John Kelly Joins Former DHS Chiefs in Shutdown Letter

Five former Homeland Security chiefs have written a letter to President Trump and Congress imploring them to end the government shutdown in the name of national security. One name in particular stands out, that of John Kelly, who left the Trump administration on not-so-great terms. “DHS employees who protect the traveling public, investigate and counter terrorism, and protect critical infrastructure should not have to rely on the charitable generosity of others for assistance in feeding their families and paying their bills while they steadfastly focus on the mission at hand," the letter reads, per the Hill. "This is unconscionable."

The letter was signed by Kelly along with Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff, who served under President Bush, and Janet Napolitano and Jeh Johnson, who served under President Obama. Thursday is the 34th day of the shutdown, and barring a miracle resolution, affected government employees will go without their second paycheck on Friday, notes Politico. The Senate is expected to vote on two bills to end the shutdown Thursday, one supported by Democrats and one by Republicans. Neither is expected to pass, but they could lead to further negotiations. (Trump rejected Kelly's parting comments about a border wall.)