Democrat lawmakers' top priorities are keeping the Department of Homeland Security shut down and "restricting" President Donald Trump from attacking "terrorists," Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., told Newsmax on Tuesday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Fine blasted Democrats for what he described as political obstruction at a time of escalating tensions with Iran and heightened domestic security concerns.
His remarks come as U.S. Central Command reported American forces struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, missile launch sites, and drone infrastructure after Iran allegedly launched drones at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Trump has said Operation Epic Fury could last four to five weeks, or longer if necessary, vowing the U.S. will stay engaged until its objectives are achieved.
Fine said he was not surprised by the lack of bipartisan unity.
"The fact of the matter is we've got people who hate America," Fine said, arguing that Democrats have allowed millions into the country who do not share American values.
"As I return to Washington, my top priority is getting the Department of Homeland Security open so we can be protected from terrorists. Democrats' top priority this week is stopping us from attacking terrorists by restricting President Trump."
Congress is preparing to vote on a war powers resolution that would limit the president's military authority.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has warned the move would undermine national security.
Fine predicted the effort would "backfire" on Democrats, accusing them of prioritizing political resistance over public safety.
"Right now, the Department of Homeland Security — literally the people whose job it is to protect America — that part of our government is shut down," Fine said. "Democrats are whipping votes to keep it closed. Their priority is to keep DHS closed and stop us from fighting Muslim terror. It is insane."
Fine also referenced Sunday's mass shooting in Austin, Texas, in which the alleged suspect reportedly wore clothing referencing Iran and Islam.
The lawmaker warned that "sleeper cells are no longer sleeping" and expressed concern about threats inside America.
"These people aren't asleep. They are telling us they want to kill us," Fine said, pointing to what he described as radical rhetoric from some religious leaders mourning Iranian figures.
Defense analysts note that U.S. forces maintain overwhelming superiority in the region, with sustained airstrikes aimed at degrading Iran's military capacity.
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Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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