Rep. Van Epps Votes to Fund ICE and CBP

April 29, 2026 Press Release Rep. Van Epps Votes to Fund ICE and CBP WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Rep. Van Epps (TN-07) voted to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  and U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP via a reconciliation bill. Democrats have kept the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown for over 70 days, refusing to fund ICE and CBP. The DHS shutdown began on February 14 and is now the longest funding lapse ever recorded for a single federal department. This shutdown has caused operational delays throughout all ten agencies under DHS. From delays and backlogs to retention issues and unpaid bills and contracts, there will likely be long-term consequences due to this shutdown. Image Watch Rep. Van Epps’ remarks here . Rep. Van Epps stated, “It is absolutely appalling that Congressional Democrats have stood in the way of funding our homeland Security agencies for over two months. During this time, the critical services DHS provides to the American people are, at best, disrupted and, at worst, paused entirely. This comes as we prepare for the busiest travel season ever, celebrating our founding and welcoming visitors from around the world.” “This shutdown has also come during a threat environment unlike any other. The previous administration welcomed unvetted migrants across our border for four years, there have been three assassination attempts against the sitting President, and cyber threats targeting our critical infrastructure are accelerating. The threats are persistent, and they are here within our borders,” he continued. He said, “Democrats have demonized the brave men and women of ICE and CBP who are on the front line of this fight to protect the American people. This disrespect has been nothing short of despicable.” The Congressman concluded, “It is high time we empower these agencies to accomplish their crucial mission, and I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this budget resolution.” Background Rep. Van Epps has been very vocal regarding the widespread impacts of the Democrats’ DHS shutdown, on each of DHS’ ten agencies. He has commented on: Consequences of the shutdown on DHS personnel here . Importance of funding the Secret Service here . Getting ICE and CBP the resources they need here . Long-term consequences of this shutdown here . Effects of the DHS on critical operations here . Importance of paying ICE officers here . Impact on TSA agents here . DHS employees missing their paychecks here . TSA officers’ financial hardship here . Consequences on travelers here . Impact on airports here . Consequences for the American people here . Democrats’ refusal to fund DHS here . Concern over the increased terrorist threat here . Affect on Coast Guard operations here . Risk to national security here . Dangers to American safety here . Security risks to major events here . Risk to aviation security here . Affects on CISA and critical infrastructure here . Watch Rep. Van Epps talk about the DHS shutdown on OANN’s David Pollack show here and here , on the Dan Mandis show here , and on Newsmax here . Watch Rep. Van Epps’ whiteboard video explaining the DHS funding fight here . Watch Rep. Van Epps’ floor remarks on the DHS shutdown here . Watch Rep. Van Epps’ remarks on the DHS shutdown in a Homeland Security Committee hearing here .