House Committee on Homeland Security Republicans warned on Apr. 6 that the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, attributed to Congressional Democrats, has surpassed 50 days and is causing significant strain on national security and government operations.
The extended lapse in DHS funding is raising concerns about the nation’s ability to respond to current threats and maintain essential services. Officials have testified that the shutdown has put pressure on the DHS workforce, disrupted coordination with state and local partners, and may be weakening national security.
Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest said, “I’m worried that Americans are less safe today during this shutdown. In a time in which we have a conflict in the Middle East, where we should be at a position of heightened security, we’re not able to meet those demands because we have individuals who are not getting paid and are not able to come to work.”
Representative Vince Fong highlighted disruptions across multiple agencies: “It’s very clear that the security of our homeland is not a game. We are facing a heightened threat landscape with everything going on, and it’s more important now than ever that the Department of Homeland Security is fully funded…We have TSA agents who are leaving the agency. 458, I think, have left the agency so far during this shutdown… In California, we are planning for the World Cup and the Olympics…Security planning is being impacted right now… Our cybersecurity threats continue to intensify… FEMA, we got wildfires, tornadoes. Those things are occurring right now… We need FEMA operating at full strength so we can prepare for disasters.” Fong also referenced DHS’s origins: “The tragedy that happened on 9/11 is the reason the Department of Homeland Security was created… The mission that they are entrusted is to protect America…”
Representative Sheri Biggs spoke about hardships faced by employees: “We have seen hard-working individuals suffer… Seeing those workers going to work without a paycheck, worried about how they’re going to keep their home… it’s ridiculous… Now is not the time to be playing dangerous games.”
Representative Gabe Evans connected Democratic actions with law enforcement funding: “Unfortunately … Democrats have never truly moved on from their defund the police and open borders policies … They can’t actually defund law enforcement … So they’re doing … refusing to pass [the] Department of Homeland Security funding bill…”
Representative Matt Van Epps described challenges for public-private collaboration: “The Coast Guard can’t pay shipyards … contractors are reconsidering whether it even makes sense to do business with [the] federal government … Now it’s too risky … because of this Democrat shutdown.”
As testimony from senior officials at agencies like TSA, FEMA, CISA and USCG continues before Congress regarding these impacts, committee members stress an urgent need for bipartisan action.
