DHS Secretary Cites Potential Funding Shortfall by Early May

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faces a potential funding crisis, with its secretary warning that the agency could run out of money by the first week of May if Congress does not resolve the current impasse. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated in a Fox News interview that the department's payroll, amounting to over $1.6 billion every two weeks, is being sustained by emergency funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

He added that this funding source will soon be depleted, leaving no additional emergency reserves available.

The DHS shutdown has persisted for 66 days, surpassing the record for the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The impasse stems from congressional Democrats' refusal to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, while Republicans maintain their position on supporting these programs.

In late March, an executive order was signed to provide payments to Transportation Security Administration employees amid extended airport security lines. A subsequent executive order in early April extended payments to all DHS employees during the shutdown.

are attempting to secure funding for the entire department through the budget reconciliation process. Mullin noted that no further executive orders can access additional emergency funds, as none remain available. The situation affects DHS operations, including payroll for essential personnel. The funding lapse continues to impact agency functions without a resolution in sight.