Speech #1140005791

That is true as well for the Department of Homeland Security. The President has exercised his discretion in a way I find laudable. The exigencies of the present immigration system require the exercise of discretion. The President has done it in a way that is responsible and upholds his duties as Commander in Chief. But even if I disagree with the President on that exercise of discretion with respect to immigration. I would never use this tactic of withholding funding for an entire department. affecting all of its activities and implicating and undercutting security in so dangerous a way. My hope is we will debate immigration policy. that we will approve an immigration reform bill. that it will be on a bipartisan basis just as it was during the last session. that there will be a lot of goodfaith disagreement on the floor of this Chamber about those policies and about the Presidents actions but that we will keep the lights on at the Department of Homeland Security. that we will shine the light on threats to our security that need to be exposed and pursued. that we will further the security of this Nation and protect the public by making sure the DHS funding as a clean bill is approved right away and that we move forward to make sure DHS continues its vital service to the American people. Mr. President.