Republican Outraged By DHS Funding Lapse
Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) is raising serious concerns about the ongoing funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), warning that the situation could leave the United States more vulnerable during a time of rising global tensions.
Speaking Thursday during an interview on Newsmax, Zinke described the DHS funding lapse as “outrageous” and said the timing could not be worse as the United States faces growing security threats overseas and at home.
His remarks come as lawmakers in Washington remain divided over how to resolve the partial DHS shutdown, which is approaching its fourth week.
DHS Shutdown Continues Amid Political Standoff
As of Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security remained partially shut down due to the funding dispute.
Despite the lapse in funding, many DHS operations continue because thousands of employees are considered essential workers. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are still screening airline passengers nationwide, with reports indicating that roughly 95 percent of TSA personnel remain on duty.
The shutdown has also coincided with a leadership shake-up at DHS.
President Donald Trump recently removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to lead the department moving forward.
However, Democratic lawmakers say the leadership change does not solve the underlying dispute over DHS funding.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters the shutdown stems from policy disagreements rather than personnel issues.
Zinke Warns Timing Could Be Dangerous
Zinke argued that allowing DHS funding to lapse during a time of international conflict raises serious concerns about national security.
The Montana congressman pointed to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and warned that threats against the United States remain real.
According to Zinke, the possibility of terrorist sleeper cells operating inside the United States makes maintaining strong homeland security operations especially critical.
He emphasized that weakening federal agencies responsible for protecting the country could increase potential risks.
Shutdown Disrupts Critical Homeland Security Operations
While key enforcement agencies continue working during the shutdown, Zinke said the funding lapse still disrupts many important DHS functions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues operations, but other parts of the department — including internal support operations and agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard — face challenges when funding is interrupted.
These support systems, Zinke said, play a crucial role in maintaining the overall effectiveness of America’s homeland security infrastructure.
Without proper funding, those operations can become strained.
Immigration Enforcement Funding Remains Key Issue
One of the central disagreements in Washington involves funding levels and restrictions tied to immigration enforcement.
Zinke said a properly structured continuing resolution could provide additional resources to Immigration and Customs Enforcement without imposing new limitations.
However, he argued that another proposal currently being discussed would slightly reduce ICE funding while adding additional restrictions on how the agency operates.
Supporters of stronger border enforcement say maintaining sufficient funding for immigration enforcement is essential for national security.
Concerns About Terror Networks Beyond the Middle East
During the interview, Zinke also discussed broader global security concerns.
He noted that groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthi movement operate in regions outside the Middle East and maintain international networks.
Zinke also pointed to Venezuela as an example of a country where extremist groups have reportedly developed a presence outside the Middle East.
These global connections, he suggested, highlight why the United States must remain vigilant when it comes to homeland security.
Pressure Builds for a DHS Funding Agreement
With the Department of Homeland Security shutdown nearing the one-month mark, pressure is increasing on lawmakers in Washington to find a solution.
Many national security advocates argue that prolonged funding disputes can undermine the ability of federal agencies to carry out their mission effectively.
For supporters of the Trump administration’s immigration and security policies, ensuring strong and consistent funding for DHS remains a top priority.
