Congressman Juan Ciscomani issued a statement as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding is set to expire at midnight on February 13, 2026, resulting in a partial government shutdown. The lapse in funding will delay or suspend key government programs.
“The American people expect Congress to fund the federal government and keep critical operations running — especially when it comes to our national security. Today, we should not be bracing for another shutdown over Democrat political posturing.
“As Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I take this responsibility seriously. The House delivered bipartisan full-year funding to prevent this very scenario.
“When Department of Homeland Security funding lapses, the consequences are immediate and real. Men and women who serve our country in the Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security Administration and Secret Service will miss paychecks. FEMA disaster response, cybersecurity operations, counterterrorism efforts, and key law enforcement programs will be disrupted. That is not responsible governance.
“Shutting down the government, even a partial shutdown, over policy disagreements means that the American people are used as bargaining chips by Senate Democrats. This is reckless. We can debate priorities — but we must keep the entire government open and fulfill our constitutional duty to fund it.”
Ciscomani called on Senate Democrats to pass a DHS funding bill so that Congress can maintain full government operations.
Juan Ciscomani has served in the U.S. Congress representing Arizona’s 6th District since 2023 after replacing Ann Kirkpatrick. He was born in Hermosillo, Mexico in 1982 and currently resides in Tucson. Ciscomani graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in 2005.
In recent elections, Ciscomani defeated Kirsten Engel both in 2022 and 2024 general elections.
