Republicans Cite Iran War in Push for Homeland Security Funding

GOP lawmakers invoke prospect of terrorist attacks to pressure Democrats on DHS budget

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Republicans in Congress are using the ongoing conflict with Iran and the threat of retaliatory terrorist attacks to pressure Democrats into approving a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The House has already passed a DHS spending bill, but it stalled in the Senate as Democrats sought changes to immigration enforcement operations. Republicans are now calling on Democrats to reconsider their position, arguing that a fully funded and staffed DHS is crucial in the wake of the Iran war.

Why it matters

The dispute over DHS funding has left the department operating on a temporary budget, with many employees not receiving full paychecks. Republicans warn that this could lead to staffing shortages and disruptions at airports, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and canceled training for first responders. Democrats, however, are seeking reforms to limit ICE and CBP's enforcement powers, which Republicans have so far rejected.

The details

The House approved a DHS spending bill in January, but it stalled in the Senate as Democrats insisted on changes to immigration enforcement operations following a shooting incident in Minneapolis. Republicans are now invoking the war in Iran and the prospect of retaliatory terrorist attacks as they push for a vote on the original House bill. Democrats say they are willing to fund most DHS agencies, but not ICE or CBP without reforms.

  • The House and Senate are expected to hold votes on the DHS funding bill on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • DHS funding lapsed on February 14, 2026 after the Senate failed to pass the House bill.

The players

Mike Johnson

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

Jim McGovern

Democratic Representative from Massachusetts, criticizing the GOP bill for not putting enough constraints on ICE and CBP.

Lindsey Graham

Republican Senator from South Carolina, arguing that America is "under siege" and that DHS must be fully 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 (ksgf.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 Representative (ksgf.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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The House and Senate are expected to hold votes on the DHS funding bill on Thursday, March 5, 2026. If the bill passes, it will then go to the White House for the President's signature.

The takeaway

The dispute over DHS funding has become entangled in the broader political battle over immigration enforcement, with Republicans using national security concerns to pressure Democrats, who are seeking reforms to limit the powers of ICE and CBP. The outcome of these votes could have significant implications for the department's ability to respond to potential terrorist threats in the wake of the Iran conflict.