Ranking Member Underwood Statement at the Subcommittee Markup of the 2025 Homeland Security Funding Bill

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Acting Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's markup of the 2025 funding bill:

Good morning, it is an honor to be with you all today in my new capacity as Acting Ranking Member for this subcommittee. I look forward to the meaningful work that we will do to advance our security and the well-being of our nation.

I'd like to thank Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro and Subcommittee Chairman Amodei for their continued commitment to this process, as well as the subcommittee staff for their hard work and support.

While we have had difficult and necessary conversations about the legislation we are considering today—I am thankful for your partnership in this process.

Through bipartisan work we were able to agree on some shared priorities, including sustained funding for Child Well-Being specialists, expansion of employee wellness and suicide prevention programs, and resources to increase accountability at the Coast Guard as we work to protect cadets from sexual harassment and assault.

Yet, even with these silver linings this bill falls short of addressing the real and urgent needs of the American people.

The challenges our country faces cannot be understated. We are living in unprecedented times and must look to solve both new and old problems with innovative and effective solutions.

As we confront threats from foreign adversaries, experience a rise in domestic extremism and terrorism, and counter the flow of dangerous narcotics like fentanyl—the appropriations process gives us a chance to put our money where our mouth is.

Unfortunately, the legislation put forward by the majority today misses the mark and ignores our country's most pressing needs. Instead of investing in real solutions to the challenges we face, this bill invests in extreme MAGA policies and ignores the voices of the American people. That is why I cannot support it.

This bill increases funding for outdated, inhumane, and ineffective solutions to respond to the humanitarian challenges at our border. Yet, at the same time, with cuts like $2.1 billion to Border Patrol operations, including the complete elimination of the Shelter and Services Program, this legislation strips away funding needed to keep our borders and communities secure.

Eliminating the Shelter and Services Program will not stop migration—it will only hinder the ability of states and localities to manage this surge humanely and safely—ensuring chaos and desperation across the country.

As Republicans have tried unsuccessfully, time and time again to make detention the "one size-fits all solution" to our immigration system, their bill does not reflect our American values.

This legislation also fails to protect Americans from extremism and violence. By cutting funding for targeted violence and terrorism prevention grants—this bill sends the message that state, local, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofits, are on their own when facing extremism.

And the list goes on. This bill fails to make critical investments in the cybersecurity and infrastructure needed to support our national security goals. It does not consider the urgency of climate change and fails to make investments that would ensure the resiliency of our communities.

This bill is shortsighted and leaves our nation vulnerable by embracing ineffective and disproven MAGA policies.

It lacks serious solutions to the grave challenges we are facing here at home. Instead, the majority has inserted extreme policies that they know are going nowhere – just for political points.

Time and time again this Congress, we have seen this majority choose to cut essential programs and services, senselessly inflicting real and needless harm to the American people. This bill is proof of that, and I cannot support it.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on a bill that puts people over politics and funds the priorities that will keep our country safe, healthy, and prepared to face our challenges with resolve.

Thank you for your time.

I yield back.

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