Congressional candidates Vinnie Gentile and Dan Donovan both checked in with similar comments yesterday about the Republican-dominated House finally approving a $40 billion spending measure to keep the Department of Homeland Security running.
The funding had been stalled because GOP members wanted to tie the allocation to immigration-related concessions. But the gridlock was assailed in the court of public opinion – a point Gentile reiterated in his comments about the passage.
“I am glad the Republicans came to their senses. America’s security should never be used as a pawn in petty partisan games,” said Gentile. “I am relieved that a clean funding bill was passed today but remain appalled that given the threats we face as a nation, and here in New York City in particular, that my opponent’s party would use homeland security as a political bargaining chip.”
Donovan said he was pleased Congress came to an agreement on funding the Homeland Security Department through the end of September.
“New York City is the number one terrorist target in the world and to say this funding is critical to our safety is an understatement. We must always remain vigilant, and this funding must always remain above politics. Despite my opposition to President Obama’s overreach on immigration, I will always fight to ensure our city has the resources it needs to be protected,” he said.
Donovan also issued a statement thanking Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for traveling here to addressing the American public on one of the most pressing global security issues facing our nation.
“The long-term consequences of a bad deal with Iran could be catastrophic to Israel, the United States and Arab nations. Time is of the essence to reject this bad deal and begin working toward a solution that will shut down Iran’s nuclear ambitions. I urge President Obama to employ peace through strength in his continued talks with the Iranian leadership,” Donovan said.
Gentile didn’t release any statements regarding the speech, but did write an editorial for the Huffington Post calling for the wealthy to pay more into social security.
“Currently, Americans pay tax on their first $118,500 in income, but any income above that total remains untouched. That means someone with an annual income of approximately $1.5 million pays 1/12 the rate that most middle-class Americans do, because all income from $118,501 on up is untaxed,” wrote Gentile.
“While millionaires and billionaires can stop contributing to Social Security once they’ve earned $118,500 — about one month’s salary for someone with an annual income of $1.5 million — working class people contribute all year long, each and every week from their paycheck. The bottom line is that everyday Americans, like the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn, incur a far higher Social Security tax-burden than the super-rich, and this makes absolutely no sense,” he added.
The 11th Congressional District is comprised of Staten Island and parts of Southern Brooklyn. The special election is May 5.
