Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, called on House Republicans to vote on a clean bill to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), after the House voted down a three-week funding bill to keep the department open.

“The responsible way to govern is to pass a DHS funding bill through Sept. 30. Let’s keep people on the job and pay them for the work they are doing when they are doing it.

“The three-week funding bill I voted against was the irresponsible approach to funding our homeland security needs, continuing to jeopardize thousands of people’s paychecks and our country’s safety.

“I stand ready to get this funding bill done so DHS can do its job for the American people, and I hope Republicans will join me,” Larsen said.

A shutdown would mean more than 212,000 DHS employees nationwide, including 6,100 in Washington state, would either be furloughed or would continue working without pay.

Larsen already has called on Republicans to let DHS do its job.

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