Like other agencies, the Customs Service handles critical homeland security functions (such as border protection) as well as non-homeland security functions (such as regulating currency). During debate on the Department of Homeland (DHS) consolidation plan, Congressman Cardin (D-MD) offered an amendment which would have preserved the Customs Service as a distinct entity within the new Department. Progressives supported the Cardin measure because, in their view, the non-security functions of the Customs Service (which was formerly housed in the Treasury Department) should not be included in the new Department. In the view of Progressives, the grant of executive authority provided in the DHS consolidation should be limited to preserve the constitutionally-mandated balance of power between Congress and the White House. The non-security functions of the Customs Service, Progressives worried, would not be subjected to the same level of congressional oversight if the agency was absorbed by the DHS (the administration's consolidation plan would limit congressional oversight on DHS activities). The Cardin amendment was defeated on a 177-245 vote.