Cuellar Breaks with Democrats on DHS Funding, Voter ID Bill

The Texas congressman's moves come as he faces a tight re-election race against a Republican challenger.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Laredo, Texas, has broken with his party on two major issues this week - calling for continued funding to the Department of Homeland Security and casting the lone Democratic vote for a bill that requires proof of citizenship to vote. Cuellar's actions come as he is expected to face a tough re-election battle against a Republican challenger in November.

Why it matters

Cuellar's moves to support DHS funding and the voter ID bill put him at odds with the majority of his Democratic colleagues. This could help shore up support from Republican and independent voters in his district, but may also alienate some Democratic voters. The outcome of Cuellar's re-election race could have implications for the balance of power in Congress.

The details

Cuellar voted for the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to present a U.S. passport or birth certificate when registering, and show a photo ID at the polls. The bill passed the House as an amendment to another bill, but faces long odds in the Senate. Cuellar also called for continued funding to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement, despite calls from Senate Democrats to withhold funding unless there is more oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

  • On Wednesday, the SAVE America Act passed the House as an amendment to another bill.
  • On Thursday, negotiations stalled in the Senate on DHS funding, making a government shutdown likely as lawmakers prepare to leave for a 10-day recess.

The players

Henry Cuellar

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Laredo, Texas who is expected to face a tight re-election race against a Republican challenger in November.

Tano Tijerina

The Republican Webb County Judge who is challenging Cuellar in the November election.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who has pushed hard for the voter ID bill.

Elon Musk

The Texas billionaire who has also pushed for the voter ID bill.

Chip Roy

The Republican U.S. Representative from Austin who authored the SAVE America Act.

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What they’re saying

“I support the SAVE America Act because I believe in a fundamental principle: American citizens should decide American elections. That principle strengthens our democracy and protects the value of every vote.”

— Henry Cuellar, U.S. Representative (X)

“The American people... want only American citizens to vote in American elections. I want to see people who want to oppose it go to the floor of the Senate and try to explain to the American people why they wouldn't support this common-sense legislation.”

— Chip Roy, U.S. Representative (News conference)

“Shutting down the Department of Homeland does not make our borders stronger, it does not make our communities safer, it does not honor the public servants who depend on us to do our jobs.”

— Henry Cuellar, U.S. Representative (Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee hearing)

What’s next

The SAVE America Act faces long odds in the Senate, where Democrats can more easily block legislation. Negotiations on DHS funding are stalled in the Senate, making a government shutdown likely as lawmakers prepare to leave for a 10-day recess.

The takeaway

Cuellar's decision to break with his party on these high-profile issues could help him appeal to Republican and independent voters in his district, but may also alienate some Democratic supporters as he faces a tough re-election battle. The outcome of his race could have broader implications for the balance of power in Congress.