Congressman Juan Ciscomani joined Speaker Mike Johnson and other House Republican leaders on Mar. 26 to call for the immediate passage of his Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, which aims to ensure Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees receive uninterrupted pay.
The legislation comes as thousands of DHS workers, including Transportation Security Administration officers, Customs and Border Protection staff, and Coast Guard service members face financial uncertainty due to ongoing funding disputes in Congress. Supporters say the bill is necessary to prevent these essential workers from being caught in political disagreements that could disrupt their livelihoods.
Ciscomani said during a press conference, “Now we’re taking action this week with my bill Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, which will be considered by the House tomorrow. We expect Democrats to once again to vote to defund law enforcement. Vote against our national security interests. This legislation is straightforward though. It ensures the TSA agents and all DHS personnel, all of them, are paid for their critical work they do, even as broader negotiations continue.” He added that ensuring consistent pay would support mission readiness and morale among frontline homeland security staff.
Speaker Mike Johnson praised Ciscomani’s leadership on the bill: “I so appreciate Congressman Juan Ciscomani. As he noted, he was in charge of the homeland bill as it’s in its earliest stages coming through the House, and it was a bipartisan bill… we always have Homeland funded as an entire department.” Majority Leader Steve Scalise also commented on challenges faced by travelers amid disruptions: “It’s a sad moment that we’re up here still talking about the fact that the Democrats continue to shut down the Department of Homeland Security… you’ve got people sleeping overnight… so that they can have a chance of making their flight.”
According to public records Juan Ciscomani defeated Kirsten Engel in both 2022 and 2024 general elections for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District. He has represented Arizona’s 6th district since replacing Ann Kirkpatrick in 2023 according to azcentral.com. Born in Hermosillo, Mexico in 1982 and currently residing in Tucson as reported by U.S. House records, Ciscomani graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005 according to University of Arizona News.
The proposed act seeks not only immediate relief but also long-term stability for those serving at DHS during future periods of fiscal uncertainty.
