A New Era of Homeland Security: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for DHS

Committee on Homeland Security

2025-05-14

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Source: Congress.gov

Summary

The Committee on Homeland Security convened to discuss President Trump's budget for the Department of Homeland Security, with Secretary Kristi Noem testifying for the first time before the committee. The hearing opened with acknowledgements of Police Week, followed by sharply contrasting opening statements regarding the Trump administration's approach to homeland security and the previous administration's legacy . Secretary Noem faced immediate criticism from Democratic members over her delayed appearance and the administration's alleged dismantling of DHS, while Republican members praised her rapid progress .

Themes

Border Security and Immigration Enforcement

The Trump administration's border policies were a central theme, with Republicans celebrating a reported 93-97% decrease in illegal crossings at the Southwest border and a significant drop in fentanyl traffic . Secretary Noem attributed this success to President Trump's firm stance on enforcing existing federal laws and removing individuals who crossed illegally . Republican members lauded the administration for deporting known terrorists and thousands of criminals, including MS-13 gang members, and for empowering law enforcement agencies . They argued that new leadership, rather than new laws, was the key to securing the border and sought to codify Trump's executive actions to ensure long-term enforcement .

Democrats, however, accused the administration of unlawfully deporting U.S. citizens, including children with cancer, and denying due process to many individuals . They challenged the veracity of the administration's claims, specifically questioning a "doctored photo" of an alleged MS-13 member and citing Supreme Court rulings that found a lack of due process in certain deportation cases . Concerns were also raised about the administration's treatment of asylum seekers and the lack of communication regarding deported individuals held in foreign prisons .

DHS Budget and Mission Focus

Discussions also revolved around the DHS budget and the agency's core mission. Secretary Noem stated that the proposed reconciliation bill was "imperative" for securing the nation, particularly for neglected areas like the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, and ICE, and for investing in interdiction technology and surveillance . She emphasized refocusing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on protecting critical infrastructure and federal networks, stating that CISA had been "so far off mission" with past "censorship activities" .

Democratic members expressed alarm at proposed budget cuts to FEMA and CISA, arguing these reductions would make Americans less safe by hindering disaster preparedness, emergency response, and cybersecurity efforts . They questioned the administration's rationale for these cuts, especially after accusing the previous administration of dismantling DHS . Republicans, conversely, supported the budget adjustments as necessary to return CISA to its core mission and eliminate wasteful spending on "disinformation and misinformation" programs .

FEMA and Disaster Response

FEMA's future and effectiveness were contentious points. Secretary Noem indicated that President Trump aims to either eliminate or dramatically reform FEMA to empower states and local governments in disaster response . She cited long-standing unpaid claims and instances of political targeting in previous FEMA operations as reasons for reform .

Democrats voiced strong opposition to the dismantling of FEMA, especially with upcoming natural disaster seasons, and questioned the absence of a detailed written plan for such significant changes . While some acknowledged FEMA's past inefficiencies, they stressed that many states lack the resources to handle large-scale disasters without federal assistance .

Congressional Oversight and Conduct

The incident at the Delaney Hall detention facility, where Democratic members allegedly "stormed" the facility and physically accosted federal law enforcement, was heavily debated . Chairman Luttrell and Secretary Noem condemned these actions as a "political stunt" and "lawlessness," arguing they endangered personnel and violated proper protocols for congressional oversight . They emphasized that appropriate visits would always be facilitated if procedures were followed .

Democratic members defended their right to conduct unannounced oversight visits, citing statutory authority . They accused ICE personnel of assaulting members and DHS of lying about the incident . Republicans strongly condemned the members' actions, equating them to criminal behavior and questioning why those involved were not facing charges .

Tone of the Meeting

The meeting's tone was notably contentious and highly polarized, characterized by frequent interruptions, personal attacks, and strong partisan rhetoric . Speakers from both sides were accusatory, with Democrats accusing the administration of constitutional violations, lying, and weaponizing DHS , while Republicans accused Democrats of defending criminals, open borders, and undermining law enforcement . Secretary Noem maintained a defensive yet assertive posture, consistently defending the Trump administration's policies as lawful and effective amidst intense questioning . The exchanges reflected deep frustration and strong ideological divides between the parties .

Participants

Transcript

The Committee on Homeland Security will come to order.  Without objection, the Chair may declare the Committee in recess at any point.  During today's hearing, I would remind members that they should direct their comments to the Chair or to the Secretary.  I now recognize myself for an opening statement.  Good morning, Secretary Nunn, and thank you for joining the Committee today to discuss President Trump's budget to fund the crucial mission of the Department of Homeland Security.  Before we begin, I want to mention that this is Police Week,   a time for us to remember and honor the contributions of the men and women of federal, state, and local law enforcement across this country, including within DHS.  I think a lot of people don't realize that there are more badges in HSI than there are in the FBI.  So much could be said about all of you who devote your lives to service and to keep us safe.  But for now, let me simply say thank you.  Thank you and know that our committee has your back.   Madam Secretary, this is your first appearance before the committee, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with you and your team as we strive to undo the damage and the chaos created by your predecessor.  When you took office, you inherited an unprecedented crisis at our southern border, at all our borders, created by President Biden, Vice President and Border Czar Kamala Harris and Secretary Mayorkas.  For four years, the administration and unaccountable bureaucrats   helped craft their extreme agenda, dismantled our secure border, gutted interior immigration enforcement, and implemented a policy of mass catch and release that flooded our communities with millions of illegal immigrants.  Under the Biden-Harris administration, Customs and Border Protection recorded more than 11 million encounters of inadmissible aliens at our border.   On top of that, astronomical number, CBP has recorded roughly 2 million known gotaways, a number that exceeded the previous 10 physical years combined.
That's more than 13 million inadmissible aliens who violated our sovereign border in just four years, around quadruple the number from the first Trump administration, and all because the administration's policies and rhetoric encouraged them to do so.   The first few months of the second Trump administration provided a remarkable contrast.  Under your and President Trump's leadership, the Border Patrol has apprehended just around 25,000 illegal crossers at the Southwest border.  By comparison, in December of 2024, more than 47,000 illegal crossers were apprehended.  We went from a record 301,000 illegal crossings at the Southwest border in December of 23 to just over 7,000 in March.   an astonishing 97% decrease.  It turns out we didn't need comprehensive immigration reform or woefully misguided Senate border bill that was pushed by the former secretary.  We just needed a president willing to enforce the laws Congress had already passed.  Because illegal aliens now know that President Trump will have them removed from the country, they've stopped coming.  My colleagues on the other side of the aisle understand this.   They do not want to talk about these victories because they know that for four years they stood on the wrong side of this issue, defending open borders and the abolition of ICE.  They also understand the American people do not trust them on the issue of border security and immigration enforcement, in large part because of their radical stances.  I expect they'll spend a lot of time today twisting the truth to mislead the American people.  I look forward to hearing you set the record straight.  And while we're talking about Democrats   anti-enforcement extremism, I'd like to briefly extend my regrets to you, Madam Secretary, and to the entire DHS workforce for the antics we saw on display outside the Delaney Hall detention facility last week.  Right now, attacks on law enforcement across this country are up 400%.
Public officials should be sending a clear signal that these brave public servants are to be respected and not assaulted.   However, on Friday, current and former Democrat members of this committee stormed their way into an ICE facility in Newark, causing mass chaos and verbally and physically accosting members of federal law enforcement in the process.  I'd like to share a video.
The Department of Homeland Security is warning there could be more arrests following the incident that you see here.
I'm embarrassed by what I saw, and everyone should be.  This behavior is utterly unbecoming of a citizen, let alone a member of Congress.  Democrats may talk a big game about law and order, but these actions are a violation of the sacred principle.  Not only have Democrats excused these actions, but they've actually tried to blame ICE for what happened.   When you punch a law enforcement officer, that's not the law enforcement officer's fault.  This behavior demands a swift and firm response, and I assure you action will be taken.  Despite Democrats' best efforts to prevent it, the Trump administration has ended the immediate crisis at our borders.  However, more work remains.   particularly in removing the millions of individuals who have no lawful basis to be in the United States.  It is essential that we swiftly fund enforcement efforts through the reconciliation process.  Congress must also codify President Trump's successful policies to ensure they can withstand the schemes of open border radicals.  Meanwhile, the open border is not the only threat our nation faces.

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