Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement on her 'no' vote on the fiscal year 2026 Homeland Security funding bill.

"The President promised the American people his deportation policy would remove violent criminals from the country, a goal I support- but that is not what is happening. Instead, Americans are being blatantly stripped of their rights - ripped from their homes without warrants, illegally detained and deported, and in cases like Renee Good's, killed. The Homeland Security funding bill fails to meet the urgency of this moment. Over the past months, we've all seen how ICE's enforcement practices are tearing families and communities apart, endangering American citizens, and undermining community trust in law enforcement. People deserve to feel safe on our streets, and no one should fear the federal agents that are meant to protect us. Instead of addressing the urgent need for transparency and accountability through measures like enhanced training or required body cameras, this bill makes no serious effort to reform ICE.

"While this bill has not earned my vote, I want to be clear that it contains other provisions important to me, such as funding for FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the TSA agents who keep us safe. In fact, I offered an amendment in an attempt to strengthen its support for TSA employees by ensuring they are paid during government shutdowns by redirecting funding from ICE. I speak to TSA agents every week when I'm commuting back and forth from Michigan. Their work is often thankless, and it's our duty to recognize the sacrifices and commitments they make to ensure our airports are safe and secure. TSA agents should never have to choose between doing their jobs and paying their bills."