U.S. Rep Takai Calls for End to Political Impasse Over Homeland Security Funding

Press Release

Backed by federal and state transportation officials, Congressman Mark Takai in a press conference today called for an end to the political impasse that is holding up funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The Department of Homeland Security will run out of funding on Feb. 27 if Congress cannot agree on funding.

"If this is not resolved, approximately 200,000 workers nationwide will work without pay. Or they will be furloughed. Or, at worst, they will choose not to work," Takai said.

"Hawaii, as an island state, relies entirely upon our airports and harbors to bring in our essential supplies and keep our local economy running. Also as an island state, we must take extra care to safeguard our local environment. If funding were to lapse for the DHS, the implications for our home state and all of our nation could be severe."

Republicans in Congress are refusing to pass a funding bill without including amendments that would reverse President Obama's immigration reforms, Takai noted. "So here we are, on the verge of letting funding for Homeland Security run out and partially shutting government down. This impasse needs to end now."

Although some DHS employees would continue to work in the event of a shutdown, they would be forced to do so without pay, creating a significant distraction and dealing a blow to morale, Takai said. Among those who would be expected to protect Americans without getting paid would be:

* More than 40,000 Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Patrol officers;

* More than 50,000 TSA aviation security screeners;

* More than 13,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement agents and officers;

* More than 40,000 active duty Coast Guard military members; and

* More than 4,000 Secret Service law enforcement agents and officers.

"This affects people. This affects families. There are real consequences that are going to have an impact on Hawaii," Takai said.

Among the state and federal officials who joined Takai at the press conference: Stanford Miyamoto, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Federal Security Director, Pacific; Lance Kaonohi, TSA Stakeholder Manager; Ross Higashi, Hawaii State Department of Transportation (DOT) Deputy Director, Airports; Wes Yonamine, Hawaii DOT Visitor Information Program Officer; Roy Sakata, Hawaii DOT Honolulu International Airport Manager.

Source