Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 7744, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026, legislation to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY26 and end the partial government shutdown. House Republicans passed the full-year DHS funding bill earlier this year as part of the FY26 appropriations process. However, Senate Democrats blocked efforts to advance the bill, triggering a lapse in funding for DHS and a partial shutdown of the department.

"Now is not the time to leave agencies critical to our national security in limbo. With global tensions rising and real threats facing our homeland, the Department of Homeland Security must be fully funded and operational," Fedorchak said. "Reopening DHS is the responsible thing to do at a time when America must project strength and readiness at home. It's hard to understand why Democrats voted no."

H.R. 7744 provides appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the remainder of FY26 and ends the partial DHS shutdown that began on February 14, 2026, after Senate Democrats blocked efforts to advance the bill, preventing it from reaching the 60-vote threshold required to move forward.

The partial shutdown has affected major DHS components including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Coast Guard, and the Secret Service, while many employees in mission-critical roles have continued working without guaranteed pay.

The vote comes as security concerns increase following recent U.S. military operations against Iran and heightened threats from terrorist organizations and foreign adversaries.

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