COMMENTARY: Playing politics with the nation’s security

I have seen firsthand the total dedication of those working at Homeland Security. Every day, our dedicated Homeland Security professionals do everything in their power to protect the citizens of United States. Their efforts have helped shut the previously open door that led to the unrestricted, illegal immigration seen in the past.

The work of the Coast Guard in intercepting illegal shipments of oil and their brave interdiction of drugs killing Americans is essential to the security of our nation and the safety of the American people. Moreover, FEMA clearly needs to function in the event of a disaster, and the Secret Service needs to protect our leaders. The ongoing government shutdown also affects CISA, the cybersecurity section of Homeland Security. This is dangerous and irresponsible.

I’m extremely disappointed with the politicians who are playing games with our national security by shutting down the one agency that protects our borders, keeps watch over terrorists, and effectuates the policies of President Donald Trump — policies reflected in the will of the American people who overwhelmingly elected him.

These politicians who claim they are there for the middle class are hypocrites. Homeland Security employees are public servants — themselves generally members of that middle class — who are being prevented from receiving wages to support their families. They work paycheck to paycheck. This is the height of hypocrisy.

We must remember that 17 federal agencies (with a corresponding thousands of employees) operate under the Homeland Security umbrella. The shutdown stops them from receiving their pay, but cynical politicians know these dedicated Homeland Security employees will show up and work without pay.

The politicians’ insults to the Homeland Security personnel must stop now. These cynics must put aside their partisan agenda and think of the safety and security of their own constituents. They need to reach a consensus on the issues and not use the safety of America as a bargaining chip.

The urgency is now heightened by our war in Iran and the recent terror attacks throughout the United States.

Homeland Security serves all Americans. Its job should not be stopped by political stunts and fear-mongering: The consequences of disrupting Homeland Security are simply too high, and ICE itself (which they shutdown proponents to be protesting) is, of course, fully funded for the next several years.

It is time to reopen the government, fully fund Homeland Security, protect Americans and to honor the oath these politicians swore to uphold.

David Chesnoff is a Las Vegas attorney who serves on the Homeland Security Advisory Council.