Moore, Strong Back DHS CR as Shutdown Fight Deepens

U.S. Representatives Barry Moore (R-AL-01) and Dale String (R-AL-05) are backing a short-term funding bill to keep the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) running, as a growing standoff between the House and Senate drags on and strains federal operations nationwide.

Both Alabama Cingressmen supported H.R. 7147, the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, a stopgap measure that extends current funding levels through May 22 and ensures federal employees are paid following a lapse in appropriations.

“Americans are tired of Washington dysfunction causing real-world headaches like missed flights and long TSA lines," said Moore. "When Washington fails to fund the government on time, frontline professionals and American families pay the price - but Republicans did our job. Senate Democrats have blocked funding time and time again, forcing these dangerous disruptions. This Continuing Resolution ensures the people who keep our nation moving and secure are paid and on the job, travel runs smoothly, and critical missions aren't at risk. Now we must continue the work of achieving regular order for the first time in over 30 years.”

“All twelve Fiscal Year 2026 spending bills were negotiated with bipartisan support, yet Senate Democrats decided 43 days ago, at the eleventh hour, to hold DHS functions and personnel hostage in an attempt to advance their partisan agenda,” Strong said. “I applaud President Trump for taking executive action to pay TSA personnel, providing immediate relief from the Democrats’ shutdown for these frontline workers. The bill passed today by House Republicans will ensure that all DHS personnel and support staff are paid and can no longer be used as pawns in the Democrats’ partisan games. At a time when threats to our homeland security are at an all-time high, and with record numbers of criminal illegal aliens in our country as a result of Biden’s open border policies, we cannot afford to leave any portion of DHS’ mission underfunded or under-resourced. We must ensure that every security mission and employee is fully supported and paid, and that this administration has the tools to fully enforce our immigration laws and secure our nation. I am proud that the bill passed by the House today does just that.”

The House measure comes as Republicans rejected a Senate-backed proposal that would fund most of DHS but exclude key immigration enforcement agencies like ICE and Customs and Border Protection. That divide has fueled a weeks-long partial shutdown and deepened tensions between the two chambers.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) sharply criticized the Senate approach, arguing it fails to fully support law enforcement agencies tasked with securing the border. He warned the Senate plan would leave critical components of DHS underfunded, a position echoed by many House Republicans who insist any deal must include full funding for immigration enforcement.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) went further, openly criticizing Senate Republican leadership over the handling of the negotiations. He argued the upper chamber has not held a firm enough line in funding debates, reflecting broader frustration among conservatives with the direction of talks.

The dispute centers on immigration policy and enforcement funding, which has stalled negotiations and led to repeated failed votes in the Senate. Lawmakers remain divided over whether DHS funding should include reforms or limits tied to enforcement actions.

Meanwhile, the shutdown’s impact is being felt across the country. TSA staffing shortages and missed paychecks have already led to long airport lines and operational strain, underscoring the urgency behind temporary funding fixes.

Moore, Strong and other House Republicans say the continuing resolution offers a path forward — keeping DHS fully funded in the short term while buying time to negotiate a broader agreement.

The legislation also guarantees pay and benefits for federal workers affected during the funding lapse and ratifies emergency obligations made to protect life and property.

For now, the House and Senate remain at odds, with no clear resolution in sight — while calls to replace Senator John Thune (R-SD) as Majority Leader mount.