This weekend’s ‘Operation Epic Fury’ comes after 47 years of an oppressive Iranian regime that has chanted “death to America.” As our service members carry out their mission across the globe, there has also been increased caution for Americans here at home and abroad. 

But as we navigate this critical time for our national security, Democrats are withholding funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS works to protect our southern border, prevent terrorism in the homeland, mitigate cybersecurity threats, and support Americans in the face of natural disasters. But all of these functions have been put at risk due to Democrats refusing their funding. This is also coming as members of the United States National Guard, stationed in the Middle East region, continue to protect thousands of Americans abroad and our military bases. Instead of being able to focus on the mission at hand, they now have to once again fear for their paychecks that are dependent on DHS funding.

The facts are simple:

• Between 2021 and 2024, more than 382 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were stopped while attempting to cross our southern border.

• At least 99 illegal aliens on the same watchlist were released into the United States by President Biden’s DHS.

• DHS was designed to defend the homeland after the 9/11 terror attacks, which was carried out by radical Islamist extremists.

• Despite active threats, almost every single Democrat voted to shut down DHS on February 14, 2026. The threats are real; our defenses must be up. 

This is not the moment for partisan games. We must reopen DHS and protect our homeland now.