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US Department of Homeland Security on verge of shutdown

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At the same time extremist groups such as al-Shabab are encouraging attacks to be carried out in the United States, there are raised concerns over how the government will protect the public. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson is expressing frustration that Congress has not reached a deal to keep his agency from a budget crisis. He warns that could have an effect on national security.

Funding for DHS is wrapped into a House appropriations bill now being reviewed by the Senate–that strips away President Obama’s executive authority that shields millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation. The president has already threatened to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.

The fight over the DHS funding crisis comes as extremist group al-Shaba b is encouraging attacks in malls in the US and Canada. FBI officials are working with mall owners nationwide–boosting security. The threats have put mall owners and officials in the country on high alert including the White House.

Congress has until February 27th until it can’t pay its full staff. DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson has already begun to prepare for funding crisis mode.

Johnson says Congress’ incapability of resolving the budget issue could put the nation and individual states at risk when attempting to battle extremists and severe weather conditions like we’ve seen in recent dates.
If the department shuts down employees will need to be furloughed.

There are seven agencies within DHS including the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration Services, Customs enforcement, Secret Service, FEMA and the US Coast Guard.

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