House panel holds hearing on impacts of DHS shutdown

[0:00] Democrats shut down the Department of Homeland Security 40 days ago. Their actions are reckless, [0:05] dangerous, and unacceptable. Today, we are fortunate to hear from the leadership of four [0:11] DHS components that have been dealing with the direct impacts this shutdown has placed on their [0:15] agencies, their missions, and their workforce. It is unfortunate that Senate Democrats chose to [0:21] shut down DHS and weaken our national security posture for their own political gain, especially [0:26] at such a critical time and heightened threat environment across the homeland. Senate Democrats [0:31] have repeatedly held up and voted against a bipartisan, bicameral deal to fund DHS for [0:38] fiscal year 2026. Recent developments in the Senate are showing some potential momentum towards [0:44] hopefully ending this harmful shutdown soon. The deal is proposed. We look forward to reviewing it [0:49] quickly. The fact is that DHS is still shut down today, and we should never have been in the [0:54] position in the first place. And once this shutdown eventually does end, the department and its [1:00] workforce will be left dealing with the damaging consequences of it for a long time. [1:04] Lawmakers need to be prepared to support them, another reason why our hearing today is so [1:11] important. I expect members on the other side of the aisle to speak today about how they support [1:15] funding for some DHS agencies, including those appearing before us today, such as TSA, but they [1:22] do not support the rest of DHS, including ICE and CBP. To withhold funding from the department is [1:29] not only flawed, but immensely dangerous. The Department of Homeland Security was created after [1:34] the terrorist attacks of September 11th. In direct [1:38] response to operational silos among security agencies and general failures in coordination and [1:43] information sharing. As a lifelong New Yorker and the representative of a community forever marked by [1:49] the September 11th terrorist attacks, the mission of the department is deeply personal for me. 25 [1:55] years later, its purpose is essential as ever. Putting the fragmented pieces together under a [2:01] single entity was the primary objective in creating the Department of Homeland Security. The [2:06] department exists to ensure that all agencies and personnel entrusted with protecting the lives of [2:11] the American people are working together to accomplish their interconnected missions to protect, defend, and secure the [2:19] homeland. Democrats have argued to throw out that framework by proposing Congress fund some DHS agencies but not others. This [2:27] approach would dangerously degrade interagency coordination. Responding to threats, protecting the American people and preparing [2:34] the country for future events requires the coordinated efforts of dozens of DHS agencies and hundreds of thousands of dedicated individuals all working [2:43] together to accomplish the department's no-fail mission. The shutdown has caused massive disruptions [2:50] across our airports and travel system nationwide, weakened our nation's cybersecurity posture, [2:55] and left states unsupported. With less than 100 days until the start of major events across the [3:01] United States, such as FIFA World Cup, SAIL 250, and America 250, we cannot afford to let DHS go [3:07] unfunded and unsupported. TSA security officers, CISA cyber defenders, civilian Coast Guard [3:16] personnel, and FEMA emergency management professionals, while deemed essential, [3:21] are going unpaid. The Trump administration has been able to pay military and law enforcement [3:25] personnel, but this is not a long-term solution. We must focus on funding the DHS workforce. [3:32] These are public servants who care about the department's mission. These men and women keep [3:37] our nation safe every day. We need the best and the brightest to defend the United States [3:41] and the United States. We need the best and the brightest to defend the United States and the [3:41] United States. We need the best and the brightest to defend the United States and the United States. [3:42] We need the best and the brightest to defend the United States from sophisticated adversaries [3:44] and dynamic threats. And this dysfunction and uncertainty only makes it harder for DHS to [3:49] recruit and retain talented public servants. Washington cannot continue to disrespect and [3:54] devalue their work without consequence. While back pay is helpful in the long run, [4:00] mortgage payments, rent, health care, child care, car and electric bills were due yesterday. [4:06] Providing food for your family cannot be put on hold while Chuck Schumer and [4:10] Senate Democrats play politics with national security. I'm extremely [4:14] concerned about the long-term impacts that this shutdown will have and already has had, [4:20] compounded by the lingering impacts of the 43-day shutdown that DHS experienced last fall [4:25] on the recruitment and retention of DHS personnel. Over 1,550 TSOs have left TSA [4:31] during the past two shutdowns. It takes four to six months to onboard and train a new TSO. [4:37] With the FIFA World Cup across 11 U.S. cities starting June 11th, millions of international [4:42] fans are expected to travel through our nation's airports. This presents a dire situation both in [4:47] terms of efficiency and security, and it only gets worse with each passing day. In the last [4:53] several weeks, we have seen acts of violence across the country from Austin, Texas to West [4:57] Bloomfield, Michigan, and ISIS-inspired attacks at Old Dominion University and in New York City, [5:03] reminding us of the persistent threat of terrorism we face and why a fully funded and functional DHS [5:09] is so critical. New leadership of the department with Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen presents an [5:14] opportunity to make improvements across the board and move forward together. This shutdown is not a [5:20] game, and frankly, I'm tired of it being treated like one. The stakes are too high. We owe it to the [5:26] American people to stop the political games, to fund DHS, and to get back to regular order. [5:31] I hope all my colleagues will use this opportunity today to hear from the witnesses about the harmful [5:36] operational and security impacts that this shutdown has caused and the long-term consequences [5:42] that we need to be prepared to address. I look forward to a productive conversation with our [5:46] leaders here today. I now recognize the ranking member, the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson, [5:52] to make a statement. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I welcome our panel of witnesses [5:58] before us today. Mr. Chairman, Republicans holding this hearing, [6:02] requiring the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, is a height of hypocrisy, [6:08] not only because they and their president are to blame for the shutdown, but also because [6:15] they are complicit in causing irreparable damage over the 15 months to DHS, its mission, [6:23] and its workforce. Let me be clear at the outset that Democrats want to fund TSA, FEMA, CISA, [6:32] and the Coast Guard, and have repeatedly offered Bill to do just that. However, [6:39] Republicans have blocked all of them. Let me say that again. Republicans have repeatedly blocked [6:46] bills Democrats offered to fund every agency before this committee today. Republicans control [6:54] every part of government and could have funded these agencies with Democratic support, but chose [7:00] not to. Republicans could pay TSA agents today, but chose not to. You don't have to take my word [7:09] for it. Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana told Fox News that when Senate Republican [7:16] leadership informed the president that his conference was prepared to accept the Democratic [7:23] compromise position, [7:24] The president said, and I quote, no deals with Democrats. So this is a Republican shutdown. But as per usual, they take no responsibility. Maybe that's because they know the president is desperately trying to distract the public from his thousands of appearances in the Epstein files and the war he needlessly started in Iran. [7:50] They know Trump doesn't want the media or the public talking about the affordability crisis he created or skyrocketing gas prices or raising inflation. Rather than do what's right for homeland security, the frontline personnel working without a paycheck or the traveling public, congressional Republicans do Trump's bidding every time. He snaps his fingers and they jump. Their only question is how high. [8:22] And that's what we have here today. A shutdown congressional Republicans agree to in order to cover for Trump. Even today's hearing is designed to cover for him. I requested that the chairman extend invitations to ICE and CBP leadership to testify today, but he declined to do so. I respect the chairman, but his decision is a troubling departure from committed practice. [8:51] I've served on this committee since the beginning of my career. I've served on this committee since the beginning of my career. I've served on this committee since the beginning of my career. I've served on this committee since the beginning of my career. [8:53] since its inception, and I know firsthand how this committee has been run since It was stood up after 9 11. Republicans have now set an unfortunate precedent. [9:05] They'll have to live with going forward, but the facts remain that ICE and CBP should be here today because those agencies are critical to the full resolution of DHS's funding issues, [9:20] Mr. Chairman, pursuant to Clause [9:23] Two J, One. [9:25] Rule 11. I'm furnishing you with a demand for a minority day hearing on the subject of today's hearing signed by Democratic members. Democrats want to ensure that before we give even more money to ice and CBP, which is already flush with cash, by the way, that we ring in the deadly abuses we saw in Minneapolis. [9:51] We owe Renee Good and Alex pretty that much as the attorney for Renee Good's family employed the committee in a letter this week. Do not forget the unthinkable killing of Renee, a loving and peaceful American mother of three and the broader harm done to other Americans. [10:13] Trump doesn't want people to remember how his secret police shot innocent Americans dead and terrorized. [10:22] Communities. We won't let the victims be forgotten. And we honor Renee and Alex's memory by fighting to ensure it never, ever happens again. [10:32] I'm extremely troubled that Trump has deployed ice agents to airports around the country. We cannot allow what happened on the streets of Minneapolis to happen in our nation's capital. [10:47] According to the chairman's testimony, TSOs received. [10:54] Six months of training ice agents, according to testimony that we received before this committee received 47 days, so I don't understand how people with less training is going to help people who have more training. [11:13] These agents cannot do TSA's job, nor should they, and they aren't trained to do it. [11:20] So we see images of ice agents standing around or walking through terminals. [11:26] Doing nothing. [11:27] Nothing to reduce the lines at security checkpoints while TSA personnel continue to do their jobs without pay because Republicans refused to vote for legislation to fund TSA. [11:41] It's ridiculous and maddening, but not surprising since Donald Trump took over. [11:47] He's done everything in his power to destroy the Department of Homeland Security weaponize it against American people and hurt the workforce. [11:57] Even when we're still at the [12:21] He sent those into DHS and fire or forced out thousands of hardworking employees with irreplaceable homeland security expertise. [12:22] At FEMA more than 2000 hard working employees left the agency and Sisa lost about 1000 employees or a third of its staff. [12:23] He cut critical homeland security programs. [12:24] And he was intentionally withholding [12:26] Grants from non scares in west Pittsburgh. [12:26] Would not do anything. [12:27] profits like synagogues, churches, and mosques, and disaster funding from communities that [12:34] desperately need it. He also attacked DHS workers' union rights, and his administration [12:41] is suing to end transportation security officers' collective bargaining rights as we speak. They [12:48] are the hard-won rights of the very same officers Republicans are claiming to care so much about. [12:56] This administration has done nothing but marginalize and denigrate TSA from the moment [13:02] Trump was sworn in. Meanwhile, Democrats have been fighting for the TSA workforce since long [13:09] before Republicans discovered this week, apparently, that DHS is more than just ICE and CBP. [13:19] Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, Tom Holman, Kristi Noem, and Corey Lewandowski have tried to turn [13:26] ICE into a TSA. [13:27] into a national police force, a weapon for their political agenda, while systematically [13:33] neglecting the critical mission of TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the Coast Guard. As part of their effort, [13:42] Trump has installed incompetent and unfit DHS leadership who have used their positions [13:48] for personal gain. At the top of the list is disgraced former Secretary Kristi Noem, [13:55] who lived rent-free in government houses, [13:58] meant for military leadership. She wasted millions of taxpayers dollars, [14:05] had campaigns and photo ops complete with health, makeup [14:10] and a rented horse for $20,000 for her to pose, uh, for the cameras and her so called special government employee Corey. [14:21] Laura and I'll skip use his position and close relationship with known to steal contracts and sweetheart deals. [14:25] with no to steal contracts and sweetheart deals, or with no trust [14:27] contracts, and sweetheart deals to his cronies in a pay-to-play scheme that has him under [14:34] investigation. FEMA is on its third unqualified acting administrator in 15 months, and the witness [14:43] that was scheduled to testify today, Mr. Greg Phillips, raises serious concerns. He said of [14:51] President Biden last year, and I quote, I'd like to punch that expletive in the mouth right now. [15:01] He deserves to die, and I hope he does, unquote. Mr. Phillips reportedly claims to have been [15:08] involuntarily tailported multiple times, including once to a Waffle House in Georgia. That kind of [15:18] violent rhetoric and wild conspiracy theories are troubling for someone who, [15:24] quote, holds a leadership position at DHS. For their part, congressional Republicans have sat [15:31] idly by and watched it all happen, often enabling, encouraging, and cheering on this madness. So to [15:39] my Republican colleagues, spare us your crocodile tears today. Your talk is cheap, and the theatrics [15:47] are nothing but performance. This hearing won't get DHS employees a paycheck. I urge my Republican [15:54] colleagues, [15:55] to stop the performance and start governing. Join Democrats in passing legislation [16:02] to reopen DHS today. Mr. Chairman, I yield back. [16:07] Gentleman yields back. I appreciate the gentleman's request for a minority [16:12] member day hearing, and we will take it under consideration. I also have to address something [16:18] the gentleman said in his opening statement about me going against committee precedent. [16:23] As the gentleman knows, it is not the committee, [16:26] nor House precedent for minority executive branch witnesses on executive branch panels. Further, [16:33] both ICE and CBP testified in front of this committee five weeks ago. And there was also a [16:40] statement about Republicans voted against funding TSA and other agencies. I know myself sitting up [16:47] here have voted, as well as my other colleagues, have voted twice already to pay TSA workers and [16:53] all the other employees at DHS. And I look forward to voting again. Thank you. [16:54] Thank you. [16:54] Thank you. [16:54] Thank you. [16:54] Thank you. [16:55] Thank you. [16:55] Thank you. [16:55] Thank you. [16:55] Thank you. [16:55] Thank you. [16:55] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] Thank you. [16:56] to pay them this week i cannot i don't think the my democratic colleagues can say the same [17:03] so i appreciate the gentleman's opening statement but i want to stick to the facts here and with [17:08] that other members of the committee are reminded that opening statements may be submitted for the [17:13] record i would now like to formally introduce our witnesses ms ha mcneil serves as the senior [17:19] official of the transportation security security administration tsa performing the duties of the [17:24] administrator ms mcneil was appointed deputy administrator in 2025 and was previously the [17:30] chief of staff at tsa she has a background in national security and technology policy with [17:37] prior experience across the national security council the office of management budget and [17:41] private sector roles admiral thomas g allen serves as the vice commandant of the u.s coast guard [17:47] serving as the service's second in command since february 2026. as a career coast guard officer [17:53] with nearly 35 years he has led major [17:57] command operations overseeing mission support operations at u.s southern command and coast [18:01] guard activities across the northeast nick anderson serves as the acting director of [18:06] cyber security infrastructure security agency or sisa he was appointed in february 2026 after [18:11] serving as the agency's executive assistant director for cyber security he's a senior [18:16] cyber security leader and u.s marine corps veteran with prior experience across the department of [18:20] energy the white house office of management budget and the private sector ms victoria [18:25] barton is the associate administrator of the office of external affairs at the [18:28] federal emergency management agency ms barton brings nearly a decade of emergency management [18:33] and disaster recovery experience i thank all the witnesses for being here today presumed to [18:38] committee rule 8c i ask that the witnesses rise and raise their right hand do you solemnly swear [18:49] that the testimony will give before the committee on homeland security for the united states house [18:52] representatives will be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god let the [18:58] record reflect that the witnesses have answered in the affirmative thank you and please be seated i [19:05] now recognize miss mcneil for five minutes [19:08] to summarize her opening statement chairman garbarino ranking member thompson and members of [19:19] the committee thank you for the invitation to testify before you today on behalf of the [19:24] transportation security administration this fiscal year tsa has been shut down for 50 percent of the [19:31] time or 85 days and if still shut down this friday we will have reached nearly 1 billion dollars in [19:38] missed paychecks this level of disruption is unprecedented and unacceptable and significantly [19:44] undermines the security of u.s transportation [19:46] systems 99 of tsa of the tsa workforce operates outside of the national capital region working [19:54] across the country living within your districts and communities 95 percent or more than 61 000 of [20:02] tsa's employees must continue working without pay during a shutdown congress and the traveling [20:07] public should be proud of the excellent job the tsa workforce does to protect our national security [20:13] paying these dedicated employees for the work they are performing should never be a point of debate [20:19] and yet here we are on the 40th day of our third shutdown this fiscal year many in our workforce [20:26] have missed bill payments received eviction notices had their cars repossessed and utilities shut off [20:33] lost their child care defaulted on loans damaged their credit line and drained their retirement [20:39] savings some are sleeping in their cars selling their blood and plasma and taking on jobs second [20:45] jobs to make ends meet all while being expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform [20:51] to protect the traveling public a transportation security officer at reagan national airport [20:57] recently said i just want congress to pay me for the job i am doing during the 43-day shutdown last [21:05] fall tsa experienced a 25 increase in tso separations when compared to that same time [21:10] period the year before we have already lost over 480 tso's this shutdown and our call-out rates [21:17] have accelerated as our workforce was still reeling from the last shutdown prior to this [21:23] shutdown our tsa workforce was still reeling from the last shutdown prior to this shutdown our tsa [21:25] call-out rate was four percent now multiple major airports are experiencing days where 40 to 50 [21:31] of their staff are calling out because they simply cannot afford to report to work this has led to the [21:38] highest wait times in tsa history with some wait times greater than four and a half hours we are [21:43] being forced to consolidate lanes and may have to close smaller airports if we do not have enough [21:49] officers it is a fluid challenging and unpredictable situation we understand this is frustrating and [21:57] destructive unfortunately we have seen an over 500 increase in the frequency of assaults on our [22:04] officers since the shutdown began this is unacceptable and we will not be tolerated [22:09] we are pursuing all legal avenues to prosecute these incidents to the traveling public we ask [22:15] for your patience and understanding as our officers are working their hardest to ensure you [22:20] can travel safety safely all the while not getting paid as the shutdown drags on we fear we will [22:26] continue to lose talented and experienced employees to other jobs that can be used in the future [22:29] we will continue to lose talented and experienced employees to other jobs that can be used in the future [22:31] not only is the shutdown decreasing the number of interested candidates [22:35] for those we are able to hire they are required to complete [22:38] four to six months of training before they are certified to work at checkpoints [22:43] at this point newly hired officers will not be able to work on the checkpoint until well after [22:47] the 2026 fifa world cup this is a dire situation we are facing a potential perfect storm of severe [22:54] staffing shortages and an influx of millions of passengers at our airports for the world cup games [23:00] in less than 80 days [23:01] i'm thankful to president trump and border czar tom homan for their leadership and our ice colleagues [23:07] for helping the tsa workforce at key airports enabling tsa officers to focus on carrying out [23:14] critical security screening duties during this challenging time for our agency and i look forward [23:19] to supporting secretary mullen and advancing the collective priorities of the department [23:24] we truly are one dhs one mission congress consolidated 22 agencies and established dhs [23:31] to unify our homeland security security defenses [23:34] and prevent another 9 11. moments like these highlight the importance of a unified and fully [23:39] funded dhs i respectfully call upon congress to fund the department of homeland security [23:45] and to ensure this never happens again i thank you and i look forward to your questions [23:51] thank you ms mcneil i now recognize admiral allen for five minutes to summarize his opening [23:55] statement chairman gabarino renke member thompson distinguished members of this committee thank you [24:02] for inviting me to testify today the coast guard is a proud member of the department of homeland's [24:08] security and the only armed force within dhs as a vital instrument of national power we save lives [24:17] control secure and defend the u.s border and maritime approaches ensure the flow of commerce [24:23] that is vital to america's economic prosperity and strategic mobility and respond to crises at a [24:30] moment's notice every action we take is dedicated to protecting our nation the american people [24:37] depend on us and we provide a remarkable return on investment [24:41] but only with consistent and predictable appropriations for 85 of the last 176 days [24:51] almost 50 of the time the coast guard has not had funding needing to operate and pay our workforce [24:58] most importantly the lapse is creating an unacceptable financial strain on our people [25:05] our dedicated civilian employees have already missed several paychecks [25:08] leaving them without resources to support their family our military members and their families [25:15] are operating under grim uncertainty of whether they will receive their next paycheck and our [25:21] deployed crews conducting critical national security missions are accumulating thousands [25:27] of dollars in expenses with no way of being reimbursed these realities erode the sacred trust [25:35] our our men and women have in the nation they serve the work our crews perform every day is [25:41] dangerous any distraction puts our crews at risk from our tactical boarding teams executing counter [25:49] narcotics missions to our rescue swimmers deploying from helicopters into rough seas [25:55] our crews should not have to worry about if their families will be able to pay rent [26:00] or buy groceries the shutdown is also eroding mission readiness and causing severe financial [26:06] hardships for businesses who provide us with goods and services a few examples we see many [26:14] preparations for fifa world cup and america 250 that's only 79 days away we've incurred over 200 [26:22] million dollars in [26:23] to industry partners for operations a bill we are prohibited from paying until this shutdown ends [26:31] we can't pay over five thousand utility accounts putting us in imminent danger of widespread [26:37] shutdowns to critical infrastructure and our inability to pay for parts and services risks [26:44] triggered triggering stop work orders which could worsen our existing maintenance [26:48] backlog and impact readiness our national maritime center remains closed [26:54] halting the issuance of over 16,000 merchant marine credentials with a backlog growing by 300 [27:03] a day. Every day the shutdown drags on moves us closer to a tipping point and we know through [27:10] experience it will take us about two and a half days to recover from every day we are in a [27:15] shutdown. If the shutdown ended today we wouldn't catch up until July 3rd. The Coast Guard will [27:22] continue to serve because that is what our people have sworn to do but our crews should never [27:28] question whether the nation they protect will stand behind them and their families. Stable [27:35] funding for DHS is not simply a budgetary matter. It's a matter of trust, readiness, and national [27:42] security. Our service members will keep their watch. We only ask that they are supported while [27:48] they do that. Thank you. I look forward to your your questions. Thank you Admiral Allen. I now [27:55] recognize Mr. Anderson for five minutes to summarize his opening statement. Chairman Garbarino, [28:01] Ranking Member Thompson, and Distinguished Members of the Committee, thank you for the [28:05] opportunity to speak. [28:05] My name is Nick Anderson. I'm currently serving as the Acting Director of CISA, the Cybersecurity and [28:12] Infrastructure Security Agency. I joined CISA last September after serving in senior cybersecurity [28:17] roles in the private sector at the White House and leading the Department of Energy's Sector Risk [28:21] Management Agency function. I've also served as a State Chief Information Security Officer and as a [28:26] Chief Information Officer within the intelligence community and as a United States Marine. These [28:31] experiences have given me a clear understanding of the threat environment we face and the consequences [28:35] when we are not fully possible. I'm going to now turn it over to Mr. Anderson. [28:36] Welcome to the White House. [28:37] My name is Nick Anderson. I've worked for the White House since stark [29:03] nation-state and criminal actors targeting our nation's critical infrastructure. This is not a [29:08] sustainable model. This shutdown affects morale, stability, and the overall well-being of our [29:14] people. Quickly restoring funding for DHS remains essential to CISA's success at safeguarding the [29:19] nation's critical infrastructure. Under the Trump administration, CISA is focused on our number one [29:24] priority, protecting and defending the American people from cyber and physical threats. During [29:30] the shutdown, CISA is largely limited to protecting life and property, responding to imminent threats, [29:34] maintaining our 24-7 operations center, and sharing critical vulnerability and incident [29:39] information at a reduced capacity. These are necessary functions, but they are not sufficient [29:44] to get ahead of the threat. What has been scaled back or paused are the very activities that reduce [29:49] systemic risk over time. Proactive assessments, coordinated planning, partnership engagement, [29:54] and strategic initiatives across the federal enterprise and critical infrastructure sectors. [29:59] The result is simple. Risk is accumulating across the system. Delays in issuing binding [30:04] operational directives, reduced coordination with industry, and reduced coordination with [30:07] industry partners, and constrained incident response capacity all create openings for our [30:11] adversaries. These are not theoretical risks. They are real vulnerabilities that grow with time. [30:17] The lapse in appropriations for DHS has impacted CISA's ability to proactively mitigate cyber risk [30:22] and to support physical security resilience at a time when there are numerous large-scale events, [30:27] including the America 250 celebration events and the FIFA World Cup, each of which require [30:32] heightened preparedness. Equally concerning, key efforts to finalize the rulemaking process [30:38] for the cyber-insurgency and cyber-discrimination efforts have been made. The DHS has been [30:38] able to build a more coordinated, timely, and effective national cyber defense. Every day the [30:49] shutdown continues, we're not just standing still, we're falling behind. I would like to express my [30:55] appreciation for your efforts on the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of [31:00] 2015. This authority underpins the trust, speed, and collaboration between government and the [31:05] private sector that are essential to defending the nation's critical infrastructure. In closing, [31:10] CISA's mission remains the same. We are committed to protecting the nation's critical infrastructure. [31:12] We are committed to protecting the nation's critical infrastructure. We are committed to [31:12] protecting the nation's critical infrastructure. We are committed to protecting the nation's [31:13] critical infrastructure. We are committed to protecting the nation's critical infrastructure. [31:13] But we cannot do that at full strength under sustained funding uncertainty. And I want to be [31:20] clear, the men and women of CISA are doing everything we've asked of them and more under [31:23] extraordinarily difficult circumstances. They are mission-focused, but they are not immune to the [31:28] real financial and personal strain this creates for their family. We need stability, we need [31:33] continuity, we need the ability to operate proactively, not just reactively. Thank you for [31:39] your support and the opportunity to appear today. I look forward to your questions. [31:42] Thank you, Mr. Anderson. And now we'll recognize Ms. Barton, [31:47] for five minutes to summarize her opening statement chairman garbarino ranking member [31:55] thompson and members of the committee thank you for the opportunity to testify before you [32:00] on the impacts of this government shutdown on the federal emergency management agency i am victoria [32:07] barton associate administrator for the office of external affairs and i look forward to this [32:12] conversation fema a component of dhs is the nation's lead agency for disaster response and [32:19] recovery as well as consequence management after terrorist attacks and catastrophic events [32:25] fema provides critical funding training and preparedness support to communities across [32:31] america including security planning for major events like the fifa world cup and america 250 [32:38] with the current lapse fema's ability to support americans before during and after disasters is at [32:46] risk this is especially concerning as the nation faces heightened national security concerns [32:51] currently over 4 000 fema employees are going without pay with many working through their [32:59] third shutdown in less than a year staff are under significant financial and emotional strain [33:05] trying to serve their communities with fewer resources the disaster relief fund which is the [33:11] source of federal funding for disaster response and recovery operations is also rapidly depleting [33:17] if this shutdown continues and the disaster relief fund is depleted fema will be unable to fund much [33:26] of the disaster relief fund for disaster response and recovery operations [33:26] this is not just rhetoric these impacts are having dire rippling effects for thousands of americans [33:34] and communities across the united states disaster survivors waiting for assistance may face [33:41] increased uncertainty and hardship local officials working to rebuild after hurricanes or floods [33:49] may be unable to access federal support and fema staff many of whom have served through multiple [33:56] disasters are now struggling to pay their bills and support their families [34:00] while also continuing to serve the public in addition to these major disruptions to disaster [34:08] response and recovery fema's lack of funding is having dire consequences on its national security [34:14] mission the funding lapse is preventing fema staff from supporting critical programs that protect [34:20] communities from targeted violence and terrorism for example houses of worship and other non-profits [34:27] across the country are unable to access additional security grant funding that would help safeguard [34:33] them against the effects of disaster response and recovery in addition to these major disruptions to [34:34] protect them against threats this means organizations like temple israel and michigan which recently [34:39] experienced a violent attack cannot receive the support they need to protect their congregants and [34:45] staff these type of programs are essential to fema's national security mission and the inability [34:51] to process grant actions puts vulnerable communities at even greater risk almost all of fema's training [34:58] courses have been postponed due to the shutdown including critical anti-terrorism preparedness [35:04] courses and many others [35:06] the importance of these training courses cannot be measured but their absence is being felt [35:12] nationwide every week over 40 000 students primarily local emergency managers firefighters [35:18] emergency medical technicians are denied the opportunity to learn how to better protect their [35:24] communities the reality is this with hurricane season approaching each day of this shutdown [35:30] increases the risk that a catastrophic disaster could occur while fema's capacity to respond [35:36] and support recovery is diminished this shutdown is imposing far-reaching and serious consequences [35:44] for fema's operations and the nation's ability to prepare for respond to and recover from disasters [35:50] i urge congress to immediately pass funding for the department so we can carry out our duties [35:55] and our responsibilities of serving and protecting the american people thank you for your support and [36:01] the opportunity to appear before you today i look forward to our questions thank you ms parton members [36:09] will be right back after this [36:10] there's a current [36:16] i now recognize myself for five minutes of questions [36:20] ms mcneil you talk about close the possible closure of small airports maybe tsa should [36:27] shut down dulles and dca so the democrat senators can't get out of here when they try to leave this [36:32] week and you should keep them here until they actually pass some funding um you know i want [36:38] to bring up you talked about the loss i talked about a number of things the change of Secretary of State [36:43] talked about a number how many tso's you've lost but something you said definitely scared me the [36:48] onboarding of new tso's you you said they will not be trained properly enough to work on the lines [36:55] in time for fifa is that right uh chairman that that is correct it takes a tso four to six months [37:02] to be fully certified in all functions to operate a checkpoint and so at this point if we bring on [37:07] any new tso's uh you know those those folks will not be deployed in time by fifa and so we are [37:13] watching our attrition rates very closely to make sure that you know if we see any spikes we'll have [37:17] to we'll have to pivot and assess how we are going to staff the fifa locations adequately so what yeah [37:24] so that that scares me that you know we are it's a four to six month delay of getting new people [37:29] on the line uh from new hires so everyone every day we lose someone we can't replace them for at [37:34] least and if they get hired the same day we can't replace the person we lost for six months four to [37:39] six months um that is that is definitely very scary um [37:44] um acting director anderson you mentioned 56 percent of your workforce is furloughed [37:51] and the rest are working without pay can you help the american people [37:57] understand what is not getting done right now at sysa that should be getting done thank you mr [38:04] chairman uh there's a variety of assessments that sysa completes day-to-day whether it's working [38:09] with the private sector or it's working with our state and local partners or across the federal [38:13] ecosystem uh that's there's it's an exceedingly dynamic threat environment as you know uh both in [38:19] the cyber security landscape and in the physical security landscape so even a reduced capacity [38:24] within these essential functions prevents a presents a real opportunity for our adversaries [38:28] be able to take advantage of that gap in capability so i mean we i've been on this [38:33] committee since i first got to congress in 2021 we have talked repeatedly about how iran has [38:40] been one of our biggest cyber security adversaries they attack us millions of times a day [38:45] and with this heightened threat environment what are your immediate priorities when it [38:50] comes to uh cyber security and the agency well specifically regarding that nation state actor [38:57] we pulled together a tremendous amount of information from indicators of compromise [39:00] to tactic techniques and procedures pertaining to their typical behaviors that we see in cyberspace [39:05] we've been able to share that with our sector-based colleagues across critical infrastructure and [39:09] across the federal and state communities we continue to provide sort of heightened awareness [39:15] at the capacity that we can during a shutdown in order to be able to provide cyber security [39:21] and state risk in particular with those pertaining to critical infrastructure have you been i know a [39:26] lot of the times our local state and local governments are are the focus of these attacks [39:31] has the shutdown affected your ability uh to deal with the state and local uh partners to make sure [39:36] they're protected many of the proactive services that we provide uh free of charge from cisa uh you [39:42] know that's that's core to our mission here and uh yes absolutely every segment of the customers [39:47] that we serve have been impacted here including state and locals and their ability to receive these [39:51] and receive the threat intelligence that we typically provide though again the most essential [39:56] information that we can provide at the capacity we have today we're continuing to share with them [40:01] um ms barton i i appreciate uh your ability to fill in quickly for mr phillips today [40:06] uh and i i want to thank both you and him um even during the shutdown uh you we've been working with [40:13] your team um uh both you and mr phillips to try to get um a lot of the grants that fema manages [40:20] the security grants the nonprofit all of them [40:22] old money that's owed out or prepared to go out the door for when the shutdown ends so i [40:26] do appreciate even though in this you're all in the middle of shutdown you're still working towards [40:30] getting those uh things done for when the shutdown uh finally ends um you talked about the drf where [40:38] what's the number that what's the drf at right now thank you chairman uh the drf is at uh 3.6 billion [40:45] right now we're right we're in the yeah so 3.6 billion which is not a lot of money for the drf drf [40:54] has been put down but we are still doing some work and i've talked to folks at the department [40:59] of climate change office that they've been working on moving into we're doing a lot of work with the [41:03] state of africa in the local enemies but we're seeing it's not all the sense um the the way [41:09] it's um designed for is it's not that that's looked strong for about three months um we've [41:14] been working with the state of africa that's preparing us for a lot of work um on the [41:19] social distancing measures and i know there's all sorts of things going on at house and school [41:23] at least in that area as well as around the state [41:25] need to be addressed. Thank you. I appreciate that answer. My time is up. I now recognize the [41:32] gentleman from Mississippi, the ranking member, Mr. Thompson. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. [41:43] Ms. Barton, you're the first female person we've had come before this committee, this entire [41:50] session. We had, all of last year, we didn't have a female person, and we are three months in, and [41:59] obviously, because of Mr. Phillips' emergency, you had to fill in. Are you aware of the secretary's [42:12] edict of saying we can only approve contracts less than $100,000 without her having personal [42:24] knowledge of the contracts? Hi, ranking member. Thank you for having me today. I'm honored to be [42:32] before you. I am aware that we have a new secretary [42:36] of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:37] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:37] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:37] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:38] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:38] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:39] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:39] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:40] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:40] secretary of the House of Representatives, and I'm honored to be before you. I am aware that we have a new [42:41] forward to his guidance and vision and and stand ready to implement as we [42:46] receive that so can you tell me currently how many contracts are not [42:55] signed because of this hundred thousand I don't want to talk about the incoming [43:00] secretary just give me an aggregate number I don't have full visibility into [43:06] all the pending contracts I understand it is a priority to address those a lot [43:12] of our staff is furloughed and impacted by this current lapse however I do know [43:17] that there are there's large efforts to address any contracts that are pending [43:24] you've heard him say that yes all right so are you aware that there were [43:32] disasters in North Carolina and other states where the governor's were [43:39] democratic that were deleted were delayed in approving the contracts [43:46] versus the current contract and I don't want to get into the details but I do [43:47] many about places states where the leadership was Republican as far as [43:56] North Carolina I had the pleasure to meet with Governor Stein when he was in [44:00] Washington DC he came to FEMA we had an excellent meeting that same week we were [44:06] able to announce hazard mitigation funds as well as public assistance and as far [44:12] as other Governors I know this over this last weekend there was flash flooding [44:16] occurring in in Hawaii I understand that our leadership was in close communication [44:18] in close communication with governor green um and so that's really our focus my priority every day [44:25] is ensuring that uh the people who are being impacted so if i if i told you that uh 89 [44:32] of disaster declarations uh from republican-led states were approved versus 23 percent from [44:41] democratic states have been approved have you seen those statistics uh i i did get a peek at the [44:51] the data that was uh provided uh that that assessment on how they came to that number [44:58] uh i don't know that their methodology was very sound uh given the it's been [45:05] a span of many years and disasters vary by year and geographical location and the the type of [45:13] that happens so but you have seen the report i'm referring to uh i've seen it i think it was like a [45:21] political article yeah so you've seen it i'm aware of what they were okay well thank you uh mr [45:31] anderson um how many vacancies do you have at cisa right now uh approximately a thousand reiki member [45:46] uh how long have those vacancies existed i think there's a variety of sources of [45:55] the uh of the attrition so i couldn't give you a specific point in time you know we have [46:00] a continued uh continued flow of people out the door in particular as we continue to see the [46:06] impacts of the shutdown and the uncertainty that creates our employees before the shutdown [46:10] how many vacancies did you have um i'd have to go back and get you a specific number for before the [46:16] shutdown sir please get it please get it to me because i think you had that many how are you [46:22] feeling them at this point well i think at this point sir [46:28] uh the greatest focus for me is the impact on the employees that are serving the mission right now [46:33] you know and they're the choices that they're having to make every single day between continuing [46:37] to serve their nation working to be able to pay their bills and take care of their families [46:43] gentleman neil's back i now recognize the gentleman from texas former chairman of this [46:48] committee mr mccall for five minutes questions thank you chairman we're here today because at a [46:53] time when our nation is facing heightened threats democrats have shut down the department of [46:59] homeland security dhs was one of the first to shut down the department of homeland security [47:01] dhs was created in the aftermath of september 11th attacks to protect and secure the homeland [47:07] shutting it down is national security malpractice and it's shameful we've already seen four isis [47:16] inspired attacks on our homeland in recent weeks including one of my hometown of austin [47:23] where three innocent people were killed at the hands of a terrorist and this week the [47:28] iranian regime said it plans to attack parks recreational areas [47:34] and tourist sites around the world as america 250 celebrations will be held at all those sites [47:42] the shutdown must end and i was disappointed to hear senate democrats rejected yet another good [47:49] faith offer from republicans that contain many of their requests hopefully this will change soon [47:56] but in the meantime our nation is on red alert the biden administration's open border policy [48:04] allowed more than 700 [48:06] iranian nationals and 18 000 known or suspected terrorists to enter our country posing a serious [48:14] national security threat we need a functioning department of homeland security to counter the [48:21] threat of sleeper cells in this nation the shutdown is also wreaking havoc at tsa lines [48:28] at our airports and we see this every day on the television [48:33] the problem runs deeper than just travel disruption for decades aviation threats have [48:39] been the crown jewel of terrorists from al-qaeda to isis and its affiliates since the shutdown [48:46] tsa employees have been forced to work without pay 400 officers have quit their jobs constraining the [48:53] agency's ability to protect the traveling public this is alarming especially as we approach the [49:01] fifa world cup and america 250. in just three months our nation will host millions of visitors [49:08] who will travel throughout our airports and as the chairman of this committee special events [49:14] task force i'm laser focused on protecting our homeland during these events let's focus not only [49:22] on the physical threat but the cyber threat as well when i chaired this committee i created [49:28] the cyber security and infrastructure security agency to defend against cyber attacks we heard [49:34] the chairman talk about the threat from iran reports say fewer than half of sisa's employees [49:42] are currently working disrupting our ability to deter and mitigate threats to our critical [49:48] infrastructure lastly i know that many fema grants are not being dispersed because of the shutdown [49:56] i helped secure the non-profit security grant program these provide secure security to houses [50:03] of worship which are coming under attack far too often [50:07] just a couple weeks ago an isis inspired terrorist watched the temple israel synagogue in [50:14] michigan and then attacked them in a terrorist attack we need these grants out now i'm hopeful [50:22] that we will also reauthorize the dhs mission to counter weapons of mass destruction it remains [50:31] not authorized today and i think prose is a serious threat in the remainder time that i [50:37] have there are so many issues to cover but i want to talk about tsc [50:40] and the grants that are currently being granted to the csa sisa and these grants to tsa you know [50:48] you have the operations center i've been to many times that monitor traffic across the world [50:55] globally and aviation threats globally can you tell me what impact the shutdown is having on that [51:02] and mr anderson if you could tell me about sisas without these employees uh not being able to [51:08] connect the dots and share with the private sector what impact that is having miss barton and the aps [51:11] Martin, can you tell me about the lack of funding to protect particularly Jewish synagogues across this nation as we know the Iran threat is real inside the United States and our homeland? [51:24] Ms. McNeil. [51:25] Thank you, Congressman. [51:26] Our operations center is up and running, and we're doing everything that we can during this time to maintain a strong security posture, especially during this heightened threat environment. [51:37] Our officers are doing a tremendous job showing up every day at work and screening the traveling public to make sure that they're making it to their destination safely. [51:45] But I will say it is a real human toll to wake up and show up to work every day not knowing how you're going to pay your bills. [51:51] And so I am, of course, concerned about the workforce. [51:55] And the longer the shutdown goes on and more missed paychecks, we are really putting ourselves and our workforce in a perilous situation. [52:08] You're correct, sir. [52:08] Being able to connect the dots with the private sector. [52:10] A lot of it is based on the expertise and the relationships that a lot of these employees have that have served for such a long time at CISA. [52:17] Since this committee helped bring it into existence, that's all the more difficult when we have the same employees that we're relying on their expertise in those relationships. [52:26] And to Ms. McNeil's point, they're having to choose between being able to support their families and continuing to support the mission of securing our nation's. [52:33] Finally, security at Jewish synagogues. [52:36] For the nonprofit security grant program, at this time, we are stalled. [52:41] Because the staff that's processing and supposed to work on those grants has been impacted by the third shutdown. [52:49] And those funds are critical to get out for many of the nonprofit and houses of worship that receive and use those funds for security threats. [52:58] Thank you. I yield back. [52:59] The gentleman yields back. [53:00] And I let that witness go a little over there. [53:02] And I will do that for both sides if they're in the process of answering the question today. [53:08] Because I do think it's important for them to talk about what's going on. [53:12] I now recognize the gentleman from California, Mr. Correa, for five minutes of questions. [53:16] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [53:17] I want to thank our witnesses for being here today. [53:19] And let me start out by saying that I agree with Mr. McCall. [53:24] We face a clear and present danger in this country today. [53:29] Let me ask each one of you a question, if I may. [53:32] Simple yes and no. [53:34] Do you believe we should end this shutdown as quickly as possible, Mr. Allen? [53:39] Yes, sir. [53:41] Ms. McNeil? [53:43] Yes, sir. [53:44] Mr. Anderson? [53:46] Yes, sir. [53:48] Mr. McNeil? [53:48] Ms. Barton? [53:50] Yes, sir. [53:51] Apparently, President Trump disagrees with you. [53:54] This is a headline from Monday, New York Times, actually, Tuesday. [53:58] President Trump said on Monday that Republicans should stop negotiating with Democrats [54:04] to end the partial government shutdown and instead focus on passing his voter legislation. [54:13] He actually has told Republican senators, stop negotiating with Democrats. [54:21] We have a disconnect here, wouldn't you say? [54:24] So, do we really want to end this shutdown or not? [54:30] I thought you were going to start out by doing what I just did a few weeks ago, which is [54:34] I wrote to the Congressional Management Office and said, withhold my paycheck. [54:42] Don't pay me until TSA workers are paid. [54:45] Mr. Chairman, let's start at the beginning. [54:48] No pay for federal workers, no pay for us. [54:51] Think so? [54:53] Yes, no. [54:53] Let's do it. [54:56] Ms. McNeil, you were right about attrition rates at TSA. [55:01] I remember a few weeks ago, I was at the TSA. [55:02] I remember a few weeks ago, I was at the TSA. [55:02] I remember a few weeks ago, I was at the TSA. [55:02] I remember a few weeks ago, I was at the TSA. [55:02] I remember a few weeks ago, I was at the TSA. [55:02] I remember a few weeks, actually a few years ago, working on this issue of attrition. [55:08] It was up to 20% for TSA workers. [55:12] What changed that? [55:13] Better pay, better benefits, because what we wanted to do was professionalize TSA workers [55:21] from part-time, minimum wage workers, to make them what they're supposed to be, which is [55:27] frontline workers that are watching to make sure nothing gets on a flight that could hurt Americans. [55:34] Can I ask you another question, Ms. McNeil? [55:37] What's the status of the collective bargaining rights of TSA workers right now? [55:46] The CBA remains in place as the court works through the law. [55:50] But you've tried to take them away and the courts have said, hold on, correct? [55:54] That is the order of the courts. [55:56] Thank you. [55:58] We're talking about funding. [56:02] ICE and CBP flush with cash right now. [56:06] Last July, I asked whether DHS reprogrammed any funding from other DHS agencies. [56:11] That's right. [56:12] DHS reported that ICE received more than $310 million in transfers from other DHS agencies, [56:24] including $143 million from CISA and another $32 million from FEMA. [56:32] Ms. McNeil, have you asked DHS leadership for existing ICE and CBP funds to be reprogrammed [56:41] to your employees? [56:44] Cash is sitting there. [56:45] Don't you think our national security demands that you ask? [56:48] Have you asked for that? [56:49] I think that the issue at hand here is that the Department of Commerce needs to be funded. [56:52] Have you asked for that reprogramming? [56:55] Have you asked for that reprogramming? [56:57] Yes or no, ma'am? [56:58] Have you asked for the reprogramming? [57:00] That's my answer. [57:02] Mr. Anderson, the same question. [57:05] Have you asked leadership to reprogram access ICE and CBP funding to pay your employees? [57:12] Simple yes or no. [57:14] Sir, we have a tremendous amount of support for you. [57:17] Thank you very much. [57:18] Mr. Phillips. [57:20] Excuse me. [57:24] Mr. Phillips. [57:25] Ms. Phillips. [57:26] I'm sorry. [57:27] No problem. [57:28] Sorry. [57:30] Have you asked to have funds reprogrammed? [57:32] The answer is no. [57:35] We have funds. [57:36] Look, folks, your agencies are on record giving nearly $200 million to ICE for mass [57:47] deportations, yet you haven't asked for any of that money back when, like Mr. McCall said, [57:54] we have a clear and present danger in this country. [57:58] Do we or don't we consider TSA employees critical defending our nation? [58:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [58:08] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [58:09] My time is up. [58:10] I yield. [58:13] The gentleman yields back. [58:14] I recognize the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Guest, for five minutes of questions. [58:19] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [58:20] Forty days. [58:22] For 40 days, 22 federal agencies that fall under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland [58:27] Security have not received funding from the federal government. [58:31] Those 22 agencies employ over 260,000 Americans. [58:37] Let that sink in. [58:40] Over a quarter of a million of our federal law enforcement and first responders, many [58:46] have not received a check in almost now six weeks. [58:52] What has that resulted in? [58:54] It's resulted in travel delays, in some cases, travel delays in excess of four hours. [59:01] It's resulted in loss to the economy. [59:04] It's estimated that our economy has lost more than $2.5 billion during this shutdown. [59:10] And it has made America less safe. [59:14] So to each of you, I want to apologize that Congress has not been able to fund the agencies [59:21] for which you work, to fund those individuals who work under you. [59:27] But I must say, I must push back on the narrative that this is a Republican-created crisis, [59:33] that this is the Republicans' fault. [59:36] Chairman Garbarino said that every Republican on this committee has voted twice to fully [59:41] fund DHS. [59:42] And I'll tell you that we will have an opportunity later this week to vote a third time to fund [59:46] DHS. [59:47] And I am confident that every member here who has voted previously will vote again to [59:53] pay the men and women of DHS who placed themselves in harm's way to keep us safe. [1:00:01] If you remember when this shutdown began, this was going to be a temporary shutdown. [1:00:05] Democrats said, fund everything but DHS, give us a week, we'll get this worked out. [1:00:10] That week has now turned into over 40 days. [1:00:14] Democrats said, we don't want to fund the agency until there's change in leadership. [1:00:20] So President Trump reassigned. [1:00:21] Secretary Nome. [1:00:23] Yesterday, just yesterday, Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen was sworn in. [1:00:29] And Republicans have made that change. [1:00:33] Democrats also said, we refuse to fund DHS unless you separate ICE. [1:00:38] You separate ICE out of DHS, we'll fund all the other agencies. [1:00:42] We'll fund Coast Guard, we'll fund TSA, we'll fund FEMA, we'll fund CISA. [1:00:47] And what did we see yesterday? [1:00:49] Yesterday, and this is the Hill headline from today. [1:00:53] Talking about the events of yesterday. [1:00:54] We're going to see what happens. [1:00:54] Senate Democrats, not Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats reject GOP offer to reopen DHS. [1:01:04] The article goes on to say, Senate Democrats on Tuesday rejected a new proposal from Senate Republicans [1:01:10] endorsed by President Trump to fund almost all the Department of Homeland Security [1:01:16] while setting aside some funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement [1:01:21] to end the partial government shutdown that has now stretched. [1:01:24] At that time, 39 days to day 40. [1:01:27] And so, to my Democratic colleagues, I will tell you, it is time for you to stop gaslighting the public. [1:01:38] It's time for you to stop lying to the American people. [1:01:40] It's time for you to stop saying that this is a Republican issue, that we created this when we have voted time and time again to fund DHS. [1:01:50] Did we see in the Senate a proposal was made, a good faith proposal to try to honor the request of the Democrats to separate agencies. [1:01:58] We have not accepted ICE, and we have changed leaderships in DHS by having a new secretary sworn in just yesterday. [1:02:06] So the Democrats, which are now the policy of abolishing ICE, now the policy of, now the party of defunding the police, [1:02:15] they are also now, today, they are the party of government shutdown. [1:02:21] And so in the last minute I have, I have questions that I would like just yes or no answers. [1:02:27] Again, would like for you to have time to expand. [1:02:29] But know that my time is up. [1:02:30] Time is short. [1:02:33] Ms. McNeil, have the 60,000 men and women of TSA been paid since the government shutdown began? [1:02:39] Yes or no? [1:02:41] They have not. [1:02:43] Mr. Anderson, have the 2,500 employees of CISA been paid since the government shutdown? [1:02:45] Yes or no? [1:02:47] No, sir. [1:02:49] Ms. Barton, have the 22,000 employees of FEMA been paid since the government shutdown? [1:02:51] No, sir. [1:02:55] Ms. McNeil, has the shutdown impacted your ability to carry out your core mission? [1:03:01] It is getting harder by the day. [1:03:04] Yes, sir. [1:03:06] Mr. Anderson, same question. [1:03:08] Has your mission impacted your ability to carry out your mission? [1:03:10] Yes, sir, absolutely. [1:03:12] And Ms. Barton, same question to you. [1:03:15] I see the impacts every day. [1:03:17] Last question as my time expires. [1:03:19] Ms. McNeil, is America more or less safe because of this government shutdown? [1:03:23] We are really concerned about our security posture and what the long-term impacts of the shutdown is going to have on the workforce and our ability to carry out the mission. [1:03:33] Mr. Anderson, is America more or less safe because of the shutdown? [1:03:35] The threat environment is too dynamic, sir, to allow this shutdown to continue on. [1:03:39] And Ms. Barton, are we more or less safe because of this shutdown? [1:03:43] We are crippling our disaster response and recovery abilities by the day. [1:03:47] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:03:49] I'm sorry for being over time, and I yield back. [1:03:51] The gentleman yields back. [1:03:53] Ms. Barton, I just want you to clarify your answer about the employees not getting paid to make sure you have the right thing on the record, because I know some FEMA employees have been. [1:03:59] Can you just confirm which employees are not being paid right now? [1:04:03] The employees who are not funded out of the Disaster Relief Fund are not being paid. [1:04:09] Some are furloughed, and some are going to work while not being paid. [1:04:13] Okay, so the employee is not getting paid by the DRF. [1:04:15] Thank you very much for clarifying that. [1:04:17] Yes, Chairman, thank you for that opportunity. [1:04:19] I would like to now recognize the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Tanadar, for five minutes of questions. [1:04:27] Thank you, Chairman. [1:04:30] Acting Administrator McNeil, I previously told you in a hearing that I represent [1:04:36] Detroit Metro Airport, Michigan's busiest airport and one of the largest airline hubs in the world. [1:04:48] Due to DHS shutdown, transportation security officers have continued to go without pay. [1:04:54] Every time I go through the airport, I have a conversation with them. [1:05:02] I see the hardship and uncertainty that they are facing. [1:05:08] It is the committee's understanding that DHS is utilizing a technology [1:05:19] to pay $10 billion slush fund from Republicans' Big Ugly Bill to pay some personnel during the shutdown. [1:05:27] DHS has decided to pay law enforcement personnel from this fund, [1:05:33] but the text does not authorize the use of funds. [1:05:38] Nor does it mention limiting payments to law enforcement personnel. [1:05:43] Specifically, the text says there are appropriated to the Secretary $10 billion [1:05:51] for re-employment. [1:05:53] In other words, there is no reimbursement of costs incurred in undertaking activities [1:05:58] in support of the Department of Homeland Security's mission to safeguard the borders of the United States. [1:06:06] That's all it says. [1:06:08] And there is nothing about paying the salaries of law enforcement personnel, [1:06:13] but not those of other personnel. [1:06:16] My question to you is, if DHS believes it can use this slush fund to pay federal air marshals, [1:06:25] for example, then why can it not use this fund to pay TSOs? [1:06:32] And how is DHS choosing who gets to pay their bills during this shutdown? [1:06:38] Thank you, Congressman, for that question. [1:06:42] And to amend my response from earlier, you are correct that some of our law enforcement personnel [1:06:47] are getting paid at this point in time. [1:06:50] And that is a decision that the Department is making on who and what they can fund. [1:06:55] We are doing what we can where we can. [1:06:57] We do not like being in this situation. [1:06:59] And the bottom line is that all the hardworking men and women of DHS need to be paid. [1:07:03] And this is why DHS needs to be funded today. [1:07:06] Ms. McNeil, the Trump administration has continued to take away TSO's collective bargaining agreements. [1:07:14] And it continues to try to cancel TSO's union contracts. [1:07:18] With the workforce facing low morale due to no pay and other factors, [1:07:25] the Trump administration is doing everything it can [1:07:28] to lower workforce morale even further, [1:07:33] even as it pretends to prop up this workforce for political points. [1:07:40] Do you think canceling the collective bargaining agreement and union rights at TSA [1:07:48] is a good idea during this shutdown? [1:07:50] I think that not paying employees for the work that they are doing every day [1:07:55] to keep the American traveling population safe is a bad idea. [1:07:59] I think that they need to be paid for the work that they are doing. [1:08:02] And half of the time this fiscal year they have not been paid. [1:08:05] We are missing close to a billion dollars in payment to the TSO's. [1:08:09] And that needs to be rectified today. [1:08:11] How does TSA plan to rebuild its TSO workforce [1:08:15] when the administration keeps attacking it [1:08:19] and now telling TSO's that untrained ICE agents can do a better job than they can? [1:08:27] I'm extremely thankful to the President for recognizing the crisis that we are in [1:08:31] and leveraging assets across the Department of Homeland Security. [1:08:34] to assist our agency in this very difficult time. [1:08:37] And the ICE agents that have shown up are there in the support of the TSA mission. [1:08:42] And we've been spending time training them the last few days. [1:08:46] And we're seeing relief, signs of early relief at the airports where we're seeing long lines. [1:08:51] And this is how we function as a department. [1:08:53] We collaborate across the component agencies. [1:08:55] And this just underscores the importance of funding the entirety of the DHS functions. [1:08:59] Well, the ICE agents haven't been trained to do their ICE work. [1:09:02] And now, I don't know why, [1:09:04] I don't know what kind of training you're giving them in this short time, [1:09:07] but I see them all sitting down looking at their phones or chit-chatting, [1:09:11] but it looks like they have no role to play. [1:09:13] I've been talking to my field leadership. [1:09:15] The ICE agents that are there are doing non-specialized screening functions. [1:09:19] It's been incredibly helpful to alleviate the burden on our workforce. [1:09:23] And we're getting positive feedback from passengers and our field leadership alike. [1:09:27] My time is up, so I'll yield back. [1:09:31] The gentleman yields back. [1:09:32] I now recognize the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Jimenez, for five minutes questions. [1:09:37] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:09:38] And I want to remind everybody just why we're here. [1:09:42] We have passed an appropriation for DHS twice, I believe, in the House through Republican votes. [1:09:52] We've sent it over to the Senate. [1:09:54] And the only reason it hasn't passed is because the Democrats will not give us the 60 votes needed for closure, period. [1:10:00] That's it. [1:10:01] And why? [1:10:03] Why? [1:10:04] Because the Democrats are kowtowing to their radical base. [1:10:06] They just want to shut down ICE. [1:10:08] And then, you know, that's it. [1:10:12] And there's no off ramp for this, by the way. [1:10:14] They had an off ramp. [1:10:15] The off ramp was when the President changed the head of DHS and put a new head of DHS. [1:10:24] That was the perfect time for the off ramp for this thing to be over. [1:10:28] But they chose not to do that because they have radical ideas. [1:10:31] They want ICE to be able only to arrest people at the border. [1:10:38] Well, there's about 700,000 criminal illegal aliens right now in this country that need to be arrested and need to be deported. [1:10:49] And so ICE has a lot of work to do. [1:10:53] And they need to do it in order to protect America and the American public. [1:10:59] That being said, Ms. McNeil, you mentioned that the upcoming FIFA World Cup is just months away. [1:11:08] And it is just months away. [1:11:09] And we're expecting millions and millions of people to come to the United States. [1:11:12] And that TSA is already facing staffing shortages due to this prolonged shutdown. [1:11:18] Given the attrition, the increased callout rates, and the time it takes to train new officers, [1:11:23] can you walk us through how a continued funding lapse would impact TSA's ability to effectively screen the surge of international domestic travelers [1:11:33] during an event that has the magnitude and what specific risks that might pose to the American public? [1:11:43] Thank you, Congressman. [1:11:44] As the shutdown drags on, we will likely see our attrition rates continue to spike, [1:11:50] which means that we may not have the adequate headcount to staff the airports that are supporting the FIFA locations adequately. [1:11:57] We are working to ensure that we are surging our national deployment force so that we have mobile teams to be able to cover down on these locations [1:12:05] and looking at our canine assets as well. [1:12:07] But at a certain point, this is a numbers game. [1:12:09] If you don't have enough headcount, you can't cover down on your operations. [1:12:13] And the ongoing shutdown is also impacting our ability to procure and deploy technology [1:12:19] from checkpoint technology to some of our counter UAS technology in advance of FIFA World Cup. [1:12:25] So we're really running short on time here. [1:12:28] How many visitors do you expect to come to the United States for FIFA? [1:12:33] We are estimating it's a wide-ranging number between 6 million and from what I've heard up to 10 million additional passengers [1:12:40] on top of summer travel volumes already. [1:12:43] Well, those 6 to 10 million passengers, is that the net number or because they'll be traveling from city to city? [1:12:50] So are you going to be multiplying those 6, 2, 3 times or is that 6, 10 million total? [1:12:56] So those are additional passengers. [1:12:58] And your point is very well taken, Congressman. [1:13:01] I mean, they will be moving around the country as they go through their matches. [1:13:04] And so right now we are also doing that planning to ensure that as teams go through the World Cup and they move from base camps to base camps, [1:13:13] we will see those surges in those airports as well. [1:13:15] Fair enough. [1:13:17] Admiral Allen, I'm deeply concerned about the impact that this is having on the workforce, [1:13:21] especially the furlough of roughly 75% of your civilian specialists and the financial strain on service members. [1:13:28] Given that recruitment and retention was already a challenge, how much long-term damage is being done to the Coast Guard's talent pipeline? [1:13:37] Sir, thank you for that question. [1:13:39] When you look at the Coast Guard, this is a profession. [1:13:41] This isn't a job. [1:13:42] This is bringing in people for long-term. [1:13:44] This is a job to not only better our nation but to provide a pivot in their life to provide things back. [1:13:50] Right now our attrition numbers are good, but they're looking at the other services who are being paid and know that they're going to be paid. [1:13:56] We have the uncertainty of whether they are going to get paid paycheck to paycheck, [1:14:00] and that is having a long-term uncertainty and readiness to impact on our people. [1:14:04] Thank you, Admiral. [1:14:05] Look, what's happening is not right. [1:14:09] It's just not right. [1:14:12] All right? [1:14:13] And for – to drive a political point, [1:14:15] but really they can't drive because ICE is already funded. [1:14:20] So that's why there's no off ramp. [1:14:22] ICE is already funded. [1:14:24] What they want, they can't get. [1:14:26] And so this is just political theater, and it's not right. [1:14:29] And it's not right that the hardworking men and women that are protecting this country are suffering because of this, you know, pure political play. [1:14:38] And unfortunately – and this lays right at the feet of the Democrats. [1:14:44] They're the ones that refuse to fund DHS and the hardworking men and women that protect this country. [1:14:50] And with that, I'll leave you back. [1:14:51] Gentleman kneels back. [1:14:52] I now recognize the gentleman from Rhode Island. [1:14:54] Mr. Magaziner for five minutes of questions. [1:14:56] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:14:57] I'd like to remind everyone why we are here. [1:15:00] Please play the video. [1:15:01] This is video of what appears to be pepper spray thrown by a federal agent into Rafael Varazza's car. [1:15:26] You okay, mama? [1:15:27] You okay? [1:15:28] Seconds later, he realized his daughter, one-year-old Ariana, [1:15:32] was in the back seat. [1:15:50] We spoke with school officials who were there saying that they consoled the boy's sobbing mother [1:15:55] after ICE agents took her husband and son away from her after they returned home from school that day. [1:16:03] More than half a dozen federal agents were seen on cell phone video Tuesday surrounding this five-year-old boy [1:16:12] wearing a bunny hat and a Spider-Man backpack. [1:16:15] Liam Ramos was taken into custody. [1:16:17] Along with his dad. [1:16:19] Homeland Security contractors told White House officials they were asked to pay Corey Lewandowski, [1:16:25] a longtime ally of President Donald Trump. [1:16:28] In an undercover operation last year, the FBI recorded Homan, now the White House borders are, [1:16:34] accepting $50,000 in cash after indicating he would help agents who were posing as business executives [1:16:41] win government contracts in a second Trump term. [1:16:45] Madam Secretary, [1:16:46] how many United States military veterans have you deported? [1:16:49] Sir, we have not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans. [1:16:53] We are joined on Zoom by a gentleman named Sejun Park. [1:16:56] He is a United States Army combat veteran. [1:16:59] You deported him to Korea, a country he hasn't lived in since he was seven years old. [1:17:05] This is why we're here. [1:17:08] Because under the Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security has been badly mismanaged. [1:17:13] Complete chaos. [1:17:15] Children. [1:17:17] Pregnant women. [1:17:18] Veterans. [1:17:19] U.S. citizens locked up and deported for no good reason. [1:17:23] Two Americans murdered in the street in broad daylight. [1:17:27] The workforce at CISA was gutted. [1:17:29] FEMA funding wasn't going out to North Carolina and other parts of the country that needed it. [1:17:34] And then there was abject corruption. [1:17:36] Corey Lewandowski handing out taxpayer-funded contracts while allegedly demanding that he be paid success fees from those companies. [1:17:47] Tom Homan taking $50,000 in cash in a paper bag from FBI agents. [1:17:53] The American people are appalled and outraged by what is going on. [1:17:58] And now the administration wants us to give them billions of more dollars with no guarantee that anything is going to change? [1:18:04] Firing Kristi Noem is a good start, but it is not enough. [1:18:08] ICE needs to act like every other law enforcement agency. [1:18:14] With warrants. [1:18:15] With badge numbers. [1:18:16] With standards of conduct. [1:18:18] And with accountability when those standards are broken. [1:18:22] And we need laws to ensure that will happen because otherwise it's not going to happen. [1:18:27] Rosa DeLauro has a bill right now to fund the rest of the Department of Homeland Security except for ICE. [1:18:34] To fund TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, all of it. [1:18:39] And we can continue to negotiate the much-needed changes to ICE in the meantime. [1:18:44] Let's pass that funding now for those TSA workers. [1:18:47] For those Coast Guard workers and contractors. [1:18:50] Today. [1:18:51] We can vote on this today and pass that funding. [1:18:54] In fact, it was reported that there was a deal to do just that and President Trump rejected it. [1:19:00] He said don't do a deal with Democrats. [1:19:02] And then it was reported Leader Thune went to the White House, actually talked some sense into the President. [1:19:08] They agreed to it. [1:19:09] And almost immediately the House Freedom Caucus on the far right came out against it. [1:19:15] Enough. [1:19:17] Let's fund TSA now. [1:19:18] Let's do it. [1:19:19] Let's fund the Coast Guard now. [1:19:20] Let's pass this DeLauro bill. [1:19:22] And we can negotiate over the much-needed changes to ICE that the American people want and demand. [1:19:29] But what we are not going to do is to continue to throw billions of dollars at ICE when there is no accountability, [1:19:37] when they're pulling people from their homes without a warrant, harassing people, intimidating people who are exercising free speech, [1:19:44] employing mass surveillance against United States citizens, killing United States citizens. [1:19:49] We are not going to do that. [1:19:51] We can fund the rest of Homeland Security today and make much-needed reforms to ICE that the American people want and deserve. [1:19:59] That is why we are in this situation. [1:20:01] I yield back. [1:20:02] Gentleman yields back. [1:20:04] I now recognize the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Pflueger, for five minutes of questions. [1:20:08] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:20:09] The reason we're here, despite a video with two people being shown on it, is not that. [1:20:16] The reason we're here is because we didn't have a single hearing on border security. [1:20:20] While the ranking member was the chairman in 2021 and 2022. [1:20:24] Not a single hearing. [1:20:25] And yet 10 million people were let in under President Joe Biden. [1:20:30] Where were the cries when Jocelyn Nungere was murdered? [1:20:33] Where were the video cameras when Lakin Riley was brutally murdered? [1:20:40] We don't have those. [1:20:41] They didn't get that. [1:20:42] That's why we're here. [1:20:45] We're here because we're cleaning up a mess that is on a level and a scale that is unfathomable. [1:20:55] President Trump has had to clean up a mess. [1:20:57] That is on a scale that was unthinkable. [1:21:02] 100,000 people died as a result of fentanyl. [1:21:05] Where were my Democrat colleagues down in McAllen, Texas, when I went down there and saw a two-year-old that was left in the brush? [1:21:15] Yeah, the emotional outcry over here is the height of hypocrisy. [1:21:21] It is so hypocritical. [1:21:24] Not a single person down there at a hearing that we held on border security. [1:21:31] Not a single Democrat had the decency to stand up. [1:21:35] Not a single person had the decency to stand up for Lakin Riley's parents at the State of the Union last year. [1:21:38] Not a single person had the decency on the Democrat side of the aisle to stand up for Jocelyn Nungere's parents who were in our chamber. [1:21:47] Give me a break. [1:21:51] We have a bipartisan agreed upon bill to fund all of DHS that was voted upon and then the carpet was pulled out by Senate Democrats. [1:22:05] And now this week we will vote for the third time to fund the entirety of DHS. [1:22:10] You want to know why people are leaving blue cities and blue states? [1:22:16] It's because they don't believe in the rule of law. [1:22:18] They don't believe in law and order. [1:22:21] They don't believe in adhering to the laws that are on the books. [1:22:24] Well, we do. [1:22:28] And we believe in helping because we were there even despite President Biden's complete wide open border and agenda to let millions of people into this country. [1:22:37] We funded you. [1:22:39] I wonder what our panelists would like to ask this side of the aisle for their no vote. [1:22:45] I wonder what they would like to say knowing that there are agents right now who are struggling just to make a mortgage payment or to put food on the table. [1:22:57] That there are TSA agents in their hometowns. [1:23:01] I would like to see the White House maybe take a move to say if you vote no for DHS funding, you don't get the funding in your district. [1:23:07] You don't get the funding in your state. [1:23:09] I would like to see that. [1:23:12] Ms. McNeil, are there continued worries right now about terrorist threats on airplanes? [1:23:20] Congressman, as we know, the aviation sector has always been a target of interest for terrorists that has been, you know, since the days of 9-11 and continues to be so. [1:23:32] And so our vigilance is really critical. [1:23:34] And especially during this heightened threat environment, every day we look at our risk posture and we amend our operations to make sure that we are putting the strongest security barriers up as possible. [1:23:47] And we continue to do that despite not being funded. [1:23:50] For the third time this year and our officers continue to show up and continue to do what they need to do every day to ensure the safety of the American travelers. [1:24:01] What do you tell your agents right now? [1:24:04] Hang in there. [1:24:05] Sorry you're not getting paid. [1:24:08] Sorry that we have a dysfunctional Congress that can't actually come to some reasonable conclusion that there is a terrorist threat that we would like to prevent in the wake of 9-11. [1:24:16] What do you tell them? [1:24:18] I thank them every day for their commitment and dedication to the mission because they continue to show up. [1:24:23] You wouldn't see this level of commitment, you know, in the private sector. [1:24:27] I mean, this is incredible what you're seeing from the men and women at TSA today. [1:24:32] We tell them that they are performing a critical function. [1:24:35] We ask them to continue to show up and let them know that we're advocating for them with the powers that be. [1:24:40] And that's why I'm here today is to advocate for the funding of the Department of Homeland Security so that the hardworking men and women get their paychecks. [1:24:48] I wonder what my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do when they cross over into TSA. [1:24:52] What do they say, you know, to the agents? [1:24:54] Do they say, sorry I didn't vote for you to get paid, but keep us safe, you know? [1:25:01] It's rhetorical, but please, I'll give you the last five seconds. [1:25:04] Thank you, Congressman. [1:25:05] I mean, what I'm hearing from our workforce is that what's happening to them is nothing short of cruel. [1:25:10] And how do you respond to that? [1:25:12] You know, it's just a really tough situation. [1:25:14] There's no response, especially when we're leaving at risk a terrorist threat that is going to – that is loud and clear, that there are people out there. [1:25:22] That want to destroy this country, and now they're going to use this division with folks who don't have the courage to stand up and do the right thing. [1:25:29] And I yield back. [1:25:30] The gentleman yields back. [1:25:31] I now recognize the gentlelady from Illinois, Ms. Ramirez, for five minutes of questions. [1:25:34] Thank you, Chairman and ranking member. [1:25:36] I want you to look at this board here. [1:25:40] It says the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, be privatized. [1:25:45] Right there. [1:25:47] Project 2025. [1:25:48] Until it is privatized, TSA should be treated as a national security provider. [1:25:54] And its workforce should be de-unionized immediately. [1:26:00] This is the recommendation of the Heritage Foundation in Chapter 5, page 134 of their Mandate for Leadership, better known as Project 2025. [1:26:13] Mr. Chair, I know some of my colleagues would like to say that there's no correlation between the administration and the Heritage Foundation's plan. [1:26:20] But Acting Administrator McNeil, didn't DHS announce on March 7, 2025, [1:26:26] that DHS was ending collective bargaining for TSA officers? [1:26:30] Yes or no? [1:26:35] Yes, it did. [1:26:36] Thank you. [1:26:37] That's right. [1:26:38] So, when you're acting here like you give a darn about our TSA officers, stop with the hypocrisy. [1:26:44] Mr. Chairman, I want to make sure that I ask unanimous consent to include into the record a press release by DHS entitled, [1:26:50] DHS Ends Collective Bargaining for TSA's Transportation Security Officers. [1:26:56] Without objection. [1:26:57] Now, it's hard to believe [1:27:00] that [1:27:02] the Republicans' reluctance to fund TSA, despite 10 attempts by Democrats in the Senate, [1:27:07] is not acting on the Heritage Foundation and Trump's administration's playbook to hurt workers and create conditions to privatize TSA. [1:27:15] Because Republicans blocked DHS funding 10 times. [1:27:19] Take a picture. [1:27:21] It'll last longer so you can see it. [1:27:23] Especially when Trump himself has demanded that Republicans reject funding the TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, and CESA, [1:27:34] all while his terror force, ICE and CBP, are beyond fully funded with 50,000 bonus sign-up contracts. [1:27:43] Because instead of negotiating with Democrats to rein in ICE and CBP and ensure that workers in TSA, FEMA, CESA, and the Coast Guard receive their paychecks, [1:27:51] they want to make sure to slap TSA workers in the face and send ICE agents who aren't getting paid to intimidate travelers, [1:28:01] who are in fact getting paid to intimidate travelers, [1:28:04] stand idly behind unpaid TSA workers who are actually doing the work and inflict harm in our airports. [1:28:15] As the administration consistently demonstrates, [1:28:17] one, there is no plan. [1:28:19] Two, ICE has become a national paramilitary force intended to be accountable only to who? [1:28:27] The president, not the people, which he feels he can deploy at his will, with or without masks, depending on how he's feeling that day. [1:28:35] So, Acting Administrator McNeil, given we see photos of ICE agents loitering at airports, [1:28:40] what exactly is ICE's role at TSA checkpoints? [1:28:43] What tasks are they performing that usually TSAs would be performing? [1:28:48] Congresswoman, ICE, our ICE colleagues have helped us in some of the non-specialized screening functions at airports [1:28:58] so that we can focus our TSA workforce on those specialized screening efforts, [1:29:02] and they are helping us at airports where we are seeing long lines, [1:29:05] because those TSAs are there. [1:29:06] Thank you. [1:29:07] They are assisting us. [1:29:08] They have not been able to report to work because they cannot afford to do so. [1:29:11] They cannot afford. [1:29:12] Okay. [1:29:13] Well, thank you. [1:29:14] That's enough. [1:29:15] They are assisting us. [1:29:16] That's enough. [1:29:17] Let me reclaim my time. [1:29:18] They can't afford to because we won't fund them, but we will certainly ask for more money for ICE. [1:29:21] I just, I want to make sure for the record, because we are limited on time, [1:29:24] a couple questions that actually TSA agents and people back in our districts are asking is, [1:29:29] how are ICE agents reducing passenger wait times at the airport? [1:29:32] Because passenger wait times have not reduced. [1:29:34] As a matter of fact, in some airports have increased. [1:29:36] As a result of now the terror of having ICE agents all over the place. [1:29:43] I also want to make sure that we put on the record what training have ICE officers received for these roles. [1:29:47] It's my understanding they have no training for these specific roles, [1:29:50] and that TSOs are not sworn law enforcement officers, [1:29:53] so does any of the work that ICE is performing require a sworn law enforcement officer? [1:29:58] I want to make sure that I end in saying this. [1:30:00] DHS, as it stands, can't be reformed. [1:30:04] It was created by Congress with a broad latitude to violate our rights [1:30:07] under the pretense of security. [1:30:09] But frankly, in this moment, no one feels secure under DHS. [1:30:13] With the latitude that TSA, with this latitude, [1:30:16] TSA gathers and analyzes the data of billions of travelers, including biometrics. [1:30:20] And not long ago, the administration and this committee [1:30:23] irresponsibly defended private interests having access to our information. [1:30:28] And I want to make sure that I make this clear. [1:30:30] What they are doing with your information should scare you. [1:30:34] There are corporations that have your information, [1:30:36] because TSA leadership is releasing that information [1:30:40] under the guise of protecting us against domestic terrorism. [1:30:44] This is exactly why not one more dollar for ICE, [1:30:48] not one more dollar for CBP, [1:30:50] and we have to fund TSA, [1:30:53] but not at the expense of giving more money for corruption. [1:30:56] With that, I yield back. [1:30:58] Mr. Gentlelady yields back. [1:30:59] I now recognize the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Luttrell, for five minutes of questions. [1:31:02] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:31:03] Admiral Allen, thank you for your service, sir. [1:31:06] Can you give me the role and responsibility of a merchant marine captain [1:31:10] for the American public, please? [1:31:12] Sir, the merchant marine is our force that provides the ability for us [1:31:17] to move goods and services. [1:31:18] As a maritime nation, in times of war, [1:31:21] they will actually provide the ability to move supplies and forces forward. [1:31:26] So I'm assuming that that will scuttle economic growth [1:31:31] if we lose our merchant marine captains? [1:31:33] Sir, could you say that again? [1:31:38] If we're losing our merchant marine captains because of a turnover rate, [1:31:41] which you said 16,000, I believe? [1:31:43] Yes, sir. [1:31:45] So what we're doing is new credentials are coming in. [1:31:48] They either have to renew them or are new ones, [1:31:51] and that 16,000 that we are backlogged right now with 300 coming in a day. [1:31:55] Because I have a dear friend that reached out to me. [1:31:57] He's a merchant marine captain. [1:31:59] His license is up for renewal, and his concern was, [1:32:01] like, I can't do this because DHS is shut down. [1:32:04] My question about merchant marines is if there is a large enough delta [1:32:10] where we're not paying our captains, [1:32:11] they're going to have to go somewhere else to find work first and foremost, [1:32:13] but then the new recruits are not going to come in [1:32:16] because they're going to see what is happening. [1:32:19] If we lose our merchant marine fleet, [1:32:22] I'm assuming that's going to be a bad thing. [1:32:25] Yes, sir. [1:32:27] As far as the Coast Guard, [1:32:32] now, I was in Kerrville as well, [1:32:35] and the flight crew that was out there conducted amazing operations [1:32:39] and rescued over 230 people. [1:32:42] And your rescue swimmers do amazing things off of each of our coasts, [1:32:46] and they put themselves in positions [1:32:47] that most likely sometimes when they jump in the water, [1:32:49] they know they're not coming back. [1:32:51] And I'm assuming our rescue swimmers are continuing to do their job, correct? [1:32:56] Yes, sir. [1:32:57] We continue to do national security missions [1:32:59] and those missions affecting life and property, [1:33:02] and so we do have our rescue swimmers out there every day responding. [1:33:05] And that's a global footprint too, correct? [1:33:07] Not just off our coasts? [1:33:08] That's correct, yes. [1:33:09] And that lends itself to national security, correct? [1:33:13] Yes, sir. [1:33:15] Mr. Anderson, as far as CISA goes, [1:33:17] at what point, [1:33:18] if we don't have the ability to pay our employees [1:33:20] and they start to leave, [1:33:22] just as well as turnover, [1:33:25] at what point will CISA be combat ineffective? [1:33:28] Thank you for your question, sir. [1:33:32] It's a continued risk that's evolving each and every single day. [1:33:35] We have employees that are having to make the choice right now. [1:33:38] We have employees that are single. [1:33:40] We have a woman that's a single mother [1:33:42] who's having to make the choice right now [1:33:44] between continuing to care for her aging parents [1:33:46] or continuing to care for her child and be able to pay her bills. [1:33:49] That type of calculus, [1:33:51] for individual employees, [1:33:53] they shouldn't have to make that type of burdensome choice [1:33:56] between serving their nation [1:33:57] and continuing to serve their families. [1:33:59] And Ms. McNeil, [1:34:00] as far as the attrition rate goes [1:34:02] with our current officers and TSA, [1:34:05] I'm assuming the growth rate is starting to grow [1:34:08] the longer we're into this shutdown, correct? [1:34:12] Yes, the attrition is, [1:34:14] we're watching that closely. [1:34:16] And throughout the three shutdowns of this year, [1:34:18] we did see spikes in attrition. [1:34:19] So we need to be very careful about that [1:34:21] because as I mentioned earlier, [1:34:24] we are months away from FIFA [1:34:26] and we need to be in a ready posture [1:34:28] to be able to support the events of the summer. [1:34:30] So we have the United States Coast Guard [1:34:32] and Merch Marine Academy [1:34:33] that provides security [1:34:36] and supply infrastructure around our coasts. [1:34:39] We have CISA that protects all of our communication [1:34:41] and all of our digital infrastructure, [1:34:43] banking across the board. [1:34:45] And then we have TSA that allows people [1:34:47] to move through in and out of our country. [1:34:49] And we have FIFA coming up. [1:34:50] We have 10 million plus people, as you said, [1:34:52] that are planning on coming in. [1:34:54] That's gonna send our, [1:34:55] if we're still in shutdown, [1:34:56] I would assume that that will send our aviation community [1:34:59] into complete lockdown, [1:35:00] which means everybody that's paying, [1:35:03] including the teams coming over to do this, [1:35:05] won't have the ability to travel [1:35:07] because the airports are non-functional. [1:35:09] Is that a fair assessment? [1:35:12] Congressman, at this point, [1:35:13] we have to look at all options on the table. [1:35:15] We don't have the luxury of picking and choosing [1:35:17] how we maintain our operations. [1:35:18] And that does require us to, at some point, [1:35:21] make very difficult choices [1:35:22] as to which airports [1:35:23] we might try to keep open [1:35:25] and which ones we might have to shut down [1:35:27] as our call-out rates increase. [1:35:29] So the way that I see this [1:35:30] is that a secretary has been removed. [1:35:32] Senator Mark Wayne Mullen got appointed yesterday [1:35:35] making valid attempts to course correct [1:35:38] the irritations with ICE [1:35:40] and everything that's been happening. [1:35:42] But we have crippled Coast Guard, CISA, [1:35:45] and our TSA agents, [1:35:46] and we're continuing to do so. [1:35:50] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:35:53] I yield back. [1:35:55] Gentleman yields back. [1:35:56] And I recognize the gentleman from New York, [1:35:57] Mr. Goldman, [1:35:58] for being very gracious. [1:35:59] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:36:01] Ms. McNeil, [1:36:03] would you rather have [1:36:05] a fully funded TSA [1:36:08] or ICE agents assisting TSA at airports [1:36:13] during a shutdown? [1:36:20] I would like to have all the hard-working men and women [1:36:22] of the Department of Homeland Security be paid [1:36:24] for the work they're doing. [1:36:25] That wasn't my question. [1:36:26] Would you rather have your agency fully funded [1:36:29] so everyone can be paid [1:36:31] and retroactively, [1:36:33] or would you rather have ICE officers [1:36:36] assisting you at airports? [1:36:39] If DHS is funded, TSA will be funded. [1:36:42] And would you rather have that, [1:36:43] or would you rather have the ICE agents [1:36:45] who are at airports right now helping you? [1:36:48] I think that if we don't want ICE agents [1:36:50] working at airports, [1:36:51] we need to fund the departments. [1:36:53] It's not a complicated question, ma'am. [1:36:55] It's not a complicated question. [1:36:56] Would you rather have TSA funded [1:36:59] or ICE agents helping [1:37:03] your agency at the airport? [1:37:06] Paying the employees for the work that they are doing [1:37:08] is also not a complicated question. [1:37:10] Well, I'm asking the questions, [1:37:13] and you're answering them, [1:37:15] and I would like to understand [1:37:18] whether you are happy to have ICE agents there [1:37:20] or whether you would rather have [1:37:22] your own TSA officers there. [1:37:25] Under normal order, [1:37:26] they would be performing, [1:37:27] TSA would be performing our operations, [1:37:29] and that is the ideal state. [1:37:31] But I am also thankful for ICE for being there [1:37:33] to help alleviate that. [1:37:34] To help alleviate the burden [1:37:36] that our workforce is feeling [1:37:37] because we are in the third shutdown [1:37:39] of this fiscal year. [1:37:40] So you're happy to have ICE there, [1:37:42] even though, as far as we can tell, [1:37:44] there are videos of them standing around, [1:37:47] yawning, eating candy bars, [1:37:49] or tackling someone and arresting a woman [1:37:54] in front of her daughter [1:37:55] in the San Francisco airport. [1:37:57] It seems to me like [1:38:00] there's not a whole lot they're doing, [1:38:02] but one thing [1:38:04] that Mr. Homan said they were doing [1:38:06] was checking identification. [1:38:08] So do you have any concerns [1:38:12] about passengers whose identification [1:38:15] are being checked by ICE agents [1:38:18] who are armed and may arrest them? [1:38:21] The ICE agents that are at the airports [1:38:25] where we're seeing long lines [1:38:26] are helping in a multitude of different ways. [1:38:30] The credential authentication machine [1:38:32] at the travel document checker [1:38:34] is one thing that they are helping us operate, [1:38:36] and they are doing that under TSA protocols [1:38:38] and standard operating procedures. [1:38:40] So let's talk about this funding, [1:38:46] because I hear my colleagues [1:38:48] on the other side of the aisle [1:38:50] wax poetic and melodramatic [1:38:52] about how awful it is [1:38:55] that your officers are not funded, [1:38:58] are not able to work and get paid. [1:39:00] And I want to be very clear. [1:39:02] I 100% agree with that. [1:39:05] The problem is, [1:39:06] that it is the Republicans [1:39:09] who have voted down TSA funding [1:39:13] over and over and over again. [1:39:17] And you don't have to take my word for it. [1:39:19] Let's listen to Senator Kennedy [1:39:22] on Fox News, if we could play the clip. [1:39:26] The Democrats have offered [1:39:27] to open up everything but ICE. [1:39:30] Ted and I said, [1:39:31] okay, let's accept their offer. [1:39:33] And then at the same time, [1:39:35] we would offer a bill for reconciliation [1:39:38] where we don't need any Democratic votes [1:39:41] to do whatever we wanted to do with ICE. [1:39:44] And that way we're out of the shutdown [1:39:46] and DHS is back open. [1:39:48] We submitted that, [1:39:49] Senator Coffoon submitted that [1:39:51] to President Trump, [1:39:52] as is his right. [1:39:55] He said no. [1:39:56] No deals with the Democrats. [1:39:58] So we're back to square one. [1:40:02] No deals with the Democrats. [1:40:06] The Democrats offered [1:40:08] to open up everything but ICE, [1:40:10] but Trump said no. [1:40:13] No deals with the Democrats. [1:40:16] That is a Republican senator. [1:40:20] And that is why we are sitting here today [1:40:23] with none of your agencies being funded. [1:40:26] And I am sorry that you have to deal with this. [1:40:30] I am sorry you are having to get by [1:40:35] with no funding, [1:40:37] with people having to literally leave their jobs [1:40:42] so they can take another job and get paid. [1:40:44] That is absolutely unacceptable. [1:40:46] And you are right to be frustrated. [1:40:49] And I am concerned about our homeland security. [1:40:53] I am concerned about CISA. [1:40:55] I am concerned about the damage it is causing. [1:40:58] And that is why you ought to call your boss, [1:41:00] President Trump, [1:41:02] and tell him to take the offer [1:41:04] that the Democrats made [1:41:06] to fund all of your agencies. [1:41:08] And I yield back. [1:41:12] Gentleman yields back. [1:41:13] Now I recognize the gentleman from Oklahoma, [1:41:15] Mr. McKean, [1:41:16] for five minutes of questions. [1:41:18] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:41:20] I wanted to look up the word obfuscate [1:41:23] because I have been watching it play out all morning. [1:41:26] The verb meaning [1:41:29] to make something unclear, [1:41:33] obscure, [1:41:34] difficult to understand, [1:41:35] to conceal the truth [1:41:36] and frequently used in the context of communication [1:41:39] or politics, [1:41:40] to confuse, [1:41:41] to cloud, [1:41:42] to blur, [1:41:43] to befuddle, [1:41:44] to complicate, [1:41:45] to mystify. [1:41:47] I think many people remember the scene [1:41:49] in The Wizard of Oz [1:41:51] where the dog is pulling back the curtain [1:41:53] and the man with the booming voice says, [1:41:56] disregard the man behind the curtain [1:41:58] pulling the levers and spinning the wheels. [1:42:01] But everyone knew. [1:42:02] It is almost like someone who pulls a fire alarm [1:42:04] and then blames everybody else for the noise. [1:42:07] Or the little kid that is caught with cookie crumbs [1:42:11] on their face and says, [1:42:13] no, it was not me. [1:42:14] I do not know how, [1:42:15] if a terrorist activity occurs, [1:42:18] that you can wordsmith your way out of this. [1:42:22] In a few months. [1:42:24] I would like to know [1:42:26] how you can wordsmith your way out of this. [1:42:29] Because that is the reality. [1:42:32] As Ms. McNeil, [1:42:33] representing the TSA agents, [1:42:34] as you have described, [1:42:36] there has been 40 days, [1:42:38] a lapse of funding. [1:42:39] Brilliantly, [1:42:41] the President has had to move [1:42:43] for national security concerns, [1:42:45] ICE agents, [1:42:46] to do the non-technical elements of screening. [1:42:49] Because as you said, [1:42:50] it takes six months [1:42:51] for some of these screening elements [1:42:53] to be fully understood [1:42:54] to keep the American people safe [1:42:56] at our airports. [1:42:57] 40 days of no funding. [1:43:02] 400 people have quit their jobs [1:43:04] within TSA, [1:43:05] is my understanding. [1:43:06] It takes six months to replace them. [1:43:08] Within 79 days, [1:43:09] we are going to have the World Cup. [1:43:12] This conflict with Iran, [1:43:13] and Iran absolutely [1:43:15] is looking for vulnerabilities. [1:43:21] Ms. McNeil, [1:43:23] is our national security at risk? [1:43:29] We are really concerned [1:43:30] about the impacts of all of this [1:43:31] on our security posture [1:43:33] and our ability to maintain. [1:43:34] I think the fact that we are able to maintain [1:43:36] the way that we are today [1:43:37] really speaks to the dedication [1:43:38] of the workforce. [1:43:39] But, you know, [1:43:40] if this goes on much longer, [1:43:42] it will have dire long-term impacts. [1:43:44] So for the leverage points [1:43:45] of those that are trying to make a point [1:43:48] on some other issue, [1:43:50] will they have had plenty of warning signs [1:43:53] if a terrorist activity was to occur? [1:43:56] If another drug interdiction [1:43:58] to the Coast Guard gets through, [1:44:01] someone dies for fentanyl poisoning. [1:44:03] If there is a hacking situation [1:44:06] and we lose our guards, [1:44:08] or we lose our grid, [1:44:10] or we ransomware [1:44:11] and massive vulnerabilities. [1:44:14] Or in Oklahoma, [1:44:15] if we have a tornado [1:44:16] and our disaster relief fund [1:44:18] stash of allocation [1:44:20] is completely empty, [1:44:23] will they be able [1:44:24] to move the green pea around enough [1:44:30] and wave their hand enough [1:44:31] to say, [1:44:32] oh, we did not have enough notice. [1:44:33] It was not our fault. [1:44:35] Admiral Allen, [1:44:38] how could you justify [1:44:41] maintaining a position [1:44:42] of keeping your officers [1:44:44] from being funded [1:44:45] where they are having to go to banks [1:44:47] to keep them afloat, [1:44:48] keeping their eye off the target [1:44:50] to protect the people? [1:44:51] Can they say they did not know? [1:44:55] Sir, our people are hired [1:44:57] to secure the Constitution [1:45:00] and pledge that oath. [1:45:02] With that oath, [1:45:03] the American people [1:45:04] have given them a contract [1:45:05] to pay them [1:45:06] and make sure [1:45:07] that they are going to be able [1:45:08] to show up to work for every day. [1:45:09] Every day that this goes on, [1:45:10] it is harder to do that. [1:45:11] We have uncertainty [1:45:13] on whether they are going to get paid, [1:45:14] and that creates problems [1:45:15] with readiness, [1:45:16] and that problem [1:45:17] with readiness [1:45:18] creates problems [1:45:19] with execution [1:45:20] of dangerous missions. [1:45:21] Mr. McNeil, [1:45:22] for the TSA agents, [1:45:23] given the attrition, [1:45:24] given those [1:45:25] that are leaving their jobs, [1:45:26] you said 40% of people [1:45:27] are calling in now [1:45:28] saying, [1:45:29] I just cannot do this [1:45:30] in some areas. [1:45:31] 40% saying, [1:45:32] I cannot do this. [1:45:33] I have to go make a living [1:45:34] for my family. [1:45:35] I have to get a paycheck. [1:45:36] And so that void [1:45:37] is having to be filled. [1:45:38] What happens [1:45:39] months down the road [1:45:40] because of the six-month [1:45:42] training requirement [1:45:43] to get us up to speed? [1:45:44] How many agents [1:45:45] how many months [1:45:47] will we be [1:45:48] in a very vulnerable situation [1:45:50] even if the shutdown [1:45:51] was to end today? [1:45:52] As I mentioned [1:45:56] in my opening statement, [1:45:57] at this rate [1:45:58] and at this point in time, [1:45:59] we would not be able [1:46:00] to train those officers [1:46:01] and put them in place [1:46:02] in time [1:46:03] for the FIFA World Cup. [1:46:04] So, you know, [1:46:05] we are facing it [1:46:06] come this summer. [1:46:08] I yield, Mr. Chairman. [1:46:09] The gentleman yields back. [1:46:11] And I recognize [1:46:13] the gentleman from New York, [1:46:14] Mr. Kennedy. [1:46:15] Five minutes of questions. [1:46:16] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:46:19] A number of our colleagues [1:46:20] have said [1:46:21] and have mentioned [1:46:22] why we're here today. [1:46:23] I want to remind [1:46:24] my colleagues [1:46:25] of three of many individuals [1:46:27] who have brought us here today [1:46:30] to this point. [1:46:31] Alex Preti, [1:46:33] Renee Nicole Goode, [1:46:35] Narul Amin Shah Alam. [1:46:39] They are [1:46:41] why we are here today. [1:46:42] There needs to be [1:46:43] accountability at ICE. [1:46:46] There needs to be reforms. [1:46:49] And we need to create trust [1:46:51] in our government agencies [1:46:53] once and for all. [1:46:55] I want to be crystal clear [1:46:58] with our witnesses today. [1:46:59] Democrats want to see [1:47:01] each of your agencies [1:47:02] fully funded. [1:47:03] As a matter of fact, [1:47:05] aside from the deal [1:47:06] that was rejected [1:47:07] by President Trump [1:47:09] and ultimately [1:47:10] Senate Republicans [1:47:12] who are doing his bidding, [1:47:13] Democrats have put forward [1:47:17] a House plan, [1:47:19] a petition on the floor [1:47:20] that not only have I [1:47:22] and hundreds of my colleagues [1:47:24] already signed [1:47:25] that forces a vote [1:47:27] to fund all of your agencies [1:47:30] in full. [1:47:31] I've signed that [1:47:33] discharge petition. [1:47:34] I co-sponsor that bill. [1:47:37] And we need to make sure [1:47:39] that our TSOs [1:47:41] are being paid [1:47:42] and all of these agencies [1:47:44] are fully funded [1:47:45] once and for all. [1:47:47] But I want to turn [1:47:48] to FEMA issues [1:47:49] because this is [1:47:50] the first time [1:47:51] the committee has seen [1:47:52] a FEMA witness [1:47:53] this Congress. [1:47:54] I understand we were supposed [1:47:55] to have the head [1:47:56] of FEMA's Office [1:47:57] of Response and Recovery, [1:48:00] Mr. Greg Phillips, [1:48:01] to testify here today. [1:48:02] I'm really disappointed [1:48:03] that he's not here. [1:48:04] I do appreciate you [1:48:07] being here, Ms. Barton. [1:48:08] I wanted to ask Mr. Phillips, [1:48:12] along with my colleagues, [1:48:14] about his election [1:48:16] conspiracy theories, [1:48:17] about his violent statements [1:48:19] about former President Biden, [1:48:21] or his deeply troubling, [1:48:23] bigoted comments [1:48:25] about immigrants, [1:48:26] all of which, to me, [1:48:28] makes him wholly disqualified [1:48:32] to hold his position [1:48:34] on its own, [1:48:35] but all only to be outdone [1:48:36] by his claims [1:48:38] of being teleported [1:48:39] to a Waffle House. [1:48:43] It sounds to me [1:48:44] that Mr. Phillips [1:48:45] is wildly unfit [1:48:46] for his role [1:48:47] as head of FEMA [1:48:48] Response and Recovery, [1:48:49] and I look forward [1:48:50] to seeing him here [1:48:51] before this committee [1:48:52] in person. [1:48:54] And so, Ms. Barton, [1:48:55] while a shutdown [1:48:56] in many ways [1:48:57] can put FEMA in a bind, [1:48:59] FEMA has not been [1:49:01] effectively up and running [1:49:03] since this president [1:49:05] was inaugurated [1:49:06] on January 20th [1:49:07] of last year. [1:49:08] In February, [1:49:10] Mr. Phillips testified [1:49:11] before the House [1:49:12] Appropriations Committee [1:49:13] the following, [1:49:14] quote, [1:49:15] a lapse in appropriations [1:49:16] would result [1:49:17] in the furlough [1:49:18] of many FEMA employees, [1:49:19] limiting the agency's ability [1:49:20] to coordinate effectively [1:49:21] and affecting [1:49:23] disaster relief outcomes. [1:49:25] Ms. Barton, [1:49:26] your testimony today [1:49:27] largely made [1:49:28] the same argument [1:49:29] that letting go [1:49:30] of FEMA staff [1:49:31] ties the agency's hands. [1:49:34] How many employees [1:49:35] does FEMA have [1:49:37] at this moment? [1:49:38] Hi, Mr. Congressman. [1:49:42] We have, [1:49:43] if you count [1:49:45] the core staff, [1:49:46] which is part [1:49:47] of our team [1:49:48] funded through [1:49:49] the Disaster Relief Fund, [1:49:50] it's about 10,000 people. [1:49:52] And it can, [1:49:53] it gets to about [1:49:54] 20,000 people [1:49:55] is our full [1:49:56] accounted for staff. [1:49:58] I'd like a specific number. [1:50:00] I've heard 17-5 [1:50:01] from you earlier today. [1:50:03] I've heard one [1:50:04] of my colleagues say 22,000. [1:50:06] We need a number, [1:50:07] especially given the fact [1:50:09] that 2,000 personnel [1:50:11] have left since last year. [1:50:14] How many staff [1:50:15] have been fired [1:50:16] from FEMA [1:50:17] or have left [1:50:18] the agency? [1:50:19] Yes, Congressman, [1:50:21] I can follow up [1:50:22] with your team [1:50:23] and get you [1:50:24] those numbers. [1:50:25] And is your agency [1:50:26] still moving forward [1:50:27] with plans [1:50:28] to cut the FEMA [1:50:29] workforce in half? [1:50:31] I'm not familiar [1:50:32] with any current [1:50:33] guidance [1:50:34] as far as cutting [1:50:35] the workforce [1:50:36] by any sort [1:50:37] of percentage. [1:50:38] I do know [1:50:39] that we have [1:50:40] a new secretary [1:50:41] who's been [1:50:42] confirmed [1:50:43] and sworn in [1:50:44] and we're looking [1:50:45] forward [1:50:46] to working [1:50:47] on that. [1:50:48] So it was reported [1:50:49] in December [1:50:50] of this past year [1:50:51] that there were plans [1:50:52] to cut the FEMA [1:50:53] workforce in half. [1:50:54] It's also been reported [1:50:55] that the Trump [1:50:56] administration [1:50:57] has called [1:50:58] for an entire [1:50:59] FEMA [1:51:00] disestablishment. [1:51:02] The fact [1:51:04] that FEMA [1:51:05] should be [1:51:06] totally done [1:51:07] away with, [1:51:08] which I absolutely [1:51:09] disagree with [1:51:10] and I believe [1:51:11] the American people [1:51:12] disagree with [1:51:13] as well, [1:51:14] especially [1:51:15] the states [1:51:16] who are most [1:51:17] impacted [1:51:18] by catastrophic [1:51:19] storms. [1:51:21] Would you generally [1:51:22] agree, [1:51:23] yes or no, [1:51:24] that having [1:51:25] fewer employees [1:51:26] to respond [1:51:27] to disasters [1:51:28] means a weaker [1:51:29] federal response? [1:51:31] The men [1:51:32] and women [1:51:33] of FEMA [1:51:34] that I work [1:51:35] with every day [1:51:36] have been [1:51:37] unwavering. [1:51:38] We're over [1:51:39] 70 days [1:51:40] when you combine [1:51:41] all the disaster, [1:51:42] all the, [1:51:43] all the, [1:51:44] all the lapse [1:51:45] days together. [1:51:46] It's been [1:51:47] extremely impactful [1:51:48] and it's not [1:51:49] 10 days away [1:51:50] from hurricane [1:51:51] season starting. [1:51:52] Just this weekend [1:51:53] we had flash [1:51:54] flooding in [1:51:55] Hawaii. [1:51:56] We have [1:51:57] tornadoes [1:51:58] happening. [1:51:59] We have fires [1:52:00] raging. [1:52:01] This is a 24-7 [1:52:02] operation [1:52:03] and, [1:52:04] and this is [1:52:05] really impacting [1:52:06] our folks [1:52:07] and, [1:52:08] and that's [1:52:09] what I, [1:52:10] I can tell you [1:52:11] today. [1:52:12] Mr. Chairman, [1:52:13] I'm out of time [1:52:14] but if I could [1:52:15] just consent [1:52:16] to submit [1:52:17] into the record [1:52:18] of GAO [1:52:19] I'm gonna yield [1:52:20] back. [1:52:21] Thank you. [1:52:22] I'm gonna yield [1:52:23] back. [1:52:24] I now recognize [1:52:25] the gentleman [1:52:26] from Arizona, [1:52:27] Mr. Crane, [1:52:29] for five minutes [1:52:30] of questions. [1:52:31] Thank you, [1:52:32] Mr. Chairman. [1:52:33] Wow. [1:52:34] This hearing [1:52:35] has been amazing. [1:52:36] I mean, [1:52:37] this is even epic [1:52:38] for Washington [1:52:39] standards, [1:52:40] the amount [1:52:41] of gas [1:52:42] lighting [1:52:43] and lies [1:52:44] that have [1:52:45] been told [1:52:46] in this hearing [1:52:47] today. [1:52:48] Mr. Chairman, [1:52:49] I remember [1:52:50] Mr. Bennie Thompson [1:52:51] said that this [1:52:52] is a Republican [1:52:53] shutdown. [1:52:55] Did he say that, [1:52:56] sir? [1:52:57] I, [1:52:58] I don't recall. [1:52:59] Yeah, he said it [1:53:00] but other people have. [1:53:01] He did, [1:53:02] he did say that [1:53:04] and it's just [1:53:05] interesting to me [1:53:06] because on January [1:53:07] 22nd [1:53:08] of this year [1:53:09] all Republicans [1:53:10] on this committee [1:53:11] voted to [1:53:12] fund the Department [1:53:13] of Homeland Security. [1:53:14] Mr. Chairman, [1:53:15] are you aware [1:53:16] of any Democrat [1:53:17] on this committee [1:53:19] that voted [1:53:20] to fund the Department [1:53:21] of Homeland Security? [1:53:22] No, [1:53:23] not me [1:53:24] neither. [1:53:25] Then again, [1:53:26] on March 5th, [1:53:27] Mr. Chairman [1:53:28] of 2026, [1:53:29] we again voted [1:53:30] to fund the Department [1:53:31] of Homeland Security. [1:53:32] Are you aware [1:53:33] of that, [1:53:34] Mr. Chairman? [1:53:35] Yes. [1:53:36] Are you aware [1:53:37] of any Democrat [1:53:38] that's sitting [1:53:39] on this dais [1:53:40] today that voted [1:53:41] to fund the Department [1:53:42] of Homeland Security? [1:53:43] I'm not. [1:53:44] Yeah, [1:53:45] we continue [1:53:46] to hear [1:53:47] that this is a government, [1:53:48] you know, [1:53:49] shutdown [1:53:50] or something like that. [1:53:52] Mr. Chairman, [1:53:53] I think [1:53:54] that's what [1:53:55] he said [1:53:56] and I think [1:53:57] that's what [1:53:58] he said [1:53:59] in Washington. [1:54:00] Is that what [1:54:01] he said? [1:54:02] Yes or no? [1:54:03] I believe so. [1:54:04] Yeah, [1:54:05] you did [1:54:06] because [1:54:08] that's what [1:54:09] he said [1:54:10] and this is [1:54:11] what happens [1:54:12] in Washington. [1:54:13] It's not really [1:54:14] about truth [1:54:15] or facts, [1:54:16] it's about narrative [1:54:17] and who can get [1:54:18] their narrative out. [1:54:19] I just want [1:54:20] to make sure [1:54:21] that you guys [1:54:22] are aware [1:54:23] of the fact [1:54:24] that you guys [1:54:25] are aware [1:54:26] of the fact [1:54:27] that you guys [1:54:28] haven't asked [1:54:30] for reprogramming [1:54:31] or rearrangement [1:54:32] of funds. [1:54:33] Did you hear him [1:54:34] say that, [1:54:35] Ms. McNeil? [1:54:36] You haven't asked [1:54:38] for rearrangement [1:54:39] of funds, [1:54:40] right? [1:54:41] I did hear [1:54:42] him say that. [1:54:43] What about you, [1:54:44] Mr. Anderson? [1:54:45] Did you hear [1:54:46] that too? [1:54:47] Yes, [1:54:48] sir. [1:54:49] Did you know [1:54:50] it wasn't [1:54:51] your fault [1:54:52] when you heard [1:54:54] my friend, [1:54:55] Mr. Correa, [1:54:56] say that it's [1:54:57] your fault [1:54:58] because you haven't [1:54:59] asked for the [1:55:00] rearrangement [1:55:01] of federal funds? [1:55:02] It's not them. [1:55:03] It's not that they keep [1:55:04] voting against [1:55:05] the Department [1:55:06] of Homeland Security. [1:55:07] It's actually [1:55:08] your fault. [1:55:09] Again, [1:55:10] I had my staff [1:55:11] check into this [1:55:12] just to make sure [1:55:13] not one single [1:55:14] Democrat [1:55:15] in this committee [1:55:16] voted to fund [1:55:18] the Department [1:55:19] of Homeland Security. [1:55:20] My colleague, [1:55:21] Mr. Goldman, [1:55:22] he said [1:55:23] that the Department [1:55:24] of Homeland Security [1:55:25] is not [1:55:26] going to be [1:55:27] able to [1:55:29] get [1:55:30] the funding [1:55:31] for the [1:55:32] reimbursement [1:55:33] of federal [1:55:34] funds. [1:55:35] What about [1:55:36] you, [1:55:37] Mr. Anderson? [1:55:38] Did you hear [1:55:39] that, [1:55:40] Mr. Anderson? [1:55:41] I didn't hear [1:55:42] that. [1:55:43] I didn't [1:55:44] hear that. [1:55:45] I don't [1:55:46] know [1:55:48] what [1:55:49] you're [1:55:50] saying. [1:55:51] I don't [1:55:52] know [1:55:53] what [1:55:54] you're [1:55:55] saying. [1:55:56] I just [1:55:57] don't [1:55:58] know [1:55:59] what [1:56:00] you're [1:56:01] saying. [1:56:02] I don't [1:56:04] know [1:56:05] what [1:56:06] you're [1:56:07] saying. [1:56:08] I should [1:56:13] have [1:56:14] had [1:56:15] the [1:56:16] next [1:56:17] meeting [1:56:18] with [1:56:19] you. [1:56:20] You [1:56:21] don't [1:56:22] listen [1:56:23] to [1:56:24] the [1:56:25] panel, [1:56:26] but [1:56:26] I [1:56:27] really [1:56:27] trust [1:56:28] Iran. Investigators say Ayman Mohammed Ghazali rammed his truck loaded with fireworks and [1:56:33] chemicals into a West Bloomfield synagogue. The gunmen who killed one person and injured [1:56:37] two others at Old Dominion University have previously been convicted of providing material [1:56:43] support to ISIS. This is what we're dealing with right now. Not a great time to have the [1:56:49] Department of Homeland Security, whose job it is to protect American citizens, be shut down. [1:56:55] And these are some of the Democrat quotes right here. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, [1:57:00] we shouldn't shut the government down over disputes. He said that in 2018. Senator Mark Kelly [1:57:06] in 23. A government shutdown would have serious impacts. Airports could have major delays. We [1:57:11] can't let any of that happen. I want to close with this. I want to thank Ms. Barton and Mr. Phillips [1:57:18] for coming to my district to try and help a forgotten city, Globe in Miami, dealing with [1:57:25] disaster relief. [1:57:26] Thank you guys for coming out. They feel all the time like they get forgotten constantly. So [1:57:30] thank you for trying to help folks in my district recover from the flooding that we've had. I yield [1:57:35] back. Gentlemen, yield back and we're going to take a brief 10 minute recess for restroom break, [1:57:42] including one for myself. So thank you. We'll be back in 10 minutes quicker if everybody moves. [1:57:47] All right. Thank you. [2:00:18] Thank you. [2:02:21] Welcome back. I now recognize General Lady from New Jersey, Ms. MacGyver, for five minutes of questions. [2:12:51] Thank you. [2:12:53] Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman and ranking member. I want to truly begin by recognizing and thanking the dedicated people who protect our airways, ports and waterways, critical cyber infrastructure and support our emergency preparedness systems across this country, many of whom have been forced to work without pay, which has been discussed over and over today in this committee. You do not deserve this if you are tuned in or in this chamber today. You deserve better. [2:13:23] You already had to deal with a month and a half without pay last year because Republicans refuse to support affordable health care. Now it's been over a month without pay again, because once again, Republicans refuse to rein in ISIS cruelty. We're here just to be clear about ISIS cruelty that we've all had the opportunity, no matter what side of the aisle you're on, see play out in broad daylight in front of us all when they killed American citizens right before our eyes. [2:13:54] This hits close to home for me because my district, New Jersey's 10th congressional district, is home to one of the largest airports in the country, Newark Liberty Airport. I have heard personal stories of TSA workers having to skip meals or take their kids out of daycare. These are the real world consequences of Republicans' agenda. On top of that, ICE is now stationed in Newark Liberty Airport, adding stress, fear and government waste to an already chaotic, [2:14:24] situation. And on top of that, chilling and drinking coffee. Acting Administrator McNeil, you mentioned earlier in one of your testimonies that ICE was helping TSA agents operate the cap machine, which basically, for those who do not know, validates IDs at TSA checkpoints. ICE does not have the specialized skills or training with that technology. Most of them only have 41 days of training that we heard from. [2:14:57] In the last hearing of training to be an ICE agent, so let alone, they surely do not have training on this specialized technology. How are they helping operate this machine, this technology? How is that possible? [2:15:13] Congresswoman, we do have training for the operation of the travel document checker. And during the last 43 days shut down, we also had to train additional employees to operate the TDC, including airport staff and others that volunteered to help us. [2:15:28] During that extended shutdown and this time around, we're doing the same thing with the ICE agents. [2:15:32] So the ICE folks who got here to the airport this week, you offered them training on the cap machine already? [2:15:37] We have spent several days doing training on multiple different functions. [2:15:41] Several days. Today is Wednesday. So when were they getting serval training? Was it this week or last week? [2:15:47] It was this week. [2:15:48] Okay. So they started getting training on Monday? [2:15:50] Correct. [2:15:51] And you talked about like your training and everything that goes into TSA. Being a TSA agent, that takes six months. [2:15:57] Yes. [2:15:58] Six months. You're telling me that you were able within 72 hours to train ICE agents how to operate the CAT technology system. [2:16:06] The travel document checker function is one of the non-specialized screening functions of TSA. [2:16:11] And so where others can come in, we can train them to conduct this function while we focus our TSO workforce on some of the more highly skilled screening procedures, security screening procedures at the checkpoint. [2:16:23] Can you run through again what ICE is doing at these airports? [2:16:27] Because at my airport, I'm speaking to them. I have multiple calls with each of them. [2:16:31] And basically ICE is standing in the lobby area, not operating these machines like you said. [2:16:36] I don't know if this happened in every other airport because I only can speak to Newark Liberty Airport. [2:16:40] But they're not doing anything other than being accompanied with a port authority police officer and standing in the lobby. [2:16:47] So I mean, what are they doing? Like what's the list of duties that you are allowing ICE agents basically to do when it comes to TSA screenings? [2:16:55] Yeah. So they're helping us. [2:16:56] So they're helping us on several different functions including queue management, helping us with exit lane staffing, divesting, giving passengers instructions on how to load up their bins and all of that. [2:17:09] And then helping operate the travel document checker as well. [2:17:12] And all of these require certain levels of training. [2:17:15] And we've done that over the first few days of this week. [2:17:18] And obviously, you know, when we roll out operations, it takes a while to really get folks, you know, embedded into our operations. [2:17:24] And it's gone extremely well. [2:17:25] And our feedback from the passengers and our field leadership has been very positive. [2:17:29] Well, I wish I could say the same thing for Newark Liberty Airport. [2:17:32] That's not the case there. [2:17:33] Folks are really annoyed, you know, just seeing them standing around. [2:17:36] Because once again, I'm telling you critical information, factual information, that they're not doing any of that, that you just ran down at Newark Liberty Airport. [2:17:44] So obviously, there's some disconnect in what is going on and what is happening. [2:17:48] I just want to point out, Chairman, I'm not sure what's wrong with the clock, but it definitely hasn't been five minutes. [2:17:53] Not unless I'm just crazy. [2:17:54] It's been a long hearing, but I'm down to three seconds. [2:17:57] And that seems like that went really quickly. [2:17:59] I will end with one thing. [2:18:01] Acting Administrator McNeil, do you believe that, do you support a bill just to fund TSA at this moment in time? [2:18:09] I support the funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes TSA. [2:18:15] But as I mentioned earlier, we don't function in a silo at the Department of Homeland Security. [2:18:20] I mean, your responsibility is TSA, though. [2:18:22] I am part of the leadership team of the Department of Homeland Security. [2:18:24] So are you representing TSA or Homeland Security? [2:18:25] I am part of the leadership team of the Department of Homeland Security. [2:18:26] Which one do you represent, Homeland Security or TSA? [2:18:28] We are a one-team, one-mission at DHS. [2:18:30] Oh, that's unfortunate. [2:18:31] And I hope TSA members are seeing this, because your main function and responsibility should be of TSA and protecting them and making sure that they get paid. [2:18:40] With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. [2:18:41] Thank you. [2:18:42] The gentlelady yields back. [2:18:43] I now recognize the gentlelady from South Carolina, Ms. Biggs, for five minutes of questions. [2:18:47] Thank you, Chairman Garbarino, for holding this hearing on the Democrat shutdown of DHS. [2:18:52] And I would like to thank these witnesses for taking time out of their busy schedule. [2:18:55] I would like to thank these witnesses for taking time out of their busy schedule. [2:18:57] To be here with us today, we appreciate the work that you do to keep our nation safe. [2:19:02] Even when the job is difficult. [2:19:05] Over 260,000 Americans are going to work right now without a paycheck. [2:19:12] I've been back and forth from South Carolina to Washington numerous times since the shutdown started. [2:19:18] I've stood in those airport lines. [2:19:21] I've talked to the TSA agents. [2:19:23] And they are working. [2:19:25] working very hard. They're polite. They're doing their job. And frankly, I don't know how they're [2:19:31] doing it because a lot of them are trying to raise a family, pay a mortgage, and keep up with their [2:19:38] bills. We are seeing reports of TSA agents selling their own plasma just to put gas in their cars to [2:19:47] drive to work. And it's appalling to me that we're sitting here today arguing about this. TSA workers [2:19:56] have gone nearly half this fiscal year without pay. The lines are longer, the morale is gone, and people [2:20:03] are quitting because they literally can't afford to stay in their jobs. But most disturbingly, look at [2:20:11] what happened at LaGuardia just three nights ago. We saw a deadly collision on a runway. Two pilots [2:20:20] lost their lives and dozens were injured. While we wait for the full investigation, we already know [2:20:27] our aviation system is under unprecedented stress because of the stalemate. When you stop paying the [2:20:35] people who keep our country safe, you are playing with fire. Meanwhile, nobody on this dais is [2:20:43] missing a paycheck. Not one person here has missed a mortgage payment or skipped a meal. I voted twice [2:20:52] and plan to do it again to reopen DHS. We need to get these people paid, [2:20:59] and stop putting the cost of your political games on the backs of working Americans. [2:21:08] Admiral, in South Carolina's 3rd District, readiness is non-negotiable. My Made in America [2:21:16] Defense Act, which was signed into law by President Trump, cut red tape for our upstate [2:21:22] manufacturers who produce critical defense supplies. But while we work to move things [2:21:28] faster, this DHS shutdown is creating a new bottleneck. [2:21:33] Senate Democrats are playing political games and it's stalling our progress. [2:21:38] Admiral, specifically, how is this instability degrading your ability to [2:21:45] protect these critical defense supply chains right now? [2:21:48] Thank you for your question. Our defense industrial base is suffering right now, [2:21:54] we need to rebuild it. Right now, what we are seeing is ships in our shipyards, [2:21:58] where stop work is going on, because we cannot pay the bills. We are seeing crucial readiness, [2:22:04] that that needs to be done in the repair of these ships and the the shipyard officers are not doing [2:22:10] what our coast guard people are doing and working without a paycheck they're they're asking us to [2:22:14] leave those shipyards because we cannot pay the bills so while they're we're allowed to contract [2:22:20] we can't pay the bills and in many cases shipyards and industrial base leaders that's 25 of their [2:22:27] total income so trying to get to them uh to help them with cash flow we're not doing it what we [2:22:34] worry about is that's not only a near-term impact but as we bid for these contracts with these [2:22:38] companies in the future they're not going to come to the coast guard they'll go to the navy they'll [2:22:42] go to the marines they'll go to the others receiving a budget thank you so much and [2:22:48] thank you again for your service and with that i yield back general lady yields back [2:22:54] and now uh recognize the gentle lady from texas miss johnson for five minutes of questions um [2:22:59] thank you mr chairman you know it is so interesting to me we're sitting here and what you have [2:23:09] are members of both sides republican and democrats alike are telling each one of you [2:23:17] coast guard tsa sisa fema that your work is important we value your work we honor your [2:23:28] service to this country and you should be paid there seems to be unanimous agreement everyone [2:23:35] here is saying you should be paid no one is saying you should not be no one the problem is what we [2:23:46] have left with us is that theольшa has not been a party for a long time and what we don't like [2:23:53] is what we've been speaking about for a long time so now what I want to say is we're going to take [2:23:58] this opportunity to cover our own interests we're going to make a plan and we're going to [2:24:02] work on this because we are doing this together now open the door to it what we do is simply [2:24:08] win the election and then if we're going to win the election but even if we win the election [2:24:13] I want it to be on the board of trustees and I want it to be the them of the rest of our society [2:24:19] All the important work you're doing gets funded. [2:24:21] All of the employees you oversee gets handled. [2:24:24] All the important work you do for our national security gets paid for. [2:24:28] Congress can work and agree on the things we agree on and then respectfully disagree where we disagree. [2:24:34] And then our country is not shut down in a travel nightmare. [2:24:38] And you know what? That is exactly what is before the House. [2:24:42] I've signed a discharge petition to pay each one of you. [2:24:45] Every one of my Democratic colleagues has said, we agree with all this rhetoric on the right that you should be funded. [2:24:53] That's what the American people want. That is responsible government. [2:24:56] That is where when people come together, members of both sides, you should be able to fund what you agree on. [2:25:02] And then when you disagree, you work hard to solve that. [2:25:07] But all this pomp from the Republicans is ridiculous because they are holding this agreement hostage for ICE. [2:25:15] We're saying we want to continue to work. [2:25:17] We want to work on this and we want to make improvements. [2:25:20] But they're like, no, no, no. [2:25:21] We're going to insist on the issue that we have no agreement on in this country and put you guys all at hostage for that. [2:25:30] And that is what is wrong with government. [2:25:33] That is why people don't trust the process. [2:25:36] That's why the American people are so frustrated. [2:25:38] There's absolutely no reason for our airports to be in this crisis and all of the men and women that you serve. [2:25:45] And I agree with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. [2:25:47] I go. [2:25:48] I go through DFW all the time. [2:25:50] The men and women of the TSA are doing the very best they can under very difficult circumstances. [2:25:55] We need FEMA in Texas. [2:25:57] It's a critical organization. [2:25:59] We need you to be functioning. [2:26:01] I'm ready to fund all four of your agencies right now is ready to do it before I voted to signed on to make that happen. [2:26:08] But unfortunately, partisanship is getting in the way of you guys being funded yet again. [2:26:16] It's another exhibit in a long line of exhibits of how dysfunctional. [2:26:19] It's another exhibit in a long line of exhibits of how dysfunctional. [2:26:20] It's another exhibit in a long line of exhibits of how dysfunctional. [2:26:20] It's another exhibit in a long line of exhibits of how dysfunctional. [2:26:20] Congress is because right now, Republicans, they could find you, but they're choosing not to. [2:26:27] There is a vehicle on the table to fund each one of your agencies right now, and Republicans are refusing to do it. [2:26:35] And let me just tell you why we're saying this is critically important. [2:26:39] In my district, a constituent that I had was part of the Afghanistan evac program. [2:26:45] He worked alongside our military in Afghanistan, was brought to this country by the United States of America. [2:26:52] We. [2:26:53] He brought him and his family here. [2:26:54] He was detained by ICE and taking his kids to school, and he's dead 24 hours later. [2:27:07] And that cannot be allowed to happen in this country. [2:27:11] He's a father of six, was working. [2:27:14] Do you know how many criminal convictions he has? [2:27:16] Zero. [2:27:19] That is why ICE is so broken, and that is what is so wrong. [2:27:24] And your agency should never be held hostage to justify the rogue, terroristic attacks. [2:27:31] These agents are doing upon the citizens and the people of this country, and I am sorry that Republicans are holding you hostage because we want TSA functional. [2:27:39] Our air traffic control system is fundamental to this country. [2:27:43] The Coast Guard, you do admirable work, sir. [2:27:46] And the men and women in the Coast Guard are heroes and should be paid. [2:27:52] But what is happening and what happened to my constituent should never be allowed to happen in this country, and we are going to hold the line until we can make some serious corrections to what ICE is doing. [2:28:02] And I'm out of time, and I yield back. [2:28:04] Oh, wait, one thing. [2:28:05] Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to offer into the record an article titled U.S. Flight Attendants Demand Pay for TSA to Keep Airports Secure and Not Create Havoc with ICE. [2:28:15] Without objection. [2:28:16] For clarification purposes, House Republicans have voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security twice, including the four agencies that are here today. [2:28:24] So that's for clarification purposes. [2:28:26] I now recognize the gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Evans, for five minutes of questions. [2:28:31] Thank you, Chairman. [2:28:33] Thank you, member, and, of course, to the witnesses for coming. [2:28:36] Wow, I can't believe I just heard my ears. [2:28:38] I spent 12 years in the U.S. Army, deployed overseas as part of the global war on terror, another 10 years in law enforcement. [2:28:43] I literally just heard my colleague across the aisle say ICE is committing terrorist attacks. [2:28:48] I don't think you can get a clearer example of where folks stand when my colleagues on the other side of the aisle compare federal law enforcement to terrorists at a time where we have literal terrorists that I deployed to fight. [2:29:03] I don't think you can get a clearer example of where folks stand when my colleagues on the other side of the aisle compare federal law enforcement to terrorists at a time where we have literal terrorists that I deployed to fight. [2:29:08] That's incredibly disappointing to me. [2:29:09] It's incredibly disappointing to me because as a police officer for ten years, I know what the path was that led me to Congress. [2:29:15] I watched all of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle push to defund law enforcement. [2:29:21] They ran on this message. [2:29:22] They opened our borders. [2:29:23] And that's what's happening today. [2:29:25] Democrats continue to defund the police just by refusing to pass the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. [2:29:32] I know it. [2:29:33] I saw it as a mistake. [2:29:33] a cop it's what's playing out today and they've done it done it not once but twice this isn't [2:29:39] conjecture go look up the votes hr 7147 this is the department of homeland security appropriations [2:29:45] bill look up the votes on hr 7147 look up the votes on hr 7747 this is the second department [2:29:53] of homeland security appropriations bill go look at the votes follow the actual facts and then [2:29:58] mr chairman not just me saying this and referring to the votes uh this is the hill i'll read you the [2:30:05] um the headline dhs shutdown stretches to 35 days as democrats block funding bill a motion to [2:30:12] advance the bill failed 47 to 37 falling short of the 60 votes it needed to overcome a democrat [2:30:17] filibuster centrist senator john fetterman was the only democrat to vote yes mr chairman with [2:30:23] your consent i move to admit this to the record objection thank you we know what's happening right [2:30:29] now [2:30:29] we have the department of homeland security shut down because democrats have never moved on from [2:30:34] defunding the police they've never moved on from their open borders policies the votes back it up [2:30:39] the hill backs it up and while this is happening critical agencies like sisa the cyber security and [2:30:45] infrastructure security agency uh is being shut down sisa has blocked billions of cyber threats [2:30:52] to our civilian networks and critical infrastructure in 2025 the coast guard key to combating drug [2:30:58] trafficking in the west coast of the united states has blocked billions of cyber threats [2:30:59] including nearly one trillion American sleeping hypnotized in the western hemisphere and i'll [2:31:02] remind my colleagues drugs under the previous administration killed 400,000 americans [2:31:11] that's shut down wildfire risk in Colorado is at an all-time high due to drought in an unusually dry [2:31:15] winter the federal law enforcement training center which ensures that law enforcement is [2:31:19] trained as shut down which is ironic because i keep hearing from democrats that they want ice [2:31:24] agents to be trained better but they're shutting down the very entity that helps with federal law [2:31:28] enforcement training tsacallouts are at a record high activity question spinner our bassko's votre [2:31:29] across u.s airports and as of today 460 officers have less left tsa travelers are seeing long lines [2:31:37] and you can see behind me that we literally have denver international airport which is the airport [2:31:42] i fly in and out of asking for gift cards and donations to their tsa agents so that they can [2:31:49] maybe make ends meet and keep coming to work and so my first question to administrator mcneil how [2:31:56] many people especially parents would accept a job with the promise of intermittent gift cards [2:32:02] instead of a secure paycheck and how have these shutdowns impacted your agency's ability to [2:32:07] recruit and retain officers i think you're absolutely right congressman um we have heard [2:32:13] a report back of folks that have been interested in joining the tsa and had plans to [2:32:18] but you know with with the situation this year and us being in our third shutdown it's really [2:32:22] hard for them to go home and tell their family this isn't the job i'm going to take it's a job [2:32:26] that pays me half of my salary and i'm going to be the one that pays me half of my salary and i'm [2:32:26] going to be the one that pays me half the time for my work and so i think that is really a challenge [2:32:30] for us and then for the officers that are there they're continuing to show up under uh under [2:32:35] duress honestly right financial duress and they're continuing their commitment to the traveling [2:32:39] public and we could not be prouder of them our thanks to those tsa officers in my remaining 45 [2:32:45] seconds uh to to fema i spent 12 years in the u.s army blackhawk helicopter pilot i've flown [2:32:51] on wildfires fought wildfires we're facing historic drought in the west tell me how fema not having [2:32:57] the funding impacts their ability to do the pre-planning for some of these major disasters [2:33:02] including wildfires yes congressman like i mentioned earlier we have about 45 000 people [2:33:10] a week those are emergency responders leads for for states on on response efforts that are missing [2:33:17] out on critical training wildfires are ongoing as you know right now and those impacts of them [2:33:24] not getting that training may not be measured but but it is being missed out [2:33:28] i hear every day from from external partners uh how much it's impacting them our national [2:33:36] security is at risk fund the department of homeland security yield back gentlemen yield [2:33:40] back i now recognize the gentleman from puerto rico mr hernandez for five minutes questions [2:33:45] thank you mr chairman there are over 700 tsa employees in puerto rico right now who are about [2:33:52] to miss their third paycheck and there is a proposal to fund tsa and pay these employees [2:33:59] are holding back on it i think this is a disgrace miss mcneil president trump has ordered ice agents [2:34:08] to airports to supplement security during this shutdown correct that's correct and those ice [2:34:15] agents are getting paid correct that's my understanding yes and those tsa agents are [2:34:21] supposed to support are not getting paid correct that's correct so we have a policy in place where [2:34:26] we don't pay the people who are qualified to do the job as a result they're missing out they're [2:34:32] not going to work they're quitting they're not going to work they're not going to work they're [2:34:34] sending people who are getting paid to do a different job how is that fair i don't think [2:34:39] that's policy that's a matter of not having funding it's a matter of not having funding [2:34:43] and there is a proposal to fund it and to solve this problem but we have a system where we have [2:34:49] a group that is paid to watch the lines and then highly trained tsa professionals working for free [2:34:55] now you'd agree that a tsa officer is better qualified to handle aviation security than an [2:35:00] ice agent right that's what tsa officers are trained to do right so we are penalizing the [2:35:06] people what is tsa doing right now to keep those families who are not getting paid from being [2:35:13] evicted i'm here today to ask for funding for the department they're not doing anything and they're [2:35:20] not expressing so in u.s and agency head are not expressing support for proposals to fund tsa [2:35:26] and delay funding for ice who are getting paid what are they doing your responsibility to fund [2:35:30] the u.s government and there is a proposal in place for that and republicans keep rejecting it [2:35:35] what are they doing to help feed those employees and their families we're doing [2:35:39] nothing pantry now is it true that dhs has told state governors that they can't support federal [2:35:46] employees with state funds that is not true there are laws in how we can use donated funds and where [2:35:53] they have offered we have tsa told governors that they cannot pay tsa employees their salaries that [2:36:01] is correct that is a matter of law is that a matter of law or a matter of policy it's a matter [2:36:07] of law from my understanding do you support changing that law in the future [2:36:10] well that would be the role of congress to change laws would you support it would you support paying [2:36:16] tsa employees in spite of government shutdowns in the future i think that we need to look really [2:36:21] hard after the we come out of the shutdown to ensure that the continuity of operation we have [2:36:25] proposals for that and they have not been voted on i want to move over to fema mr barton i'm sorry [2:36:31] miss barton how many fema staff are currently reporting to their workplace but not performing [2:36:36] work i'm not familiar with your question we've seen reports that many fema employees [2:36:47] are being asked to report to work but not to do any actual work is that correct everyone who's [2:36:54] reporting to work in my staff is is completing the functions that they're allowed to do under [2:37:00] the lapsed guidance well we are concerned to learn that fema leadership issued an agency-wide [2:37:06] directive last month ordering all activities to seize including work by staff funded through [2:37:11] disaster relief fund who are still being paid during the shutdown and these are the very [2:37:15] employees responsible for overseeing long-term recovery efforts that we're [2:37:19] going to be looking at in the next couple of weeks we're going to be looking at some of the [2:37:23] projects that we're going to be looking at in the next couple of weeks like the projects underway [2:37:26] in puerto rico these projects operate on strict performance timelines every single day counts and [2:37:31] delays are not an option and this is compounding existing delays caused by the previous secretary's [2:37:36] disastrous policy requiring personal approval for fema projects over 100 000 and now we're hearing [2:37:42] that fema staff are just sitting around playing video games and watching tv on the clock that is a [2:37:47] complete waste of taxpayers money now how is this top work order impacting long-term recovery for [2:37:49] cases like puerto rico i'm not familiar with the exact stop work order it may be the previous dhs [2:37:57] guidance that went out so i will look into that and get back to you i understand we do have new [2:38:03] leadership okay thank you no i i you can get back to us on that and now because i'm almost out of [2:38:09] time the director of fema's recovery office in puerto rico was fired last month on the same day [2:38:13] as a meeting between then secretary noam and our governor dhs has not provided us or the public [2:38:20] determination and we find it suspicious that fema's recovery director for puerto rico was fired [2:38:25] mere hours after their meeting did you have a role in mr garcia martino's termination in my capacity [2:38:33] i i'm at fema i'm i'm not privy to how that meeting was and i was not part of that meeting [2:38:38] but did you have a role in his termination no i did not do you know why he was terminated i'm not [2:38:45] familiar with the exact details um but we think transparency is important and we find the timing [2:38:52] suspicious and disruptive to puerto rico's long-term recovery efforts thank you i yield back [2:38:58] thank you gentleman yields back and for i appreciate my comment a colleague's comments [2:39:03] but for clarification purposes house republicans have voted twice to fund the department of [2:39:09] homeland security including the four agencies that are here today i now recognize the gentleman from [2:39:14] alabama mr strong for five minutes of questions thank you chairman garbarino ranking member [2:39:19] thompson and i thank the witnesses for being here today uh we are less than [2:39:23] 100 days away from hosting the world's largest sporting event featuring 104 matches across [2:39:29] 16 cities equivalent to three super bowls a day for five weeks and democrats continue to put [2:39:36] politics over security of our nation all members will be given another chance to fully fund the [2:39:42] department of homeland security this week i look forward to voting for a third time along with my [2:39:47] republican colleagues to fully fund the department and each of your agencies i'm [2:39:53] especially grateful to the tsa workforce and at huntsville international airport where operations [2:39:59] are continuing albeit a little slower pace despite the challenges and physical strain caused by the [2:40:06] shutdown however not every small airport has the same level of community support miss mcneil as tso [2:40:14] call out rates continue to rise or smaller airports at risk to reduce operations or [2:40:19] temporary or temporary closure and what would be the impact on the [2:40:23] communities that rely on them thank you congressman as the shutdown drags on and we see [2:40:31] increases in call-out rates we'll have to make real-time decisions on how we operate [2:40:35] and so for example we have many small airports that operate one or two lanes and a few call-outs [2:40:40] could really severely impact our ability to run the operations and so in those scenarios we would [2:40:45] not be able to open the checkpoint at the airport thank you miss mcneil could you also tell us how [2:40:50] the current lapse in appropriations affects tsa contracts equipment development and pilot [2:40:56] programs and what the operational consequences of those disruptions are thank you uh congressman [2:41:03] so yes during a shutdown um there are delays to our acquisition and procurement uh and deployment [2:41:09] of of new technology and then um also on the research and development side uh that that largely [2:41:16] stops as well and so it does really uh hinder our ability to [2:41:20] uh modernize tsa and deploy additional technology out there and get the tools out there in the hands [2:41:25] of our officers um the tools that they need and deserve to do their jobs every day thank you [2:41:29] attorney miss barton with over 40 years of experience as a first responder assistant fire [2:41:34] chief i take public safety and emergency response efforts very seriously especially those undertaken [2:41:40] by our firefighters how are u.s fire administration operations including the national fire academy [2:41:47] being affected and how could a prolonged shutdown [2:41:50] impact the preparedness of firefighters across the country thank you congressman and thank you [2:41:56] for your service the usfa has had to cancel several uh of their training and postpone that [2:42:04] to include police week that they host in emmitsburg as well these critical trainings being postponed [2:42:11] are impacting uh training and responsibilities throughout the nation as well as the opportunity [2:42:17] for emergency responders to coordinate and share lessons with each other in person [2:42:21] thank you admiral allen i was encouraged to see the coast guard exceed in fiscal year 2025 [2:42:27] recruiting goals and i was especially glad to see the announcement of the new training center [2:42:32] in my home state of alabama which will help strengthen the coast guard's workforce pipeline [2:42:38] however that kind of momentum can be fragile during funding laps how has the current uh [2:42:44] shutdown disrupted recruiting training and uh your programs sir thank you for that question uh just a [2:42:51] couple points on that so as we try to get recruits to our training center cape may [2:42:57] we're seeing about a 10 percent delay and those guys actually getting there so we [2:43:01] are already falling behind on the numbers that are there second uh our food services [2:43:08] culinary specialists that make the food there they rely on vendors in the towns to deliver food we [2:43:14] are not paying those vendors anymore we're worried that any day they're going to stop showing up with [2:43:18] food to to pay our friend our recruits that are at our in our food service food service food service [2:43:21] training centers and our other places thank you I think well we've had great [2:43:27] retention now we are dealing with hey if you go to other services you'll get paid [2:43:32] DHS it continues to be a question thank you miss Barton FEMA Center for domestic [2:43:37] preparedness is in my home state of Alabama are the students that are [2:43:41] typically trained at the center how would you assess the impact of these [2:43:48] classes and postponements of national security and readiness overall overall [2:43:55] there's been several training about 45,000 students and and emergency [2:44:04] responders who are able to participate in those trainings are having to [2:44:07] postpone those travel has been canceled I hear firsthand the impacts many folks [2:44:14] are getting concerned the closer we get to hurricane season and just all the [2:44:18] various [2:44:20] response situations that come up there may not be an exact metric but as the [2:44:25] days go on it continues to get worse thank you thank you and Chairman [2:44:30] Garbarino I yield back gentleman yields back I now recognize the gentle lady [2:44:35] from New Jersey miss PO for five minutes questions Thank You mr. chairman and to [2:44:40] the ranking members member I'm sorry and thank you to the witnesses that are that [2:44:46] are here today I'm really very happy that we are [2:44:50] having this meeting thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you [2:44:50] very much for having this discussion we all recognize that the Department of [2:44:54] Homeland Security has a critical mission to protect American people this is why [2:45:00] the Democrats the democratic college my Democratic colleagues and I have [2:45:05] introduced legislation to fund TSA FEMA Sisa as well as the Coast Guard to end [2:45:13] this shutdown sadly Republicans are blocking these bills to stop reforming [2:45:19] ice [2:45:20] holding agencies hostage to hide responsibility. The deployment of violent [2:45:27] agents and into cities like Minneapolis shows why we cannot give ICE [2:45:34] a blank check. We cannot continue to let them terrorize our communities and kill [2:45:40] our neighbors and we should get them out of our airports now. Last summer [2:45:50] reconciliation bill gave ICE and CBP enough funding to sustain themselves [2:45:57] for years. So why then are Republicans still asking for more money for ICE? If [2:46:03] my GOP colleagues cared about keeping our country safe they would sign our [2:46:09] discharge petition and force a floor vote on our bill to fund TSA and other [2:46:17] DHS offices like FEMA and the Coast Guard. [2:46:20] Immediately our bill would do everything possible to fund the [2:46:25] Department of Homeland Security while supporting reforms that are supported by [2:46:30] Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike. The problems we've seen over the [2:46:37] last several years, pardon me, the last several weeks, let's be clear, the last [2:46:43] several weeks are not all due to the shutdown. Yet DHS has launched a [2:46:48] misinformation campaign to measure the impact of ICE on our communities and to [2:46:51] mask their own failures by blaming it on the shutdown. Let me give you an [2:46:56] example. The FIFA World Cup security grant program. Last summer Congress [2:47:01] approved six hundred and twenty five million dollars for host cities to [2:47:06] enhance security and preparedness for the games. FEMA, an agency the president [2:47:12] has gutted, was tasked with administering this grant program. [2:47:19] Initial estimates place the delivery of the grant program at the cost of the [2:47:23] federal fund of dollars in the hands of host cities by late fall. On November [2:47:30] 12th of last year, FEMA's own announcement stated that this money [2:47:36] would be awarded no later than January 30th, two weeks [2:47:41] before the DHS shutdown began. But let me just be clear, if you go to the [2:47:49] FEMA website, their very own website, which was [2:47:53] published and released last year in August 13th in 2025, it indicated that it [2:48:02] would be awarding many of these projects by no later than September 30th of 2025. [2:48:09] That was last year. We are still today talking about this. So, but if FEMA, but [2:48:16] what FEMA has done, it has absolutely blew, it blew past all of those [2:48:21] deadlines. Leaving host cities in the dark, [2:48:23] on if this security funding would ever be delivered. Clearly, it was only just [2:48:30] delivered for some of them, not all, just this past month. After so long, after so [2:48:37] many of us talked about that. Our committee heard testimonies, testimony [2:48:44] from tournament organizers about the chaos and the uncertainty FEMA's delays [2:48:50] caused. The growing backlash forced former [2:48:53] senator, secretary, to imply that she couldn't award this money because of the [2:49:00] shutdown. But last week, all of the sudden, the money was made available anyway. [2:49:07] Well, which is it? Is it the shutdown? Is it last year's announcement? What is it? [2:49:18] Clearly, clearly had absolutely nothing to do with the shutdown. Miss Barton, thank you [2:49:24] very much for being here. [2:49:25] here you're um uh you worked in the office of the secretary why blame the shutdown on for dhs owns [2:49:34] failure to deliver the world cup grant funding on time uh congresswoman i also share your concerns [2:49:44] on delays however we will say that uh this is the third shutdown we've experienced absolutely no no [2:49:51] no no no i'm sorry my question to you was why would you blame the deadline the failure to [2:50:01] submit those grants on time on the shutdown when in fact that occurred prior to the shutdown please [2:50:10] just answer the question unless uh you are unable to answer it because of your own ver [2:50:18] that your own department's very own doings [2:50:21] so please just answer the question why blame the shutdown on something that you all had the [2:50:28] ability to do prior to the shutdown when turning on a machine after being off for over a month [2:50:37] these impacts are going to go beyond even though did i not say that [2:50:43] did i not say that we had the uh i'm sorry mr chairman sorry thank you for for your levity um [2:50:52] mr [2:50:52] mr barton i clearly am out of time uh mr chairman thank you for giving me that um let uh that that [2:51:03] the ability to to speak beyond that let me just say that that's a question that still lies in [2:51:09] front of us we certainly need to do something about it i yield back gentlelady yields back i [2:51:14] now recognize the gentleman from california mr fong for five minutes of questions uh thank you [2:51:19] mr chairman uh thank you for the uh panelists for you know all of you for uh for uh for uh for uh for [2:51:22] not only uh your testimony but your service for country and your teams as well uh america's [2:51:27] homeland security is not a political game every agency tasked with our homeland security needs [2:51:33] to be fully operational at full strength period last month the u.s house representatives passed [2:51:40] a bipartisan funding package for the department of homeland security regrettably senate democrats [2:51:46] chose to abandon this bipartisan and bicameral deal which brings us here today our nation uh [2:51:52] unfortunately is less safe and homeland security personnel are continuing to work without pay [2:51:58] in my home state of california we are preparing for the world cup we're preparing for the olympics [2:52:05] however attendee safety and the success of these games hinge on the department of homeland [2:52:10] security's ability to work with state and local law enforcement agencies even through [2:52:14] government shutdowns i wanted to ask each of the panelists i know each of you have a different [2:52:19] role to play in the planning but have there been [2:52:22] any key planning milestones that have been missed due to the shutdown when it comes to the planning [2:52:27] for these um these um international events and if dhs were fully funded today how long would it take [2:52:34] to get back on track and we can start from that role and go go on down yes sir uh as as we do uh [2:52:39] planning for these big events we have missed milestones and our estimate is every day that [2:52:44] there is a shutdown it takes us two and a half days to recover mr mcgill uh congressman i guess [2:52:52] that uh the impact has felt really on on multiple aspects of the planning that we've been doing and [2:52:54] um we've been on multiple fronts but first it's about staffing the airports that are supporting [2:52:59] the fifa locations and we have plans in place but that is based on you know what we understand [2:53:05] our lay down to be if we see a spike in attrition we're going to have to pivot and as i mentioned [2:53:10] earlier hiring and training takes a while and so that will impact our posture for fifa on the other [2:53:15] uh part of this is the counter uas mission our federal air marshals are acquiring technology [2:53:21] um and and with the delay and and funding and the shutdown that we have in place we're not going to [2:53:24] shutdown that is pushing that to the right, and we're running right up to the wire in our ability [2:53:29] to procure, deploy, and train with these counter UAS technologies. Thank you, Congressman. There [2:53:38] are impacts across all segments of CISA's mission at this time. It is a burden borne nearly exclusively [2:53:45] by our employees and the contractors that are supporting them. So whether it's for World Cup [2:53:49] or America 250 events or LA 2028 prep, we're going to continue to see compounding impacts here that [2:53:56] are going to affect both the items that require proactive planning like that and our ability to [2:54:00] have a ready workforce that's going to be able to respond to the reactive elements within our [2:54:04] threat environment. Thank you, Congressman. FEMA's role in the FIFA World Cup planning, we provide [2:54:13] critical funding, training, and preparedness support to these communities, including security [2:54:18] planning. The compacted effects of multiple shutdowns over the last six months clearly has [2:54:25] made us miss some milestones to include the funds that the [2:54:29] the [2:54:29] the [2:54:29] Congresswoman had just mentioned as the FIFA World Cup funding. As this continues, I imagine we will [2:54:36] continue to see more breakdowns as we do not have our entire team in place to work on these efforts. [2:54:44] So no doubt the consequences are very real. This is not an academic conversation that we're having [2:54:49] in American lives and the lives of our visitors, international visitors are put at risk. [2:54:57] In terms of coordination, how has the shutdown of [2:55:00] this event affected information sharing and coordination with local law enforcement and host [2:55:03] committees? Our fusion, joint task forces, our interagency planning groups, how has that been [2:55:09] affected and what gaps are forming right now? We'll start with questions for everybody. [2:55:17] Sir, I'll start. So we continue that function as far as intelligence sharing in the law enforcement [2:55:23] track. What I would say is when you look at these events, these are very complicated events. These [2:55:29] are not pick-up games. They require a lot of coordination, synchronization, and coordination. [2:55:32] We're looking to bring in new assets and training on those assets. So it's not only a point of [2:55:41] intelligence, but what we do with that intelligence to buy the right assets and get the right training [2:55:48] for the people that are doing it. Congressman, we are also continuing [2:55:53] the collaboration with state and local authorities on intelligence and information sharing, [2:55:58] but we're not working at full force right now because during a shutdown, we have many mission [2:56:04] enabling [2:56:04] and other functions that are furloughed and so it is impacting the pace at which we are doing that [2:56:09] and we're looking forward to getting back to normal order. Intelligence information exchange [2:56:16] continues. It persists through the funding labs at CISA, but I will tell you that the capacity for us [2:56:21] to continue to do that is becoming exceedingly strained. I have a single day just a couple of [2:56:25] weeks ago that we received six resignation notices from the highly technical subject matter experts [2:56:30] that we have in places like our threat hunting and incident response sections. That's not a sustainable [2:56:36] and at some point the compounding risk within this dynamic threat landscape is going to cause real [2:56:41] damage to American people. I've run out of time, but I thank you for the information. It's a very [2:56:47] sobering assessment and we need to get the Department of Homeland Security open as quickly [2:56:51] as possible today. We need the Senate Democrats to take up our bill. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, [2:56:56] I'll yield back. Gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. [2:57:00] Walkinshaw. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Anderson, you've been at CISA since September of 2025. Is that correct? Yes, Congressman. [2:57:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Anderson, you've been at CISA since September of 2025. Is that correct? Yes, Congressman. [2:57:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Anderson, you've been at CISA since September of 2025. Is that correct? Yes, Congressman. [2:57:05] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Anderson, you've been at CISA since November of 2025. Is that correct? Yes, Congressman. [2:57:09] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Anderson, you've been at CISA since November of 2025. Is that correct? Yes, Congressman. [2:57:09] OK. I presume you have some [2:57:12] awareness. You've reviewed [2:57:14] what took place at CISA between January 2025 and September 2025. I want to walk through [2:57:21] that [2:57:22] time period because I think it's important context [2:57:24] for your testimony today. Is it true that CISA's workforce [2:57:29] was reduced by approximately 1,000 employees in early 2025? Yes or no? [2:57:33] Mr. Anderson, I would have given you all the information that's required for that. [2:57:39] Mr. Anderson, I would have given you all the information that's required for that. [2:57:39] Would have given you all the information that's required for that. [2:57:39] Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Is it true that some CISA employees were reassigned from CISA to ICE [2:57:45] and CBP in 2025? Yes or no? To the best of my understanding, less than 10 employees have been [2:57:51] reassigned. Is it true that CISA's previous acting director, who was recently removed from his [2:57:57] position, failed the polygraph test, which was required to access certain sensitive documents? [2:58:02] Yes or no? I'd have to refer you to our security office. It's been widely reported that is true. [2:58:08] Is it true that the senior staff leading CISA's Secure by Design initiative, which promotes the [2:58:14] development of more secure technologies, left the agency? Is that true? We've seen vacancies in [2:58:21] several spots that will continue to compound. Senior staff leading that effort left. Is it true [2:58:26] that the multi-state information sharing and analysis center, which provided cybersecurity [2:58:31] services to state and local governments, was eliminated? Is that true? That is not true. [2:58:36] It is true. The MSI set continues to exist. [2:58:39] Today, sir, our funding for it through the cooperative agreements does not. That ended [2:58:44] in September of 2025. The funding is kind of an important part of it for the state and local [2:58:48] governments who participated in it. The funding is kind of a critical piece of it. Is it true that [2:58:52] the election infrastructure sharing and analysis center was eliminated? No, sir. Again, it was not [2:58:58] eliminated. Was the funding for it eliminated? Yes. Is it true that the Cyber Safety Review [2:59:05] Board was disbanded? The Cyber Safety Review Board authority still exists, and should there [2:59:10] be an incident? Is it operational? Yes. Is it operational? Yes. Is it operational? Yes. Is it [2:59:11] operating? Is it functional today? Sir, the secretary has the ability to call us. It's not. [2:59:17] Is it true that the Cyber Security Advisory Committee was eliminated and is not functioning [2:59:22] today? I'm sorry, sir. I didn't catch which. Cyber Security Advisory Committee. To the best [2:59:29] of my knowledge, that does not exist today. Is it true that the Critical Infrastructure [2:59:32] Partnership Advisory Council no longer exists today, to use your language? Yes or no? Sir, [2:59:38] we have the authority to be able to move forward with CPAC. I can't publish it in the Federal [2:59:42] Register Notice because it's not necessarily directly touched on imminence of threat and [2:59:47] protection of life and property. No longer operating. Was operating in 2024 is not today. [2:59:51] I want to make sure I have this right. Before a single dollar of appropriations lapsed before [2:59:56] this shutdown, this administration cut 1,000 employees, reassigned others to immigration [3:00:02] enforcement, gutted advisory structures, eliminated information sharing partnerships. When I read your [3:00:09] opening statement, I was struck by a few things that you wrote. You said, and I'm quoting directly, [3:00:14] the shutdown prevents us from operating under normal conditions. You said many proactive [3:00:18] services, planning and industry and stakeholder engagements are paused or significantly scaled [3:00:23] back. You said planned engagements with critical partners are on hold, all because of the shutdown. [3:00:28] Those statements are true. But here's the irony. Long before this shutdown, your agency's [3:00:35] workforce was gutted. Advisory committees and stakeholder engagements were shut down. [3:00:42] Information sharing centers eliminated. The shutdown didn't start this crisis at CISA. [3:00:48] Donald Trump did. And why? Because in 2020, CISA refused to validate his stolen election [3:00:56] conspiracy theory. And one of your predecessors, a patriot, refused to validate President Trump's [3:01:02] stolen election conspiracy theory. The legislation Democrats have put forward would fund CISA and pay [3:01:08] your staff. But what we really need is an administration that treats cybersecurity as a [3:01:13] national security priority and rebuilds from the terrible damage that's been done. Mr. Anderson, [3:01:20] I want to go back. [3:01:21] I want to go back to Director, Acting Director Gautam Akala and the failed polygraph test. [3:01:29] That was a polygraph required to access sensitive documents. My understanding is six CISA employees [3:01:36] were put on leave for following the protocols required by CISA and the agency that owned [3:01:42] that information. And I want to ask you, will you commit to working with this committee [3:01:48] to ensure that the employees who were put on leave were reinstated? Any derogatory information [3:01:55] added to their progress? [3:01:56] Will you commit to briefing me and any other members of this committee about that incident? [3:02:06] I want to know why Director Gautam Akala failed the polygraph test and why six employees who [3:02:12] were following the agency's protocol were put on leave. [3:02:16] Yes, sir. We would be happy to be able to share that information with this committee. [3:02:20] However, I'm going to have to refer you to the Department of Homeland Security's headquarters [3:02:24] elements. That's actually leading any investigation pertaining to that. That is not an item that's been [3:02:26] put on leave. [3:02:27] Okay. [3:02:27] Thank you. [3:02:27] That is not an item that's been investigated within CISA. [3:02:30] Well, will you commit to briefing us and helping to facilitate a briefing on that incident? [3:02:35] I'm committed to going back to DHS and carrying forward that request back, sir, to be able [3:02:39] to share that information with you. [3:02:40] All right. Thank you. [3:02:42] Gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from Tennessee, Mr. Van Epps, for [3:02:46] five minutes. [3:02:47] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this critically important hearing and to our witnesses [3:02:51] for joining us. We are nearly 40 days into this feckless shutdown. The cost of this Democrat [3:02:58] political stunt is the investment that we have made in the last five years. We are not [3:02:59] going to be able to do that. We are not going to be able to do that. We are not going to [3:02:59] do that. We are not going to do that. We are not going to do that. We are not going to do that. [3:02:59] Under the Biden administration's open border policies, we have criminals coming into the [3:03:09] country that are putting American lives at risk, like in the case of 18-year-old Sheridan [3:03:15] Gorman just this week murdered by an illegal alien who shouldn't have been here in the [3:03:22] first place. Her sister is a student at Vanderbilt University in my district. His family is suffering [3:03:29] unimaginable loss and pain. [3:03:31] I am sick of that. I am sick of that. I am sick of that. I am sick of that. I am sick [3:03:31] of it. And yet Democrats are still keeping DHS shut down, the very department in charge of [3:03:39] protecting Americans at home. Because of Democrats' political games, TSA personnel have gone multiple [3:03:46] pay periods without compensation. 95% of TSA's workforce is deemed essential, and we rely on [3:03:55] them every day to keep us safe. These agents serve our country and keep us safe every day, [3:04:01] and I'm thankful for President Trump and this administration for doing so. And yet Democrats [3:04:07] are treating them like sacrificial lambs. This is absolutely no way to thank these brave men and [3:04:13] women. Not only that, but Democrats are creating a compounding workforce shortage crisis for TSA. [3:04:20] Already over 400 transportation security officers have separated from TSA, and because it takes four [3:04:27] to six months to train a TSO, TSA hasn't finished fully training those hired to replace the officers [3:04:34] that left. [3:04:34] During the last shutdown. So here we are in March with the first World Cup events only a few months away. And even if we reopen today, we won't be able to fully replace the officers that have quit because of Democrats unnecessary and destructive shutdown. Ahead of summer, America's busiest travel season and major events like FIFA, the Olympics and America 250, not to mention the increased terror threat due to the conflict with Iran. Democrats are foolishly crippling TSA and putting American lives at risk. [3:05:07] This ridiculous shutdown has gone on long enough. It's time for my Democrat colleagues to come to their senses. I want to thank again, thank our witnesses for joining us as I know you all are operating with a diminished workforce. [3:05:20] This McNeil TSA lost over 1000 TSOs during the last shutdown. And we've already lost another 400 during this shutdown. The fact is, we don't have four to six months to train and search workforce needs ahead of the World Cup. [3:05:32] Can you talk a little bit more expound on how you're preparing to accelerate preparedness ahead of the anticipated high traffic? [3:05:38] Thank you, Congressman. We are obviously watching our attrition rates very closely, looking at our ready pool for recruitment to see what we can do there as well. [3:05:50] We have a national deployment force, which is a national force where we can surge in different locations. We're looking to increase those numbers and the training for officers to join that force and it will allow us to surge to these different locations. [3:06:03] But I will tell you that, you know, we are in a very dire situation when it comes to our ability to staff the multiple different locations. [3:06:10] Thank you. [3:06:11] Do you have a last word or a timeline? [3:06:12] I think the first thing is, we know that we need to continue our joint operations for the FIFA World Cup, as well as the base camps where the teams are going to be. [3:06:21] I mean this is going to be a really complex operation. And what's more, what we are seeing in this shutdown is that more experienced officers are leaving. [3:06:29] And that expertise you can only make up with time and experience. [3:06:36] Thank you. [3:06:37] Admiral, I want to talk a couple of questions on Coast Guard impacts on readiness. [3:06:40] Sir, how has the shutdown impacted Coast Guard's access to maintenance facilities? [3:06:44] The defense industrial base is already suffering. [3:06:46] There's not enough capacity within it. [3:06:48] So we work very hard to get the capacity we need. [3:06:51] Now that we have ships in those yards and they're doing maintenance, we haven't been able to pay them for 40 days. [3:06:57] So we are seeing stop work orders come in on several of our ships. [3:07:01] And then several of our vendors are saying they are not going to continue to work with the Coast Guard because they can't be guaranteed pay. [3:07:08] So those are the cutters, aircraft, small boats, critical systems that are under contract that must be paused during the shutdown? [3:07:17] Yes, sir. [3:07:18] So the payment of those. [3:07:20] Yes, sir. [3:07:22] Do you know, ballpark, how many Coast Guard assets are going without maintenance due to funding gaps? [3:07:27] So, sir, right now we are allowed to contract for that maintenance. [3:07:32] It's then just dealing with the vendors that are providing it. [3:07:35] And we're watching that number grow every day on those that are deciding to cut off the free support to the Coast Guard. [3:07:41] Great. [3:07:42] Thank you. [3:07:42] And I'm out of time. [3:07:43] Thank you, witnesses. [3:07:44] We appreciate you being here today. [3:07:45] Mr. Chairman, I yield back. [3:07:46] Gentleman yields back. [3:07:47] I now recognize the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Carter, for five minutes of questions. [3:07:51] Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. [3:07:53] You know, I've repeatedly listened to my colleagues suggest that this is a Democratic shutdown. [3:08:00] Are you aware, Ms. McNeil, that there were at least five opportunities in the Senate to pay TSA and it was blocked by Republicans? [3:08:12] Are you aware of that? [3:08:15] I'm aware of the votes. [3:08:16] Thank you. [3:08:16] Thank you. [3:08:17] From the Department of Homeland Security, where the... [3:08:19] Ma'am, are you aware that there were five opportunities and it was blocked where we could have paid TSA? [3:08:25] The answer is yes. [3:08:27] Mr. Chairman, could I ask you to remind these individuals that they're under oath? [3:08:35] Please. [3:08:35] Yes. [3:08:35] The witnesses are reminded that they are under oath. [3:08:39] Thank you very much. [3:08:40] Answer the questions to the best of your ability. [3:08:42] Thank you. [3:08:43] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [3:08:44] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [3:08:45] Are you aware, Ms. McNeil, that in 2023, under the leadership of this... [3:08:50] of then-Chairman Bennie Thompson, TSA was granted a race? [3:08:57] Yes or no? [3:08:57] I am aware. [3:08:58] Are you aware that there wasn't a single vote on the Republican side in this committee to support that race? [3:09:05] I don't know the details. [3:09:06] You knew that we voted. [3:09:07] We did it. [3:09:08] And you knew that, but you don't know how the vote went down. [3:09:10] I wasn't... [3:09:11] Well, I will tell you how it went down, ma'am. [3:09:13] Democrats unanimously voted for it. [3:09:14] Republicans unanimously voted against it. [3:09:16] But you got that race. [3:09:18] You should... [3:09:18] That's important to note, because what that demonstrates is the support that Democrats have for it. [3:09:22] For men and women who put on the uniform and work for us every single day, as we are fighting to make sure they're funded now. [3:09:30] Ms. Barton, the state of Louisiana currently has 20 hazard mitigation and flood mitigation projects totaling some $71 million awaiting FEMA approval. [3:09:40] The majority of these are stuck in former Secretary Nome's bottleneck approval process for any award over $100,000, which, as you might imagine, holds everything up. [3:09:51] Will these projects finally be approved? [3:09:57] Hi, Congressman. [3:09:58] I am aware that there are mitigation projects that are pending obligation. [3:10:03] They do get funded out of the DRF. [3:10:06] As soon as we are able to ensure that we have a healthy funding ability, we would be happy to work with your office and ensure that those obligations get made. [3:10:18] Thank you very much. [3:10:19] I appreciate that. [3:10:20] Ms. McNeil, how many total hours or weeks does a TSA officer candidate... [3:10:27] ...spend in training before being certified for duty? [3:10:33] In total, it takes about four to six months to fully... [3:10:36] Four to six months. Thank you. [3:10:37] And of that time, what specific portion is dedicated to specialized detection skills, such as identifying concealed weapons, explosives, and other prohibited materials through the physical screening and advanced imaging technology? [3:10:51] I would say significant, but I can get you... [3:10:53] Significant. Very good. [3:10:56] The administration... [3:10:57] But you have ICE agents that are not... [3:11:00] They are now there, and it was said in testimony that they were helping with screening. [3:11:04] But you just said it takes four to six months of training. [3:11:08] How can... [3:11:09] Don't shake your head, ma'am. [3:11:10] It's on the record. [3:11:12] It was said by you or others at this table that they're there to help with screening, but they can't. [3:11:22] Not when you, in your own testimony moments ago to Representative McIver said you started training them on Monday. [3:11:29] Ma'am, today. [3:11:30] Today is Wednesday. [3:11:31] I'm asking the questions. [3:11:32] Can you just wait for me to answer? [3:11:34] Today is Wednesday. [3:11:37] You said you started Monday. [3:11:38] You also just said that it takes four to six months, which spells out exactly our fear that it's nothing more than window dressing and cheap theater and political performance to bring ICE agents in, who are... [3:11:55] Many of which are hardly trained to even do the functions of ICE, let alone to come to airports and do sophisticated... [3:12:02] screening and training, that TSA officers take four to six months to be able to do, yet you suggest that they can do it with two days of training. [3:12:13] How is that possible, ma'am? [3:12:15] So the ICE officers that are helping out at these key airports are not doing the specialized screening functions. [3:12:21] They are doing the functions that don't take as much training and... [3:12:26] Which ones are those? [3:12:27] So those, as I mentioned earlier, helping man the queue, helping with... [3:12:31] Help man the queue, direct the flow. [3:12:34] Direct the flow. [3:12:34] So no training required for that at all. [3:12:36] But you're paying TSA agents, or you're paying ICE agents to come to airports, and you're paying them a hefty sum with limited or no training to add insult to... [3:12:50] I'm not sure why you keep making that face, ma'am. [3:12:53] I'm asking you questions, and all day you have evaded the opportunity to answer honestly, which is why I asked the chairman to remind you and others that you're under... [3:13:04] I'm asking you questions, and all day you have evaded the opportunity to answer honestly, which is why I asked the chairman to remind you and others that you're under... [3:13:04] This is not a game. [3:13:06] I don't care who took you outside and gave you a coaching lesson on how you should respond. [3:13:10] I would hope they would tell you to answer honestly, to answer forthright, to not dance around and put yourself in position to possibly perjure yourself. [3:13:21] This is a very serious hearing about dedicated workers deserving to be paid, and there were multiple opportunities to do that, even multiple opportunities to ask you specifically, [3:13:32] would you support a... [3:13:34] A stand-alone bill to make sure your people were going to be paid, and you said no. [3:13:39] Why would you not want to? [3:13:41] Mr. Chairman, my time has expired, but I will follow up. [3:13:47] And I recognize the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Green, for five minutes of questions. [3:13:51] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [3:13:53] Thank the ranking member and associate myself with his commentary. [3:13:58] Friends, members of the panel, I have a question for you, and I would like for you to extend your hand into the air. [3:14:11] If you believe this is the case, if you believe that the Safeguard America Voter Eligibility Act, the SAVE Act, caused the shutdown, please raise your hand. [3:14:27] Please raise your hand if you believe it caused the shutdown. [3:14:31] Let the record reflect that no one has raised a hand. [3:14:36] I ask this question because the president is putting politics above people. [3:14:40] I have in my hand an article from The Hill. [3:14:46] It is styled, Trump, colon, no shutdown deal. [3:14:52] Until Democrats support SAVE America Act. [3:14:57] The real reason the shutdown continues is President Trump's requiring the passage of bills unrelated to the shutdown. [3:15:11] That's the real reason. [3:15:13] Let me read from the article. [3:15:15] In part, President Trump late Sunday, this was written on 3-23-26 a couple of days ago, [3:15:25] said there will be no deal to end the partial government shutdown until Democrats, [3:15:29] joined with Republicans, to pass the Safeguard America Voter Eligibility Act, the SAVE Act. [3:15:40] Now, this article reads, in part, [3:15:44] Senator Majority Leader John Thune has reportedly said, repeatedly, [3:15:51] there aren't enough votes to get the bill over the finish line anytime soon. [3:15:55] Trump has written that Republicans should support this bill, [3:16:05] and that they should, somehow, require Democrats to do so. [3:16:12] But here's a quote from the president, and he's talking about Republicans and Democrats who don't support this bill. [3:16:20] They will never be elected again. [3:16:23] In other words, lump everything together as one, and vote with three exclamation points, kill the filibuster. [3:16:33] Now, there is the real reason. [3:16:35] The president desires to kill the filibuster. [3:16:39] The requirement that you have 60 votes, [3:16:42] to get to cloture, [3:16:44] before you can pass a bill with 51. [3:16:46] He wants to kill the filibuster. [3:16:49] And if he can accomplish this, then he'll do some other dastardly things. [3:16:55] But killing the filibuster is his goal, and as a result of this being his goal, [3:17:02] he is pushing the Republicans to use 51 votes, [3:17:07] as opposed to continuing to use the rule that requires 60. [3:17:11] The president doesn't care about the TSC. [3:17:15] This is not about helping them. [3:17:19] It's about getting his way. [3:17:21] And he has complete control of the Republican Party. [3:17:24] He really does. [3:17:27] And given that he controls it, he is demanding that it obey his command to kill the filibuster. [3:17:34] And he's providing them a means, a methodology by which this can be accomplished. [3:17:40] Friends, the president does not really think that keeping these workers underpaid, [3:17:49] and not paid at all, [3:17:53] is an important issue as it relates to his presidency. [3:17:57] I differ with him. [3:18:00] And I want to defend the TSC workers as I close. [3:18:04] Because to send in ICE is an insult to them. [3:18:09] There has not been any meaningful indications that the workers were not managing well, [3:18:17] the crowds that were there, [3:18:19] the people who were coming in, the public, the flying public. [3:18:23] Has there been any meaningful indication that they have been doing a good job? [3:18:28] And to somehow conclude that ICE is necessary, [3:18:32] notwithstanding the fact that a good many members of the flying public are antithetical to this, [3:18:38] is an insult to them. [3:18:40] I was in the airport just yesterday, [3:18:42] and I had many people to approach me and tell me that they are afraid of ICE, [3:18:47] and they would prefer that ICE not be at the airport. [3:18:50] So I say, let's remove ICE. [3:18:54] Let's pass legislation to help the workers get paid. [3:18:59] And let's end this attempt to eliminate the filibuster rule. [3:19:05] The filibuster rule for the president is an obstacle that he plans to eliminate. [3:19:10] I thank you and I yield back. [3:19:14] Gentleman yields back. [3:19:17] Members, I recognize. [3:19:19] Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. [3:19:21] Earlier in this hearing, Mr. Pfluger incorrectly stated [3:19:26] that this committee held no hearings [3:19:28] on border security in 2021 and 2022. [3:19:34] In fact, the committee held six full committee hearings [3:19:38] and 13 subcommittee hearings in 2021 and 2022. [3:19:44] And I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record [3:19:49] those committee and subcommittee hearings. [3:19:52] Without objection. [3:19:55] Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record [3:19:59] my letter signed by 33 members of Congress [3:20:03] addressed to then-Secretary Noem and acting administrator of FEMA [3:20:08] dated November 18, 2025, [3:20:11] calling for FEMA to expedite the awards [3:20:15] for the $275 million in nonprofit security grant funding [3:20:21] that Congress appropriated over a year. [3:20:25] Without objection. [3:20:26] Mr. Chairman, on behalf of Mr. Magaziner, [3:20:29] I ask unanimous consent to include in the record [3:20:32] a letter from four unions expressing support [3:20:36] for the Democratic funding proposal for DHS. [3:20:40] Without objection. [3:20:41] I yield back. [3:20:44] Gentleman yields back. [3:20:45] I have a UC request, Mr. Chairman. [3:20:47] Yes, gentleman's recognized. [3:20:49] Yes, I ask unanimous consent that the Hill article [3:20:52] styled, Trump, no shutdown deal until Democrats support [3:20:55] Save America Act, that it be inserted into the record. [3:20:59] Without objection. [3:21:00] Thank you. [3:21:01] Thank you. [3:21:02] Members of the committee, witnesses, thank you very much for being here. [3:21:05] The members of the committee may have some additional questions for you all, [3:21:10] and we'd ask that you all respond to these in writing. [3:21:13] Pursuant to Committee Rule 7E, the hearing record will be held open for 10 days. [3:21:18] Again, thank you all for your testimony today and for being here. [3:21:21] And without objection, this committee stands adjourned.