Thinking about shutdown of Homeland Security

When the Republican Party chooses to shut down the Department of Homeland Security, why are the employees who are not getting paid (like other furloughed workers), forced to come to work?

If the Republicans truly want a removal of "Homeland Security," why did they not mention that when they campaigned during the 2014 election debacle?

Won't shutting down the department make America more vulnerable to attack? Just thinkin'.

Edward C. Moon

Wheeling