Kansas City Area Republicans Urge DHS to Release World Cup Security Funding from the Working Families Tax Cut Law

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) led a letter with Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. The Congressmen are urging Secretary Noem to release World Cup security funding through the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

In the Working Families Tax Cut law, Republicans secured $625 million in federal funding for World Cup host cities' security operations, including Kansas City, without the support of a single Democrat. This funding cannot be allowed to be stalled by Democrats' reckless shutdown of DHS because it is essential for planning and executing the safety and security operations required to host an international event.

Read the full letter to Secretary Noem here.

Read key excerpts below:

"Dear Secretary Noem:

"We write today regarding the $625 million in federal security funding Congress provided for the 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities. With less than 100 days remaining until kickoff, host cities across the United States, including Kansas City, still have not received notification of their grant awards. This uncertainty is creating serious challenges for local officials who are responsible for preparing security operations for one of the largest global events ever hosted on American soil.

"The ongoing Democrat shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has further complicated this process. As you have noted publicly, by shutting down DHS, Democrats have forced significant portions of FEMA staff to be placed on administrative leave, including many of the personnel responsible for reviewing and processing these grants. The longer Democrats refuse to appropriately fund DHS, the more difficult it becomes for host cities to finalize contracts, procure equipment, and complete the necessary planning to safely host this global event. It is critical that DHS operations return to full capacity as soon as possible so the Department can carry out its essential mission of protecting the American people and preparing our communities for the World Cup.

"Congress appropriated these funds last year through the Working Families Tax Cut Law, one of President Trump's signature achievements, to ensure that host cities could implement the robust security measures required for an event of this scale. The Notice of Funding Opportunity anticipated that awards would be made no later than January 30, yet those notifications have not been issued. As a result, local governments and host committees remain unable to finalize contracts, procure equipment, or hire the personnel necessary to secure the event.

"This funding is not optional. It is essential for planning and executing the safety and security operations required to protect millions of visitors, athletes, and spectators who will travel to the United States for the tournament.

"Recent events underscore why this funding must be released as quickly as possible. The ongoing major combat operations in Iran have significantly elevated global security concerns, and intelligence officials have warned that Iranian retaliation or proxy activity could target U.S. interests. Experts have specifically warned that large international gatherings such as the 2026 World Cup could present attractive targets for terrorism or lone-actor attacks during periods of geopolitical tension. Ensuring that host cities have the resources necessary to prepare robust counterterrorism measures, coordinate with federal agencies, and secure high-profile venues is therefore not just a logistical matter but a critical national security priority. …

"Despite the reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible Democrat DHS shutdown, we respectfully urge the Department to finalize the review process and release the World Cup security grants as quickly as possible so that host cities can complete their preparations."

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