Monday, 20 April 2026
Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., urged the Senate on Monday to send the House a bill that fully funds the Department of Homeland Security “ASAP,” emphasizing that reopening critical government functions — particularly border security operations — must take priority over partisan gridlock in Washington.
Fine stressed that current proposals for DHS funding fall short, leaving key border enforcement and deportation initiatives unfunded indefinitely.
“Right now, we have a bill that would not fully fund the Department of Homeland Security,” Fine said. “It would keep parts of the government closed — the parts that protect our border and deport illegal immigrants — forever. I’m not going to support that.”
He called for swift Senate action to deliver a clean funding bill the House can pass without delay.
Fine also highlighted escalating tensions abroad, including reports that U.S. forces had boarded an Iranian cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. He expressed strong support for President Donald Trump’s approach toward Iran, noting the regime’s long-standing efforts to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles capable of delivering them to U.S. cities.
“For 47 years, they have been trying to develop a nuclear weapon that they can use to fulfill their promise of death to America,” Fine said. “They’re trying to build a missile to deliver that to America. So we can’t allow that to happen.”
Fine further criticized ongoing redistricting efforts in Virginia, where voters are weighing proposals that could significantly reduce Republican representation. He accused Democrats of long-standing gerrymandering practices to consolidate power.
“The idea that a state that [former Vice President] Kamala Harris barely won would have only one Republican out of 11 Congress members is not OK,” Fine said. “They can use whatever excuse they want, but it’s nonsense. It’s all about grabbing power.”
