Late last week, the House passed a bill to restore regular federal funding to border security during the shutdown. This bill, called the Border Security and Safety Act, would ensure that patrol vehicles and aircrafts were fueled, border agents were paid in full and support staff was allowed to work.

As we go into week three of the government shutdown, I find myself wondering where, exactly, are the priorities of House Republicans?

Some 800,000 workers have been furloughed since the beginning of the shutdown, many of whom are now relying on food pantries to feed their families. And over 9 million low-income women and children must now go without the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental food and nutrition program.

Lately it’s started to feel like the only functioning part of our government is its ability to deport and separate families. This week, the Obama administration is expected to reach a new record of 2 million deportations, more than any other administration in history.

And while House Republicans continue to stall on immigration reform, despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans are in favor of a path to citizenship for the 11 million citizens-in-waiting, 1,100 families are torn apart every day.

With children and families going hungry, with border security already at its most heightened, with 1,100 families facing separation every day, why is it that House Republicans are still focused on strengthening our borders? It’s time they start trying to clean up the mess they created.

Image via: Jim Greenville/Flickr