Press Releases

WASHINGTON - House Republicans are advancing H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026, legislation led by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) to reopen and fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and deliver backpay to those on the frontline who have been working without pay during the Democrats’ shutdown.

After weeks of disruption and growing strain on frontline operations, the legislation would restore certainty for the personnel Americans rely on every day to secure the border, protect airports, defend critical infrastructure, and respond to threats at home and abroad.

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) released the following statement:

“Once again, Democrats have put the desires of violent illegal aliens above the needs of the American people,” Chairwoman McClain said. “Since Democrats first defunded our homeland security, a terrorist with a ‘Property of Allah’ sweatshirt committed a mass shooting, travelers have been forced to stand in three- and four-hour lines to go through TSA security, and a teen was killed by an illegal immigrant in Chicago. Enough is enough. Get your priorities straight. Fund our national security. And pay our homeland defenders.”

This is what happens when Democrats prioritize illegal immigrants over public safety. Their refusal to act has created real gaps in our homeland security and put Americans at unnecessary risk, all while prioritizing policies that protect those here illegally. House Republicans are stepping in to restore order and make clear that public safety comes first.