Department of Homeland Security Slated to Receive Over $64 Billion in Funding Bill
The House is moving toward passing the funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as it looks to wrap up all 12 spending bills for fiscal year (FY) 2026 and avoid a partial government shutdown on January 30.
The DHS bill is shaping up to be the most controversial of the FY26 spending package. Democratic leaders say they cannot support the bipartisan-negotiated bill, arguing it fails to sufficiently limit President Trump’s use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Republican leaders counter that the bill strikes a balance between border security, enforcement, and accountability.
What’s in the Bill
The bill funds the Department of Homeland Security with $64.4 billion for FY 26. The legislation allocates $18.3 billion to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). And it allocates $10 billion to ICE, which is flat from the prior year.
Some of the provisions for ICE including the following:
$3.8 billion for detainment and deportation operations (a drop of $115 million)
$2.6 billion for Homeland Security Investigations
$20 million for body cameras
DHS ordered to standardize uniforms for domestic law enforcement except when officers are working undercover
Detention funding capped
Improves transparency around DHS’s use of funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill
In addition, DHS is ordered to provide additional de-escalation training for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, and training on the public’s right to record interactions with federal agents.
The bill puts Democrats in a tough spot.
Democratic Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) says the bill is a step toward reining in ICE, and that denying funding would affect other DHS agencies.
“The Homeland Security funding bill is more than just ICE. If we allow a lapse in funding, TSA agents will be forced to work without pay, FEMA assistance could be delayed, and the U.S. Coast Guard will be adversely affected,” said Rep. DeLauro.
But other Democrats say the bill is a non-starter.
“These reforms aren’t enough. [ICE’s] lawlessness has to stop. And they’re only doing this because they can,” said Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA).
Other Provisions in the Funding Bill
Beyond ICE, the legislation allocates $5.7 billion to FEMA, $873 million above current levels. It includes language restricting pauses in FEMA’s non-grant funding and includes new public reporting requirements on FEMA’s review of state reimbursement requests.
The Secret Service would be funded with $3.3 billion, including $44 million for planning and coordination of security around major events, like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would receive $11.8 billion, including $6 billion for the frontline screening workforce.
The U.S. Coast Guard is on track to get $13.9 billion, “reflecting enhancement of resources to modernize the Coast Guard and support surge operations to safeguard our border and promote national security.”