Statement: Homeland Security

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the House Rules Committee in opposition to Republicans’ 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill:

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks at the Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2024 Homeland Security bill.

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Appropriations Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2024 Homeland Security bill.

The bill also misses opportunities to make smart investments to address urgent issues facing our country – such as providing more resources to counter the trafficking of illicit narcotics into our country, such as fentanyl and opioids; expanding our capacities at our ports of entry and interior checkpoints; intel specialists, inspection and detection technology, and infrastructure upgrades to keep pace with increasing volumes of trade and travel to the U.S. as global supply chains and international travel rebound to pre-pandemic levels; and requiring an updated Border Security Improvement Plan – which is now completely outdated.

Aside from being built on a house of cards, the bill before us today makes irresponsible investments that weaken our national security and harm the Homeland Security workforce. It will not get control at the border. My Republican colleagues are once again proposing to waste billions of dollars on a useless and ineffective border wall – rather than focusing resources where we need them most, like combatting fentanyl entering through our ports of entry, supporting the Homeland Security workforce, discouraging the flow of migrants from Central America, helping our border communities, advancing our cybersecurity posture, and protecting our communities from violent extremism and foreign adversaries.

"Commissioner Miller – you and I have discussed the several issues that CBP has been called upon to address. From managing an increasingly complex humanitarian challenge at our border; to countering the flow of illicit drugs through our ports of entry; to combatting forced labor – CBP has never been asked to do more. As appropriators, we must ensure that you have what you need to accomplish these missions."

"The Coast Guard plays a critical role in many facets of our lives — from saving those in peril to securing our borders and ensuring our national security. The Coast Guard’s fiscal year 2024 budget request of $13.2 billion makes key investments in personnel, vessels, aircraft, and other programs that will assist in its search and rescue mission along with critical activities at our maritime border, including the interdiction of drugs and addressing the increasing flow of migrants."

"The frequency and severity of disasters not just in Texas but all over the country is on the rise and increasing in severity. FEMA’s work helps communities affected by these disasters. The disaster relief fund provides the funding necessary to respond to disasters like in Texas and assist with the recovery process, including providing critical resources and supplies. FEMA plays a vital role in helping during our greatest time of need, before, during, and after disasters."