House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) has raised concerns about the potential risks to public safety following a lapse in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. The funding gap resulted from Senate Democrats not advancing a House-passed, bipartisan full-year DHS funding bill.
Garbarino appeared on ABC News Live and Fox News Live to discuss the effects of the shutdown, emphasizing that while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) received funds through reconciliation, other DHS divisions such as disaster response, cybersecurity, transportation security, and infrastructure protection are more severely impacted. Many employees in these areas may be required to work without pay, which could strain their readiness.
During his appearance on Fox News Live, Garbarino addressed provisions in the House-passed appropriations bill: “As for the body cameras, it’s [funding] that was already agreed to in the full funding bill, that the Democrats aren’t approving right now… I do believe that there is room for reforms, and I believe that both the CBP and ICE, both of the leaders were in front of my committee this past week, talked about possible reforms.”
He also criticized Senate Democrats’ actions: “It’s really shortsighted on the Democrats’ part to shut down the rest of the department over changes that they’re looking for in ICE and CBP… I hope it doesn’t go on long, but I’m worried what it would do to the security of America if it does.”
Garbarino noted potential disruptions similar to those seen during previous shutdowns: “We’re going to see, like we did in the last shutdown, callouts by TSA officers, which means…the longer lines at the airports. Also, with the FIFA World Cup coming up in June, and the America 250 celebration, the Secret Service is planning a lot of that, TSA is planning a lot of that. So if they’re not there doing work you could see a lot of effects on the games. You could see a lot of effects on the 250th celebration… The families that are affected by natural disasters that FEMA has to come in and take over—those are people who are really going to feel it. And again that's something I hope doesn't happen if it's long-term. But this is a purely Democratic created shutdown. Again because we had an agreed upon deal that they pulled out of.”
On ABC News Live he described how various agencies would be affected: “Secret Service, FEMA, CISA—who’s a cybersecurity agency—as well as TSA officials who work at our airports; Coast Guard—they are all going to go to work without being paid. And the shutdown—the way it is now—I actually think makes our country less safe. And I think it's time that Senate gets back into town and does its job and passes something that House can then pass.”
He added: “The number one priority should be making sure our Coast Guard families, our TSA officers…and FEMA employees are all paid while they're going to work because there are so many things that could happen. And if these guys aren't at full strength again it just puts us at a greater disadvantage.”
Garbarino also highlighted ongoing cooperation between local law enforcement agencies on Long Island with federal partners: “Local police in both Suffolk and Nassau County here on Long Island are working well with ICE and CBP going after worst of worst criminals...making sure those criminals whether it's violent criminals or sex offenders or human traffickers or drug dealers are all taken care of...so they can't continue prey on my constituents.”
A DHS shutdown would force many among its more than 250,000 employees—responsible for national safety—to work without pay. According to statements from Republican members of Homeland Security Committees as well as recent oversight hearings involving leaders from ICE, CBP U.S., Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), FEMA,TSA,CISA,and U.S.Coast Guard,a lapse undermines coordination between agencies,hinders core missions,and increases operational risk.
In January,the House passed six final appropriations bills—including bipartisan agreement for full fiscal year DHS funding—which included resources for body cameras,deescalation training,and support for Office Inspector General transparency initiatives.It also provided critical funds supporting personnel across key components such as FEMA,TSA,U.S.Coast Guard,CISA,and others.
Recent committee hearings further underscored concerns about impacts resulting from any extended interruption in DHS operations.
