Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis called on March 13 for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to support funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), citing concerns about national security and recent attempted attacks in New York City.
The issue has gained urgency as agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are currently operating with limited functions, while Coast Guard personnel serve without pay. Malliotakis said that fully funding DHS is necessary to ensure law enforcement officers, TSA agents, and Coast Guard members receive their paychecks and that critical security initiatives remain in place.
In January, House Republicans passed a full-year DHS funding bill negotiated by both House and Senate Appropriators. However, according to Malliotakis, Democrats later withdrew support, leading to a shutdown of key DHS operations. Last week, the House passed H.R. 7744, which allocates $64.4 billion in discretionary funding for homeland protection activities, $6.3 billion offset by fee collections, and $26.37 billion for disaster response and recovery. The bill also includes measures to bolster border protections and counter threats from China.
“Just last week, House Republicans once again took action and passed legislation to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and ensure the men and women protecting our country are paid. Despite four Democrats joining us in the House, Senate Democrats continue to block this critical funding, putting politics ahead of the safety and security of the American people. At a time when threats against our homeland remain real — especially here in New York — Congress should be focused on supporting the Coast Guard, TSA agents, and law enforcement officers who keep us safe,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.
Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo said: “This is not a time for partisan politics, we’re all New Yorkers and we’re all Americans. This has really got to stop. You need to pass these bills to get this funding to our men and women who are going without paychecks.” Assemblyman Mike Reilly added: “This funding it really supports how we handle things not only here in New York but across the country… Without that support without that grant funding, our men and women in the field can’t do their job.” Assemblyman Michael Tannousis said: “The public safety of New Yorker’s cannot be used as a bartering chip within their political game… Securing the safety of our nation must never become a partisan issue.” Frank LaMarch from the American Legion stated: “At a time when the United States faces one of our highest levels of risk in decades due to ongoing global events, it is completely unacceptable for Coast Guard members and their families to face the possibility of missing a paycheck.”
Malliotakis is currently serving in Congress representing New York’s 11th district after replacing Max Rose in 2021 according to available information. She has served as U.S. Representative since 2021 after previously working in the New York State Assembly from 2011 through 2021 according to available records. Born in New York City in 1980, she resides on Staten Island according to biographical data. She graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor’s degree before earning another degree from Wagner College according to educational records.
Supporters say they hope Congressional leaders will act quickly so federal employees can return to work with full pay amid ongoing security concerns.
