Congresswoman McClain Delaney Statement on the Department of Homeland Security Funding Lapse

Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) released the following statement:

“Tonight at midnight, appropriated funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to lapse, and it should not be renewed until we see good faith negotiations from the White House and Republicans in Congress. Democrats have been clear: we are prepared to fund the vital missions that protect the American people, but Republicans refuse to negotiate meaningful reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.  

“Democrats have put forward legislation to fully fund every law-abiding component and worker of DHS. This approach would protect critical agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and its Disaster Relief Fund, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the United States Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. It ensures disaster response, aviation security, maritime operations, cybersecurity readiness, and other essential services continue uninterrupted — and that thousands of federal workers receive the pay and benefits they have earned. At the same time, reform is necessary.

“For months, DHS has used paramilitary tactics in our communities, killed and arrested American citizens, conducted large-scale unlawful raids, detained people in deplorable conditions without legal access, and secretly planned warehouse detention centers – including one in Washington County. We cannot continue writing blank checks to an agency that continuously disregards accountability, transparency and the rule of law. Until a genuine effort to restore public trust and implement meaningful reforms, we cannot continue funding these practices.”

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.