Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been less able to prepare for World Cup security because of a 76-day funding lapse. Speaking at a DHS press conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Mullin said the shutdown limits the department’s ability to be “proactive” in planning and coordinating measures intended to keep the event secure. Mullin described the preparation effort as impacted by the delay in funding, arguing that the department cannot pursue the level of advance work it would otherwise do if resources were available on schedule.
The Independent and The Hill both report Mullin’s comments tying the department’s preparedness level to the funding lapse. The Independent also reports that Mullin frames the delay as linked to Democrats. Across the accounts, the central point is that Mullin attributes shortcomings in DHS readiness for the upcoming World Cup to the length of the funding lapse and the resulting interruption in normal operations and planning.
