House Committee on Homeland Security holds a hearing

[0:00] Thank you. [0:34] Thank you. [1:08] Thank you. [2:01] Thank you. [9:21] Thank you. [9:56] Thank you. [10:30] Thank you. [11:04] Thank you. [11:06] Thank you. [11:08] Thank you. [11:10] Thank you. [11:12] Thank you. [11:44] Thank you. [12:18] Thank you. [12:20] Thank you. [13:28] Thank you. [13:30] Thank you. [13:33] Thank you. [13:35] Thank you. [13:37] Thank you. [13:39] Thank you. [13:41] Thank you. [13:43] Thank you. [13:45] Thank you. [13:47] Thank you. [13:50] Thank you. [13:52] Thank you. [13:54] Thank you. [13:56] Thank you. [13:59] Thank you. [14:01] Thank you. [14:03] Thank you. [14:05] Thank you. [14:07] Thank you. [14:09] Thank you. [14:12] Thank you. [14:14] Thank you. [14:16] Thank you. [14:18] Thank you. [14:21] Thank you. [14:23] Thank you. [14:25] Thank you. [14:27] Thank you. [14:30] Thank you. [14:32] Thank you. [14:34] Thank you. [14:36] Thank you. [14:38] Thank you. [14:39] Thank you. [14:40] Thank you. [15:09] forward together. The shutdown is not a game, and frankly, I'm tired of it being treated like one. [15:16] The stakes are too high. We owe it to the American people to stop the political games, [15:21] to fund DHS, and to get back to regular order. I hope all my colleagues will use this opportunity [15:26] today to hear from the witnesses about the harmful operational and security impacts that [15:30] this shutdown has caused and the long-term consequences that we need to be prepared to [15:34] address. I look forward to a productive conversation with our leaders here today. [15:38] I now recognize the ranking member, the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson, for his opening [15:44] statement. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I welcome our panel of witnesses before us today. [15:51] Mr. Chairman, Republicans holding this hearing, requiring the Department of Homeland Security [15:56] shutdown, is a height of hypocrisy, not only because they and their president are to blame for the [16:03] shutdown, but also because they are complicit in causing irreparable damage over the 15 months [16:12] to DHS, its mission, and its workforce. Let me be clear at the outset that Democrats want to fund [16:21] TSA, FEMA, SISTA, and the Coast Guard, and have repeatedly offered bills to do just that. [16:29] However, Republicans have blocked all of them. Let me say that again. Republicans have repeatedly [16:37] blocked bills Democrats offered to fund every agency before this committee today. Republicans [16:44] control every part of government and could have funded these agencies with Democratic support, [16:51] but chose not to. Republicans could pay TSA agents today, but choose not to. You don't have to take my [17:00] word for it. Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana told Fox News that when Senate Republican [17:07] leadership informed the president that his conference was prepared to accept the Democratic [17:14] compromise position, the president said, and I quote, no deals with Democrats. So this is a Republican [17:23] shutdown, but as per usual, they take no responsibility. Maybe that's because they know the president is [17:31] desperately trying to distract the public from his thousands of appearances in the Epstein files [17:38] and the war he needlessly started in Iran. They know Trump doesn't want the media or the public [17:46] talking about the affordability crisis he created or skyrocketing gas prices or raising inflation. [17:54] Rather than do what's right for Homeland Security, the frontline personnel working without a paycheck or the [18:02] traveling public, congressional Republicans do Trump's bidding every time. He snaps his fingers and they jump. [18:11] The only question is how high. And that's what we have here today. A shutdown congressional Republicans agree to [18:20] in order to cover for Trump. Even today's hearing is designed to cover for him. I requested that the [18:28] chairman extend invitations to ICE and CBP leadership to testify today, but he declined to do so. I respect the [18:37] chairman, but his decision is a troubling departure from committed practice. I've served on this committee [18:44] since its inception. And I know firsthand how this committee has been run since it was stood up after 9-11. [18:53] Republicans have now set an unfortunate precedent they'll have to live with going forward. But the facts remain that [19:02] ICE and CBP should be here today because those agencies are critical to the full resolution of DHS's funding issues. [19:12] Mr. Chairman, pursuant to Clause 2J1 of Rule 11, I'm furnishing you with a demand for a Minority Day [19:22] hearing on the subject of today's hearing signed by Democratic members. Democrats want to ensure [19:29] that before we give even more money to ICE and CBP, which is already flush with cash, by the way, [19:38] that we rang in the deadly abuses we saw in Minneapolis. We owe Renee Good and Alex Pretty [19:46] that much. As the attorney for Renee Good's family, implored the committee in a letter this week, [19:54] do not forget the unthinkable killing of Renee, a loving and peaceful American mother of three [20:01] and the broader harm done to other Americans. Trump doesn't want people to remember how his secret [20:09] police shot innocent Americans dead and terrorized communities. We won't let the victims be forgotten [20:17] and we honor Renee and Alex's memory by fighting to ensure it never ever happens again. I'm extremely [20:25] troubled that Trump has deployed ICE agents to airports around the country. We can [20:32] not allow what happened on the streets of Minneapolis to happen in our nation's capital. According to [20:42] the chairman's testimony, TSOs receive six months of training. ICE agents, according to testimony that [20:52] we received before this committee, received 47 days. So I don't understand how people with less [21:01] training is going to help people who have more training. These agents cannot do TSA's job, nor should [21:09] they, and they aren't trained to do it. So we see images of ICE agents standing around or walking through [21:17] terminals, doing nothing to reduce the lines at security checkpoints, while TSA personnel continue to do [21:25] their jobs without pay because Republicans refuse to vote for legislation to fund TSA. It's ridiculous and [21:34] maddening, but not surprising. Since Donald Trump took over, he's done everything in his power to destroy [21:42] the Department of Homeland Security, weaponize it against American people, and hurt the workforce. He sent [21:49] those into DHS and fired or forced out thousands of hard-working employees with irreplaceable homeland security [21:59] expertise. At FEMA, more than 2,000 hard-working employees left the agency, and CISA lost about 1,000 employees or a [22:11] third of its staff. He cut critical homeland security programs and is intentionally withholding grants from [22:19] non-profits like synagogues, churches, and mosques, and disaster funding from communities that desperately [22:26] need it. He also attacked DHS worker union rights, and his administration is suing to end transportation [22:35] security officers' collective bargaining rights as we speak. They are the hard-worn rights of the very same [22:43] officers Republicans are claiming to care so much about. This administration has done nothing but [22:50] marginalize and denigrate TSA from the moment Trump was sworn in. Meanwhile, Democrats have been fighting [22:59] for the TSA workforce since long before Republicans discovered this week, apparently, that DHS is more than [23:08] just ICE and CBP. Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, Tom Holman, Kristi Noem, and Corey Lewandowski have tried to [23:18] turn ICE into a national police force, a weapon for their political agenda, while systematically neglecting [23:26] the critical mission of TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the Coast Guard. As part of their effort, Trump has installed [23:35] the incompetent and unfit DHS leadership who have used their positions for personal gain. At the top of [23:43] the list is disgraced former Secretary Kristi Noem, who lived rent-free in government housing meant for [23:51] military leadership. She wasted millions of taxpayers' dollars on ad campaigns and photo ops, complete with [23:59] hair, makeup, and a rented horse for $20,000 for her to pose for the cameras. And her so-called special [24:10] government employee, Corey Lewandowski, used his position and close relationship with Noem to steal [24:18] contracts and sweetheart deals to his cronies in a pay-to-play scheme that has him under investigation. [24:28] FEMA is on its third unqualified acting administrator in 15 months, and the witness that was scheduled to [24:36] testify today, Mr. Greg Phillips, raises serious concerns. He said of President Biden last year, [24:44] and I quote, I'd like to punch that explicative in the mouth right now. He deserves to die, [24:55] and I hope he does, unquote. Mr. Phillips reportedly claims to have been involuntarily [25:01] teleported multiple times, including once to a Waffle House in Georgia. That kind of violent rhetoric [25:11] and wild conspiracy theories are troubling for someone who holds a leadership position at DHS. For their part, [25:20] congressional Republicans have sat idly by and watched it all happen, often enabling, encouraging, [25:28] and cheering on this madness. So to my Republican colleagues, spare us your crocodile tears today. [25:36] Your talk is cheap, and the theatrics are nothing but performance. This hearing won't get DHS employees a [25:44] paycheck. I urge my Republican colleagues to stop the performance and start governing. Join Democrats [25:52] in passing legislation to reopen DHS today. Mr. Chairman, I yield back. [25:59] The gentleman yields back. I appreciate the gentleman's request for a minority [26:05] member day hearing, and we will take it under consideration. I also have to address something [26:10] the gentleman said in his opening statement about me going against committee precedent. As the gentleman [26:15] knows, it is not committee nor house precedent for minority executive branch witnesses on executive [26:22] branch panels. Further, both ICE and CBP testified in front of this committee five weeks ago. And there was [26:31] also a statement about how Republicans voted against funding TSA and other agencies. I know myself, [26:38] sitting up here, have voted as well as my other colleagues have voted twice already to pay TSA workers [26:44] and all the other employees at DHS, and I look forward to voting again to pay them this week. I cannot, [26:50] I don't think the, my Democratic colleagues can say the same. So I appreciate the gentleman's opening [26:57] statement, but I want to stick to the facts here. And with that, other members of the committee are reminded [27:03] that opening statements may be submitted for the record. I would now like to formally introduce our [27:07] witnesses. Ms. Ha McNeil serves as the senior official of the Transportation Security Major, [27:13] Security Administration, TSA, performing the duties of the administrator. Ms. McNeil was appointed deputy [27:19] administrator in 2025 and was previously the chief of staff at TSA. She has a background in national [27:26] security and technology policy with prior experience across the National Security Council, the Office of [27:32] Management Budget and private sector roles. Admiral Thomas G. Allen serves as the Vice Commandant of [27:38] the U.S. Coast Guard, serving as the service's second in command since February 2026. As a career [27:44] Coast Guard officer with nearly 35 years, he has led major command operations overseeing mission support, [27:51] operations at U.S. Southern Command, and Coast Guard activities across the Northeast. Ms. Nick Anderson serves [27:57] as the acting director of the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA. He was appointed in February [28:02] 2026 after serving as the agency's Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity. He's a senior [28:07] Cybersecurity Leader and U.S. Marine Corp Veteran with prior experience across the Department of Energy, [28:12] the White House Office of Management Budget, and the private sector. Ms. Victoria Barton is the Associate [28:18] Administrator of the Office of External Affairs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Ms. Barton brings [28:23] nearly a decade of emergency management and disaster recovery experience. I thank all the witnesses for [28:28] being here today. Presumed to Committee Rule 8C, I ask that the witnesses rise and raise their right hand. [28:35] Do you solemnly swear that the testimony we'll give before the Committee on Homeland Security for the [28:43] United States House of Representatives will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, [28:47] so help you God. Let the record reflect that the witnesses have answered in the affirmative. [28:53] Thank you and please be seated. I now recognize Ms. McNeil for five minutes to summarize her opening [29:01] statement. Chairman Garbarino, Ranking Member Thompson, and members of the committee, thank you for the [29:13] invitation to testify before you today on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration. [29:18] This fiscal year, TSA has been shut down for 50% of the time, or 85 days, and if still shut down this [29:26] Friday, we will have reached nearly $1 billion in missed paychecks. This level of disruption is [29:33] unprecedented and unacceptable and significantly undermines the security of U.S. transportation systems. [29:40] 99% of the TSA workforce operates outside of the National Capital Region, working across the country, [29:47] living within your districts and communities. 95% or more than 61,000 of TSA's employees must continue [29:55] working without pay during a shutdown. Congress and the traveling public should be proud of the [30:00] excellent job the TSA workforce does to protect our national security. Paying these dedicated employees [30:07] for the work they are performing should never be a point of debate, and yet here we are on the 40th [30:13] day of our third shutdown this fiscal year. Many in our workforce have missed bill payments, received [30:20] eviction notices, had their cars repossessed and utilities shut off, lost their child care, defaulted on [30:27] loans, damaged their credit line, and drained their retirement savings. Some are sleeping in their cars, [30:34] selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second jobs to make ends meet, all while being expected to [30:40] perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public. A transportation [30:47] security officer at Reagan National Airport recently said, I just want Congress to pay me for the job [30:52] I am doing. During the 43-day shutdown last fall, TSA experienced a 25% increase in TSO separations [31:01] when compared to that same time period the year before. We have already lost over 480 TSOs this [31:07] shutdown, and our call out rates have accelerated as our workforce was still reeling from the last [31:13] shutdown. Prior to this shutdown, our TSO call out rate was 4%. Now multiple major airports are [31:20] experiencing days where 40 to 50% of their staff are calling out because they simply cannot afford to [31:27] report to work. This has led to the highest wait times in TSA history, with some wait times greater than [31:33] four and a half hours. We are being forced to consolidate lanes, and may have to close smaller [31:39] airports if we do not have enough officers. It is a fluid, challenging, and unpredictable situation. [31:47] We understand this is frustrating and disruptive. Unfortunately, we have seen an over 500% increase [31:53] in the frequency of assaults on our officers since this shutdown began. This is unacceptable and will not [31:59] be tolerated. We are pursuing all legal avenues to prosecute these incidents. To the traveling public, [32:06] we ask for your patience and understanding as our officers are working their hardest to ensure [32:11] you can travel safely, all the while not getting paid. As the shutdown drags on, we fear we will [32:18] continue to lose talented and experienced employees to other jobs that can provide a steady paycheck. [32:23] Not only is the shutdown decreasing the number of interested candidates, for those we are able to hire, [32:28] they are required to complete four to six months of training before they are certified to work at [32:33] checkpoints. At this point, newly hired officers will not be able to work on the checkpoint until [32:38] well after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is a dire situation. We are facing a potential perfect storm of [32:46] severe staffing shortages and an influx of millions of passengers at our airports for the World Cup games [32:52] in less than 80 days. I'm thankful to President Trump and Board of Tsar Tom Homan for their leadership and our ICE colleagues [32:59] for helping the TSA workforce at key airports, enabling TSA officers to focus on carrying out [33:05] critical security screening duties during this challenging time for our agency. And I look forward [33:11] to supporting Secretary Mullen in advancing the collective priorities of the department. We truly are one DHS, one mission. [33:19] Congress consolidated 22 agencies and established DHS to unify our homeland security defenses and prevent [33:26] another 9-11. Moments like these highlight the importance of a unified and fully funded DHS. I respectfully [33:34] call upon Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security and to ensure this never happens again. I thank you and I [33:40] look forward to your questions. Thank you, Ms. McNeil. I now recognize Admiral Allen for five minutes [33:46] to summarize his opening statement. Chairman Gabarino, ranking member Thompson, and distinguished members [33:52] of this committee, thank you for inviting me to testify today. The Coast Guard is a proud member of the [33:59] Department of Homeland Security and the only armed force within DHS. As a vital instrument of national power, [34:07] we save lives, control, secure, and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches, ensure the flow of [34:14] commerce is vital to America's economic prosperity and strategic mobility, and respond to crises at a [34:22] moment's notice. Every action we take is dedicated to protecting our nation. The American people depend [34:29] on us and we provide a remarkable return on investment, but only with consistent and predictable [34:37] appropriations. For 85 of the last 176 days, almost 50 percent of the time, the Coast Guard has not had [34:46] funding needing to operate and pay our workforce. Most importantly, the lapse is creating an unacceptable [34:54] financial strain on our people. Our dedicated civilian employees have already missed several paychecks, [35:00] leaving them without resources to support their family. Our military members and their families [35:07] are operating under grim uncertainty of whether they will receive their next paycheck. And our deployed crews [35:14] conducting critical national security missions are accumulating thousands of dollars in expenses with [35:20] no way of being reimbursed. These realities erode the sacred trust our men and women have in the nation [35:29] they serve. The work our crews perform every day is dangerous. Any distraction puts our crews at risk, [35:38] from our tactical boarding teams executing counter-narcotics missions, to our rescue swimmers deploying from [35:44] helicopters into rough seas. Our crews should not have to worry about if their families will be able to [35:50] pay rent or buy groceries. The shutdown is also eroding mission readiness and causing severe financial [35:58] hardships for businesses who provide us with goods and services. A few examples. We ceased many preparations [36:06] for FIFA World Cup and America 250. That's only 79 days away. We have incurred over 200 million dollars in [36:14] operations and obligations to industry partners for operations, a bill we are prohibited from paying [36:21] until this shutdown ends. We can't pay over 5,000 utility accounts, putting us in imminent danger of [36:28] widespread shutdowns to critical infrastructure. And our inability to pay for parts of services risks [36:35] triggering stop work orders, which could worsen our existing maintenance backlog and impact readiness. [36:42] Our National Maritime Center remains closed, halting the issuance of over 16,000 merchant marine [36:51] credentials, with a backlog growing by 300 a day. Every day the shutdown drags on moves us closer to a [36:59] tipping point. And we know through experience it will take us about two and a half days to recover [37:05] from every day we are in a shutdown. If the shutdown ended today, we wouldn't catch up until July 3rd. [37:13] The ghost card will continue to serve because that is what our people have sworn to do. But our crews should [37:20] never question whether the nation they protect will stand behind them and their families. Stable funding [37:27] for DHS is not simply a budgetary matter. It's a matter of trust, readiness, and national security. [37:34] Our service members will keep their watch. We only ask that they are supported while they do that. [37:41] Thank you. I look forward to your questions. Thank you, Admiral Allen. I now recognize Mr. [37:47] Anderson for five minutes to summarize his opening statement. Chairman Gabarino, [37:53] Ranking Member Thompson, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to [37:57] appear before you today. My name is Nick Anderson. I'm currently serving as the acting director of [38:02] CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. I joined CISA last September after serving in [38:08] senior cybersecurity roles in the private sector at the White House and leading the Department of Energy's [38:12] Sector Risk Management Agency function. I've also served as a state chief information security officer [38:18] and as a chief information officer within the intelligence community and as a United States [38:22] Marine. These experiences have given me a clear understanding of the threat environment we face [38:26] and the consequences when we are not fully postured to meet it. Let me be direct. When the government [38:31] shuts down, our adversaries do not. For the past 39 days, CISA has operated under its third shutdown this [38:38] fiscal year. CISA's workforce continues to demonstrate an unwavering dedication to mission during this [38:43] challenging time. Approximately 60 percent of our workforce is furloughed or otherwise unable to [38:48] work. The remaining personnel are carrying out mission essential functions without pay while facing [38:53] increasing pressure from nation state and criminal actors targeting our nation's critical infrastructure. [38:59] This is not a sustainable model. This shutdown affects morale, stability, and the overall well-being of [39:05] our people. Quickly restoring funding for DHS remains essential to CISA's success at safeguarding the [39:11] nation's critical infrastructure. Under the Trump administration, CISA has focused on our number one [39:16] priority, protecting and defending the American people from cyber and physical threats. During the [39:21] shutdown, CISA is largely limited to protecting life and property, responding to imminent threats, [39:26] maintaining our 24-7 operations center, ensuring critical vulnerability and incident information [39:31] at a reduced capacity. These are necessary functions, but they are not sufficient to get ahead of the threat. [39:37] What has been scaled back or pause are the very activities that reduce systemic risk over time, [39:42] proactive assessments, coordinated planning, partnership engagement, and strategic initiatives [39:47] across the federal enterprise and critical infrastructure sectors. The result is simple. [39:52] Risk is accumulating across the system. Delays in issuing binding operational directives, [39:57] reduced coordination with industry partners, and constrained incident response capacity all create [40:02] openings for our adversaries. These are not theoretical risk. They are real vulnerabilities that grow with [40:07] time. The lapse in appropriations for DHS has impacted CISA's ability to proactively mitigate cyber risk [40:13] and to support physical security resilience at a time when there are numerous large-scale events, [40:18] including the America 250 celebration events and the FIFA World Cup, each of which require heightened [40:24] preparedness. Equally concerning, key efforts to finalize the rulemaking process for the Cyber Incident [40:30] Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act, or CERCEA, have been paused. This delays our ability to build a more [40:36] coordinated, timely, and effective national cyber defense. Every day the shutdown continues, we're not just [40:42] standing still, we're falling behind. I would like to express my appreciation for your efforts on the [40:48] reauthorization of the Cyber Security Information Sharing Act of 2015. This authority underpins the trust, [40:55] speed, and collaboration between government and the private sector that are essential to defending the [40:59] nation's critical infrastructure. In closing, CISA's mission remains unchanged, to protect and defend the [41:05] American people. But we cannot do that at full strength under sustained funding uncertainty. And I want to be clear, [41:12] the men and women of CISA are doing everything we've asked of them and more, under extraordinarily [41:15] difficult circumstances. They are mission-focused, but they are not immune to the real financial and [41:21] personal strain this creates for their family. We need stability, we need continuity, we need the [41:26] ability to operate proactively, not just reactively. Thank you for your support and the opportunity to [41:32] appear today. I look forward to your questions. Thank you, Mr. Anderson. I now recognize Ms. Barton for five [41:39] minutes to summarize her opening statement. Chairman Garbarino, Ranking Member Thompson, and members of the [41:48] committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you on the impacts of this government shutdown [41:54] on the Federal Emergency Management Agency. I am Victoria Barton, Associate Administrator for the [42:01] Office of External Affairs, and I look forward to this conversation. FEMA, a component of DHS, [42:07] is the nation's lead agency for disaster response and recovery, as well as consequence management [42:14] after terrorist attacks and catastrophic events. FEMA provides critical funding, training, and [42:21] preparedness support to communities across America, including security planning for major events like [42:27] the FIFA World Cup and America 250. With the current lapse, FEMA's ability to support Americans before, [42:35] during, and after disasters is at risk. This is especially concerning as the nation faces heightened [42:42] national security concerns. Currently, over 4,000 FEMA employees are going without pay, with many working [42:50] through their third shutdown in less than a year. Staff are under significant financial and emotional strain, [42:57] trying to serve their communities with fewer resources. The Disaster Relief Fund, which is the [43:03] source of federal funding for disaster response and recovery operations, is also rapidly depleting. If this [43:11] shutdown continues and the Disaster Relief Fund is depleted, FEMA will be unable to fund much of the [43:18] disaster recovery efforts. This is not just rhetoric. These impacts are having dire rippling effects for [43:25] thousands of Americans and communities across the United States. Disaster survivors waiting for assistance [43:32] may face increased uncertainty and hardship. Local officials working to rebuild after hurricanes or floods [43:41] may be unable to access federal support. And FEMA staff, many of whom have served through multiple disasters, [43:49] are now struggling to pay their bills and support their families while also continuing to serve the [43:54] public. In addition to these major disruptions to disaster response and recovery, FEMA's lack of funding [44:03] is having dire consequences on its national security mission. The funding lapse is preventing FEMA staff from [44:10] supporting critical programs that protect communities from targeted violence and terrorism. For example, [44:17] houses of worship and other non-profits across the country are unable to access additional security [44:23] grant funding that would help safeguard them against threats. This means organizations like Temple Israel [44:29] in Michigan, which recently experienced a violent attack, cannot receive the support they need to [44:35] protect their congregants and staff. These type of programs are essential to FEMA's national security [44:41] mission. And the inability to process grant actions puts vulnerable communities at even greater risk. [44:49] Almost all of FEMA's training courses have been postponed due to the shutdown, including critical [44:54] anti-terrorism preparedness courses and many others. The importance of these training courses cannot be [45:00] measured, but their absence is being felt nationwide. Every week, over 40,000 students, primarily local [45:08] emergency managers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians are denied the opportunity to learn [45:14] how to better protect their communities. The reality is this, with hurricane season approaching, each day of [45:21] this shutdown increases the risk that a catastrophic disaster could occur while FEMA's capacity to respond [45:28] and support recovery is diminished. This shutdown is imposing far-reaching and serious consequences for FEMA's [45:36] operations and the nation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. I urge Congress to [45:43] immediately pass funding for the department so we can carry out our duties and our responsibilities of [45:49] serving and protecting the American people. Thank you for your support and the opportunity to appear [45:54] before you today. I look forward to our questions. Thank you, Ms. Barton. Members will be recognized by order of [46:02] seniority for their five minutes of questioning. I'll be strictly keeping to the five-minute rule. I now [46:08] recognize myself for five minutes of questions. Ms. McNeil, you talk about close possible closure of small [46:16] airports. Maybe TSA should shut down Dulles and DCA so the Democrat senators can't get out of here when they [46:23] try to leave this week and you should keep them here until they actually pass some funding. You know, I want to [46:30] bring up. You talked about the loss. I talked about a number. You talked about a number how many TSOs you've [46:37] lost, but something you said definitely scared me. The onboarding of new TSOs. You said they will not be [46:43] trained properly enough to work on the lines in time for FIFA. Is that right? Chairman, that is correct. [46:51] It takes a TSO four to six months to be fully certified in all functions to operate a checkpoint. [46:57] And so at this point, if we bring on any new TSOs, you know, those those folks will not be deployed in [47:03] time by FIFA. And so we are watching our attrition rates very closely to make sure that, you know, [47:08] if we see any spikes, we'll have to we'll have to pivot and assess how we are going to staff the FIFA [47:13] locations adequately. So what? Yeah, so that that scares me that, you know, we are it's a four to six [47:19] month delay of getting new people on the line from new hires. So everyone every day we lose someone, [47:25] we can't replace them for at least unless if they get hired the same day, we can't replace the person [47:29] we lose for six months, four to six months. That is that is definitely very scary. Acting Director [47:37] Anderson, you mentioned 56% of your workforce is furloughed on the rest of working without pay. [47:46] Can you help the American people understand what is not getting done right now? It says that should [47:52] be getting done. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There's a variety of assessments that CISA completes [47:59] day to day, whether that's working with the private sector or it's working with our state [48:03] and local partners or across the federal ecosystem. That's there's an exceedingly dynamic threat [48:09] environment, as you know, both in the cyber security landscape and in the physical security landscape. [48:13] So even a reduced capacity within these essential functions prevents or presents a real opportunity [48:19] for our adversaries to be able to take advantage of that gap in capability. So I mean, we I've been on [48:24] this committee since I first got to Congress in 2021. We have talked repeatedly about how Iran has [48:32] been one of our biggest cyber security adversaries. They attack us millions of times a day. And with this [48:37] heightened threat environment, what are your immediate priorities when it comes to [48:43] cyber security and the agency? Well, specifically regarding that nation state actor, we pulled [48:49] together a tremendous amount of information from indicators of compromise to tactic techniques and [48:53] procedures pertaining to their typical behaviors that we see in cyberspace. We've been able to share that [48:58] with our sector based colleagues across critical infrastructure and across the federal and state [49:02] communities. We continue to provide sort of heightened awareness at the capacity that we can during a [49:08] shutdown in order to be able to provide cyber security alerting for all nation state risks, in particular with [49:14] those pertaining to critical infrastructure. Have you been I know a lot of the times our local state and local [49:20] governments are the focus of these attacks? Has the shutdown affected your ability to deal with [49:26] the state and local partners to make sure they're protected? Many of the proactive services that we [49:31] provide free of charge from CISA. You know, that's it's core to our mission here. And yes, absolutely every [49:38] segment of the customers that we serve have been impacted here, including state and locals and their [49:42] ability to receive these services and receive the threat intelligence that we typically provide. Though again, [49:47] the most essential information that we can provide at the capacity we have today, we're continuing to [49:51] share with them. Ms. Barton, I appreciate your ability to fill in quickly for Mr. Phillips today. [49:58] And I want to thank both you and him. Even during the shutdown, you we've been working with your team, [50:07] both you and Mr. Phillips to try to get a lot of the grants that FEMA manages, the security grants, [50:12] the nonprofit, all of them, old money that's owed out or prepared to go out the door for when the [50:17] shutdown ends. So I do appreciate even though in the you're all in the middle of shutdown, [50:21] you're still working towards getting those things done for when the shutdown finally ends. [50:28] You talked about with the DRF, where do you what's the number that what's the DRF at right now? [50:32] Thank you, Chairman. The DRF is at 3.6 billion right now. [50:38] And we're at we're in the yeah, so 3.6 billion, which is not a lot of money for the DRF, [50:42] DRF. And we're dealing with a lot of fires. I think in Nebraska, there were tornadoes, [50:47] a lot of mega storms in both the Northeast and Hawaii. Just quickly, how quickly would that, [50:55] would FEMA's remaining DRF sources be depleted if there was a major storm? You have 13 seconds, sorry. [51:02] Thank you, Chairman. Depending on the magnitude of the storm, it could be depleted pretty rapidly. [51:10] And I think the concern right now is that there's many outstanding obligations that need to be [51:17] addressed. Thank you. I appreciate that answer. My time is up. I now recognize the gentleman from [51:26] Mississippi, the ranking member, Mr. Thompson. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Barton, [51:35] you're the first FEMA person we've had come before this committee this entire session. We had all of [51:45] last year, we didn't have a FEMA person. And we are three months in. And obviously, because of Mr. [51:53] Phillips' emergency, you had to fill in. Are you aware of the Secretary's [52:02] EDIT of saying we can only approve contracts less than $100,000 without her having personal knowledge [52:16] of the contracts? Hi, Ranking Member. Thank you for having me today. I'm honored to be before you. [52:26] I am aware that we have a new Secretary. Secretary Mullen has been sworn in and confirmed. We are looking [52:33] forward to his guidance and vision and stand ready to implement as we receive that. So can you tell me [52:41] currently how many contracts are not signed because of this $100,000? I don't want to talk about the [52:51] incoming Secretary. Just give me an aggregate number. I don't have full visibility into all the pending [52:59] contracts. I understand it is a priority to address those. A lot of our staff is furloughed and [53:05] impacted by this current lapse. However, I do know that there are there's large efforts to address [53:13] any contracts that are pending. You've heard him say that? Yes. All right. So are you aware that [53:24] there were disasters in North Carolina and other states where the governors were democratic that were [53:33] deleted were delayed in approving the contracts versus states where the leadership was republican? [53:44] As far as North Carolina, I had the pleasure to meet with Governor Stein when he was in Washington, [53:49] D.C. He came to FEMA. We had an excellent meeting that same week. We were able to announce [53:56] hazard mitigation funds as well as public assistance. As far as other governors, I know this over this last [54:03] weekend there was flash flooding occurring in Hawaii. I understand that our leadership was in close [54:10] communication with Governor Green and so that's really our focus. My priority every day is ensuring that [54:18] the people who are being impacted. So if I told you that 89 percent of disaster declarations [54:26] are from Republican led states were approved versus 23 percent from Democratic states have been approved. [54:37] Have you seen those statistics? I did get a peek at the the data that was provided that that assessment on how [54:48] they came to that number. I don't know that their methodology was very sound given the it's been a span of many [54:58] years and disasters vary by uh year and geographical location and the the type of impact that [55:05] happens. So but you have seen the report I'm referring to? Uh I've seen it I think it was like a political article. [55:14] Yeah. So you've seen it? I'm aware of what they report. Okay well thank you uh Mr. Anderson um how many vacancies do you have [55:28] at CISA right now? Uh approximately a thousand, Ricky member. Uh how long have those vacancies existed? [55:42] I think there's a variety of sources of the uh of the attrition so I couldn't give you a specific point [55:50] in time. You know we have a continued uh continued uh flow of people out the door in particular as we [55:57] continue to see the impacts of the shutdown and the uncertainty that creates our employees. Before the [56:01] shutdown how many vacancies did you have? Um I'd have to go back and get you a specific number for [56:07] before the shutdown sir. Please get it. Please get it to me because I think you had that many. How are [56:13] you feeling them at this point? Well I think at this point sir uh the greatest focus for me is the impact [56:23] on the employees that are serving the mission right now. You know and they're the choices that they're [56:27] having to make every single day between continuing to serve their nation working to be able to pay their [56:32] bills and take care of their families. I yield back. Gentleman kneels back. I now recognize the [56:38] gentleman from Texas former chairman of this committee Mr. McCall for five minutes questions. [56:42] Thank you chairman. We're here today because at a time when our nation is facing heightened threats [56:49] Democrats have shut down the department of homeland security. DHS was created in the aftermath of [56:54] September 11th attacks to protect and secure the homeland. Shutting it down is national security [57:03] malpractice and it's shameful. We've already seen four ISIS inspired attacks on our homeland in recent [57:11] weeks including one of my hometown of Austin where three innocent people were killed at the hands of [57:17] a terrorist and this week the Iranian regime said it plans to attack parks recreational areas and tourist [57:26] sites around the world as America 250 celebrations will be held at all those sites. The shutdown must end. [57:35] And I was disappointed to hear Senate Democrats rejected yet another good faith offer from Republicans [57:43] that contain many of their requests. Hopefully this will change soon. But in the meantime our nation is on [57:50] red alert. The Biden administration's open border policy allowed more than 700 Iranian nationals and 18,000 [58:01] known or suspected terrorists to enter our country posing a serious national security threat. We need a [58:09] functioning department of homeland security to counter the threat of sleeper cells in this nation. The [58:16] shutdown is also wreaking havoc at TSA lines at our airports and we see this every day on the television. The [58:25] problem runs deeper than just travel disruption. For decades aviation threats have been the crown jewel of [58:32] terrorists from al-Qaeda to ISIS and its affiliates. Since the shutdown TSA employees have been forced to work [58:40] without pay. 400 officers have quit their jobs constraining the agency's ability to protect the traveling public. [58:49] This is alarming especially as we approach the FIFA World Cup in America 250. In just three months our nation will host [58:59] millions of visitors who will travel throughout our airports. And as the chairman of this committee special [59:05] events task force I'm laser focused on protecting our homeland during these events. Let's focus not only [59:14] on the physical threat but the cyber threat as well. When I chaired this committee I created the Cyber Security [59:20] and Infrastructure Security Agency to defend against cyber attacks. We heard the chairman talk about the [59:27] threat from Iran reports say fewer than half of CISA's employees are currently working disrupting our [59:36] ability to deter and mitigate threats to our critical infrastructure. Lastly I know that many FEMA grants [59:44] are not being dispersed because of the shutdown. I helped secure the non-profit security grant program. [59:52] These provide secure security to houses of worship which are coming under attack far too often. Just a couple [1:00:00] weeks ago an ISIS-inspired terrorist watched the temple Israel synagogue in Michigan and then attack [1:00:07] them in a terrorist attack. We need these grants out now. I'm hopeful that we will also reauthorize [1:00:16] the DHS mission to counter weapons of mass destruction. It remains not authorized today and I think [1:00:25] PROS is a serious threat. In the remainder time that I have there are so many issues to cover but I want to [1:00:31] talk about TSA, CISA and these grants. To TSA you know you have the operations center I've been to many times [1:00:41] that monitor traffic across the world globally and aviation threats globally. Can you tell me what impact [1:00:49] the shutdown is having on that and Mr. Anderson if you could tell me about CISA's without these employees [1:00:57] not being able to connect the dots and share with the private sector would impact that is having. [1:01:02] Ms. Barton can you tell me about the lack of funding to protect particularly Jewish synagogues across this [1:01:09] nation as we know the Iran threat is real inside the United States in our homeland. Ms. McNeil. [1:01:17] Thank you Congressman. Our operations center is up and running and we're doing everything that we can [1:01:22] during this time to maintain a strong security posture especially during this heightened threat [1:01:28] environment. Our officers are doing a tremendous job showing up every day at work and screening the [1:01:33] the traveling public to make sure that they're making it to their destination safely. But I will [1:01:37] 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 [1:01:42] your bills. And so I am of course concerned about about the workforce and the longer the shutdown goes [1:01:48] on um and and more missed paychecks we are really putting ourselves and our workforce in a perilous [1:01:54] situation. You're correct sir being able to connect the dots with the private sector a lot of it is based [1:02:03] on the expertise and the relationships that a lot of these employees have that have served for such a [1:02:07] long time at CISA since this committee helped bring it into existence that's all the more difficult [1:02:12] when we have those same employees that were relying on their expertise in those relationships [1:02:17] and to uh to Ms McNeil's point they're having to choose between being able to support their families [1:02:23] and continuing to support the mission of securing our nation's family security at Jewish synagogues. [1:02:29] For the non-profit security grant program at this time we are stalled because the uh staff that's [1:02:35] processing and supposed to work on those grants um has been impacted by the third shutdown um and those [1:02:41] funds are critical to get out for many of the non-profit uh and and houses of worship that that receive and [1:02:47] use those funds for for security threats. Thank you I yield back. Gentleman yields back and I let that [1:02:53] witness go a little over there and I will do that for both sides if they're in the process of answering [1:02:57] a question um today um because I do think it's important for them to to talk about what's what's [1:03:03] going on. I now recognize the gentleman uh from California Mr Correa for five minutes questions. Thank [1:03:08] you Mr Chairman I want to thank our witnesses for being here today and let me start out by saying that I [1:03:13] I agree with Mr McCall we face a clear and present danger in this country today. Let me ask each one [1:03:21] of you a question if I may. Simple yes and no. Do you believe we should end this shutdown as quickly [1:03:28] as possible Mr Allen? Yes sir. Ms McNeil? Yes sir. Mr Anderson? Yes sir. Mr Ms Barton? Yes sir. Apparently [1:03:43] President Trump disagrees with you. This is a headline from Monday New York Times actually Tuesday. President [1:03:51] Trump said on Monday that Republicans should stop negotiating with Democrats to end the partial [1:03:57] government shutdown and instead focus on passing his voter legislation. He actually has told Republican [1:04:07] senators stop negotiating with Democrats. We have a disconnect here wouldn't you say? So do we really [1:04:19] want to end this shutdown or not? I thought you we could start out by doing what I just did a few weeks [1:04:25] ago which is I wrote to the congressional management office and said withhold my paycheck don't pay me [1:04:34] until TSA workers are paid. Mr Chairman let's start at the beginning no pay for federal workers no pay for [1:04:42] us think so yes no let's do it um Ms McNeil you were right about attrition rates at TSA I remember a few [1:04:54] weeks actually a few years ago working on this issue of attrition it was up to 20 percent for TSA workers [1:05:03] what changed that better pay better benefits because we wanted what we wanted to do was professionalize [1:05:12] TSA workers from part-time minimum wage workers to make them what they're supposed to be which is [1:05:19] front line workers that are watching to make sure nothing gets on a flight that could hurt Americans. [1:05:26] Can I ask you another question Ms McNeil? What's the status of the collective bargaining rights of TSA workers [1:05:34] right now? The CBA remains in place as the court works but you've tried to take them away and the [1:05:44] courts have said hold on correct? That is the order of the courts. Thank you. We're talking about funding [1:05:53] ICE and CBP flush with cash right now. Last July I asked whether DHS reprogrammed any funding from [1:06:03] other eight DHS agencies to ICE. DHS reported that ICE received more than 310 million dollars in [1:06:12] transfers from other DHS agencies including 143 million from CISA and another 32 million from FEMA. [1:06:22] Ms McNeil have you asked DHS leadership for existing ICE and CBP funds to be reprogrammed to your employees? [1:06:35] Cash is sitting there. Don't you think our national security demands that you ask that? Have you asked [1:06:42] for that? I think that the issue at hand here have you asked for that reprogramming to be funded? Have [1:06:48] you asked for that reprogramming? Yes or no ma'am? Have you asked for the reprogramming? That's my answer. [1:06:54] Mr. Anderson the same question. Have you asked leadership to reprogram excess ICE and CBP funding to pay your [1:07:03] employees? Simple yes or no? Sir, we have a tremendous amount of support. Thank you very much. [1:07:11] Mr. Phillips. Excuse me. Ms. Phillips. I'm sorry. No problem. Have you asked to have funds reprogrammed? [1:07:26] That the answer is no. Look folks, your agencies are on record giving nearly 200 million dollars [1:07:37] to ICE for mass deportations. Yet you haven't asked for any of that money back when, like Mr. McCall said, [1:07:46] we have a clear and present danger in this country. Do we or don't we consider TSA employees [1:07:53] critical defending our nation? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My time is up. I yield. [1:08:04] Gentleman yields back. Now recognize the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Guest for five minutes of [1:08:09] questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 40 days. For 40 days, 22 federal agencies that fall under the umbrella [1:08:18] Department of Homeland Security have not received funding from the federal government. Those 22 agencies [1:08:25] employ over 260,000 Americans. Let that sink in. Over a quarter of a million of our federal law enforcement [1:08:35] and first responders, many have not received a check in almost now six weeks. What has that resulted in? [1:08:45] It's resulted in travel delays. In some cases, travel delays in excess of four hours. It's resulted in [1:08:53] loss to the economy. It's estimated that our economy has lost more than two and a half billion dollars [1:09:00] during this shutdown. And it has made America less safe. So to each of you, I want to apologize [1:09:09] that Congress has not been able to fund the agencies for which you work, to fund those individuals who work [1:09:17] under you. But I must say, I must push back on the narrative that this is a Republican-created crisis, [1:09:24] that this is the Republicans' fault. Chairman Garbarino said that every Republican on this [1:09:30] committee has voted twice to fully fund DHS. And I'll tell you that we will have an opportunity [1:09:36] later this week to vote a third time to fund DHS. And I am confident that every member here who has [1:09:42] voted previously will vote again to pay the men and women of DHS who placed themselves in harm's [1:09:49] way to keep us safe. If you remember when this shutdown began, this was going to be a temporary [1:09:55] shutdown. Democrats said, fund everything but DHS. Give us a week. We'll get this worked out. That week [1:10:02] has now turned into over 40 days. Democrats said, we don't want to fund the agency until there's change [1:10:09] in leadership. So President Trump reassigned Secretary Noem. Yesterday, just yesterday, Secretary Mark [1:10:17] Wayne Mullen was sworn in. And Republicans have made that change. Democrats also said, we refuse to fund [1:10:27] DHS unless you separate ICE. You separate ICE out of DHS. We'll fund all the other agencies. We'll fund [1:10:34] Coast Guard. We'll fund TSA. We'll fund FEMA. We'll fund CISA. And what did we see yesterday? Yesterday, [1:10:41] and this is the Hill headline from today, talking about the events of yesterday, Senate Democrats, [1:10:48] not Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, reject GOP offer to reopen DHS. The article goes on to say, [1:10:57] Senate Democrats on Tuesday rejected a new proposal from Senate Republicans endorsed by President Trump [1:11:05] to fund almost all the Department of Homeland Security while setting aside some funding for [1:11:11] immigration and customs enforcement to end the partial government shutdown that has now stretched at [1:11:16] that time 39 days to day 40. And so to my Democratic colleagues, I will tell you it is time for you to [1:11:26] stop gaslighting the public. It's time for you to stop lying to the American people. It's time for you to [1:11:33] stop saying that this is a Republican issue, that we created this when we have voted time and time again [1:11:40] to fund DHS. Then we see in the Senate, a proposal was made a good faith proposal to try to honor the [1:11:47] requests of the Democrats to separate agencies out except ICE. And we have changed leaderships in DHS [1:11:54] by having a new secretary sworn in just yesterday. So the Democrats, which are now the policy of abolishing [1:12:01] ICE, now the policy of now the party of defunding the police, they are also now today, they are the party of [1:12:11] government shutdown. And so in the last minute I have, I have questions that I would like just yes [1:12:18] or no answers. Again, would like for you to have time to expand, but know that my time is short. [1:12:24] Ms. McNeill, have the 60,000 men and women of TSA been paid since the government shutdown began? [1:12:31] Yes or no? They have not. Mr. Anderson, have the 2,500 employees of CISA been paid since the [1:12:37] government shutdown? Yes or no? No, sir. Ms. Barton, have the 22,000 employees of FEMA been [1:12:42] paid since the government shutdown? No, sir. Ms. McNeill, has the shutdown impacted your ability [1:12:52] to carry out your core mission? It is getting harder by the day, sir. Mr. Anderson, same question, [1:12:58] has your mission impacted your ability to carry out your mission? Yes, sir, absolutely. And Ms. Barton, [1:13:04] same question to you. I see the impacts every day. Last question, as my time expires, Ms. McNeill, is [1:13:12] America more or less safe because of this government shutdown? We are really concerned about our [1:13:18] security posture and what the long-term impacts of the shutdown is going to have on the workforce [1:13:22] and our ability to carry out the mission. Mr. Anderson, is America more or less safe because of [1:13:26] the shutdown? The threat environment is too dynamic to allow this shutdown to continue on. And Ms. Barton, [1:13:32] are we more or less safe because of this shutdown? We are crippling our disaster response and recovery [1:13:38] abilities by the day. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm sorry for being over time and I yield back. [1:13:43] The gentleman yields back. I just want to, Ms. Barton, I just want you to clarify your answer about the [1:13:46] employees not getting paid to make sure you have the right thing on the record because I know some [1:13:50] FEMA employees have been. Can you just confirm which employees are not being paid right now? The [1:13:55] employees who are not funded out of the disaster relief fund are not being paid. Some are furloughed and [1:14:01] some are going to work while not being paid. Okay, so the employees, the employees not getting paid by the DRF. [1:14:07] Thank you very much for clarifying that. Yes, Chairman, thank you for that opportunity. [1:14:12] I would like to now recognize the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Tanidar, for five minutes of questions. [1:14:19] Thank you, Chairman. Acting Administrator McNeil, I previously told you in a hearing that I represent [1:14:29] Detroit Metro Airport, Michigan's busiest airport and one of the largest airline hubs in the world. Due to [1:14:40] DHS shutdown transportation security officers have continued to go without pay. Every time I [1:14:50] go through the airport, I have a conversation with them, I see the hardship and uncertainty that they [1:14:59] are facing. It is the committee's understanding that DHS is utilizing a 10 billion slush fund from [1:15:13] a Republican's big ugly bill to pay some personnel during the shutdown. DHS has decided to pay law [1:15:23] enforcement personnel from this fund, but the text does not authorize the use of funds, nor does it mention [1:15:31] limiting payments to law enforcement personnel. Specifically, the text says there are appropriated [1:15:40] to the Secretary 10 billion for reimbursement of costs incurred in undertaking activities in support of the [1:15:51] Department of Homeland Security's mission to safeguard the borders of the United States. That's all it says. [1:15:59] And there is nothing about paying the salaries of law enforcement personnel, but not those of other [1:16:07] personnel. My question to you is, if DHS believes it can use this slush fund to pay federal air marshals, [1:16:18] for example, then why can it not use this fund to pay TSOs? And how is DHS choosing who gets to pay their [1:16:28] bills during this shutdown? Thank you, Congressman, for that question. And to amend my response from earlier, [1:16:36] you are correct that some of our law enforcement personnel are getting paid at this point in time, [1:16:42] and that is a decision that the department is making on who and what they can fund. We are doing [1:16:47] what we can where we can. We do not like being in this situation, and the bottom line is that all the [1:16:52] hard-working men and women of DHS need to be paid, and this is why DHS needs to be funded today. Ms. [1:16:58] McNeil, the Trump administration has continued to take away TSOs collective bargaining agreements, [1:17:06] and it continues to try to cancel TSOs union contracts. With the workforce facing low morale due to no [1:17:15] pay and other factors, the Trump administration is doing everything it can to lower workforce morale [1:17:24] even further, even as it pretends to prop up this workforce for political points. Do you think [1:17:33] canceling the collective bargaining agreement and union rights at TSA is a good idea during this shutdown? [1:17:43] I think that not paying employees for the work that they are doing every day to keep the American [1:17:48] traveling population safe is a bad idea. I think that they need to be paid for the work that they are [1:17:53] doing, and half of the time this fiscal year they have not been paid. We are missing close to a billion [1:17:58] dollars in payment to the TSOs, and that needs to be rectified today. How does TSA plan to rebuild its [1:18:06] TSO workforce when the administration keeps attacking it and now telling TSOs that untrained ICE agents can [1:18:15] do a better job than they can? I'm extremely thankful to the president for recognizing the crisis that we [1:18:22] are in and leveraging assets across the Department of Homeland Security to assist our agency in this very [1:18:27] difficult time and the ICE agents that have shown up are in the are there in the support of the TSA mission [1:18:34] and we've been spending time training them the last few days and we're seeing relief signs of early [1:18:40] relief at the airports where we're seeing long lines and this is how we function as a department. We [1:18:44] collaborate across the component agencies and this just underscores the importance of funding the [1:18:49] entirety of the DHS functions. Well the ICE agents haven't been trained to do their ICE work [1:18:54] and now I don't know what kind of training you're giving them in this short time but I see them all [1:18:59] sitting down looking at their phones or chit-chatting but looks like they have no role to play. That's [1:19:05] I've been talking to my field leadership. The ICE agents that are there are doing non-specialized screening [1:19:10] functions. It's been incredibly helpful to alleviate the burden on our workforce and we're getting [1:19:15] positive feedback from passengers and our field leadership alike. I guess my time is off so you're back. [1:19:20] The gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from Florida Mr. Jimenez for five minutes [1:19:27] questions. Thank you Mr. Chairman and and I want to remind everybody just why we're here. We have passed [1:19:34] a we have passed a appropriation for DHS twice I believe in the House through through Republican votes. [1:19:44] We've sent it over to the Senate and the only reason it hasn't passed is because the Democrats will not [1:19:49] will not give us the 60 votes needed for closure period that's it and why why because the Democrats [1:19:55] are kowtowing to their radical base they just want to shut down ICE and and then you know that's that's [1:20:04] it and there's no off ramp for this by the way they had an off ramp the off ramp was when the president [1:20:10] changed uh the head of DHS uh and put a new head of DHS that was the perfect time for the off ramp for [1:20:18] for this thing to be over but they chose not to do that because they have radical ideas they want [1:20:24] ICE to be able only to um arrest people at the border well there's a there's about 700 000 criminal [1:20:34] illegal aliens right now in this country that need to be arrested and need to be deported uh and so [1:20:42] ICE has a lot of work to do uh and they need to do it in order to protect uh America and the American [1:20:50] public uh that being said uh Ms McNeil you mentioned that the upcoming uh FIFA World Cup is just months [1:20:59] away and it is just months away and we're expecting millions and millions of people to come to the [1:21:03] United States and that TSA is already facing staffing shortages due to this prolonged shutdown [1:21:10] given the attrition the increased uh call-out rates and the time it takes to train new officers [1:21:15] can you walk us through how a continued funding lapse would impact TSA's ability to effectively [1:21:21] effectively screen the surge of international domestic travelers during an event that has the [1:21:27] magnitude and what specific risks uh that might pose to the American public thank you congressman uh as the [1:21:36] shutdown drags on uh we will likely see our attrition rates continue to spike which means that we may not [1:21:43] have the adequate head count to staff the airports that are supporting the FIFA locations adequately [1:21:49] we are working uh to ensure that we are surging our national deployment force so that we have mobile [1:21:54] teams to be able to cover down on these locations and looking at our canine assets as well but at a [1:21:59] certain point this is a numbers game if you don't have enough head count you can't cover down on your [1:22:03] operations um and the the ongoing shutdown is also impacting our ability to procure and deploy technology [1:22:11] uh from checkpoint technology to some of our counter UAS technology um in advance of FIFA World Cup so [1:22:18] we're we're really uh running short on time here how many how many visitors do you expect uh come to [1:22:23] the United States for FIFA uh we are estimating it's a wide-ranging number between six million and from [1:22:29] what I've heard up to uh 10 million additional passengers uh on top of summer travel uh volumes already [1:22:36] well those those six to 10 million passengers though is that the net number or because they'll be [1:22:41] traveling from city to city so are you going to be multiplying those six two three times or or is [1:22:46] that six ten million total so those are additional passengers and your point is very well taken uh [1:22:52] congressman I mean they will be moving around the country as they go through their matches and so [1:22:57] right now we are also doing that planning to ensure that as teams um go through go through the [1:23:02] world cup and they move from base camps to base camps we will see those surges in those airports as well [1:23:07] fair enough admiral I'm deeply concerned about the impact that this is having on the workforce [1:23:12] especially uh the furlough of roughly 75 percent of your civilian specialists and the financial strain [1:23:18] on service members given that recruitment and retention was already a challenge how much [1:23:24] long-term damage is being done to the Coast Guard's talent pipeline sir thank you for that question uh [1:23:30] when you look at the Coast Guard this is a profession this isn't a job this is bringing in people for long term [1:23:34] uh to not only better our nation but to provide a pivot in their life to to provide things back [1:23:40] right now our attrition numbers are good but they're looking at the other services who are being paid [1:23:45] and know that they're going to be paid we have the uncertainty of whether they're going to get paid [1:23:50] paycheck to paycheck and that is having a long-term uncertainty and readiness impact on our people [1:23:56] thank you admiral look um what's happening is not right it's just not right all right and for to drive a [1:24:05] political point that really they can't drive because ice is already funded so that's why there's no [1:24:13] off-ramp ice is already funded what they want they can't get and so this is just political theater and [1:24:20] it's not right and it's not right that the hard-working men and women that are protecting this country [1:24:25] are suffering because of this you know pure political play and uh and unfortunately and i it's [1:24:33] this lays right at the feet of the democrats they're the ones that refuse to fund uh dhs and the [1:24:40] hard-working men and women that protect this country and with that out of the year back [1:24:43] gentleman kneels back i now recognize the gentleman uh from rhode island this magazine for five minutes [1:24:47] questions thank you mr chairman i'd like to remind everyone why we are here please play the video [1:25:12] this is video of what appears to be pepper spray thrown by a federal agent into rafael veraz's car [1:25:18] you okay seconds later he realized his daughter one-year-old ariana was in the back seat we spoke [1:25:42] with school officials who were there saying that they consoled the boy's sobbing mother after ice [1:25:48] agents took her husband and son away from her after they returned home from school that day [1:25:56] more than half a dozen federal agents were seen on cell phone video tuesday surrounding this five-year-old [1:26:03] boy wearing a bunny hat and a spider-man backpack liam ramos was taken into custody along with his [1:26:10] dad of homeland security contractors told white house officials they were asked to pay cory [1:26:16] lewandowski a long-time ally of president donald trump in an undercover operation last year the fbi [1:26:23] recorded home and now the white house borders are accepting fifty thousand dollars in cash after [1:26:29] indicating he would help agents who are posing as business executives win government contracts in [1:26:35] a second trump term madam secretary how many united states military veterans have you deported sir we [1:26:42] have not deported u.s citizens or military veterans we are joined on zoom by a gentleman named sejun park [1:26:49] he is united states army combat veteran but you deported him to korea a country he hasn't lived in since [1:26:55] he was seven years old this is why we're here because under the trump administration the department [1:27:02] of homeland security has been badly mismanaged complete chaos children pregnant women veterans [1:27:10] u.s citizens locked up and deported for no good reason two americans murdered in the street in broad [1:27:18] daylight the workforce at cissa was gutted fema funding wasn't going out to north carolina and other [1:27:24] parts of the country that needed it and then there was abject corruption corey lewandowski handing out [1:27:30] taxpayer-funded contracts while allegedly demanding that he be paid success fees from those companies [1:27:38] tom holman taking fifty thousand dollars in cash in a paper bag from fbi agents the american people are [1:27:46] appalled and outraged by what is going on and now the administration wants us to give them billions of [1:27:52] more dollars with no guarantee that anything is going to change firing christy noem is a good start [1:27:59] but it is not enough ice needs to act like every other law enforcement agency with warrants with badge [1:28:07] numbers with standards of conduct and with accountability when those standards are broken and [1:28:13] we need laws to ensure that will happen because otherwise it's not going to happen rosa deloro has a bill [1:28:21] right now to fund the rest of the department of homeland security except for ice to fund tsa fema [1:28:28] the coast guard all of it and we can continue to negotiate the much needed changes to ice in the [1:28:35] meantime let's pass that funding now for those tsa workers for those coast guard workers and contractors [1:28:42] today we can vote on this today and pass that funding in fact it was reported that there was a deal to [1:28:49] do just that and president trump rejected it he said don't do a deal with democrats and then it was reported leader thune went to the white house [1:28:57] actually talked some sense into the president they agreed to it and almost immediately the house freedom caucus on the far right came out against it enough let's fund tsa now let's fund the coast guard now let's pass this delora bill and we can negotiate over the much needed changes to ice that the american people want and demand but what the [1:29:08] Let's fund TSA now. Let's fund the Coast Guard now. Let's pass this Delora bill, and we can negotiate over the much-needed changes to ICE that the American people want and demand. [1:29:21] But what we are not going to do is to continue to throw billions of dollars at ICE when there is no accountability, when they're pulling people from their homes without a warrant, harassing people, [1:29:32] intimidating people who are exercising free speech, employing mass surveillance against United States citizens, killing United States citizens. [1:29:41] We are not going to do that. We can fund the rest of Homeland Security today and make much-needed reforms to ICE that the American people want and deserve. [1:29:51] That is why we are in this situation. I yield back. [1:29:55] Gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Pflueger, for five minutes of questions. [1:30:00] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The reason we're here, despite a video with two people being shown on it, is not that. [1:30:08] The reason we're here is because we didn't have a single hearing on border security while the ranking member was the chairman in 2021 and 2022. [1:30:16] Not a single hearing. And yet 10 million people were let in under President Joe Biden. [1:30:22] Where were the cries when Jocelyn Nungere was murdered? Where were the video cameras when Lake and Riley was brutally murdered? [1:30:30] We don't have those. They didn't get that. That's why we're here. [1:30:35] We're here because we're cleaning up a mess that is on a level and a scale that is unfathomable. [1:30:46] President Trump has had to clean up a mess that is on a scale that was unthinkable. [1:30:54] A hundred thousand people died as a result of fentanyl. [1:30:57] 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? [1:31:05] Yeah. The emotional outcry over here is the height of hypocrisy. [1:31:14] It is so hypocritical. Not a single person down there at a hearing that we held on border security. [1:31:23] Not a single Democrat had the decency to stand up for Lake and Riley's parents at the State of the Union last year. [1:31:30] 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. [1:31:38] Give me a break. 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. [1:31:56] And now, this week, we will vote for the third time to fund the entirety of DHS. [1:32:04] You want to know why people are leaving blue cities and blue states? [1:32:07] It's because they don't believe in the rule of law. They don't believe in law and order. [1:32:12] They don't believe in adhering to the laws that are on the books. [1:32:17] Well, we do. 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. [1:32:29] We funded you. [1:32:31] I wonder what our panelists would like to ask this side of the aisle for their no vote. [1:32:40] I wonder what they'd 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. [1:32:49] That there are TSA agents in their hometowns. [1:32:52] I'd 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. [1:32:59] You don't get the funding in your state. [1:33:00] I'd like to see that. Ms. McNeil, are there continued worries right now about terrorist threats on airplanes? [1:33:12] 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. [1:33:24] And so our vigilance is really critical. [1:33:26] And especially during this heightened threat environment, every day we look at our risk posture [1:33:30] and we amend our operations to make sure that we are putting the strongest security barriers up as possible. [1:33:38] And we continue to do that despite not being funded for the third time this year. [1:33:44] 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. [1:33:52] What do you tell your agents right now? [1:33:55] Hang in there. [1:33:56] Sorry you're not getting paid. [1:33:57] 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. [1:34:07] What do you tell them? [1:34:09] I thank them every day for their commitment and dedication to the mission because they continue to show up. [1:34:14] You wouldn't see this level of commitment, you know, in the private sector. [1:34:19] I mean, this is incredible what you're seeing from the men and women at TSA today. [1:34:23] We tell them that they are performing a critical function. [1:34:26] We ask them to continue to show up and let them know that we're advocating for them with the powers that be. [1:34:32] 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. [1:34:39] I wonder what my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do when they cross over into TSA. [1:34:44] And what do they say, you know, to the agents? [1:34:46] Do they say, sorry I didn't vote for you to get paid, but keep us safe, you know? [1:34:53] It's rhetorical, but please, I'll give you the last five seconds. [1:34:56] Thank you, Congressman. [1:34:57] I mean, what I'm hearing from our workforce is that what's happening to them is nothing short of cruel. [1:35:02] And how do you respond to that? [1:35:03] You know, it's just a really tough situation. [1:35:06] There's no response, especially when we're leaving at risk a terrorist threat that is loud and clear that there are people out there that want to destroy this country. [1:35:16] 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. [1:35:21] And I yield back. [1:35:22] Gentleman yields back. [1:35:23] I now recognize the gentlelady from Illinois, Ms. Ramirez, for five minutes of questions. [1:35:26] Thank you, Chairman and Ranking Member. [1:35:30] I want you to look at this board here. [1:35:33] It says the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, be privatized. [1:35:38] Right there. [1:35:38] Project 2025. [1:35:39] Until it is privatized, TSA should be treated as a national security provider, and its workforce should be de-unionized immediately. [1:35:51] This is the recommendation of the Heritage Foundation in Chapter 5, page 134 of their Mandate for Leadership, better known as Project 2025. [1:36:03] 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. [1:36:12] But Acting Administrator McNeil, didn't DHS announce on March 7, 2025, that DHS was ending collective bargaining for TSA officers? [1:36:22] Yes or no? [1:36:26] Yes, it did. [1:36:27] Thank you. [1:36:28] That's right. [1:36:30] So when you're acting here like you give a darn about our TSA officers, stop with the hypocrisy. [1:36:36] Mr. Chairman, I want to make sure that I ask unanimous consent to include into the record a press release by DHS entitled, [1:36:43] DHS Ends Collective Bargaining for TSA's Transportation Security Officers. [1:36:48] Out of objection. [1:36:50] Now, it's hard to believe that the Republicans' reluctance to fund TSA, despite 10 attempts by Democrats in the Senate, [1:36:59] is not acting on the Heritage Foundation and Trump's administration's playbook to hurt workers and create conditions to privatize TSA. [1:37:07] Because Republicans block DHS funding 10 times. [1:37:12] Take a picture. [1:37:13] It'll last longer so you can see it. [1:37:17] Especially when Trump himself has demanded that Republicans reject funding the TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, and CISA, [1:37:25] all while his terror force, ICE and CBP, are beyond fully funded with 50,000 bonus sign-up contracts. [1:37:35] Because instead of negotiating with Democrats to rein in ICE and CBP and ensure that workers in TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the Coast Guard receive their paychecks, [1:37:43] they want to make sure to slap TSA workers in the face and send ICE agents who aren't getting paid to intimidate travelers stand, [1:37:53] who are in fact getting paid to intimidate travelers stand idly behind unpaid TSA workers [1:38:00] who are actually doing the work and inflict harm in our airports. [1:38:06] As the administration consistently demonstrates, one, there is no plan. [1:38:12] Two, ICE has become a national paramilitary force intended to be accountable only to who? [1:38:19] 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. [1:38:26] So, Acting Administrator McNeil, given we see photos of ICE agents loitering at airports, [1:38:31] what exactly is ICE's role at TSA checkpoints? [1:38:34] What tasks are they performing that usually TSOs would be performing? [1:38:42] Congresswoman ICE, our ICE colleagues, have helped us in some of the non-specialized screening functions at airports [1:38:50] so that we can focus our TSA workforce on those specialized screening efforts. [1:38:54] And they are helping us at airports where we are seeing long lines because those TSOs have not been able to report to work [1:39:01] because they cannot afford to do so. [1:39:03] They cannot afford. [1:39:04] Okay. [1:39:04] Well, thank you. [1:39:05] That's enough. [1:39:05] That's enough. [1:39:06] Let me reclaim my time. [1:39:07] They can't afford to because we won't fund them, but we will certainly ask for more money for ICE. [1:39:14] I just, I want to make sure for the record, because we are limited on time, [1:39:16] a couple questions that actually TSA agents and people back in our districts are asking is, [1:39:21] how are ICE agents reducing passenger wait times at the airport because passenger wait times have not reduced. [1:39:27] As a matter of fact, in some airports have increased as a result of now the terror of having ICE agents all over the place. [1:39:34] I also want to make sure that we put on the record, what training have ICE officers received for these roles? [1:39:38] It's my understanding they have no training for these specific roles and that TSOs are not sworn law enforcement officers. [1:39:44] So does any of the work that ICE is performing require a sworn law enforcement officer? [1:39:49] I want to make sure that I end in saying this. [1:39:53] DHS as it stands can't be reformed. [1:39:55] It was created by Congress with a broad latitude to violate our rights under the pretense of security. [1:40:00] But frankly, in this moment, no one feels secure under DHS. [1:40:05] With the latitude that TSA, with this latitude, TSA gathers and analyzes the data of billions of travelers, including biometrics. [1:40:12] And not long ago, the administration and this committee irresponsibly defended private interests having access to our information. [1:40:19] And I want to make sure that I make this clear. [1:40:22] What they are doing with your information should scare you. [1:40:26] There are corporations that have your information because TSA leadership is releasing that information under the guise of protecting us against domestic terrorism. [1:40:36] This is exactly why not one more dollar for ICE, not one more dollar for CBP. [1:40:42] And we have to fund TSA, but not at the expense of giving more money for corruption. [1:40:48] With that, I yield back. [1:40:50] General Lady Yieldsback, I now recognize the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Luttrell, for five minutes of questions. [1:40:54] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:40:56] Admiral Allen, thank you for your service, sir. [1:40:57] Can you give me the role and responsibility of a merchant marine captain for the American public, please? [1:41:03] Sir, the merchant marine is our force that provides the ability for us to move goods and services as a maritime nation. [1:41:12] In times of war, they will actually provide the ability to move supplies and forces forward. [1:41:18] So I'm assuming that that'll scuttle economic growth if we lose our merchant marine captains? [1:41:28] Sir, could you say that again? [1:41:29] I'm sorry. [1:41:29] If we're losing our merchant marine captains because of a turnover rate, which you said 16,000, I believe? [1:41:36] Yes, sir. [1:41:36] So what we're doing is new credentials are coming in. [1:41:39] They either have to renew them or new ones. [1:41:42] And that's 16,000 that we are backlogged right now with 300 coming in a day. [1:41:47] Because I have a dear friend that reached out to me. [1:41:49] He's a merchant marine captain. [1:41:50] His license is up for renewal. [1:41:52] And his concern was, like, I can't do this because DHS is shut down. [1:41:55] My question about merchant marines is if there is a large enough delta where we're not paying our captains, [1:42:03] they're going to have to go somewhere else to find work first and foremost. [1:42:05] But then the new recruits are not going to come in because they're going to see what is happening. [1:42:10] If we lose our merchant marine fleet, I'm assuming that's going to be a bad thing. [1:42:18] Yes, sir. [1:42:21] As far as the Coast Guard, now, I was in Kerrville as well. [1:42:27] And the flight crew that was out there conducted amazing operations and rescued over 230 people. [1:42:33] And your rescue swimmers do amazing things off of each of our coasts. [1:42:37] And they put themselves in positions that most likely sometimes when they jump in the water, they know they're not coming back. [1:42:44] And I'm assuming our rescue swimmers are continuing to do their job, correct? [1:42:49] Yes, sir. [1:42:49] We continue to do national security missions and those missions affecting life and property. [1:42:54] And so we do have our rescue swimmers out there every day responding. [1:42:58] And that's a global footprint, too, correct? [1:42:59] Not just off our coasts? [1:43:01] That's correct, yes. [1:43:01] And that lends itself to national security, correct? [1:43:06] Yes, sir. [1:43:06] And Mr. Anderson, as far as CISA goes, at what point, if we don't have the ability to pay our employees and they start to leave, [1:43:14] just as well as turnover, at what point will CISA be combat ineffective? [1:43:23] Thank you for your question, sir. [1:43:24] It's a continued risk that's evolving each and every single day. [1:43:28] We have employees that are having to make the choice right now. [1:43:30] We have employees that are single. [1:43:33] We have a witness, a single mother, who's having to make the choice right now between continuing to care for her aging parents [1:43:38] or continuing to care for her child and be able to pay her bills. [1:43:42] That type of calculus for individual employees, they shouldn't have to make. [1:43:47] That type of burdensome choice between serving their nation and continuing to serve their families. [1:43:52] And Ms. McNeil, as far as the attrition rate goes with our current officers and TSA, [1:43:57] I'm assuming the growth rate is starting to grow the longer we're into this shutdown, correct? [1:44:04] Yes, the attrition is, you know, we're watching that closely. [1:44:08] And, you know, throughout the three shutdowns of this year, we did see spikes in attrition. [1:44:11] So we need to be very careful about that because, you know, as I mentioned earlier, [1:44:16] we are months away from FIFA and we need to be in a ready posture to be able to support the events of the summer. [1:44:21] So we have the United States Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academy that provides security and supply infrastructure around our coasts. [1:44:30] We have CISA that protects all of our communication and all of our digital infrastructure, banking across the board. [1:44:37] And then we have TSA that allows people to move through in and out of our country. [1:44:41] And we have FIFA coming up. [1:44:42] We have 10 million plus people, as you said, that are planning on coming in. [1:44:46] That's going to send our, if we're still in shutdown, I would assume that that will send our aviation community into complete lockdown, [1:44:52] which means everybody that's paying, including the teams coming over to do this, [1:44:56] won't have the ability to travel because the airports are non-functional. [1:45:00] Is that a fair assessment? [1:45:01] Congressman, at this point, we have to look at all options on the table. [1:45:06] We don't have the luxury of picking and choosing how we maintain our operations. [1:45:09] And that does require us to, at some point, make very difficult choices as to which airports we might try to keep open [1:45:17] and which ones we might have to shut down as our call-out rates increase. [1:45:20] So the way that I see this is that a secretary has been removed. [1:45:24] Senator Mark Wayne Mullen got appointed yesterday making valid attempts to course-correct the irritations with ICE [1:45:32] and everything that's been happening. [1:45:33] But we have crippled Coast Guard, CISA, and our TSA agents, and we're continuing to do so. [1:45:44] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:45:44] I yield back. [1:45:46] The gentleman yields back, and I recognize the gentleman from New York, Mr. Goldman, for five minutes of questions. [1:45:50] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:45:53] Ms. McNeil, would you rather have a fully funded TSA or ICE agents assisting TSA at airports during a shutdown? [1:46:11] I would like to have all the hard-working men and women of the Department of Homeland Security be paid for the work we're doing. [1:46:16] That wasn't my question. [1:46:17] Would you rather have your agency fully funded so everyone can be paid and retroactively, [1:46:24] or would you rather have ICE officers assisting you at airports? [1:46:30] If DHS is funded, TSA will be funded. [1:46:34] And would you rather have that, or would you rather have the ICE agents who are at airports right now helping you? [1:46:39] I think that if we don't want ICE agents working at airports, we need to fund the departments. [1:46:45] It's not a complicated question, ma'am. [1:46:47] It's not a complicated question. [1:46:49] Would you rather have TSA funded or ICE agents helping your agency at the airport? [1:46:58] Paying the employees for the work that they are doing is also not a complicated question. [1:47:02] Well, I'm asking the questions, and you're answering them, and I would like to understand whether you are happy to have ICE agents there or whether you would rather have your own TSA officers there. [1:47:16] Under normal order, TSA would be performing our operations, and that is the ideal state. [1:47:22] But I'm also thankful for ICE for being there to help alleviate the burden that our workforce is feeling because we are in the third shutdown of this fiscal year. [1:47:31] So you're happy to have ICE there, even though, as far as we can tell, there are videos of them standing around, yawning, eating candy bars, [1:47:40] or tackling someone and arresting a woman in front of her daughter in the San Francisco airport. [1:47:49] It seems to me like there's not a whole lot they're doing. [1:47:53] But one thing that Mr. Homan said they were doing was checking identification. [1:47:59] So do you have any concerns about passengers whose identification are being checked by ICE agents who are armed and may arrest them? [1:48:15] The ICE agents that are at the airports where we're seeing long lines are helping in a multitude of different ways. [1:48:22] The credential authentication machine at the travel document checker is one thing that they are helping us operate, [1:48:27] and they are doing that under TSA protocols and standard operating procedures. [1:48:33] So let's talk about this funding, because I hear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle wax poetic and melodramatic [1:48:44] about how awful it is that your officers are not funded, are not able to work and get paid. [1:48:52] And I want to be very clear, I 100% agree with that. [1:48:56] The problem is that it is the Republicans who have voted down TSA funding over and over and over again. [1:49:08] And you don't have to take my word for it. [1:49:11] Let's listen to Senator Kennedy on Fox News, if we could play the clip. [1:49:16] The Democrats have offered to open up everything but ICE. [1:49:21] Ted and I said, okay, let's accept their offer. [1:49:25] And then at the same time, we would offer a bill for reconciliation where we don't need any Democratic votes to do whatever we wanted to do with ICE. [1:49:36] And that way we're out of the shutdown and DHS is back open. [1:49:40] We submitted that, Senator Crafoon submitted that to President Trump, as is his right. [1:49:47] He said no, no deals with the Democrats. [1:49:51] So we're back to square one. [1:49:55] No deals with the Democrats. [1:49:59] The Democrats offered to open up everything but ICE. [1:50:02] But Trump said no, no deals with the Democrats. [1:50:09] That is a Republican senator. [1:50:12] And that is why we are sitting here today with none of your agencies being funded. [1:50:20] And I am sorry that you have to deal with this. [1:50:22] I am sorry you are having to get by with no funding, [1:50:28] with people having to literally leave their jobs so they can take another job and get paid. [1:50:35] That is absolutely unacceptable. [1:50:38] And you are right to be frustrated. [1:50:41] And I am concerned about our homeland security. [1:50:44] I am concerned about CISA. [1:50:46] I am concerned about the damage it is causing. [1:50:50] And that is why you ought to call your boss, President Trump, [1:50:54] and tell him to take the offer that the Democrats made to fund all of your agencies. [1:51:00] And I yield back. [1:51:03] Gentleman yields back. [1:51:04] Now I recognize the gentleman from Oklahoma, Mr. Keene, for five minutes of questions. [1:51:09] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:51:11] I wanted to look up the word obfuscate because I've been watching it play out all morning. [1:51:19] The verb meaning to make something unclear, obscure, or difficult to understand, [1:51:26] to conceal the truth, and it's frequently used in the context of communication or politics, [1:51:31] to confuse, to cloud, to blur, to befuddle, to complicate, to mystify. [1:51:37] I think many people remember the scene in The Wizard of Oz where the dog is pulling back the curtain [1:51:44] and the man with the booming voice says, disregard the man behind the curtain pulling the levers and spinning the wheels. [1:51:53] But everyone knew. [1:51:55] It's almost like someone who pulls a fire alarm and then blames everybody else for the noise. [1:51:59] Or the little kid that's caught with cookie crumbs on their face and says, no, it wasn't me. [1:52:05] I don't know how, if a terrorist activity occurs, that you can wordsmith your way out of this in a few months. [1:52:16] I would like to know how you can wordsmith your way out of this because that's the reality. [1:52:22] As Ms. McNeil, representing the TSA agents, as you have described, there has been 40 days, a lapse of funding. [1:52:32] Brilliantly, the president has had to move for national security concerns, ICE agents, to do the non-technical elements of screening [1:52:40] because, as you said, it takes six months for some of these screening elements to be fully understood [1:52:46] to keep the American people safe at our airports. [1:52:48] 40 days of no funding, 400 people have quit their jobs within TSA, is my understanding. [1:52:58] It takes six months to replace them. [1:53:00] Within 79 days, we're going to have the World Cup. [1:53:03] This conflict with Iran, and Iran absolutely is looking for vulnerabilities. [1:53:13] Ms. McNeil, is our national security at risk? [1:53:20] We are really concerned about the impacts of all of this on our security posture and our ability to maintain. [1:53:25] I think the fact that we are able to maintain the way that we are today really speaks to the dedication [1:53:30] of the workforce, but, you know, if this goes on much longer, it will have dire long-term impacts. [1:53:36] So for the leverage points of those that are trying to make a point on some other issue, [1:53:43] will they have had plenty of warning signs if a terrorist activity was to occur? [1:53:48] If another drug interdiction to the Coast Guard gets through, someone dies for fentanyl poisoning. [1:53:55] If there is a hacking situation and we lose our grid or we ransomware and massive vulnerabilities. [1:54:05] Or in Oklahoma, if we have a tornado and our disaster relief fund stash of allocation is completely empty. [1:54:14] Will they be able to move the green pea around enough and wave their hand enough to say, [1:54:22] oh, we didn't have enough notice. [1:54:24] It wasn't our fault. [1:54:25] Admiral Allen, how could you justify maintaining a position of keeping your officers underfunded [1:54:36] where they are having to go to banks to keep them afloat, keeping their eye off the target to protect the people? [1:54:43] Can they say they didn't know? [1:54:46] Sir, our people are hired to secure the Constitution and pledge that oath. [1:54:53] With that oath, the American people have given them a contract to pay them and make sure that they're going to be able to show up to work for every day. [1:55:00] Every day that this goes on, it's harder to do that. [1:55:03] We have uncertainty in whether they're going to get paid, and that creates problems with readiness. [1:55:08] And that problem with readiness creates problems with execution of dangerous missions. [1:55:12] Ms. McNeil, for the TSA agents, given the attrition, given those that are leaving their jobs, you said 40% of people are calling in now saying, [1:55:19] I just can't do this in some areas. [1:55:21] 40% saying, I cannot do this. [1:55:23] I have to go make a living for my family. [1:55:25] I have to get a paycheck. [1:55:27] And so that void is having to be filled. [1:55:29] What happens months down the road because of the six-month training requirement to get us up to speed? [1:55:37] How many months will we be in a very vulnerable situation, even if the shutdown was to end today? [1:55:47] As I mentioned in my opening statement, at this rate and at this point in time, we wouldn't be able to train those officers and put them in place in time for the FIFA World Cup. [1:55:55] So, you know, we're facing it come this summer. [1:55:59] I yield, Mr. Chairman. [1:56:02] Gentleman yields back. [1:56:04] Now recognize the gentleman from New York, Mr. Kennedy. [1:56:07] Five minutes of questions. [1:56:08] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:56:09] A number of our colleagues have mentioned why we're here today. [1:56:15] I want to remind my colleagues of three of many individuals who have brought us here today to this point. [1:56:24] Alex Preddy, Renee Nicole Good, Narul Amin Shah Alam. [1:56:31] They are why we are here today. [1:56:35] There needs to be accountability at ICE. [1:56:38] There needs to be reforms. [1:56:40] And we need to create trust in our government agencies once and for all. [1:56:49] I want to be crystal clear with our witnesses today that Democrats want to see each of your agencies fully funded. [1:56:55] As a matter of fact, aside from the deal that was rejected by President Trump and ultimately Senate Republicans who are doing his bidding, Democrats have put forward a House plan, a petition on the floor that not only have I and hundreds of my colleagues already signed that forces a vote to fund all of your agencies in full. [1:57:22] I've signed that discharge petition, I co-sponsor that bill, and we need to make sure that our TSOs are being paid and all of these agencies are fully funded once and for all. [1:57:38] But I want to turn to FEMA issues because this is the first time the committee has seen a FEMA witness this Congress. [1:57:44] I understand we were supposed to have the head of FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery, Mr. Greg Phillips, to testify here today. [1:57:54] I'm really disappointed that he's not here. [1:57:57] I do appreciate you being here, Ms. Barton. [1:57:59] I wanted to ask Mr. Phillips, along with my colleagues, about his election conspiracy theories, about his violent statements about former President Biden, or his deeply troubling, bigoted comments about immigrants, [1:58:18] all of which, to me, makes him wholly disqualified to hold his position on its own, but all only to be outdone by his claims of being teleported to a Waffle House. [1:58:35] It sounds to me that Mr. Phillips is wildly unfit for his role as head of FEMA Response and Recovery, and I look forward to seeing him here before this committee in person. [1:58:44] And so, Ms. Barton, while a shutdown in many ways can put FEMA in a bind, FEMA has not been effectively up and running since this president was inaugurated on January 20th of last year. [1:59:01] In February, Mr. Phillips testified before the House Appropriations Committee the following, quote, [1:59:06] a lapse in appropriations would result in the furlough of many FEMA employees limiting the agency's ability to coordinate effectively and affecting disaster relief outcomes. [1:59:18] Ms. Barton, your testimony today largely made the same argument, that letting go of FEMA staff ties the agency's hands. [1:59:26] How many employees does FEMA have at this moment? [1:59:29] Hi, Mr. Congressman. We have, if you count the core staff, which is part of our team funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, it's about 10,000 people, and it gets to about 20,000 people is our full accounted for staff. [1:59:50] I'd like a specific number. I've heard 17,500 from you earlier today. I've heard one of my colleagues say 22,000. We need a number, especially given the fact that 2,000 personnel have left since last year. [2:00:06] How many staff have been fired from FEMA or have left the agency? [2:00:12] Yes, Congressman, I can follow up with your team and get you those numbers. [2:00:16] And is your agency still moving forward with plans to cut the FEMA workforce in half? [2:00:22] I'm not familiar with any current guidance as far as cutting the workforce by any sort of percentage. [2:00:30] I do know that we have a new secretary who's been confirmed and sworn in, and we're looking forward to working with him. [2:00:39] So it was reported in December of this past year that there were plans to cut the FEMA workforce in half. [2:00:45] It's also been reported that the Trump administration has called for an entire FEMA disestablishment. [2:00:57] The fact that FEMA should be totally done away with, which I absolutely disagree with, and I believe the American people disagree with as well, [2:01:07] especially the states who are most impacted by catastrophic storms. [2:01:11] Would you generally agree, yes or no, that having fewer employees to respond to disasters means a weaker federal response? [2:01:22] The men and women of FEMA that I work with every day have been unwavering. [2:01:27] We're over 70 days when you combine all the disaster, all the lapse days together. [2:01:35] It's been extremely impactful, and it's not sustainable. [2:01:39] We are days away from hurricane season starting. [2:01:44] Just this weekend, we had flash flooding in Hawaii. [2:01:47] We have tornadoes happening. [2:01:49] We have fires raging. [2:01:51] This is a 24-7 operation, and this is really impacting our folks, and that's what I can tell you today. [2:02:00] Mr. Chairman, I'm out of time, but if I could just consent to submit into the record of GAO report titled FEMA staffing shortages [2:02:06] can mean disaster for future response efforts. [2:02:10] I had objection. [2:02:11] I yield back. [2:02:11] Thank you. [2:02:12] I'm going to yield back. [2:02:12] I now recognize the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Crane, for five minutes of questions. [2:02:15] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [2:02:16] Wow. [2:02:17] This hearing has been amazing. [2:02:20] I mean, this is even epic for Washington standards, the amount of gaslighting and lies that have been told in this hearing today. [2:02:28] Mr. Chairman, I got a question for you. [2:02:31] Mr. Chairman, real quick, got a question for you. [2:02:33] I got to ask you this because I'm all the way down the bench from you, and I know my hearing's not so good, [2:02:38] but I believe at the beginning of this hearing, the ranking member, Mr. Benny Thompson, said that this is a Republican shutdown. [2:02:44] Did he say that, sir? [2:02:47] I don't recall. [2:02:48] Yeah, he did say that, and it's just interesting to me because on January 22nd of this year, [2:02:56] all Republicans on this committee voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security. [2:03:03] Mr. Chairman, are you aware of any Democrat on this committee that voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security on January 22nd? [2:03:12] I'm not. [2:03:13] Not me neither. [2:03:14] Then again, on March 5th, Mr. Chairman, of 2026, we again voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security. [2:03:21] Are you aware of that, Mr. Chairman? [2:03:23] Yes. [2:03:23] Are you aware of any Democrat that's sitting on this dais today that voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security? [2:03:30] I'm not. [2:03:31] Yeah, we continue to hear that this is a government, you know, shut down by the Republicans. [2:03:36] I also want to ask the witnesses here today. [2:03:38] Did you guys hear the ranking member say that, Ms. McNeil? [2:03:41] Did you hear? [2:03:43] Yes or no? [2:03:44] I believe so. [2:03:45] Yeah, you did, because that's what he said. [2:03:48] And this is what happens in Washington. [2:03:49] It's not really about truth or facts. [2:03:51] It's about narrative and who can get their narrative out. [2:03:54] I just want to make sure you guys are tracking along with this hearing and you guys aren't, [2:03:59] you know, boondoggled or deceived by the Democrat Party here who's trying to act like this is a government shutdown. [2:04:05] Mr. Correa, my friend and colleague on the other side, he actually said, no, it's TSA's fault. [2:04:13] It's CISA's fault. [2:04:14] It's FEMA's fault because you guys haven't asked for reprogramming or rearrangement of funds. [2:04:19] Did you hear him say that, Ms. McNeil? [2:04:21] You haven't asked for rearrangement of funds, right? [2:04:24] I did hear him say that. [2:04:26] What about you, Mr. Anderson? [2:04:27] Did you hear that too? [2:04:29] Yes, sir. [2:04:30] Did you know it wasn't your fault that your employees aren't getting paid because you haven't asked for the rearrangement of federal funds? [2:04:36] I was unaware of that fact, sir. [2:04:38] What about you, Ms. Barton? [2:04:39] Were you aware of that? [2:04:41] I was also unaware. [2:04:42] What would that make you guys think when you heard my friend, Mr. Correa, say that it's your fault because you haven't asked for the rearrangement of federal funds? [2:04:51] It's not them. [2:04:52] It's not that they keep voting against the Department of Homeland Security. [2:04:56] It's actually your fault. [2:04:57] You know, again, I had my staff check into this just to make sure not one single Democrat in this committee voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security. [2:05:09] My colleague, Mr. Goldman, he said Republicans have voted not to fund TSA multiple times. [2:05:17] Did you guys hear that? [2:05:18] Admiral, did you hear that? [2:05:20] Yes, sir. [2:05:20] What did you think of that, Admiral? [2:05:22] I mean, you're probably tracking this. [2:05:23] Your people aren't getting paid. [2:05:25] Is that correct? [2:05:26] Our people are not getting paid. [2:05:28] Our civilians are at least three paychecks without pay. [2:05:31] Yes, sir. [2:05:31] Are you able to see through this, sir? [2:05:33] I mean, you're speaking on behalf of your folks that aren't getting paid. [2:05:37] Are you able to see through that? [2:05:39] Sir, we continue to support our people. [2:05:41] I know that. [2:05:42] That's not what I'm asking you. [2:05:43] I'm asking you because a lot of the American people seem to be falling for this massive gaslighting campaign that this is a Republican shutdown. [2:05:53] Are you aware of what's going on, sir? [2:05:56] We are tracking this day by day. [2:05:57] Yes, sir. [2:05:58] Thank you. [2:05:59] I want to show a video real quick. [2:06:00] Federal authorities say Amir Balat and Ibrahim Kayoumi were inspired by ISIS when Balat threw homemade bombs into a New York City crowd Saturday. [2:06:13] Deadly shooting rampage in Texas. [2:06:15] The alleged shooter wearing clothing referencing both Allah and Iran. [2:06:20] Investigators say Ayman Mohamed Ghazali rammed his truck loaded with fireworks and chemicals into a West Bloomfield synagogue. [2:06:27] The gunmen who killed one person and injured two others at Old Dominion University have previously been convicted of providing material support to ISIS. [2:06:37] This is what we're dealing with right now. [2:06:39] Not a great time to have the Department of Homeland Security, whose job it is to protect American citizens, be shut down. [2:06:47] And these are some of the Democrat quotes right here. [2:06:49] Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, we shouldn't shut the government down over disputes. [2:06:54] He said that in 2018. [2:06:56] Senator Mark Kelly in 23, a government shutdown would have serious impacts. [2:07:01] Airports could have major delays. [2:07:02] We can't let any of that happen. [2:07:05] I want to close with this. [2:07:06] I want to thank Ms. Barton and Mr. Phillips for coming to my district to try and help a forgotten city, Globe and Miami, dealing with disaster relief. [2:07:18] Thank you guys for coming out. [2:07:19] They feel all the time like they get forgotten constantly. [2:07:21] So thank you for trying to help folks in my district recover from the flooding that we've had. [2:07:26] I yield back. [2:07:28] Gentlemen, yield back. [2:07:29] And we're going to take a brief 10-minute recess for a restroom break, including one for myself. [2:07:35] So thank you. [2:07:36] We'll be back in 10 minutes. [2:07:37] Just quicker if everybody moves, all right? [2:07:39] Thank you. [2:07:40] Welcome back. [2:22:38] I now recognize a gentlelady from New Jersey, Ms. MacGyver, for five minutes of questions. [2:22:44] Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman and ranking member. [2:22:47] 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. [2:23:08] You do not deserve this if you are tuned in or in this chamber today. [2:23:14] You deserve better. [2:23:15] You already had to deal with a month and a half without pay last year because Republicans refused to support affordable health care. [2:23:23] Now it's been over a month without pay again because, once again, Republicans refused to rein in ISIS cruelty. [2:23:30] 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. [2:23:46] 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. [2:23:55] I have heard personal stories of TSA workers having to skip meals or take their kids out of daycare. [2:24:02] These are the real-world consequences of Republicans' agenda. [2:24:07] On top of that, ICE is now stationed in Newark Liberty Airport, adding stress, fear, and government waste to an already chaotic situation. [2:24:17] And on top of that, chilling and drinking coffee. [2:24:21] Acting Administrator McNeil, you mentioned earlier in one of your testimonies that ICE was helping TSA agents operate the CAT machine, training on this specialized technology. [2:24:36] How are they helping operate this machine, this technology? [2:24:41] How is that possible? [2:24:42] Congresswoman, we do have training for the operation of the travel document checker, and during the last 43-day shutdown, we also had to train additional employees to operate the TDC, including airport staff and others that volunteered to help us during that extended shutdown. [2:25:01] And this time around, we're doing the same thing with the ICE agents. [2:25:03] So the ICE folks who got here to the airport this week, you offered them training on the CAT machine already? [2:25:08] We have spent several days doing training on multiple different functions. [2:25:12] Several days. [2:25:13] Today is Wednesday. [2:25:14] So when were they getting servo training? [2:25:16] Was it this week or last week? [2:25:18] It was this week. [2:25:19] Okay, so they started getting training on Monday? [2:25:22] Correct. [2:25:23] And you talked about, like, your training and everything that goes into TSA, being a TSA agent that takes six months. [2:25:29] You're telling me that you were able, within 72 hours, to train ICE agents how to operate the CAT technology system. [2:25:36] The travel document checker function is one of the non-specialized screening functions of TSA. [2:25:42] 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. [2:25:54] Can you run through, again, what ICE is doing at these airports? [2:25:58] Because at my airport, I've spoken to them. [2:26:00] I had multiple calls with each of them. [2:26:02] And basically ICE is standing in the lobby area, not operating these machines, like you said. [2:26:06] I don't know if this happened in every other airport because I only could speak to Newark Liberty Airport. [2:26:10] But they're not doing anything other than being, you know, accompanied with a port authority police officer and standing in the lobby. [2:26:17] So, I mean, what are they doing? [2:26:19] Like, what's the list of duties that you are allowing ICE agents basically to do when it comes to TSA screenings? [2:26:26] Yeah, 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, and then helping operate the travel document checker as well. [2:26:43] And all of these require certain levels of training, and we've done that over the first few days of this week. [2:26:49] And obviously, you know, when we roll out operations, it takes a while to really get folks, you know, embedded into our operations. [2:26:55] And it's gone extremely well. [2:26:56] And our feedback from the passengers and our field leadership has been very positive. [2:27:00] Well, I wish I could say the same thing for Newark Liberty Airport. [2:27:03] That's not the case there. [2:27:04] Folks are really annoyed, you know, just seeing them standing around. [2:27:07] 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. [2:27:15] So, obviously, there's some disconnect in what is going on and what is happening. [2:27:19] 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. [2:27:24] Not unless I'm just crazy. [2:27:25] It's been a long hearing, but I'm down to three seconds, and that seems like that went really quickly. [2:27:30] I will end with one thing. [2:27:32] Acting Administrator McNeil, do you believe that, do you support a bill just to fund TSA at this moment in time? [2:27:42] I support the funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes TSA. [2:27:45] But, as I mentioned earlier, we don't function in a silo at the Department of Homeland Security. [2:27:51] I mean, your responsibility is TSA, though. [2:27:53] So, are you representing TSA or Homeland Security? [2:27:57] Which one do you represent, Homeland Security or TSA? [2:27:59] We are one team, one mission at DHS. [2:28:01] Oh, that's unfortunate. [2:28:02] 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. [2:28:10] With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. [2:28:12] Thank you. [2:28:13] The gentlelady yields back. [2:28:14] I now recognize the gentlelady from South Carolina, Ms. Biggs, for five minutes of questions. [2:28:18] Thank you, Chairman Garbarino, for holding this hearing on the Democrats' shutdown of DHS. [2:28:23] And I would like to thank these witnesses for taking time out of their busy schedules to be here with us today. [2:28:29] We appreciate the work that you do to keep our nation safe, even when the job is difficult. [2:28:36] Over 260,000 Americans are going to work right now without a paycheck. [2:28:43] I've been back and forth from South Carolina to Washington numerous times since this shutdown started. [2:28:49] I've stood in those airport lines. [2:28:52] I've talked to the TSA agents, and they're working, and they're working very hard. [2:28:57] They're polite. [2:28:59] They're doing their job. [2:29:00] And frankly, I don't know how they're doing it, because a lot of them are trying to raise a family, pay a mortgage, and keep up with their bills. [2:29:09] We are seeing reports of TSA agents selling their own plasma just to put gas in their cars to drive to work. [2:29:20] And it's appalling to me that we're sitting here today arguing about this. [2:29:26] TSA workers have gone nearly half this fiscal year without pay. [2:29:31] The lines are longer, the morale is gone, and people are quitting because they literally can't afford to stay in their jobs. [2:29:39] But most disturbingly, look at what happened at LaGuardia just three nights ago. [2:29:46] We saw a deadly collision on a runway. [2:29:50] Two pilots lost their lives, and dozens were injured. [2:29:54] While we wait for the full investigation, we already know our aviation system is under unprecedented stress because of the stalemate. [2:30:03] When you stop paying the people who keep our country safe, you are playing with fire. [2:30:11] Meanwhile, nobody on this dais is missing a paycheck. [2:30:16] Not one person here has missed a mortgage payment or skipped a meal. [2:30:22] I voted twice and plan to do it again to reopen DHS. [2:30:28] We need to get these people paid and stop putting the cost of your political games on the backs of working Americans. [2:30:36] Admiral, in South Carolina's 3rd District, readiness is non-negotiable. [2:30:46] My Made in America Defense Act, which was signed into law by President Trump, cut red tape for our upstate manufacturers who produce critical defense supplies. [2:30:57] But while we work to move things faster, this DHS shutdown is creating a new bottleneck. [2:31:03] Senate Democrats are playing political games, and it's stalling our progress. [2:31:10] Admiral, specifically, how is this instability degrading your ability to protect these critical defense supply chains right now? [2:31:19] Thank you for your question. [2:31:22] Our defense industrial base is suffering right now. [2:31:25] We need to rebuild it. [2:31:26] Right now, what we are seeing is ships in our shipyards where stop work is going on because we cannot pay the bills. [2:31:33] We are seeing crucial readiness that needs to be done in the repair of these ships, [2:31:38] and the shipyard officers are not doing what our Coast Guard people are doing and working without a paycheck. [2:31:44] They're asking us to leave those shipyards because we cannot pay the bills. [2:31:48] So while we're allowed to contract, we can't pay the bills. [2:31:52] And in many cases, shipyards and industrial base leaders, that's 25% of their total income. [2:31:59] So trying to get to them to help them with cash flow, we're not doing it. [2:32:04] What we worry about is that's not only a near-term impact, but as we bid for these contracts with these companies in the future, [2:32:11] they're not going to come to the Coast Guard. [2:32:12] They'll go to the Navy. [2:32:13] They'll go to the Marines. [2:32:14] They'll go to the others receiving a budget. [2:32:16] Well, thank you so much, and thank you again for your service, and with that, I yield back. [2:32:23] Gentlelady yields back. [2:32:25] I now recognize the gentlelady from Texas, Ms. Johnson, for five minutes of questions. [2:32:30] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [2:32:33] You know, it is so interesting to me. [2:32:37] We're sitting here, and what you have are members of both sides, Republican and Democrats alike, [2:32:46] are telling each one of you, Coast Guard, TSA, CISA, FEMA, that your work is important. [2:32:55] We value your work. [2:32:58] We honor your service to this country, and you should be paid. [2:33:01] There seems to be unanimous agreement. [2:33:06] Everyone here is saying you should be paid. [2:33:08] No one is saying you should not be. [2:33:11] No one. [2:33:13] The problem is, what we have a disagreement on is ICE, how it's functioning in this country, [2:33:23] and how it's terrorizing the citizens of this country, [2:33:26] and why we can't come together and agree and fund the things there's no disagreement on, [2:33:34] each one of your agencies, and then respectfully disagree on what we disagree on and work on that. [2:33:42] That's a very real pragmatic, very responsible solution to where we are. [2:33:50] All the important work you're doing gets funded. [2:33:52] All of the employees you oversee gets handled. [2:33:55] All the important work you do for our national security gets paid for. [2:33:59] However, Congress can work and agree on the things we agree on, [2:34:02] and then respectfully disagree where we disagree. [2:34:05] And then our country is not shut down in a travel nightmare. [2:34:09] And you know what? [2:34:09] That is exactly what is before the House. [2:34:13] I've signed a discharge petition to pay each one of you. [2:34:16] Every one of my Democratic colleagues has said, [2:34:18] we agree with all this rhetoric on the right that you should be funded. [2:34:24] That's what the American people want. [2:34:25] That is responsible government. [2:34:27] That is where when people come together, members of both sides, [2:34:31] you should be able to fund what you agree on. [2:34:33] And then when you disagree, you work hard to solve that. [2:34:38] But all this pomp from the Republicans is ridiculous [2:34:42] because they are holding this agreement hostage for ICE. [2:34:46] We're saying we want to continue to work on this and we want to make improvements. [2:34:50] But they're like, no, no, no. [2:34:52] We're going to insist on the issue that we have no agreement on in this country [2:34:57] and put you guys all at hostage for that. [2:35:01] And that is what is wrong with government. [2:35:04] That is why people don't trust the process. [2:35:07] That's why the American people are so frustrated. [2:35:09] There's absolutely no reason for our airports to be in this crisis [2:35:13] and all of the men and women that you serve. [2:35:16] And I agree with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. [2:35:18] I travel through DFW all the time. [2:35:21] The men and women of the TSA are doing the very best they can [2:35:24] under very difficult circumstances. [2:35:26] We need FEMA in Texas. [2:35:28] It's a critical organization. [2:35:30] We need you to be functioning. [2:35:32] I'm ready to fund all four of your agencies right now. [2:35:35] I was ready to do it before. [2:35:36] I voted to, I've signed on to make that happen. [2:35:39] But unfortunately, partisanship is getting in the way [2:35:43] of you guys being funded yet again. [2:35:47] It's another exhibit and a long line of exhibits [2:35:50] of how dysfunctional Congress is. [2:35:53] Because right now, Republicans, they could fund you, [2:35:57] but they're choosing not to. [2:35:58] There is a vehicle on the table to fund each one of your agencies right now. [2:36:03] And Republicans are refusing to do it. [2:36:06] And let me just tell you why we're saying this is critically important. [2:36:09] In my district, a constituent that I had was part of the Afghanistan EVAC program. [2:36:16] He worked alongside our military in Afghanistan, [2:36:20] was brought to this country by the United States of America. [2:36:23] We brought him and his family here. [2:36:27] He was detained by ICE and taking his kids to school. [2:36:34] And he's dead 24 hours later. [2:36:37] And that cannot be allowed to happen in this country. [2:36:42] He's a father of six, was working. [2:36:45] Do you know how many criminal convictions he has? [2:36:47] Zero. [2:36:50] That is why ICE is so broken. [2:36:53] And that is what is so wrong. [2:36:55] And your agency should never be held hostage [2:36:58] to justify the rogue, terroristic attacks [2:37:02] that these agents are doing upon the citizens [2:37:04] and the people of this country. [2:37:06] And I am sorry that Republicans are holding you hostage [2:37:08] because we want TSA functional. [2:37:10] Our air traffic control system is fundamental to this country. [2:37:14] The Coast Guard, you do admirable work, sir. [2:37:18] And the men and women in the Coast Guard are heroes and should be paid. [2:37:23] But what is happening and what happened to my constituents [2:37:25] should never be allowed to happen in this country. [2:37:28] And we're going to hold the line [2:37:29] until we can make some serious corrections to what ICE is doing. [2:37:33] And I'm out of time and I yield back. [2:37:35] Oh, wait, one thing. [2:37:36] Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to offer into the record [2:37:39] an article titled U.S. Flight Attendants Demand Pay for TSA [2:37:42] to keep airports secure and not create havoc with ICE. [2:37:46] Without objection. [2:37:47] For clarification purposes, House Republicans have voted [2:37:50] to fund the Department of Homeland Security twice, [2:37:53] including the four agencies that are here today. [2:37:55] So that's for clarification purposes. [2:37:57] I now recognize the gentleman from Colorado, [2:38:00] Mr. Evans, for five minutes of questions. [2:38:02] Thank you, Chairman, Ranking Member, [2:38:04] and of course to the witnesses for coming. [2:38:07] Wow, I can't believe I just heard my ears. [2:38:09] I spent 12 years in the U.S. Army, [2:38:10] deployed overseas as part of the Global War on Terror, [2:38:13] another 10 years in law enforcement. [2:38:14] I literally just heard my colleague across the aisle say, [2:38:17] ICE is committing terrorist attacks. [2:38:20] I don't think you can get a clearer example [2:38:22] of where folks stand when my colleagues [2:38:25] on the other side of the aisle compare federal law enforcement [2:38:29] to terrorists at a time where we have literal terrorists [2:38:33] that I deployed to fight committing attacks in the homeland. [2:38:36] That's incredibly disappointing to me. [2:38:39] It's incredibly disappointing to me [2:38:40] because as a police officer for 10 years, [2:38:43] I know what the path was that led me to Congress. [2:38:47] I watched all of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle [2:38:49] push to defund law enforcement. [2:38:51] They ran on this message. [2:38:53] They opened our borders, and that's what's happening today. [2:38:56] Democrats continue to defund the police [2:38:59] just by refusing to pass [2:39:01] the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. [2:39:03] I know it. I saw it as a cop. [2:39:05] It's what's playing out today, [2:39:06] and they've done it not once, but twice. [2:39:09] This isn't conjecture. [2:39:10] Go look up the votes. [2:39:12] H.R. 7147. [2:39:13] This is the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. [2:39:16] Look up the votes on H.R. 7147. [2:39:19] Look up the votes on H.R. 77. [2:39:21] This is the second Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. [2:39:26] Go look at the votes. [2:39:27] Follow the actual facts. [2:39:29] And then, Mr. Chairman, not just me saying this [2:39:31] and referring to the votes, [2:39:32] this is the Hill. [2:39:35] I'll read you the headline. [2:39:37] DHS shutdown stretches. [2:39:39] Yes. [2:39:40] Mr. Chairman, with your consent, [2:39:41] I move to admit this to the record. [2:39:43] I have objection. [2:39:44] Thank you. [2:39:44] We know what's happening right now. [2:39:47] We have the Department of Homeland Security shut down [2:39:50] because Democrats have never moved on from defunding the police. [2:39:53] They've never moved on from their open borders policies. [2:39:55] The votes back it up. [2:39:57] The Hill backs it up. [2:39:58] And while this is happening, [2:39:59] critical agencies like CISA, [2:40:01] the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, [2:40:05] is being shut down. [2:40:06] CISA has blocked billions of cyber threats [2:40:09] to our civilian networks [2:40:10] and critical infrastructure in 2025. [2:40:13] The Coast Guard, [2:40:14] key to combating drug trafficking [2:40:16] in the Western Hemisphere, [2:40:17] and I'll remind my colleagues, [2:40:19] drugs under the previous administration [2:40:21] killed 400,000 Americans. [2:40:23] That's shut down. [2:40:25] Wildfire risk in Colorado [2:40:26] is at an all-time high [2:40:27] due to drought and an unusually dry winter. [2:40:30] The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, [2:40:32] which ensures that law enforcement [2:40:33] is trained to shut down, [2:40:35] which is ironic [2:40:35] because I keep hearing from Democrats [2:40:37] that they want ICE agents to be trained better, [2:40:40] but they're shutting down the very entity [2:40:41] that helps with federal law enforcement training. [2:40:44] TSA call-outs are at a record high [2:40:46] across U.S. airports, [2:40:47] and as of today, [2:40:48] 460 officers have left TSA. [2:40:52] Travelers are seeing long lines, [2:40:54] and you can see behind me [2:40:56] that we literally have [2:40:57] Denver International Airport, [2:40:59] which is the airport I fly in and out of, [2:41:01] asking for gift cards and donations [2:41:03] to their TSA agents [2:41:05] so that they can maybe make ends meet [2:41:08] and keep coming to work. [2:41:09] And so my first question [2:41:11] to Administrator McNeil, [2:41:12] how many people, [2:41:14] especially parents, [2:41:16] would accept a job [2:41:17] with the promise [2:41:18] of intermittent gift cards [2:41:19] instead of a secure paycheck, [2:41:21] and how have these shutdowns [2:41:23] impacted your agency's ability [2:41:24] to recruit and retain officers? [2:41:28] I think you're absolutely right, [2:41:29] Congressman. [2:41:30] We have heard a report back [2:41:32] of folks that have been interested [2:41:33] in joining the TSA [2:41:34] and had plans to, [2:41:36] but with the situation this year [2:41:38] and us being in our third shutdown, [2:41:39] it's really hard for them [2:41:40] to go home and tell their family [2:41:41] this isn't the job [2:41:42] that I'm going to take. [2:41:43] It's a job that pays me [2:41:44] half the time for my work. [2:41:46] And so I think that is really [2:41:47] a challenge for us. [2:41:48] And then for the officers [2:41:49] that are there, [2:41:50] they're continuing to show up [2:41:51] under duress, honestly, right, [2:41:54] financial duress, [2:41:54] and they're continuing [2:41:55] their commitment [2:41:56] to the traveling public, [2:41:57] and we cannot be prouder of them. [2:41:59] Our thanks to those TSA officers. [2:42:01] In my remaining 45 seconds [2:42:03] to FEMA, [2:42:05] I spent 12 years in the U.S. Army, [2:42:06] Black Hawk helicopter pilot. [2:42:08] I've flown on wildfires, [2:42:09] fought wildfires. [2:42:10] We're facing historic drought [2:42:12] in the West. [2:42:13] Tell me how FEMA [2:42:14] not having the funding [2:42:15] impacts their ability [2:42:16] to do the pre-planning [2:42:18] for some of these major disasters, [2:42:20] including wildfires. [2:42:23] Yes, Congressman. [2:42:24] Like I mentioned earlier, [2:42:25] we have about 45,000 people a week. [2:42:28] Those are emergency responders, [2:42:30] leads for states [2:42:32] on response efforts [2:42:34] that are missing out [2:42:35] on critical training. [2:42:36] Wildfires are ongoing, [2:42:38] as you know, right now, [2:42:39] and those impacts [2:42:41] of them not getting that training [2:42:43] may not be measured, [2:42:44] but it is being missed out. [2:42:46] I hear every day [2:42:47] from external partners [2:42:49] how much it's impacting them. [2:42:53] Our national security is at risk. [2:42:55] Fund the Department [2:42:56] of Homeland Security. [2:42:57] Yield back. [2:42:57] Gentlemen, Yield back. [2:42:58] I now recognize [2:42:59] the gentleman from Puerto Rico, [2:43:01] Mr. Hernandez, [2:43:02] here, five minutes, questions. [2:43:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [2:43:04] There are over 700 TSA employees [2:43:07] in Puerto Rico right now [2:43:08] who are about to miss [2:43:10] their third paycheck. [2:43:12] And there is a proposal [2:43:13] to fund TSA [2:43:14] and pay these employees. [2:43:16] The Republicans [2:43:17] are holding back on it. [2:43:19] I think this is a disgrace. [2:43:22] Ms. McNeil, [2:43:24] President Trump [2:43:25] has ordered ICE agents [2:43:26] to airports [2:43:27] to supplement security [2:43:28] during this shutdown, correct? [2:43:29] That's correct. [2:43:32] And those ICE agents [2:43:33] are getting paid, correct? [2:43:35] That's my understanding, yes. [2:43:37] And those TSA agents [2:43:38] they're supposed to support [2:43:39] are not getting paid, correct? [2:43:41] That's correct. [2:43:42] So we have a policy in place [2:43:43] where we don't pay [2:43:44] the people who are qualified [2:43:45] to do the job. [2:43:47] As a result, [2:43:48] they're missing out. [2:43:49] They're not going to work. [2:43:50] They're quitting. [2:43:51] And we're sending people [2:43:52] who are getting paid [2:43:53] to do a different job. [2:43:55] How is that fair? [2:43:57] I don't think that's policy. [2:43:58] That's a matter [2:43:58] of not having funding. [2:44:00] It's a matter [2:44:00] of not having funding. [2:44:01] And there is a proposal [2:44:02] to fund it [2:44:03] and to solve this problem. [2:44:04] But we have a system [2:44:05] where we have a group [2:44:07] that is paid [2:44:07] to watch the lines [2:44:08] and then highly trained [2:44:09] TSA professionals [2:44:10] working for free. [2:44:12] Now, you'd agree [2:44:13] that a TSA officer [2:44:14] is better qualified [2:44:15] to handle aviation security [2:44:17] than an ICE agent, right? [2:44:18] That's what TSA officers [2:44:21] are trained to do. [2:44:21] Right. [2:44:22] So we are penalizing [2:44:23] the most qualified people. [2:44:26] What is TSA doing right now [2:44:28] to keep those families [2:44:29] who are not getting paid [2:44:30] from being evicted? [2:44:34] I'm here today [2:44:35] to ask for funding [2:44:36] for the Department of Homeland Security. [2:44:37] They're not doing anything [2:44:38] and they're not expressing [2:44:38] and you as an agency head [2:44:40] are not expressing support [2:44:41] for proposals to fund TSA [2:44:43] and delay funding [2:44:44] for ICE who are getting paid. [2:44:46] What are they doing? [2:44:47] That is your responsibility [2:44:47] to fund the U.S. government. [2:44:49] And there is a proposal [2:44:50] in place for that [2:44:50] and Republicans keep rejecting it. [2:44:52] What are they doing [2:44:53] to help feed those employees [2:44:55] and their families? [2:44:56] We're doing. [2:44:57] Food pantry. [2:44:58] Now, is it true [2:44:59] that DHS has told state governors [2:45:02] that they can't support [2:45:03] federal employees [2:45:04] with state funds? [2:45:06] That is not true. [2:45:07] There are laws [2:45:08] in how we can use donated funds [2:45:10] and where they have offered. [2:45:12] Has TSA told governors [2:45:14] that they cannot pay TSA employees [2:45:18] their salaries? [2:45:19] That is correct. [2:45:19] That is a matter of law. [2:45:22] Is that a matter of law [2:45:23] or a matter of policy? [2:45:24] It's a matter of law [2:45:25] from my understanding. [2:45:26] Do you support changing [2:45:27] that law in the future? [2:45:28] Well, that would be the role [2:45:29] of Congress to change laws. [2:45:30] But would you support it? [2:45:32] Would you support paying TSA employees [2:45:34] in spite of government shutdowns [2:45:36] in the future? [2:45:37] I think that we need to look [2:45:38] really hard after we come out [2:45:40] of the shutdown [2:45:40] to ensure that the continuity [2:45:42] of our operations... [2:45:42] We have proposals for that [2:45:44] and they have not been voted on. [2:45:45] I want to move over to FEMA. [2:45:47] Mr. Barton... [2:45:48] Sorry, Ms. Barton. [2:45:49] How many FEMA staff [2:45:51] are currently reporting [2:45:52] to their workplace [2:45:53] but not performing work? [2:45:58] I'm not familiar [2:45:59] with your question. [2:46:02] We've seen reports [2:46:03] that many FEMA employees [2:46:04] are being asked [2:46:05] to report to work [2:46:06] but not to do any actual work. [2:46:09] Is that correct? [2:46:11] Everyone who's reporting [2:46:12] to work in my staff [2:46:13] is completing the functions [2:46:16] that they're allowed to do [2:46:17] under the lapse guidance. [2:46:20] Well, we are concerned [2:46:21] to learn that FEMA leadership [2:46:22] issued an agency-wide directive [2:46:24] last month [2:46:25] ordering all activities to cease, [2:46:27] including work by staff funded [2:46:28] through Disaster Relief Fund [2:46:30] who are still being paid [2:46:31] during the shutdown. [2:46:32] And these are the very employees [2:46:33] responsible for overseeing [2:46:35] long-term recovery efforts [2:46:36] like the projects [2:46:37] underway in Puerto Rico. [2:46:39] These projects operate [2:46:40] on strict performance timelines. [2:46:42] Every single day counts [2:46:43] and delays are not an option. [2:46:45] And this is compounding [2:46:46] existing delays [2:46:47] caused by the previous Secretary's [2:46:49] disastrous policy [2:46:50] requiring personal approval [2:46:52] for FEMA projects [2:46:53] over $100,000. [2:46:54] And now we are hearing [2:46:56] that FEMA staff [2:46:57] are just sitting around [2:46:58] playing video games [2:46:58] and watching TV on the clock. [2:47:00] That is a complete waste [2:47:02] of taxpayers' money. [2:47:03] Now, how is this stop work order [2:47:05] impacting long-term recovery [2:47:06] for places like Puerto Rico? [2:47:09] I'm not familiar [2:47:10] with the exact stop work order. [2:47:12] It may be the previous DHS guidance [2:47:15] that went out. [2:47:16] So I will look into that [2:47:18] and get back to you. [2:47:19] I understand we do have [2:47:21] new leadership. [2:47:22] Okay, thank you. [2:47:22] No, you can get back [2:47:24] to us on that. [2:47:24] And now, because I'm [2:47:26] almost out of time, [2:47:27] the director of FEMA's [2:47:28] recovery office in Puerto Rico [2:47:29] was fired last month [2:47:30] on the same day [2:47:31] as a meeting [2:47:32] between then-Secretary Noem [2:47:33] and our governor. [2:47:34] DHS has not provided us [2:47:36] or the public [2:47:37] with a reason [2:47:37] for this termination. [2:47:39] And we find it suspicious [2:47:40] that FEMA's recovery director [2:47:41] for Puerto Rico [2:47:42] was fired mere hours [2:47:44] after their meeting. [2:47:46] Did you have a role [2:47:46] in Mr. Garcia-Martino's termination? [2:47:50] In my capacity, [2:47:51] I'm at FEMA. [2:47:52] I'm not privy [2:47:53] to how that meeting was [2:47:54] and I was not part [2:47:55] of that meeting. [2:47:56] But did you have a role [2:47:57] in his termination? [2:47:59] No, I did not. [2:48:00] Do you know why [2:48:01] he was terminated? [2:48:02] I'm not familiar [2:48:03] with the exact details, [2:48:05] but I have to follow- [2:48:06] We think transparency [2:48:07] is important [2:48:08] and we find the timing [2:48:10] of this suspicious [2:48:11] and disruptive [2:48:11] to Puerto Rico's [2:48:12] long-term recovery efforts. [2:48:14] Thank you. [2:48:15] I yield back. [2:48:15] Thank you. [2:48:16] The gentleman yields back [2:48:17] and I appreciate [2:48:19] my colleague's comments, [2:48:20] but for clarification purposes, [2:48:23] House Republicans [2:48:23] have voted twice [2:48:25] to fund the Department [2:48:26] of Homeland Security, [2:48:27] including the four agencies [2:48:28] that are here today. [2:48:30] I now recognize [2:48:31] the gentleman from Alabama, [2:48:33] Mr. Strong, [2:48:34] for five minutes of questions. [2:48:35] Thank you, Chairman Garbarino, [2:48:36] Ranking Member Thompson, [2:48:37] and I thank the witnesses [2:48:38] for being here today. [2:48:40] We are less than 100 days away [2:48:42] from hosting [2:48:42] the world's largest [2:48:43] sporting event, [2:48:44] featuring 104 matches [2:48:46] across 16 cities, [2:48:48] equivalent to three Super Bowls [2:48:50] a day for five weeks. [2:48:52] And Democrats continue [2:48:53] to put politics [2:48:54] over security of our nation. [2:48:56] All members will be given [2:48:58] another chance [2:48:58] to fully fund [2:48:59] the Department of Homeland Security [2:49:00] this week. [2:49:02] I look forward to voting [2:49:03] for a third time, [2:49:04] along with my Republican colleagues, [2:49:06] to fully fund the Department [2:49:08] and each of your agencies. [2:49:10] I'm especially grateful [2:49:11] to the TSA workforce [2:49:13] at Huntsville International Airport, [2:49:16] where operations are continuing, [2:49:18] albeit at a little slower pace, [2:49:20] despite the challenges [2:49:21] and fiscal strain [2:49:22] caused by the shutdown. [2:49:24] However, not every small airport [2:49:26] has the same level [2:49:27] of community support. [2:49:29] Ms. McNeil, [2:49:30] as TSO call-out rates [2:49:32] continue to rise, [2:49:33] are smaller airports at risk [2:49:34] to reduce operations [2:49:36] or temporary closure, [2:49:39] and what would be the impact [2:49:40] on the communities [2:49:41] that rely on them? [2:49:42] Thank you, Congressman. [2:49:45] As the shutdown drags on [2:49:47] and we see increases [2:49:49] in call-out rates, [2:49:50] we'll have to make [2:49:50] real-time decisions [2:49:52] on how we operate. [2:49:53] And so, for example, [2:49:54] we have many small airports [2:49:55] that operate one or two lanes, [2:49:57] and a few call-outs [2:49:58] could really severely impact [2:49:59] our ability [2:50:00] to run the operations. [2:50:01] And so, in those scenarios, [2:50:02] we would not be able [2:50:03] to open the checkpoint [2:50:05] at the airport. [2:50:06] Thank you, Ms. McNeil. [2:50:06] Could you also tell us [2:50:07] how the current lapse [2:50:09] in appropriations [2:50:10] affects TSA contracts, [2:50:12] equipment development, [2:50:13] and pilot programs, [2:50:15] and what the operational consequences [2:50:18] of those disruptions are? [2:50:19] Thank you, Congressman. [2:50:21] So, yes, [2:50:21] during a shutdown, [2:50:23] there are delays [2:50:24] to our acquisition [2:50:24] and procurement [2:50:25] and deployment [2:50:26] of new technology. [2:50:29] And then, also, [2:50:30] on the research [2:50:30] and development side, [2:50:32] that largely stops as well. [2:50:34] And so, it does really [2:50:35] hinder our ability [2:50:37] to modernize TSA [2:50:39] and deploy additional technology [2:50:40] out there [2:50:40] and get the tools [2:50:41] out there [2:50:42] in the hands of our officers, [2:50:43] the tools that they need [2:50:45] and deserve [2:50:45] to do their jobs every day. [2:50:47] Thank you. [2:50:47] Attorney, Ms. Barton, [2:50:48] with over 40 years [2:50:49] of experience [2:50:50] as a first responder, [2:50:51] assistant fire chief, [2:50:53] I take public safety [2:50:54] and emergency response efforts [2:50:55] very seriously, [2:50:56] especially those [2:50:57] undertaken by our firefighters. [2:50:59] How are U.S. Fire Administration [2:51:01] operations, [2:51:03] including the National Fire Academy, [2:51:05] being affected [2:51:06] and how could [2:51:06] a prolonged shutdown [2:51:07] impact the preparedness [2:51:09] of firefighters [2:51:10] across the country? [2:51:12] Thank you, Congressman, [2:51:13] and thank you for your service. [2:51:15] The USFA has had [2:51:16] to cancel several [2:51:18] of their training [2:51:20] and postpone that [2:51:21] to include police week [2:51:23] that they host [2:51:24] in Emmitsburg as well. [2:51:25] These critical trainings [2:51:27] being postponed [2:51:28] are impacting [2:51:29] training and responsibilities [2:51:31] throughout the nation [2:51:33] as well as the opportunity [2:51:34] for emergency responders [2:51:36] to coordinate [2:51:36] and share lessons [2:51:37] with each other in person. [2:51:39] Thank you. [2:51:39] Admiral Allen, [2:51:40] I was encouraged [2:51:41] to see the Coast Guard [2:51:42] exceed in fiscal year [2:51:44] 2025 recruiting goals, [2:51:46] and I was especially glad [2:51:47] to see the announcement [2:51:48] of the new training center [2:51:49] in my home state of Alabama, [2:51:51] which will help strengthen [2:51:52] the Coast Guard's workforce pipeline. [2:51:55] However, that kind of momentum [2:51:57] can be fragile [2:51:58] during funding laps. [2:52:00] How has the current shutdown [2:52:02] disrupted recruiting, [2:52:04] training, and your programs? [2:52:07] Sir, thank you for that question. [2:52:08] Just a couple points on that. [2:52:10] So as we try to get recruits [2:52:13] to our training center, [2:52:14] Cape May, [2:52:15] we're seeing about a 10% delay [2:52:17] in those guys [2:52:17] actually getting there, [2:52:18] so we are already falling behind [2:52:20] on the numbers that are there. [2:52:22] Second, our food services [2:52:25] culinary specialists [2:52:27] that make the food there, [2:52:28] they rely on vendors [2:52:29] in the towns to deliver food. [2:52:32] We are not paying [2:52:33] those vendors anymore, [2:52:34] and we're worried [2:52:34] that any day [2:52:35] they're going to stop [2:52:35] showing up with food [2:52:36] to pay our recruits [2:52:38] that are at our training centers [2:52:40] and our other places. [2:52:42] Thank you. [2:52:43] And then I think, [2:52:43] while we've had great retention, [2:52:45] now we are dealing with, [2:52:47] hey, if you go to other services, [2:52:49] you'll get paid. [2:52:50] DHS, it continues to be a question. [2:52:52] Thank you. [2:52:53] Ms. Barton, [2:52:53] FEMA's Center for Domestic Preparedness [2:52:55] is in my home state of Alabama. [2:52:58] Are the students [2:52:59] that are typically trained [2:53:00] at the center, [2:53:01] how would you assess [2:53:05] the impact of these classes [2:53:07] and postponements [2:53:08] of national security [2:53:09] and readiness overall? [2:53:12] Overall, [2:53:13] there's been several training. [2:53:16] About 45,000 students [2:53:20] and emergency responders [2:53:22] who are able to participate [2:53:23] in those trainings [2:53:24] are having to postpone those. [2:53:26] Travel has been canceled. [2:53:28] I hear firsthand the impacts. [2:53:31] Many folks are getting concerned [2:53:32] the closer we get [2:53:34] to hurricane season [2:53:35] and just all the various [2:53:36] response situations [2:53:39] that come up. [2:53:40] There may not be [2:53:41] an exact metric, [2:53:42] but as the days go on, [2:53:44] it continues to get worse. [2:53:45] Thank you. [2:53:46] Thank you. [2:53:47] And Chairman Garbarino, [2:53:48] I yield back. [2:53:49] Gentleman yields back. [2:53:51] I now recognize [2:53:52] the gentlelady from New Jersey, [2:53:54] Ms. Poe, [2:53:54] for five minutes of questions. [2:53:56] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, [2:53:57] and to the ranking members, [2:53:59] member, I'm sorry, [2:54:00] and thank you to the witnesses [2:54:02] that are here today. [2:54:06] I'm really very happy [2:54:07] that we are having [2:54:08] this discussion. [2:54:09] We all recognize [2:54:11] that the Department of Homeland Security [2:54:12] has a critical mission [2:54:14] to protect American people. [2:54:17] This is why the Democrats, [2:54:19] my Democratic colleagues [2:54:22] and I have introduced [2:54:23] legislation to fund TSA, [2:54:26] FEMA, CISA, [2:54:28] as well as the Coast Guard [2:54:30] to end this shutdown. [2:54:33] Sadly, Republicans [2:54:34] are blocking these bills [2:54:36] to stop reforming ICE [2:54:37] and are holding agencies [2:54:39] hostage to hide responsibility. [2:54:42] The deployment of violent agents [2:54:45] into cities like Minneapolis [2:54:48] shows why we cannot give ICE [2:54:51] a blank check. [2:54:53] We cannot continue [2:54:54] to let them terrorize [2:54:56] our communities [2:54:57] and kill our neighbors. [2:54:59] and we should get them [2:55:01] out of our airports now. [2:55:05] Last summer, [2:55:06] last summer's reconciliation bill [2:55:09] gave ICE and CBP [2:55:11] enough funding [2:55:12] to sustain themselves [2:55:15] for years. [2:55:16] So why then [2:55:17] are Republicans [2:55:18] still asking [2:55:19] for more money for ICE? [2:55:21] If my GOP colleagues [2:55:23] cared about keeping [2:55:24] our country safe, [2:55:25] they would sign [2:55:26] our discharge petition [2:55:28] and force a floor vote [2:55:30] on our bill [2:55:32] to fund TSA [2:55:34] and other DHS offices [2:55:36] like FEMA [2:55:37] and the Coast Guard [2:55:38] immediately. [2:55:39] Our bill would do [2:55:40] everything possible [2:55:42] to fund the Department [2:55:43] of Homeland Security [2:55:44] while supporting reforms [2:55:46] that are supported [2:55:47] by Democrats, [2:55:49] Republicans, [2:55:50] and independents alike. [2:55:52] The problems [2:55:53] we've seen [2:55:54] over the last several years, [2:55:57] pardon me, [2:55:57] the last several weeks [2:55:59] let's be clear. [2:56:00] The last several weeks [2:56:01] are not all due [2:56:02] to the shutdown. [2:56:04] Yet DHS has launched [2:56:05] a misinformation campaign [2:56:08] to mask their own failures [2:56:10] by blaming it [2:56:11] on the shutdown. [2:56:12] Let me give you an example. [2:56:14] The FIFA World Cup [2:56:16] Security Grant Program. [2:56:17] Last summer, [2:56:18] Congress approved [2:56:20] $625 million [2:56:22] for host cities [2:56:23] to enhance security [2:56:24] and preparedness [2:56:25] and preparedness [2:56:25] for the games. [2:56:27] FEMA, [2:56:28] an agency [2:56:29] the president has gutted, [2:56:32] was tasked [2:56:32] with administering [2:56:34] this grant program. [2:56:38] Initial estimates [2:56:39] placed the delivery [2:56:40] of these federal dollars [2:56:42] in the hands [2:56:43] of host cities [2:56:44] by late fall. [2:56:46] On November 12th [2:56:48] of last year, [2:56:50] FEMA's own announcement [2:56:51] stated [2:56:52] that this money [2:56:53] would be awarded [2:56:54] no later than [2:56:55] January 30th, [2:56:58] two weeks before [2:57:00] the DHS shutdown began. [2:57:03] But let me just be clear. [2:57:05] If you go to the FEMA [2:57:06] website, [2:57:08] their very own website, [2:57:10] which was published [2:57:12] and released last year [2:57:15] in August 13th, [2:57:17] in 2025, [2:57:19] it indicated [2:57:20] that it would be [2:57:20] awarding many [2:57:22] of these projects [2:57:23] by no later [2:57:24] than September 30th [2:57:25] of 2025. [2:57:27] That was last year. [2:57:28] We are still today [2:57:29] talking about this. [2:57:31] But what FEMA has done, [2:57:35] it has absolutely [2:57:36] blew past [2:57:38] all of those deadlines, [2:57:39] leaving host cities [2:57:40] in the dark [2:57:41] on if this [2:57:43] security funding [2:57:44] would ever be delivered. [2:57:46] Clearly, [2:57:46] it was only just delivered [2:57:48] for some of them, [2:57:49] not all, [2:57:50] just this past month [2:57:52] after so long, [2:57:54] after so many of us [2:57:56] talked about that. [2:57:57] Our committee [2:57:58] heard testimonies, [2:58:01] testimony from tournament [2:58:03] organizers [2:58:03] about the chaos [2:58:04] and the uncertainty [2:58:05] FEMA's delays caused. [2:58:08] The growing backlash [2:58:09] force former senator, [2:58:12] secretary, [2:58:13] known to imply [2:58:14] that she couldn't [2:58:15] award this money [2:58:16] because of the shutdown. [2:58:18] But last week, [2:58:20] all of a sudden, [2:58:22] the money was made [2:58:23] available anyway. [2:58:26] Well, what, [2:58:27] which is it? [2:58:28] Is it the shutdown? [2:58:29] Is it last year's [2:58:31] announcement? [2:58:33] Is it, [2:58:34] what is it? [2:58:35] Clearly, clearly had [2:58:36] absolutely nothing [2:58:38] to do with the shutdown. [2:58:39] Ms. Barton, [2:58:41] thank you very much [2:58:42] for being here. [2:58:44] You worked in the [2:58:46] office of the secretary. [2:58:48] Why blame the shutdown [2:58:49] for DHS's own failure [2:58:51] to deliver the World Cup [2:58:53] grant funding on time? [2:58:54] Congresswoman, [2:59:00] I also share your concerns [2:59:02] on delays. [2:59:03] However, [2:59:03] we will say that [2:59:04] this is the third shutdown [2:59:06] we've experienced. [2:59:07] Absolutely. [2:59:08] No, no, no, no, no. [2:59:09] During shutdowns, [2:59:10] we prioritize the most urgent line. [2:59:11] My question to you was, [2:59:14] why would you blame [2:59:16] the failure [2:59:18] to submit those grants [2:59:19] on time on the shutdown [2:59:21] when, in fact, [2:59:23] that occurred [2:59:24] prior to the shutdown? [2:59:26] Please just answer [2:59:28] the question, [2:59:30] unless you are unable [2:59:32] to answer it [2:59:33] because of your own [2:59:35] your own department's [2:59:37] very own doing. [2:59:38] So please just answer [2:59:40] the question, [2:59:40] why blame the shutdown [2:59:43] on something [2:59:44] that you all had [2:59:46] the ability to do [2:59:47] prior to the shutdown? [2:59:51] When turning on a machine [2:59:53] after being off [2:59:54] for over a month, [2:59:55] these impacts [2:59:56] are going to go beyond. [2:59:57] Even though we get funded, [2:59:58] the impacts will happen. [3:00:00] Ms. Barton, [3:00:01] did I not say [3:00:02] that we had the, [3:00:05] I'm sorry, [3:00:05] Mr. Chairman, [3:00:06] sorry. [3:00:07] Thank you for your levity. [3:00:09] Ms. Barton, [3:00:11] I clearly am out of time. [3:00:14] Mr. Chairman, [3:00:15] thank you for giving me [3:00:17] that, [3:00:18] that the ability [3:00:21] to speak beyond that. [3:00:23] Let me just say [3:00:24] that that's a question [3:00:25] that still lies [3:00:26] in front of us. [3:00:27] We certainly need [3:00:28] to do something about it. [3:00:29] I yield back. [3:00:30] Gentle lady yields back. [3:00:32] I now recognize [3:00:32] the gentleman [3:00:33] from California, [3:00:34] Mr. Fong, [3:00:34] for five minutes [3:00:35] of questions. [3:00:36] Thank you, [3:00:36] Mr. Chairman. [3:00:37] Thank you for the panelists [3:00:39] for not only [3:00:40] your testimony, [3:00:41] but your service [3:00:42] to our country [3:00:42] and your teams as well. [3:00:44] America's homeland security [3:00:45] is not a political game. [3:00:47] Every agency tasked [3:00:49] with our homeland security [3:00:51] needs to be fully operational [3:00:52] at full strength, [3:00:54] period. [3:00:55] Last month, [3:00:56] the U.S. House of Representatives [3:00:57] passed a bipartisan funding package [3:00:59] for the Department [3:01:00] of Homeland Security. [3:01:01] Regrettably, [3:01:02] Senate Democrats [3:01:03] chose to abandon [3:01:04] this bipartisan [3:01:05] and bicameral deal, [3:01:06] which brings us here today. [3:01:08] Our nation, [3:01:10] unfortunately, [3:01:11] is less safe [3:01:12] and homeland security personnel [3:01:13] are continuing [3:01:14] to work without pay. [3:01:15] In my home state [3:01:16] of California, [3:01:17] we are preparing [3:01:18] for the World Cup. [3:01:21] We're preparing [3:01:21] for the Olympics. [3:01:23] However, [3:01:23] attendee safety [3:01:24] and the success [3:01:25] of these games [3:01:26] hinge on [3:01:27] the Department [3:01:27] of Homeland Security's [3:01:28] ability to work [3:01:28] with state [3:01:29] and local [3:01:29] law enforcement agencies [3:01:31] even through [3:01:31] government shutdowns. [3:01:33] I wanted to ask [3:01:34] each of the panelists, [3:01:35] I know each of you [3:01:35] have a different role [3:01:36] to play in the planning, [3:01:38] but have there been [3:01:40] any key planning milestones [3:01:41] that have been missed [3:01:42] due to the shutdown [3:01:43] when it comes [3:01:44] to the planning [3:01:44] for these international [3:01:47] events. [3:01:48] And if DHS [3:01:49] were fully funded today, [3:01:50] how long would it take [3:01:51] to get back on track? [3:01:53] And we can start [3:01:53] from the admiral [3:01:54] and go on down. [3:01:55] Yes, sir. [3:01:56] As we do planning [3:01:57] for these big events, [3:01:59] we have missed milestones. [3:02:00] And our estimate [3:02:01] is every day [3:02:02] that there is a shutdown [3:02:03] that takes us [3:02:03] two and a half days [3:02:04] to recover. [3:02:07] Ms. McGill. [3:02:09] Congressman, [3:02:09] I guess the impact [3:02:11] is felt really [3:02:11] on multiple fronts. [3:02:13] But first, [3:02:13] it's about staffing [3:02:14] the airports [3:02:15] that are supporting [3:02:16] the FIFA locations. [3:02:17] And we have plans [3:02:20] in place, [3:02:20] but that is based [3:02:21] on what we understand [3:02:22] our laydown to be. [3:02:23] If we see a spike [3:02:23] in attrition, [3:02:24] we're going to have [3:02:24] to pivot. [3:02:25] And as I mentioned earlier, [3:02:27] hiring and training [3:02:28] takes a while, [3:02:29] and so that will impact [3:02:30] our posture for FIFA. [3:02:31] On the other part [3:02:33] of this is [3:02:33] the counter-UAS mission. [3:02:35] Our federal air marshals [3:02:36] are acquiring technology, [3:02:39] and with the delay [3:02:41] in funding [3:02:41] and the shutdown [3:02:42] that is pushing [3:02:43] that to the right, [3:02:43] and we're running [3:02:44] right up to the wire [3:02:45] in our ability [3:02:46] to procure, [3:02:48] deploy, [3:02:48] and train [3:02:49] with these [3:02:49] counter-UAS technologies. [3:02:53] Thank you, Congressman. [3:02:55] There are impacts [3:02:56] across all segments [3:02:57] of SIS's mission [3:02:58] at this time. [3:02:59] It is a burden [3:03:01] born nearly exclusively [3:03:02] by our employees [3:03:03] and the contractors [3:03:04] that are supporting them. [3:03:05] So whether it's [3:03:06] for World Cup [3:03:07] or America 250 events [3:03:08] or LA 2028 prep, [3:03:10] we're going to continue [3:03:11] to see compounding [3:03:12] impacts here [3:03:13] that are going to affect [3:03:14] both the items [3:03:15] that require proactive planning [3:03:16] like that [3:03:16] and our ability [3:03:17] to have a ready workforce [3:03:19] that's going to be able [3:03:20] to respond to the reactive elements [3:03:21] within our threat environment. [3:03:26] Thank you, Congressman. [3:03:27] FEMA's role [3:03:28] in the FIFA World Cup planning, [3:03:30] we provide critical funding, [3:03:32] training, [3:03:32] and preparedness support [3:03:33] to these communities, [3:03:35] including security planning. [3:03:36] The compacted effects [3:03:38] of multiple shutdowns [3:03:39] over the last six months [3:03:41] clearly has made us [3:03:43] miss some milestones [3:03:44] to include the funds [3:03:46] that the Congresswoman [3:03:47] had just mentioned [3:03:48] as the FIFA World Cup funding. [3:03:51] As this continues, [3:03:52] I imagine we will continue [3:03:54] to see more breakdowns [3:03:55] as we do not have [3:03:56] our entire team in place [3:03:58] to work on these efforts. [3:04:01] So no doubt [3:04:02] the consequences [3:04:03] are very real. [3:04:04] This is not an academic [3:04:05] conversation [3:04:05] that we're having [3:04:06] in American lives [3:04:08] and the lives [3:04:09] of our visitors, [3:04:10] international visitors, [3:04:11] are put at risk. [3:04:15] In terms of coordination, [3:04:16] how has the shutdown [3:04:17] affected information sharing [3:04:19] and coordination [3:04:19] with local law enforcement [3:04:20] and host committees? [3:04:22] Are fusion, [3:04:23] joint task forces, [3:04:24] are interagency planning groups? [3:04:25] How has that been affected [3:04:27] and what gaps [3:04:29] are forming right now? [3:04:31] We'll start with [3:04:32] questions for everybody. [3:04:35] Sir, I'll start. [3:04:36] So we continue [3:04:37] that function [3:04:38] as far as intelligence sharing [3:04:39] and law enforcement tracking. [3:04:42] What I would say [3:04:42] is when you look [3:04:43] at these events, [3:04:44] these are very complicated events. [3:04:46] These are not pickup games. [3:04:47] They require a lot [3:04:48] of coordination, [3:04:49] synchronization, [3:04:50] training, [3:04:51] and we're looking [3:04:52] to bring in new assets [3:04:53] and training on those assets. [3:04:56] So it's not only [3:04:57] a point of intelligence, [3:04:59] but what we do [3:05:02] with that intelligence [3:05:03] to buy the right assets [3:05:04] and get the right training [3:05:05] for the people [3:05:06] that are doing it. [3:05:09] Congressman, [3:05:09] we are also continuing [3:05:10] the collaboration [3:05:11] with state [3:05:12] and local authorities [3:05:13] on intelligence [3:05:14] and information sharing, [3:05:16] but we're not working [3:05:17] at full force right now [3:05:18] because during a shutdown, [3:05:19] we have many mission enabling [3:05:22] and other functions [3:05:23] that are furloughed. [3:05:24] And so it is impacting [3:05:25] the pace at which [3:05:26] we are doing that [3:05:27] and we're looking forward [3:05:28] to getting back [3:05:29] to normal order. [3:05:32] Intelligence information [3:05:33] exchange continues. [3:05:34] It persists [3:05:35] through the funding labs [3:05:35] at CISA, [3:05:36] but I will tell you [3:05:37] that the capacity [3:05:38] for us to continue [3:05:39] to do that [3:05:40] is becoming [3:05:40] exceedingly strained. [3:05:42] I have a single day [3:05:43] just a couple of weeks ago [3:05:44] that we received [3:05:44] six resignation notices [3:05:45] from the highly technical [3:05:47] subject matter experts [3:05:48] that we have [3:05:48] in places like our threat hunt [3:05:49] and in incident response sections. [3:05:51] That's not a sustainable model [3:05:53] going forward [3:05:54] and at some point [3:05:55] the compounding risk [3:05:56] within this dynamic [3:05:57] threat landscape [3:05:57] is going to cause [3:05:58] real damage [3:05:59] to American people. [3:06:01] I've run out of time, [3:06:02] but I thank you [3:06:03] for the information. [3:06:04] It's a very sobering assessment [3:06:05] and we need to get [3:06:06] the Department of Homeland Security [3:06:07] open as quickly [3:06:08] as possible. [3:06:09] Today, [3:06:10] we need the Senate Democrats [3:06:12] to take up our bill. [3:06:13] Thank you. [3:06:13] Mr. Chairman, [3:06:14] I'll go back. [3:06:14] Gentleman, [3:06:15] I'll go back. [3:06:15] I know I recognize [3:06:16] the gentleman from Virginia, [3:06:17] Mr. Walkenshaw. [3:06:18] Thank you, [3:06:18] Mr. Chairman. [3:06:19] Mr. Anderson, [3:06:20] you've been at CISA [3:06:21] since September of 2025. [3:06:23] Is that correct? [3:06:25] Yes, Congressman, [3:06:26] it is. [3:06:26] Okay. [3:06:27] And I presume [3:06:28] you have some awareness, [3:06:30] you've reviewed [3:06:31] what took place at CISA [3:06:33] between January 2025 [3:06:35] and September 2025. [3:06:37] And I want to walk through [3:06:39] that time period [3:06:40] because I think [3:06:40] it's important context [3:06:41] for your testimony today. [3:06:44] Is it true [3:06:45] that CISA's workforce [3:06:46] was reduced [3:06:47] by approximately [3:06:48] 1,000 employees [3:06:49] in early 2025? [3:06:50] Yes or no? [3:06:53] I'd have to get you [3:06:54] follow on information [3:06:55] about the early 2025. [3:06:57] Thank you, [3:06:57] Mr. Anderson. [3:06:58] Is it true [3:06:59] that some CISA employees [3:07:00] were reassigned [3:07:01] from CISA [3:07:02] to ICE and CBP [3:07:04] in 2025? [3:07:05] Yes or no? [3:07:06] To the best of my understanding, [3:07:07] less than 10 employees [3:07:08] have been reassigned. [3:07:10] Is it true [3:07:10] that CISA's [3:07:11] previous acting director [3:07:12] who was recently removed [3:07:14] from his position [3:07:15] failed the polygraph test [3:07:17] which was required [3:07:18] to access [3:07:18] certain sensitive documents? [3:07:20] Yes or no? [3:07:20] I'd have to refer you [3:07:23] to our security office. [3:07:24] It's been widely reported. [3:07:25] That is true. [3:07:27] Is it true [3:07:27] that the senior staff [3:07:28] leading CISA's [3:07:29] Secure by Design initiative [3:07:31] which promotes [3:07:32] the development [3:07:32] of more secure technologies [3:07:34] left the agency? [3:07:37] Is that true? [3:07:37] We've seen vacancies [3:07:38] in several spots [3:07:39] that will continue [3:07:39] to compound. [3:07:40] Senior staff [3:07:41] leading that effort [3:07:41] left. [3:07:42] Is it true [3:07:43] that the multi-state [3:07:44] information sharing [3:07:45] and analysis center [3:07:46] which provided [3:07:48] cybersecurity services [3:07:49] to state and local governments [3:07:50] was eliminated? [3:07:52] Is that true? [3:07:53] That is not true. [3:07:55] It is true. [3:07:55] The MSI set [3:07:56] continues to exist today, sir. [3:07:58] Our funding for it [3:07:59] through the cooperative agreements [3:08:00] does not. [3:08:01] That ended in September of 2025. [3:08:03] The funding is kind of [3:08:04] an important part of it [3:08:05] for the state [3:08:05] and local governments [3:08:06] who participated in it. [3:08:07] The funding is kind of [3:08:08] a critical piece of it. [3:08:09] Is it true [3:08:10] that the election infrastructure [3:08:11] sharing and analysis center [3:08:13] was eliminated? [3:08:15] No, sir. [3:08:15] Again, it was not eliminated. [3:08:16] We continue to... [3:08:17] Was the funding [3:08:17] for it eliminated? [3:08:18] I would have to... [3:08:21] Is it true [3:08:21] that the Cyber Safety [3:08:22] Review Board [3:08:23] was disbanded? [3:08:25] The Cyber Safety [3:08:26] Review Board authority [3:08:27] still exists [3:08:27] and should there be [3:08:28] an incident... [3:08:29] Is it operating? [3:08:30] Is it functional today? [3:08:31] Sir, the secretary [3:08:32] has the ability [3:08:33] to call us... [3:08:34] It's not. [3:08:35] Is it true [3:08:35] that the Cyber Security [3:08:37] Advisory Committee [3:08:38] was eliminated [3:08:39] and is not functioning today? [3:08:41] I'm sorry, sir. [3:08:42] I didn't catch which... [3:08:43] Cyber Security [3:08:44] Advisory Committee. [3:08:46] To the best of my knowledge, [3:08:47] that does not exist today. [3:08:48] Is it true [3:08:49] that the Critical [3:08:49] Infrastructure [3:08:50] Partnership [3:08:50] Advisory Council [3:08:52] no longer exists today, [3:08:53] to use your language? [3:08:54] Yes or no? [3:08:56] Sir, we have the authority [3:08:57] to be able to move forward [3:08:58] with CPAC. [3:08:59] I can't publish it [3:09:00] in the Federal Register [3:09:00] Notice [3:09:01] because it's not necessarily [3:09:03] directly touched on [3:09:04] imminence of threat [3:09:04] and protection of life [3:09:05] and property. [3:09:06] No longer operating. [3:09:07] Was operating in 2024 [3:09:08] is not today. [3:09:09] I want to make sure [3:09:09] I have this right. [3:09:10] Before a single dollar [3:09:12] of appropriations lapsed [3:09:13] before this shutdown, [3:09:15] this administration [3:09:15] cut 1,000 employees, [3:09:18] reassigned others [3:09:19] to immigration enforcement, [3:09:21] gutted advisory structures, [3:09:23] eliminated information-sharing partnerships. [3:09:26] When I read your opening statement, [3:09:28] I was struck by a few things [3:09:29] that you wrote. [3:09:30] You said, [3:09:31] and I'm quoting directly, [3:09:32] the shutdown prevents us [3:09:33] from operating under normal conditions. [3:09:34] You said, [3:09:35] many proactive services, [3:09:36] planning, [3:09:37] and the industry [3:09:37] and stakeholder engagements [3:09:38] are paused [3:09:39] or significantly scaled back. [3:09:41] You said, [3:09:42] planned engagements [3:09:42] with critical partners [3:09:44] are on hold [3:09:44] all because of the shutdown. [3:09:46] Those statements are true. [3:09:48] But here's the irony. [3:09:49] Long before this shutdown, [3:09:52] your agency's workforce was gutted. [3:09:54] Advisory committees [3:09:56] and stakeholder engagements [3:09:57] were shut down. [3:09:59] Information-sharing centers eliminated. [3:10:02] The shutdown [3:10:03] didn't start this crisis at CISA. [3:10:06] Donald Trump did. [3:10:08] And why? [3:10:09] Because in 2020, [3:10:11] CISA refused to validate [3:10:13] his stolen election conspiracy theory [3:10:15] and one of your predecessors, [3:10:16] a patriot, [3:10:18] refused to validate [3:10:19] President Trump's [3:10:20] stolen election conspiracy theory. [3:10:21] The legislation Democrats [3:10:24] have put forward [3:10:24] would fund CISA [3:10:25] and pay your staff, [3:10:26] but what we really need [3:10:27] is an administration [3:10:29] that treats cybersecurity [3:10:30] as a national security priority [3:10:32] and rebuilds [3:10:33] from the terrible damage [3:10:35] that's been done. [3:10:37] Mr. Anderson, [3:10:38] I want to go back [3:10:39] to Director, [3:10:41] Acting Director, [3:10:42] Gata McCalla [3:10:42] and the failed polygraph test. [3:10:46] That was a polygraph [3:10:47] required to access [3:10:48] sensitive documents. [3:10:49] My understanding is [3:10:50] six CISA employees [3:10:53] were put on leave [3:10:54] for following the protocols [3:10:57] required by CISA [3:10:59] and the agency [3:10:59] that owned that information. [3:11:02] And I want to ask you, [3:11:02] will you commit to working [3:11:04] with this committee [3:11:05] to ensure [3:11:07] that the employees [3:11:08] who were put on leave [3:11:09] or reinstated, [3:11:12] any derogatory information [3:11:13] added to their personnel records [3:11:15] are removed? [3:11:16] And if you won't commit to that, [3:11:19] will you commit to briefing [3:11:20] me and any other members [3:11:21] of this committee [3:11:22] about that incident? [3:11:24] I want to know [3:11:24] why Director, [3:11:25] Gata McCalla [3:11:26] failed the polygraph test [3:11:27] and why six employees [3:11:29] who were following [3:11:30] the agency's protocol [3:11:31] were put on leave? [3:11:33] Yes, sir. [3:11:34] We would be happy [3:11:35] to be able to share [3:11:35] that information [3:11:36] with this committee. [3:11:37] However, [3:11:38] I would have to refer you [3:11:39] to the Department of Homeland Security's [3:11:41] headquarters elements [3:11:42] that's actually leading [3:11:43] any investigation pertaining to that. [3:11:45] That is not an item [3:11:45] that's being investigated [3:11:46] within CISA. [3:11:48] Well, [3:11:48] will you commit to briefing us [3:11:50] and helping to facilitate [3:11:51] a briefing on that incident? [3:11:53] I'm committed to going back [3:11:54] to DHS [3:11:55] and carrying forward [3:11:56] that request back, [3:11:56] sir, [3:11:56] to be able to share [3:11:57] that information with you. [3:11:58] All right. [3:11:58] Thank you. [3:12:00] Gentleman yields back. [3:12:01] I now recognize [3:12:01] the gentleman from Tennessee, [3:12:03] Mr. Van Epps, [3:12:04] for five minutes. [3:12:05] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, [3:12:06] for holding this critically [3:12:07] important hearing [3:12:08] and to our witnesses [3:12:09] for joining us. [3:12:10] We are nearly 40 days [3:12:12] into this feckless shutdown. [3:12:14] The cost of this [3:12:15] Democrat political stunt [3:12:16] is the invaluable [3:12:18] human capital [3:12:19] of the men and women [3:12:20] that serve DHS. [3:12:21] Under the Biden administration's [3:12:24] open border policies, [3:12:26] we had criminals [3:12:26] coming into the country [3:12:27] that are putting [3:12:28] American lives at risk. [3:12:31] Like in the case [3:12:31] of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman, [3:12:34] just this week, [3:12:35] murdered by an illegal alien [3:12:37] who shouldn't have been here [3:12:39] in the first place. [3:12:41] Her sister is a student [3:12:42] at Vanderbilt University [3:12:44] in my district. [3:12:45] His family is suffering [3:12:46] unimaginable loss and pain, [3:12:48] and I'm sick of it. [3:12:51] And yet Democrats [3:12:52] are still keeping DHS shut down. [3:12:54] The very department [3:12:56] in charge of protecting [3:12:57] Americans at home. [3:12:59] Because of Democrats' [3:13:00] political games, [3:13:02] TSA personnel have gone [3:13:03] multiple pay periods [3:13:04] without compensation. [3:13:07] Ninety-five percent [3:13:08] of TSA's workforce [3:13:09] is deemed essential, [3:13:12] and we rely on them [3:13:13] every day to keep us safe. [3:13:16] These agents serve our country [3:13:17] and keep us safe every day. [3:13:20] And I'm thankful [3:13:20] for President Trump [3:13:21] and this administration [3:13:22] for doing so. [3:13:24] And yet Democrats [3:13:25] are treating them [3:13:26] like sacrificial lambs. [3:13:28] This is absolutely no way [3:13:29] to thank these brave men [3:13:31] and women. [3:13:32] Not only that, [3:13:33] but Democrats are creating [3:13:34] a compounding workforce [3:13:35] shortage crisis for TSA. [3:13:38] Already over 400 [3:13:39] transportation security officers [3:13:41] have separated from TSA. [3:13:43] And because it takes [3:13:44] four to six months [3:13:45] to train a TSO, [3:13:47] TSA hasn't finished [3:13:48] fully training [3:13:49] those hired to replace [3:13:51] the officers that left [3:13:52] during the last shutdown. [3:13:54] So, here we are in March, [3:13:56] with the first World Cup events [3:13:57] only a few months away. [3:13:59] And even if we reopen today, [3:14:01] we won't be able [3:14:02] to fully replace [3:14:02] the officers that have quit [3:14:04] because of Democrats' [3:14:05] unnecessary [3:14:06] and destructive shutdown. [3:14:09] Ahead of summer, [3:14:10] America's busiest travel season, [3:14:12] and major events [3:14:13] like FIFA, [3:14:14] the Olympics, [3:14:14] and America 250, [3:14:16] not to mention [3:14:16] the increased terror threat [3:14:18] due to the conflict [3:14:19] with Iran, [3:14:20] Democrats are foolishly [3:14:21] crippling TSA [3:14:22] and putting American lives [3:14:24] at risk. [3:14:25] This ridiculous shutdown [3:14:26] has gone on long enough. [3:14:28] It's time for my Democrat colleagues [3:14:30] to come to their senses. [3:14:32] Now, I want to thank you, [3:14:33] again, [3:14:34] thank our witnesses [3:14:34] for joining us [3:14:35] as I know you all [3:14:36] are operating [3:14:36] with a diminished workforce. [3:14:38] Ms. McNeil, [3:14:39] TSA lost over 1,000 TSOs [3:14:41] during the last shutdown, [3:14:43] and we've already lost [3:14:44] another 400 [3:14:45] during this shutdown. [3:14:46] The fact is, [3:14:47] we don't have four to six months [3:14:47] to train and surge workforce [3:14:49] needs ahead of the World Cup. [3:14:51] Can you talk a little bit more [3:14:52] to expound on how you're preparing [3:14:53] to accelerate preparedness [3:14:54] ahead of the anticipated [3:14:56] high traffic? [3:14:59] Thank you, Congressman. [3:15:00] We are obviously watching [3:15:01] our attrition rates [3:15:02] very closely, [3:15:03] looking at our ready pool [3:15:05] for recruitment [3:15:05] to see what we can do there [3:15:07] as well. [3:15:08] We have a national deployment force, [3:15:10] which is a national force [3:15:12] where we can surge [3:15:12] in different locations. [3:15:13] We're looking to increase [3:15:14] those numbers [3:15:15] and the training [3:15:16] for officers to join [3:15:17] that force, [3:15:18] and it will allow us [3:15:19] to surge [3:15:19] to these different locations. [3:15:21] But I will tell you [3:15:22] that we are [3:15:23] in a very dire situation [3:15:25] when it comes [3:15:25] to our ability [3:15:26] to staff [3:15:27] the multiple different locations [3:15:28] for the FIFA World Cup [3:15:30] as well as the base camps [3:15:31] where the teams [3:15:32] are going to be. [3:15:32] I mean, [3:15:32] this is going to be [3:15:33] a really complex operation. [3:15:35] And what's more, [3:15:36] what we are seeing [3:15:37] in this shutdown [3:15:38] is that more experienced [3:15:40] officers are leaving [3:15:41] and that expertise [3:15:42] you can only make up [3:15:43] with time and experience. [3:15:47] Thank you. [3:15:49] Admiral, [3:15:49] I want to talk [3:15:50] a couple of questions [3:15:51] on Coast Guard impacts [3:15:52] on readiness. [3:15:54] Sir, [3:15:54] how has the shutdown [3:15:55] impacted Coast Guard's [3:15:56] access to maintenance facilities? [3:15:58] Sir, [3:15:59] the United States [3:16:01] Defense Industrial Base [3:16:02] is already suffering. [3:16:03] There's not enough [3:16:04] capacity within it. [3:16:05] So we work very hard [3:16:07] to get the capacity [3:16:07] that we need. [3:16:08] Now that we have ships [3:16:09] in those yards [3:16:11] and they're doing maintenance, [3:16:13] we haven't been able [3:16:13] to pay them for 40 days. [3:16:15] So we are seeing [3:16:16] stop work orders [3:16:17] come in [3:16:17] on several of our ships, [3:16:19] and then several [3:16:20] of our vendors [3:16:21] are saying [3:16:21] they are not going [3:16:22] to continue to work [3:16:23] with the Coast Guard [3:16:24] because they can't [3:16:25] be guaranteed pay. [3:16:27] So, Admiral, [3:16:27] so those are the [3:16:28] Cutter's aircraft [3:16:29] small boats, [3:16:30] critical systems [3:16:31] that are under contract [3:16:32] that must be paused [3:16:32] during the shutdown? [3:16:35] Yes, sir. [3:16:36] So the payment [3:16:37] of those, [3:16:38] yes, sir. [3:16:38] Yes, sir. [3:16:40] Do you know, [3:16:41] ballpark, [3:16:41] how many Coast Guard assets [3:16:42] are going without maintenance [3:16:43] due to funding gaps? [3:16:45] So, sir, [3:16:46] right now we are allowed [3:16:48] to contract [3:16:49] for that maintenance. [3:16:50] It's then just dealing [3:16:51] with the vendors [3:16:51] that are providing it, [3:16:53] and we're watching [3:16:53] that number grow [3:16:54] every day [3:16:55] on those that are deciding [3:16:56] to cut off [3:16:57] the free support [3:16:58] to the Coast Guard. [3:16:59] Great, thank you. [3:17:00] And I'm out of time. [3:17:01] Thank you, witnesses. [3:17:01] We appreciate you [3:17:02] being here today. [3:17:03] Mr. Chairman, [3:17:03] I yield back. [3:17:04] Gentleman yields back. [3:17:05] I now recognize [3:17:05] the gentleman [3:17:06] from Louisiana, [3:17:07] Mr. Carter, [3:17:08] for five minutes of questions. [3:17:09] Mr. Chairman, [3:17:10] thank you very much. [3:17:10] You know, [3:17:11] I've repeatedly listened [3:17:12] to my colleagues [3:17:13] suggest that this is [3:17:14] a Democratic shutdown. [3:17:17] Are you aware, [3:17:19] Mr. McNeil, [3:17:19] that there were [3:17:20] at least five [3:17:21] opportunities [3:17:22] in the Senate [3:17:23] to pay TSA, [3:17:27] and it was blocked [3:17:28] by Republicans? [3:17:29] Are you aware of that? [3:17:30] I'm aware of the votes [3:17:33] on the Department [3:17:35] of Homeland Security [3:17:35] where the... [3:17:36] Ma'am, [3:17:37] are you aware [3:17:37] that there were [3:17:38] five opportunities [3:17:40] and it was blocked [3:17:41] where we could have [3:17:42] paid TSA? [3:17:43] The answer is yes. [3:17:44] Mr. Chairman, [3:17:45] could I ask you [3:17:46] to remind these individuals [3:17:48] that they're under oath? [3:17:52] Please? [3:17:53] Yes, [3:17:53] the witnesses [3:17:54] are reminded [3:17:54] that they are under oath. [3:17:56] Thank you very much. [3:17:57] Answer the questions [3:17:58] to the best of your ability. [3:18:00] Thank you. [3:18:01] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [3:18:02] Are you aware, [3:18:03] Ms. McNeil, [3:18:04] that in 2023, [3:18:06] under the leadership [3:18:07] of then Chairman [3:18:08] Benny Thompson, [3:18:09] TSA was granted [3:18:10] a race? [3:18:14] Yes or no? [3:18:15] I am aware. [3:18:16] Are you aware [3:18:16] that there wasn't [3:18:17] a single vote [3:18:18] on the Republican side [3:18:19] in this committee [3:18:20] to support that race? [3:18:22] I don't know the details. [3:18:24] You knew that we voted. [3:18:25] We did it. [3:18:25] And you knew that, [3:18:26] but you don't know [3:18:27] how the vote went down. [3:18:28] I wasn't... [3:18:28] Well, I will tell you [3:18:29] how it went down, ma'am. [3:18:30] Democrats unanimously voted [3:18:32] for it. [3:18:32] Republicans unanimously voted [3:18:33] against it. [3:18:34] But you got that race. [3:18:35] That's important to note [3:18:36] because what that demonstrates [3:18:38] is the support [3:18:39] that Democrats have [3:18:40] for men and women [3:18:42] who put on the uniform [3:18:43] and work for us [3:18:44] every single day [3:18:45] as we are fighting [3:18:45] to make sure [3:18:46] they're funded now. [3:18:48] Ms. Barton, [3:18:49] the state of Louisiana [3:18:50] currently has 20 hazard mitigation [3:18:52] and flood mitigation projects [3:18:54] totaling some $71 million [3:18:56] awaiting FEMA approval. [3:18:58] The majority of these [3:18:59] are stuck [3:19:00] in former Secretary [3:19:01] Nome's bottleneck approval process [3:19:03] for any award [3:19:05] over $100,000, [3:19:06] which, as you might imagine, [3:19:08] holds everything up. [3:19:10] Will these projects [3:19:10] finally be approved? [3:19:14] Hi, Congressman. [3:19:15] I am aware [3:19:16] that there are [3:19:17] mitigation projects [3:19:18] that are pending obligation. [3:19:21] They do get funded [3:19:22] out of the DRF. [3:19:24] As soon as [3:19:25] we are able [3:19:27] to ensure [3:19:28] that we have [3:19:28] a healthy funding ability, [3:19:31] we would be happy [3:19:32] to work with your office [3:19:33] and ensure [3:19:34] that those obligations [3:19:35] get made. [3:19:36] Thank you very much. [3:19:37] I appreciate that. [3:19:38] Ms. McNeil, [3:19:39] how many total hours [3:19:41] or weeks [3:19:41] does a TSA officer [3:19:43] candidate spend [3:19:44] in training [3:19:46] before being certified [3:19:47] for duty? [3:19:51] In total, [3:19:52] it takes about [3:19:52] four to six months [3:19:53] to fully start. [3:19:54] Four to six months. [3:19:54] Thank you. [3:19:55] And of that time, [3:19:56] what specific portion [3:19:57] is dedicated [3:19:58] to specialized detection skills, [3:20:00] such as identifying [3:20:01] concealed weapons, [3:20:02] explosives, [3:20:02] and other prohibited materials [3:20:04] through the physical screening [3:20:06] and advanced [3:20:07] imaging technology? [3:20:09] I would say significant, [3:20:10] but I can get you... [3:20:11] Significant. [3:20:13] Very good. [3:20:13] The administration, [3:20:14] but you have ICE agents [3:20:16] that are now there, [3:20:18] and it was said [3:20:19] in testimony [3:20:20] that they were helping [3:20:21] with screening. [3:20:22] But you just said [3:20:23] it takes four to six months [3:20:24] of training. [3:20:26] How can... [3:20:26] Don't shake your head, [3:20:27] ma'am. [3:20:28] It's on the record. [3:20:30] It was said [3:20:32] by you [3:20:33] or others [3:20:34] at this table [3:20:35] that they're there [3:20:37] to help with screening. [3:20:38] But they can't. [3:20:40] Not when you, [3:20:41] in your own testimony [3:20:42] moments ago [3:20:43] to Representative McIver [3:20:44] said you started [3:20:45] training them [3:20:46] on Monday. [3:20:47] Ma'am, [3:20:47] today is Wednesday. [3:20:49] I'm asking the questions. [3:20:50] Can you just wait [3:20:51] for me to answer? [3:20:53] Today's Wednesday. [3:20:55] You said you started Monday. [3:20:57] You also just said [3:20:58] that it takes [3:20:59] four to six months, [3:21:00] which spells out [3:21:02] exactly our fear [3:21:03] that it's nothing more [3:21:04] than window dressing [3:21:05] and cheap theater [3:21:07] and political performance [3:21:09] to bring ICE agents [3:21:11] in who are, [3:21:12] many of which [3:21:12] are hardly trained [3:21:13] to even do [3:21:14] the functions of ICE, [3:21:16] let alone to come [3:21:17] to airports [3:21:18] and do sophisticated [3:21:20] screening and training [3:21:21] that TSA officers [3:21:22] take four to six months [3:21:24] to be able to do. [3:21:25] Yet you suggest [3:21:26] that they can do it [3:21:28] with two days of training. [3:21:31] How is that possible, ma'am? [3:21:32] So the ICE officers [3:21:34] that are helping out [3:21:35] at these key airports [3:21:36] are not doing [3:21:36] the specialized screening functions. [3:21:38] They are doing [3:21:39] the functions [3:21:40] that don't take [3:21:42] as much training. [3:21:43] Which ones are those? [3:21:44] So those, [3:21:45] as I mentioned earlier, [3:21:47] helping man the queue, [3:21:48] helping with diversity. [3:21:49] Help man the queue, [3:21:50] direct the flow. [3:21:51] Direct the flow. [3:21:52] So no training [3:21:53] required for that at all. [3:21:54] But you're paying [3:21:55] TSA agents, [3:21:57] are you paying ICE agents [3:21:59] to come to airports [3:22:02] and you're paying them [3:22:03] a hefty sum [3:22:04] with limited or no training [3:22:06] to add insult to, [3:22:08] I'm not sure why [3:22:09] you keep making that face, ma'am. [3:22:10] I'm asking you questions [3:22:12] and all day [3:22:13] you have evaded [3:22:14] the opportunity [3:22:15] to answer honestly, [3:22:17] which is why [3:22:18] I asked the chairman [3:22:18] to remind you and others [3:22:20] that you're under oath. [3:22:22] This is not a game. [3:22:23] I don't care [3:22:24] who took you outside [3:22:25] and gave you [3:22:25] a coaching lesson [3:22:26] on how you should respond. [3:22:28] I would hope [3:22:28] they would tell you [3:22:29] to answer honestly, [3:22:31] to answer forthright, [3:22:33] to not dance around [3:22:34] and put yourself [3:22:35] in position [3:22:36] to possibly perjure yourself. [3:22:39] This is a very serious hearing [3:22:41] about dedicated workers [3:22:43] deserving to be paid [3:22:44] and there were [3:22:45] multiple opportunities [3:22:46] to do that, [3:22:47] even multiple opportunities [3:22:48] to ask you specifically, [3:22:50] would you support [3:22:51] a standalone bill [3:22:52] to make sure your people [3:22:53] were going to be paid? [3:22:54] And you said no. [3:22:55] Why would you not want to? [3:22:58] Mr. Chairman, [3:22:59] my time is expired, [3:23:01] but I will follow up. [3:23:04] And I recognize [3:23:05] the gentleman from Texas, [3:23:07] Mr. Green, [3:23:08] for five minutes of questions. [3:23:09] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [3:23:11] Thank the ranking member [3:23:12] and associate myself [3:23:13] with his commentary. [3:23:15] Friends, [3:23:17] members of the panel, [3:23:20] I have a question for you [3:23:22] and I would like for you [3:23:25] to extend your hand [3:23:26] into the air [3:23:27] if you believe [3:23:29] this is the case. [3:23:30] If you believe [3:23:33] that the Safeguard [3:23:35] America Voter Eligibility Act, [3:23:38] the SAVE Act, [3:23:40] caused the shutdown, [3:23:41] please raise your hand. [3:23:44] Please raise your hand [3:23:45] if you believe [3:23:46] it caused the shutdown. [3:23:49] Let the record reflect [3:23:50] that no one [3:23:51] has raised a hand. [3:23:53] I ask this question [3:23:54] because the president [3:23:55] is putting politics [3:23:57] above people. [3:23:59] I have in my hand [3:24:00] an article from The Hill. [3:24:02] It is styled [3:24:04] Trump colon [3:24:07] no shutdown deal [3:24:09] until Democrats [3:24:10] support Save America Act. [3:24:15] The real reason [3:24:15] the shutdown continues [3:24:18] is President Trump's [3:24:21] requiring the passage [3:24:23] of bills unrelated [3:24:25] to the shutdown. [3:24:28] That's the real reason. [3:24:31] Let me read [3:24:31] from the article [3:24:33] in part. [3:24:35] President Trump [3:24:35] late Sunday, [3:24:37] this was written on [3:24:38] 3-23-26 [3:24:40] a couple of days ago, [3:24:43] said there would be [3:24:43] no deal to end [3:24:45] the partial government [3:24:46] shutdown [3:24:46] until Democrats [3:24:47] join with Republicans [3:24:49] to pass [3:24:50] the Safeguard [3:24:51] America Voter [3:24:53] Eligibility Act, [3:24:56] the SAVE Act. [3:24:57] Now, [3:24:58] this article reads [3:24:59] in part, [3:25:01] Senator Majority Leader [3:25:03] John Thune [3:25:03] has reportedly said, [3:25:06] repeatedly, [3:25:08] there aren't enough votes [3:25:10] to get the bill [3:25:11] over the finish line [3:25:12] anytime soon. [3:25:13] Trump has written [3:25:15] that Republicans [3:25:19] should support [3:25:21] this bill [3:25:22] and that they should [3:25:24] somehow require [3:25:28] Democrats to do so. [3:25:31] But here's a quote [3:25:32] from the president, [3:25:34] and he's talking about [3:25:35] Republicans and Democrats [3:25:36] who don't support [3:25:37] this bill. [3:25:39] They will never be elected [3:25:40] again. [3:25:40] In other words, [3:25:42] lump everything together [3:25:43] as one [3:25:44] and vote [3:25:45] with three exclamation points. [3:25:49] Kill the filibuster. [3:25:50] Now, [3:25:51] there is the real reason. [3:25:52] The president [3:25:53] desires to kill [3:25:55] the filibuster. [3:25:57] The requirement [3:25:58] that you have [3:25:59] 60 votes [3:26:00] to get to cloture [3:26:01] before you can pass [3:26:03] a bill with 51. [3:26:04] He wants to kill [3:26:06] the filibuster. [3:26:08] And if he can [3:26:10] accomplish this, [3:26:11] then he'll do [3:26:12] some other dastardly things. [3:26:14] But killing the filibuster [3:26:15] is his goal, [3:26:16] and as a result [3:26:17] of this being his goal, [3:26:19] he is pushing [3:26:20] encouraging the Republicans [3:26:22] to use 51 votes [3:26:24] as opposed to continuing [3:26:25] to use the rule [3:26:27] that requires 60. [3:26:30] The president doesn't care [3:26:31] about the TSA workers. [3:26:34] This is not about [3:26:35] helping them. [3:26:37] It's about getting [3:26:38] his way, [3:26:39] and he has complete control [3:26:41] of the Republican Party. [3:26:43] He really does. [3:26:44] And given that he controls it, [3:26:47] he is demanding [3:26:47] that it obey his command [3:26:50] to kill the filibuster. [3:26:52] And he is providing them [3:26:53] a means, [3:26:54] a methodology [3:26:55] by which this can be accomplished. [3:26:57] Friends, [3:26:59] the president [3:27:00] does not really think [3:27:03] that keeping these workers [3:27:05] underpaid [3:27:07] and not paid at all [3:27:10] is an important issue [3:27:13] as it relates [3:27:14] to his presidency. [3:27:17] I differ with him, [3:27:19] and I want to defend [3:27:20] the TSA workers [3:27:21] as I close, [3:27:23] because to send in ICE [3:27:25] is an insult to them. [3:27:28] There has not been [3:27:29] any meaningful indications [3:27:31] that the workers [3:27:32] were not managing well [3:27:35] the crowds that were there, [3:27:37] the people who were coming in, [3:27:39] the public, [3:27:40] the flying public. [3:27:41] There's not been [3:27:42] any meaningful indication [3:27:43] that they have been [3:27:44] doing a good job. [3:27:46] And to somehow conclude [3:27:48] that ICE is necessary, [3:27:50] notwithstanding the fact [3:27:51] that a good many members [3:27:53] of the flying public [3:27:54] are antithetical to this, [3:27:55] is an insult to them. [3:27:58] I was in the airport [3:27:59] just yesterday, [3:28:00] and I had many people [3:28:01] to approach me [3:28:02] and tell me [3:28:03] that they are afraid of ICE, [3:28:05] and they would prefer [3:28:06] that ICE not be [3:28:06] at the airport. [3:28:08] So I say, [3:28:09] let's remove ICE, [3:28:12] let's pass legislation [3:28:14] to help the workers [3:28:16] get paid, [3:28:18] and let's end this attempt [3:28:20] to eliminate [3:28:21] the filibuster rule. [3:28:23] The filibuster rule [3:28:24] for the president [3:28:25] is an obstacle [3:28:26] that he plans to eliminate. [3:28:27] I thank you, [3:28:29] and I yield back. [3:28:31] Gentleman yields back. [3:28:34] Members are recognized. [3:28:36] Thank you very much, [3:28:37] Mr. Chairman. [3:28:38] Earlier in this hearing, [3:28:41] Mr. Pflueger [3:28:41] incorrectly stated [3:28:43] that this committee [3:28:44] held no hearings [3:28:45] on border security [3:28:47] in 2021 and 2022. [3:28:51] In fact, [3:28:52] the committee held [3:28:53] six full committee hearings [3:28:55] and 13 subcommittee hearings [3:28:58] in 2021 and 2022, [3:29:02] and I ask unanimous consent [3:29:04] to enter into the record [3:29:06] those committee [3:29:08] and subcommittee hearings. [3:29:10] Without objection. [3:29:12] Mr. Chairman, [3:29:13] I ask unanimous consent [3:29:14] to enter into the record [3:29:16] my letter signed [3:29:18] by 33 members of Congress [3:29:20] addressed to then-Secretary [3:29:22] Noem and Acting Administrator [3:29:24] of FEMA dated November 18, 2025, [3:29:29] calling for FEMA [3:29:30] to expedite the awards [3:29:32] for the $275 million [3:29:36] in non-profit security grant funding [3:29:39] that Congress appropriated [3:29:41] over a year. [3:29:43] Without objection. [3:29:44] Mr. Chairman, [3:29:45] on behalf of Mr. Magaziner, [3:29:47] I ask unanimous consent [3:29:49] to include in the record [3:29:51] that a letter from four unions [3:29:53] expressing support [3:29:54] for the Democratic funding [3:29:56] proposal for DHS. [3:29:59] Without objection. [3:30:01] I yield back. [3:30:02] The gentleman yields back. [3:30:03] I have a UC request, [3:30:04] Mr. Chairman. [3:30:05] Yes, Jonathan's recognized. [3:30:06] Yes, I ask unanimous consent [3:30:08] that the Hill article [3:30:10] styled Trump, [3:30:11] no shutdown deal [3:30:12] until Democrats support [3:30:13] Save America Act [3:30:15] that it be inserted [3:30:16] into the record. [3:30:17] Without objection. [3:30:17] Thank you. [3:30:18] Thank you. [3:30:19] Members of the committee, [3:30:21] witnesses, [3:30:22] thank you very much [3:30:23] for being here. [3:30:23] The members of the committee [3:30:24] may have some additional questions [3:30:26] for you all [3:30:27] and we'd ask that you all [3:30:29] respond to these in writing. [3:30:30] Pursuant to committee rule 7E, [3:30:33] the hearing record [3:30:34] will be held open for 10 days. [3:30:36] Again, thank you all [3:30:37] for your testimony today [3:30:38] and for being here. [3:30:39] And without objection, [3:30:40] this committee stands adjourned.