Gov. Rhoden and Colleagues Urge Schumer to Pass DHS Funding Package

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden and Colleagues Urge Schumer to Pass DHS Funding Package

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and 20 fellow Republican governors sent a letter to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging him to pass the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding package. You can find the letter here.

"A fully funded Department of Homeland Security ensures our national security and public safety, protecting the American people from threats within our borders and beyond," wrote Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. "For over two weeks, Senate Democrats have blocked DHS funding amid a partial government shutdown over demands for immigration enforcement reforms. The safety and security of the American people should never be used as a political pawn."

This letter comes in the wake of a mass shooting in Texas, which left three dead and 14 injured. The tragic incident further exasperates the heightened need for a fully-funded DHS.

"As details about the shooter and possible extremist motives emerge, it is evident that delays in funding to DHS hinder counterterrorism, border security, and intelligence efforts," continued Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues.

Governor Rhoden was joined in signing this letter by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Idaho Governor Brad Little, Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, South Carolina Governor Henry Dargan McMaster, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.

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