"When you see those TSA workers today, some of the only government employees not getting paid during this shutdown, what would you tell them?" we asked Republican Tom McClintock of North Fresno.
"What the Senate has done is unconscionable," McClintock said.
The lawmaker blamed the Senate, specifically the Democrats. House Republicans already passed a DHS funding bill.
"The immigration enforcement has already been funded," McClintock said. "All they're doing is holding hostage the disaster relief, the TSA screening."
Last week, however, Republicans blocked a bill from California senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla to fund FEMA during negotiations.
"I've participated in every bipartisan meeting, you know, on this topic, looking for bipartisan solutions," Merced Democrat Adam Gray told Action News.
He is among the Democrats calling for reforms to DHS, including restrictions on masks and new requirements for warrants.
"We've had Americans shot and killed as a result of this irresponsible behavior," Gray said. "It's got to be reined in. There's got to be rules and protocols."
Weeks into this shutdown, the back-and-forth is weighing on travelers.
"The politicians should just quit penalizing the people who are trying to do their job," a traveler in Atlanta told ABC's Steve Osunsami on Monday. "And, frankly, they shouldn't get paid until they get this straightened out."
"Is there any area where you can meet (Democrats) at the table there?" Action News asked McClintock.
"(On) body cameras, for example," McClintock said. "I think you have to protect everybody. I've got no problems with that."
"I couldn't agree more," Gray said when asked about McClintock's response. "If Tom McClintock wants to introduce that legislation, I will co-sponsor it with him."
As the fight over DHS funding continues, the department has a new leader. Former Senator Markwayne Mullin is confirmed as the next secretary, replacing Kristi Noem.
"I think it was time for a change," McClintock said. "I think Markwayne Mullin is the change we needed."
McClintock has national jurisdiction and oversight of immigration policy, working closely with the DHS secretary as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement.
We asked him about the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.
"When you see that, is that how you want federal agents to be acting?" Action News asked.
"No, I don't," McClintock said. "But also, I do think the citizens should be respecting law enforcement and complying with lawful orders by law enforcement."
Congressman Gray responded.
"It's demonstrated that we don't have the right guardrails in place," he said. "I'm glad that Kristi Noem was fired. (She) should have been fired a long time ago."
During his confirmation hearing, Mullin promised a "better approach" to enforcement, even acknowledging concerns over the Trump administration's efforts to build large new immigration detention centers.
"Have you been inside any of these facilities yourself?" Action News asked McClintock.
"Yes, many times," he said. "I was there during the Obama era or probably during the Biden year, and what I saw was appalling."
"Do you think as chairman, with national oversight over this enforcement, do you think maybe you should visit during this administration?" Action News pressed.
"Well, I haven't yet," McClintock said. "You have probably a good suggestion. I'll take that under advisement," he said.
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