such as body cameras for ICE agents, de-escalation training funding, transparency requirements, and regular inspections—all while maintaining full funding for DHS operations. He referenced bipartisan agreement with fellow Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman against government shutdowns: “He and I can always be depended on to walk together for a better Pennsylvania.”
McCormick brings experience from serving as captain in the 82nd Airborne Division with deployment during the First Gulf War according to his official website. He grew up in Bloomsburg as the son of educators according to his official website and holds degrees from West Point Military Academy and Princeton University according to his official website. His career includes roles as CEO at FreeMarkets and Bridgewater Associates along with senior government positions such as under secretary of Treasury according to his official website.
Looking ahead, McCormick reiterated calls for Congress members across party lines: “I urge others in the Democratic Party…fund DHS, protect America…and relieve Americans of these ridiculous burdens.”
