Sen. Mark Kelly on DHS accountability and funding

WASHINGTON (KYMA) - Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday to talk about bringing accountability to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as well as why he's not voting to fund the agency.

"We should demand that, as Senators, as Republicans and Democrats, as Americans, we should all demand better and we should use our power to make it happen. That's why I will not vote for the Department of Homeland Security budget this week because that agency needs an overhaul from the top down and the bottom up. That's why the head of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and the guy who everyone knows is calling the shots and running the show, Stephen Miller, both of them should be out of jobs because they have lost the trust of the American people."

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)

According to a press release, Sen. Kelly also talked about the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act.

The bill is said to set "clear use-of-force standards, increase transparency, and strengthen accountability for immigration enforcement operations" as well as protect communities and ensure officers "can safely address public safety and national security concerns."

"I introduced the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act to rein in and stop this abuse of power. This bill sets limits on the use of force and the use of firearms by immigration agents. It restricts the use of tear gas, flash bangs grenades, and pepper balls. It requires body cameras to be used, and it restricts the use of face masks. It requires accountability and transparency, so that when someone is hurt or killed, the American people will get some answers. This is basic stuff. It should be what all Americans expect from law enforcement, and it should be something that both Republicans and Democrats alike can support."

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)

The speech comes after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

"Two Americans are dead at the hands of their government. That should demand the highest levels of accountability. It is that simple. Instead, this administration has lied to the American people. They have slandered these Americans as terrorists. They have told us not to believe what we see with our own eyes. They blamed Alex Pretti because he was in lawful possession of a firearm. They have tried to block investigations into what happened."

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)

To learn more about the bill, click here. To watch Kelly's speech, see attached video.