President Joe Biden has threatened to veto a House bill funding the Department of Homeland Security.
House Republicans have introduced H.R. 4367, dubbed the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to fund DHS next year. But the Biden administration said the bill will not become law.
TUBERVILLE STANDOFF: DEMOCRATS DOWNPLAY SCHUMER ABOUT-FACE AS SHORT-LIVED WIN FOR GOP
“In May, the administration negotiated in good faith with the speaker on bipartisan legislation to avoid a first-ever default and protect the nation’s hard-earned and historic economic recovery,” an official statement of administration policy, or SAP, said. “This negotiation resulted in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and set spending levels for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.”
The agreement, per the White House, was to hold nondefense spending basically flat at 2023 levels, “a compromise that protected vital programs Americans rely on from draconian cuts House Republicans proposed,” the SAP indicated.
Instead, Biden dubbed the new act a “partisan bill” that cuts spending levels to well below the previous agreement.
“These levels would result in deep cuts to climate change and clean energy programs, essential nutrition services, law enforcement, consumer safety, education, and healthcare,” the statement said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Many of the cuts would come to clean energy-related programs, which typically get a harsh reception from conservatives. The White House also said the bill would have “devastating consequences” for LGBT people, cut access to abortion, and prevent the administration from promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“The administration stands ready to engage with both chambers of the Congress in a bipartisan appropriations process to enact responsible spending bills that fully fund federal agencies in a timely manner,” the statement said. “If the president were presented with H.R. 4367, he would veto it.”
