Fedorchak backs effort to pay Homeland Security personnel for third time

March 26, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) voted to advance the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act , legislation to restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and pay the men and women protecting our country without delay. “Behind every DHS badge is a family counting on a paycheck. These are heroes who work hard to secure the border, protect the skies, stop terrorist threats, defend critical infrastructure, and lead disaster response. They should never be caught in the middle of Washington dysfunction,” Fedorchak said. “It's past time for my Democrat colleagues to do the right thing, stop putting politics ahead of problem solving, and fully fund DHS.” The legislation restores funding for key DHS components, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, TSA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act : Reopens and fully funds the Department of Homeland Security. Guarantees full and timely pay for frontline personnel. Restores operational stability across border security, aviation, and emergency response. Fiscal Year 2026 DHS shutdown facts: Senate Democrats’ refusal to act has caused at least $2.5 billion in economic losses so far. More than 100,000 DHS employees, including 50,000 TSA officers, are working without pay. More than 400 TSA officers have quit since the DHS shutdown began. TSA callouts have surged to roughly double the normal levels. Staffing shortages are driving longer security lines, disrupting travel nationwide. Issues : National Defense and Security