Republicans Cite Iran War to Push for Homeland Security Funding

GOP lawmakers invoke threat of retaliation as they seek to break Democratic opposition to DHS budget bill.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Republicans in Congress are using the ongoing conflict with Iran as justification to push for a new funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which has been operating without a budget since February. Democrats have blocked previous DHS funding bills over concerns about immigration enforcement, but GOP leaders argue the threat of terrorist retaliation makes it crucial to fully fund the agency.

Why it matters

The dispute over DHS funding highlights the continued partisan gridlock in Congress, even as national security concerns have taken on new urgency following the outbreak of war with Iran. The outcome could impact airport security, cybersecurity protections, and disaster response capabilities at a time of heightened risk.

The details

The House approved a DHS spending bill in January, but it stalled in the Senate as Democrats sought changes to immigration enforcement policies. Republicans are now invoking the war in Iran and the prospect of retaliatory attacks as they push for a new vote, arguing the agency needs to be fully funded and staffed. Democrats say they are willing to fund most DHS operations, but not Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection, which they want to see reformed.

  • The DHS funding lapsed on February 14 after the Senate failed to pass a bill.
  • The House and Senate are expected to hold votes on a new DHS funding bill on March 5.

The players

Mike Johnson

House Speaker, calling for a fully funded and staffed DHS in light of the conflict with Iran.

Jim McGovern

Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts, criticizing the GOP's "rotten bill" that does not constrain ICE and CBP.

Lindsey Graham

Republican Senator from South Carolina, arguing that America is "under siege" and DHS must be funded.

Kristi Noem

Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Democratic leader, acknowledging differences with the White House but saying negotiations are ongoing.

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What they’re saying

“'The military action in Iran makes it all more urgent and crucial to have a fully funded, fully staffed DHS across all its departments.'”

— Mike Johnson, House Speaker (wbal.com)

“'It's the same lousy, rotten bill that does not put any guardrails or constraints on ICE or CBP after federal agents shot American citizens in the street.'”

— Jim McGovern, Democratic Congressman (wbal.com)

“'Can we not understand America is under siege, now likely to be attacked because radical Islam is under siege, and they're going to hit back and we're sitting here looking at each other and not funding DHS.'”

— Lindsey Graham, Republican Senator (wbal.com)

What’s next

The House and Senate are expected to hold votes on a new DHS funding bill on March 5, with Republicans hoping to break the Democratic opposition by citing the threat from Iran.

The takeaway

The dispute over DHS funding reflects the continued partisan gridlock in Congress, even as national security concerns have taken on new urgency following the outbreak of war with Iran. The outcome could have significant implications for airport security, cybersecurity, and disaster response capabilities at a time of heightened risk.