House Dem Whip Clark: ‘Have to Do All’ of What We Want for DHS Funding

February 12, 2026
8:05 pm

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House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) dropped a bombshell on MSNBC's The Weeknight Thursday, declaring that Democrats must have to do all of what they want in exchange for funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). When pressed on whether mask rules for federal agents represent a non-negotiable red line in funding talks, Clark didn't mince words: it's not just masks—it's the whole progressive wishlist or bust. This isn't some offhand remark; it's a naked power play from the Democrat leadership, signaling they're willing to hold national security hostage to ram through pet policies, from COVID-era mandates to who-knows-what-else lurking in the fine print. Digging deeper, this mindset reeks of the same tactics Democrats have wielded against the Second Amendment for years—think the stalled ATF nominations and endless funding riders aimed at choking gun manufacturers and registries. DHS oversees ATF operations, border security (where gun trafficking is rampant), and fusion centers that flag domestic extremists (code for law-abiding gun owners exercising their rights). Clark's all or nothing stance could greenlight billions in slush funds for expanded red-flag enforcement, universal background check infrastructures, or even mask-mandated raids on suspected non-compliant homes. It's clever brinkmanship: frame it as public safety while slipping in the infrastructure for confiscation. Pro-2A warriors should see this as a flashing warning—DHS funding isn't just about agents' faces; it's a Trojan horse for eroding constitutional carry and privacy rights under the guise of bureaucracy. The implications for the gun community are stark: with Republicans holding slim majorities, Clark's threat tests Speaker Johnson's resolve. If GOP leadership caves, expect a domino effect—emboldened Dems pushing assault weapon bans via appropriations next. But flip the script: this is rally-the-base gold for 2A advocates. Flood your reps with calls, amplify this clip on X, and remind voters come 2024 that Democrats prioritize partisan wishlists over securing the homeland. Stand firm, or watch your rights get masked away.

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House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) dropped a bombshell on MSNBC’s The Weeknight Thursday, declaring that Democrats must have to do all of what they want in exchange for funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). When pressed on whether mask rules for federal agents represent a non-negotiable red line in funding talks, Clark didn’t mince words: it’s not just masks—it’s the whole progressive wishlist or bust. This isn’t some offhand remark; it’s a naked power play from the Democrat leadership, signaling they’re willing to hold national security hostage to ram through pet policies, from COVID-era mandates to who-knows-what-else lurking in the fine print.

Digging deeper, this mindset reeks of the same tactics Democrats have wielded against the Second Amendment for years—think the stalled ATF nominations and endless funding riders aimed at choking gun manufacturers and registries. DHS oversees ATF operations, border security (where gun trafficking is rampant), and fusion centers that flag domestic extremists (code for law-abiding gun owners exercising their rights). Clark’s all or nothing stance could greenlight billions in slush funds for expanded red-flag enforcement, universal background check infrastructures, or even mask-mandated raids on suspected non-compliant homes. It’s clever brinkmanship: frame it as public safety while slipping in the infrastructure for confiscation. Pro-2A warriors should see this as a flashing warning—DHS funding isn’t just about agents’ faces; it’s a Trojan horse for eroding constitutional carry and privacy rights under the guise of bureaucracy.

The implications for the gun community are stark: with Republicans holding slim majorities, Clark’s threat tests Speaker Johnson’s resolve. If GOP leadership caves, expect a domino effect—emboldened Dems pushing assault weapon bans via appropriations next. But flip the script: this is rally-the-base gold for 2A advocates. Flood your reps with calls, amplify this clip on X, and remind voters come 2024 that Democrats prioritize partisan wishlists over securing the homeland. Stand firm, or watch your rights get masked away.

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