Key Takeaways
- •The House Rules Committee approved a closed rule for H.R. 7744 to end a three-week Department of Homeland Security shutdown, rejecting a Democratic amendment to exclude ICE and CBP funding.
- •Tom Cole (Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations) urged passage of the negotiated compromise to restore funding for TSA and FEMA, while Rosa DeLauro (Ranking Member, House Committee on Appropriations) advocated for withholding ICE and CBP funds until reforms are enacted.
- •Rep. Neguse (D, CO-2) pressed Cole on FEMA's alleged political bias in denying disaster aid to Colorado, leading Cole to agree that withholding federal assistance based on politics is unacceptable.
- •Rep. Foxx (R, NC-5) emphasized the need for total DHS funding amid Middle East tensions, while Rep. McGovern (D, MA-2) condemned the administration's "reckless" war in Iran and lawless agency conduct.
- •The legislation proceeds to the House floor for a final vote, though its prospects in the Senate remain dim due to ongoing disputes over immigration enforcement and agency oversight.
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Hearing Analysis
Overview
The hearing focused on the urgent need to resolve a three-week funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that has left over 100,000 employees working without pay. The proceedings occurred against a backdrop of significant geopolitical instability, following recent U.S. military operations in Iran and domestic concerns regarding law enforcement accountability. The central conflict involved a partisan disagreement over whether to pass a comprehensive funding package that includes resources for immigration enforcement or to bifurcate the bill to fund non-controversial agencies while continuing negotiations on border security reforms.
Key Testimony & Policy
Witnesses and members debated H.R. 7744, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. Chairman Tom Cole (R, OK-4) testified that the bill is substantially identical to a bipartisan, bicameral agreement reached in January. He argued that the current shutdown, triggered by the Senate's failure to pass the negotiated compromise, undermines national security during a period of heightened threats from Iranian proxies and Mexican narcotrafficking cartels. Chairman Cole emphasized that the bill includes critical negotiated reforms, such as requirements for law enforcement body-worn cameras and de-escalation training, which remain stalled due to the funding lapse.
Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3) countered by introducing an alternative proposal, H.R. 7481. Her legislation sought to fund "non-controversial" components of DHS—including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)—while withholding funds for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Ranking Member DeLauro argued that ICE and CBP have demonstrated "lawless and reckless" behavior, citing recent incidents involving the deaths of American citizens. She also criticized the administration's proposed $500 million cut to CISA and the reduction of its workforce by one-third.
The Republican majority maintained that H.R. 7744 is the only viable path to fully restoring operational capacity. Rep. Chip Roy (R, TX-21) noted that while some funding for border operations remains from previous cycles, the lapse has halted pay for TSA and Coast Guard personnel and depleted the Disaster Relief Fund. Conversely, Democratic members argued that providing "another cent" to ICE and CBP without strict guardrails—such as warrants for home entries and prohibitions on operations at sensitive locations like schools—would be a dereliction of duty following reports of agent misconduct.
Notable Exchanges & Partisan Dynamics
The hearing was marked by sharp exchanges regarding the President's recent military actions in Iran. Rep. James McGovern (D, MA-2) characterized the conflict as an "illegal war" and a "recklessly misguided regime change" effort that has made the country less safe. Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R, NC-5) defended the administration's actions under Article II of the Constitution, comparing the strikes to previous unauthorized operations in Libya and Syria under Democratic presidents.
A significant exchange occurred between Rep. Joe Neguse (D, CO-2) and Chairman Cole regarding FEMA. Rep. Neguse alleged that the administration has used disaster declarations as a "political whipping stick," claiming that conservative communities in Colorado were denied relief for political reasons while other states received awards. Chairman Cole expressed sympathy for these concerns, agreeing that aid should never be withheld based on politics, and suggested that future appropriations language could limit executive discretion in disaster declarations.
Ranking Member DeLauro and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D, PA-5) focused heavily on the conduct of ICE and CBP agents, specifically mentioning the deaths of Alex Petty and Renee Good. They argued that the Republican bill failed to provide accountability for these incidents. Rep. Austin Scott (R, GA-8) challenged this view, suggesting that defunding CBP would "open the floodgates" at the border.
Organizations Mentioned
* Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The primary subject of the funding bill, currently facing a partial shutdown affecting over 100,000 employees. * Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Discussed regarding its depleted Disaster Relief Fund and allegations of political bias in disaster declarations. * U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): A major point of contention; Democrats sought to withhold its funding pending significant civil rights reforms. * U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Criticized by Democrats for alleged lawlessness and agent misconduct, while Republicans argued its funding is essential for border security. * Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Mentioned regarding significant budget and personnel cuts and its role in defending against Iranian cyber threats. * Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Highlighted as an agency whose officers are currently working without guaranteed pay due to the funding lapse. * United States Coast Guard: Identified as a critical security component currently unfunded, with members emphasizing the need to ensure personnel are paid. * Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Mentioned by Rep. McGovern as having "gutted" cyber defense capabilities by reassigning experts to immigration enforcement.
What's Next
The Rules Committee voted 7-4 to advance H.R. 7744 under a closed rule, which prevents further amendments on the House floor. The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for a vote. Despite the Republican push, Ranking Member DeLauro indicated that the bill has "no chance" of passing the Senate in its current form, suggesting that negotiations between the White House and Senate leadership will continue to be the primary vehicle for resolving the DHS shutdown.
Transcript
Welcome back to the Rules Committee. The committee will come to order. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare recess at any time. Today, the Rules Committee is convening to consider H.R. 7744, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. Before we proceed, I'll address the developments on the U.S. military combat operations that took place in Iran this past weekend. First, all of us extend our prayers to all our military members, but especially to the families and loved ones of the service members who tragically passed away over the past few days. They dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the country they loved. May the knowledge of their service and memories of them and their service stay with us forever. Americans have been blessed from the beginning of our country with men and women who have been willing to sacrifice their lives so the rest of us can live in freedom. Let me make one thing crystal clear: the senior leaders of the Iranian regime who passed away have now faced justice and have reaped what they have sown. Their barbarism, terrorism, and blighting of international diplomacy are at an end. The world is rightly rejoicing. For decades, as all of us understand, Iran and its associated proxies have acted with brazen abandon that has led to the deaths of Americans, a serious degradation of stability in the Middle East and around the world, and attempts to sow fear in the hearts of millions through brute force. To be clear, Iran has been a state sponsor of terrorism for the last 47 years. Iran and the proxies it funded have caused horrible carnage against Americans during that time. Many of those leading that reign of terror have been extinguished. The Iranian people find themselves at a pivotal moment in their history, and they deserve unbridled freedom on their own terms. Let's not forget also that the people of Iran have endured brutal repression under the Islamic Republic for nearly five decades, as the Islamic Republic remained a constant threat to our homeland, our service members, and the American people. In 1979, in its very infancy, the regime's first act was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and consequently hold over 50 Americans hostage for 444 days. Four years later, in 1983, the regime's proxies carried out the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut and killed 241 American military personnel. 17 years later, the regime supported and was involved with the attack on the USS Cole, killing 17 U.S. sailors and injuring 37 other crew members. Time and time again, their malign actions have been etched in the pages of history. Today, thanks to the bold leadership and resolve of the United States, our ally Israel, and partners in the Middle East, a new opportunity for peace has been kindled. The nations of the world should embrace the decimation of the chief sponsor of global terrorism. Our alliances are being secured. But most of all, American lives, the security of our troops in the region, and the interests of our nation are protected during this operation. Our colleagues across the aisle will inevitably want to adjudicate the President's actions and cry foul that he's acting with reckless abandon by not seeking congressional approval. Did they say the same about President Obama's decision to conduct airstrikes in Libya in 2011 without congressional approval? Did they say the same about the airstrikes under President Biden that were carried out in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen without congressional approval during his four years in office? I believe not. And I believe they'll not acknowledge that the President can exercise the authority granted to him under Article II of the Constitution in protecting the nation and its people. All we'll hear is more ire directed at a President who has made serious progress in building lasting peace throughout the world. It's not a new position for them. Now to the appropriations measure before us today. It is past time that we move forward with funding the Department of Homeland Security so that the agency remains best equipped to protect the American people and our entire nation. We do not have a moment to lose, especially when considering how the geopolitical developments over the past few days warrant our immediate attention right here at home. Our imperative here and now must be to fund this agency so that its lapse in operational capacity does not leave this nation vulnerable to all manner of threats. Time is of the essence here, folks. We must ensure a strong posture of security for our very homeland. A failure to do so is a failure to protect the American people and a failure to protect our interests. The answer before us all is undeniably clear. We must get this appropriations package over the finish line. We cannot afford to wait any longer. It's time to act. With that, I now yield to the ranking member, Mr. McGovern, for any comments he wishes to make.
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