Letter to the editor: Democrats, do your job

OPINION:

The Democrats must fund the Department of Homeland Security and fully open the government now.

They see government employees as pawns in the political process. The livelihoods of federal employees are at risk. If this is the new normal, then who will want to work for the federal government?

One of two things needs to happen. The rules must be changed so that when Congress does not fund the government’s operations (its first job as elected leaders), the salaries of its members and staff are withheld until all government workers’ pay is funded. The two Republican leaders in Congress must bring this legislation to a floor vote.

Alternatively, President Trump can sign an executive order directing the Treasury to move funds to pay all Homeland Security Department workers. Then Congress can sue the administration in court if it wants.

All members of Congress have sworn an oath to do their jobs and operate the government. Funding must be debated so programs are funded with compliance and oversight.

The national budget must be balanced and debt not piled onto our future citizens.

Security for our nation is a priority, not a political pawn. Democrats, do your job.

CHUCK FLOYD

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Machipongo, Virginia