Democrats “don’t care” that it could take up to six months to recover from the partial government shutdown, Rep. John Rose of Tennessee said on Monday.
In an interview, Rose warned that the lingering effects of the shutdown on the Department of Homeland Security could jeopardize the safety and security of the American people, citing reports that operational backlogs and staffing strains might take months to resolve.
“There is a price to pay for the really inexplicable obsession that the Democrats have with trying to protect illegal aliens,” Rose said.
According to Rose, the shutdown — which he noted lasted 76 days and marked the third partial shutdown in seven months — has left critical agencies such as DHS struggling to regain their footing.
A recent Politico report highlighted how the disruption created significant delays that could take as long as half a year to unwind.
Rose blamed Democrats, arguing their priorities have undermined border security efforts.
“I don’t think they care,” Rose said when asked whether Democrats understand the damage caused. “They’ve made it clear over and over again that their priority is to let illegals into the country.”
He further contended that Democrat opposition to measures such as the SAVE America Act reflects a broader agenda, claiming it is tied to efforts to expand voting access to noncitizens.
Rose also criticized what he described as efforts to defund key immigration enforcement agencies such as Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying such policies weaken national security.
Beyond the shutdown, Rose weighed in on legal developments involving former FBI Director James Comey, supporting calls for a public trial related to allegations stemming from social media remarks about President Donald Trump.
He argued that figures in positions of authority should be held to a higher standard, especially amid heightened political tensions.
“It’s just indefensible what James Comey did,” Rose said, adding that rhetoric from the left has contributed to political violence.
The Tennessee congressman also used the opportunity to highlight his gubernatorial campaign, promoting what he called the “Tennessee True Tour” and emphasizing conservative principles such as low taxes, limited regulation, and fiscal responsibility.
Rose struck an optimistic tone on the economy, pointing to historically low unemployment levels as a sign of strength while acknowledging ongoing concerns about rising gas prices.
He attributed higher energy costs in part to geopolitical tensions, including efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“We have a robust American economy,” Rose said, urging Americans to remain hopeful despite short-term challenges.
As DHS works to recover from the shutdown’s impact, Rose maintained that the consequences serve as a stark reminder of what he views as misplaced priorities in Washington.
