U.S. Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina warned Thursday that Congress has “no excuse” for failing to secure funding before key Homeland Security operations face abrupt shutdowns.
In remarks released Thursday, Norman expressed cautious optimism that lawmakers could reach an agreement by the end of the month after negotiations have been ongoing for ten days.
The representative emphasized that without prompt action, Transportation Security Administration workers and border enforcement operations would be left unfunded. “To have the TSA unfunded, to have our security at our border unfunded, to have ICE agents unfunded — there’s no excuse for it,” he stated.
Norman also noted that Democrats have “chosen this route” to shut down part of government during a time when national security operations are critical. He added: “In the middle of a war, you would think they would come to their senses.”
Additionally, Norman described Iran as weakened but still aggressive, pointing to disruptions in global shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. “They don’t have the cards, but they’re still basically declaring war and holding up, taking ships over,” he said.
The comments come as Congress faces pressure over a June 1 deadline set by President Donald Trump for signing a funding bill, while lawmakers also grapple with questions about executive authority and military actions abroad.
