WASHINGTON, March 3 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement today after the House relented and passed legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security through this September:

“After weeks of an unnecessary, self-made crisis, the House finally has agreed to fund the Department of Homeland Security. This is welcome news for the department’s 2,500 workers in Vermont, their co-workers around the country and for a nation that depends on them to help keep us safe.

“With growing threats from ISIS and other terrorists around the world, it was beyond belief that Republicans in the House were even thinking of shutting down the department. I hope that Speaker Boehner’s belated step means that he will no longer give free-rein to the most petulant right-wing extremists in his caucus.”