Congressman Begich Votes to Restore DHS Funding and Support Homeland Security Personnel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 26, 2026 – Today, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) voted in favor of H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, legislation to restore full funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ensure that critical national security personnel.

“Americans depend on the men and women of DHS to keep our nation safe,” said Congressman Begich. “Congress must prioritize the safety and security of the American people, and this legislation restores critical funding and ensures DHS can carry out its mission without disruption.”

BACKGROUND:

H.R. 8029 provides $64.4 billion in discretionary funding to support DHS operations and protect the homeland. The legislation includes funding for defense activities, disaster response, and key security priorities, while also ensuring retroactive pay for frontline personnel impacted by the funding lapse.

The bill strengthens border security by supporting staffing and detention capacity for immigration enforcement and prioritizing the removal of criminal and removable aliens. It also enhances efforts to combat the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl into American communities.

H.R. 8029 invests in national security by increasing the Coast Guard’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region and providing a pay raise for Coast Guard servicemembers. 

The House has repeatedly passed legislation to fund DHS, but Senate Democrats have refused to come to the table and advance these measures, prolonging uncertainty for frontline personnel and risking national security operations.

Following House passage, H.R. 8029 now moves to the Senate.

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