Jake Tapper Calls Out Dems and Cory Booker Over DHS Funding Fiasco [WATCH]

A discussion on CNN’s “State of the Union” turned to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding standoff when host Jake Tapper questioned Democratic Sen. Cory Booker about the prolonged shutdown affecting the agency.

The exchange aired during Sunday’s broadcast as lawmakers continue to debate how to restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has now entered its second month without full appropriations.

During the interview, Tapper raised the issue directly with the New Jersey senator, asking whether Democrats should move to fully restore funding to the agency.

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“Isn’t it time for Democrats to reopen and refund DHS?” Tapper asked.

Booker responded by arguing that Democratic lawmakers have attempted to pass funding measures for specific components of the agency.

According to Booker, Democrats have sought to provide funding to several sub-agencies within the Department of Homeland Security rather than approving a single comprehensive funding package.

Booker said Democrats had attempted to fund operations for the Transportation Security Administration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the United States Coast Guard.

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He argued those targeted funding proposals had been rejected because Republicans have insisted on funding the entire department through a broader bill.

Tapper challenged Booker’s explanation during the exchange, responding that Republicans have made it clear they want a full funding package for the agency.

“Yeah, they want the whole agency,” Tapper said.

The shutdown began after Senate Democrats blocked legislation that would provide full funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

Instead, Democrats have pushed for piecemeal appropriations aimed at specific sub-agencies, while rejecting broader legislation intended to fund the department in its entirety.

House Republicans have passed legislation aimed at ending the shutdown on two separate occasions.

One of those measures, H.R. 7744, passed the House on March 5 despite opposition from Democratic lawmakers.

Supporters of the legislation argue that comprehensive funding is necessary to ensure the department can maintain its responsibilities related to border security, immigration enforcement, and national security operations.

Concerns have also been raised about the effects of the funding lapse on federal employees responsible for airport security and other operations.

More than 300 employees with the Transportation Security Administration have left their positions since the shutdown began, according to information released by the Department of Homeland Security.

Because the agency has not received full funding during the shutdown, TSA employees have been required to continue working without pay.

Officials say the situation has placed significant financial strain on workers responsible for security screening at airports across the country.

The Department of Homeland Security addressed the issue in a message posted Saturday on X, describing the impact of the shutdown on TSA personnel.

“Democrats are forcing TSA agents to work without pay for the third time in nearly six months. The financial hardship this Democrat-led chaos created has already forced more than 300 of these heroic officers to LEAVE the force,” DHS wrote on X on Saturday.

The department’s statement emphasized the number of workers who have left their jobs during the shutdown and the difficulties faced by those who remain on duty without pay.

The Transportation Security Administration plays a central role in airport security operations throughout the United States, including passenger screening and protection of critical transportation infrastructure.

As the funding dispute continues, lawmakers remain divided over how to resolve the standoff between comprehensive funding proposals and targeted appropriations for specific agencies within DHS.

The ongoing shutdown has now extended into its second month while Congress continues to debate the future of funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

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