U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) called on Senate Democrats to approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Transportation Security Administration in a speech delivered on Mar. 26.
Cassidy said that continued delays in passing DHS funding are causing hardship for federal workers and travelers across the country. He addressed his remarks directly to his colleagues in the Senate, urging them to reach an agreement: “At some point, [Senate Democrats] have to be willing to make an agreement.”
He highlighted the impact of the shutdown on everyday Americans. “You should consider the pain that you are exacting upon fellow Americans, upon people who are not getting paid for six weeks even though they have bills to pay,” Cassidy said. He also noted long lines at airports such as Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans and said TSA staff call-outs exceeded 40 percent over a recent weekend because employees were working other jobs like driving Uber or Lyft.
Cassidy emphasized that vital services provided by FEMA could be compromised if funds are not allocated before hurricane season begins in ten weeks. He warned that without proper funding, FEMA would be unable to respond effectively if a storm hits Louisiana.
According to his official website, Cassidy co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic to deliver free health and dental care and has worked on initiatives aimed at reducing health care costs, supporting coastal restoration, and reforming mental health systems. He serves as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee as well as being a member of several other committees including Finance; Energy and Natural Resources; and Veterans Affairs.
Cassidy earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University according to his official website. Together with his wife—a retired breast cancer surgeon—he raised three children.
In concluding his remarks on DHS funding he said: “Protect our country and pay our people. Fund DHS.”
