Rep. Malliotakis to Newsmax: Dems Endanger US With DHS Funding Block

Democrats are jeopardizing national security by refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis said Thursday on Newsmax, warning that the ongoing shutdown is already affecting airport operations and federal workers.

"Our Coast Guard is not getting paid, our TSA workers are not getting paid, Americans are suffering with long lines at the airports," the New York Republican told Newsmax's "Wake Up America Early."

Malliotakis described the situation as particularly concerning given upcoming national events.

"This is serious. This is about our national security," she said, pointing to the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the United States' 250th anniversary, and the World Cup.

She criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., saying Democrats are blocking funding for key border enforcement functions.

"The idea that they don't want to fund Customs and Border Protection to know who is coming over our border and to stop anyone who's coming over illegally to conduct nefarious acts," Malliotakis said.

She also said Democrats are opposing efforts to detain and remove people in the country illegally who may pose a threat.

"They don't want to be able to detain and deport criminals or potential terrorists who could be in our interior," she said.

Malliotakis linked the dispute to broader immigration policies, citing a recent incident in New York City.

"Just the other day, we had an 83-year-old veteran shoved on the subway tracks in New York City by an illegal immigrant who was deported four times," she said, adding the individual had "15 prior arrests" and remained in the country due to policies she attributed to Democrats.

She said the funding fight is part of a broader pattern.

"This is absolutely mind-boggling, but it's not surprising because of the lengths that Democrats have gone to protect people in this country illegally," Malliotakis said.

Malliotakis also discussed legislation related to the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum, saying a bipartisan effort stalled after Democrats withdrew support in committee.

"My legislation would simply transfer the land so the museum could be built," she said, noting the measure had "230 sponsors, basically split between Republicans and Democrats."

She said Democrats' support eroded after an amendment was added specifying that the museum would recognize only biological women.

"A women's museum needs to honor women. I mean, that's common sense. It shouldn't be controversial," Malliotakis said. "It was the Democrat support in committee yesterday, which was shocking."

Malliotakis said Republicans plan to continue advancing the bill.

"Sadly, this may be only Republicans that end up getting this done and this tribute to the women of America," she said, adding she hopes Democrats "will come to their senses and rejoin this."

Malliotakis also addressed conditions in Cuba, pointing to her family's history after fleeing the country and expressing hope for political change.

"My mother fled the island in 1959. Her family was destroyed," she said. "They've lived in misery for 67 years because of communism."

She said she is optimistic that Cuba could see a shift away from its current government.

"I'm hopeful that under President Trump's leadership, they will see a free Cuba once again," Malliotakis said, adding such a change would allow for "free and fair elections, be able to assemble, be able to create political parties, be able to go on the streets of protest, freedom of press, freedom of speech."

Malliotakis also said a change in Cuba's government would have broader national security implications.

"We need Cuba to be free because they've provided a dangerous platform for communist China, for Russia, for Iran, for other terrorists, for fugitives, American fugitives, a safe harbor for them," she said.

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