U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued a statement following his vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Kelly criticized Democrats for withholding funding during what he described as a period of heightened global tensions.
“For the last 19 days, during a period of heightened global tensions, Democrats have withheld funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The Department was established after the September 11th attacks to protect Americans during periods just like this. Democrats shamefully played games with our national security. Today, I’m proud to vote once again to reopen and fully fund the Department of Homeland Security,” said Rep. Kelly.
The bill that passed will allow DHS to resume full operations, ending what Kelly called a “Democrat-driven shutdown.” Essential agencies such as TSA, CISA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard will return to full mission capacity under this legislation. The measure also ensures that law enforcement officers, servicemembers, and civilian personnel receive their pay.
Mike Kelly has represented Pennsylvania’s 16th district in Congress since 2011, succeeding Kathy Dahlkemper. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1948 and currently resides in Butler. Kelly earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame in 1970.
