House Committee on Homeland Security Republicans welcomed President Trump signing H.R.7147 into law on May 1, legislation that funds most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year 2026 and ends what they described as a Democrat-led shutdown. Committee leaders said they appreciated the work of DHS employees who continued their duties despite financial uncertainty during the shutdown.
The topic is significant because the funding ensures critical security agencies can operate fully after a prolonged period where many employees worked without pay, impacting disaster response, cybersecurity, transportation security, and border protection.
Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino said: “For 76 days, Congressional Democrats forced a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security as we face evolving threats both at home and abroad. As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I’m glad that today we fully funded TSA, FEMA, CISA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and other vital components so the men and women on the front lines can get back to focusing on their mission. As a lifelong New Yorker and representative of a community forever marked by 9/11, I know how important that mission is. While the majority of the Department has now been funded, I remain committed to ensuring every component of DHS, including those tasked with border security, has the resources and oversight needed to succeed.”
Other committee members also commented on different aspects of restoring DHS operations. Michael Guest said: “I am pleased to see the end of the Democrat-led shutdown...Republicans will continue to support DHS and the important work they do to keep our country safe and secure.” Dale Strong added: “With President Trump’s support...this bill finally puts an end to the Democrat-led Department of Homeland Security shutdown—with none of the Democrats’ radical policy demands attached.” August Pfluger said: “For 76 days...Democrats held DHS funding hostage...I will not stop fighting until every DHS entity is fully funded.” Josh Brecheen stated: “Today...Republicans [are] positioned to end the longest partial government shutdown in our nation’s history...” Carlos Giménez commented: “For 76 days...our transportation and maritime security systems were under strain...” Andy Ogles remarked: “Despite Democrats’ targeted assault on DHS...House Republicans reopened the department...” Michael McCaul said: "I strongly applaud ...today’s DHS funding bill ...critical for closing security gaps ahead of our upcoming FIFA World Cup games."
Background information provided by committee staff highlights that more than 250,000 employees at DHS faced working without knowing when they would be paid during this period. The shutdown affected key functions across multiple agencies such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), TSA (Transportation Security Administration), USCG (U.S. Coast Guard), CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency), ICE (Immigrations & Customs Enforcement), CBP (Customs & Border Protection), USCIS (Citizenship & Immigration Services) among others.
Hearings held by Congress included testimony from agency leaders who outlined how lack of funding disrupted coordination with state/local partners and weakened national security efforts—especially with large-scale events like upcoming FIFA World Cup games approaching.
Committee members concluded by calling for full restoration or enhancement in future appropriations for all parts within DHS—particularly those responsible for border enforcement—and praised frontline personnel who continued safeguarding national interests throughout months-long uncertainty.
