Topic: Dhs Funding

The Biden administration announced the construction of 20 miles of new border wall in South Texas using funds appropriated during the Trump presidency in 2019. President Biden claimed he had no choice but to use the funds due to legal requirements, despite his previous campaign promise not to build another foot of wall. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended the move as compliance with the law during a heated exchange with reporter Peter Doocy.

Listeners in Puerto Rico expressed skepticism regarding the $1.9 billion in federal Zika funding, noting that the disease is relatively harmless for most people. Concerns were raised about wide-scale pesticide spraying and a requirement for residents to sign waivers absolving the government of liability for chemical injuries. The segment concluded with a list of community resources and a reminder of the show's independent, listener-supported nature.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson addressed the potential defunding of the Department of Homeland Security as a midnight deadline approached in Congress. Media reports highlighted the possibility of 30,000 employees being furloughed if a budget impasse between the White House and Republicans was not resolved. The discussion focuses on the political use of terror threats at the Mall of America to influence the funding debate.

Senator Barbara Mikulski, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, advocated for the passage of the 2015 Homeland Security fiscal appropriations. During her remarks, she emphasized the role of local law enforcement and fire departments as the first line of defense against domestic threats. The hosts criticize her delivery and the shifting stance of the Democratic Party regarding the expansion of the police state.

Representative Peter King used the Paris attacks to argue against Republican efforts to defund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as leverage against Obama's immigration policies. King claimed that cutting DHS funding during a "terrorist slaughter" would be a terrible juxtaposition. The hosts analyze this as a political maneuver to ensure DHS receives more money regardless of policy disputes.