Hearing Report: DHS Secretary Mullin Testifies Again on FY27 Budget Request

June 3, 2026

In yet another combative hearing today, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin testified before the House Homeland Security Committee regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security. Aviation security and international passenger facilitation issues were only briefly mentioned during the hearing, which focused heavily on immigration enforcement and border security concerns.

Yesterday, Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Committee Democrats sent a letter to Secretary Mullin to express concern about proposed plans to remove Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel from major international airports in sanctuary cities, warning that such actions would cripple passenger travel and inflict serious damage on the U.S. economy. At the hearing, Representative Nellie Pou (D-NJ) referenced concerns raised by industry groups, including AAAE, about such plans and asked specifically about Newark Liberty International Airport. Secretary Mullin stated that if state and local authorities are unwilling or unable to cooperate and respond, then federal resources, including CBP officers from airports, will need to be pulled to protect federal facilities and DHS employees. Mullin stated that state and local New Jersey authorities are currently cooperating and helping respond and, as a result, there is no current plan to remove CBP officers from Newark airport.

Representative Dale Strong (R-AL), sponsor of the House version of the “Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act”, asked Secretary Mullin about his support for the legislation, which would end the diversion of the revenue collected through the TSA’s 9/11 Passenger Security Fee and direct the funding to aviation and airport security and technology. In response, Mullin alluded to the TSA Gold+ initiative which would expand the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) to include technology investment along with private screening staff. According to Mullin, adding technology to this public-private partnership would enhance security and avoid operational impacts or interruptions during future government shutdowns. Again, Mullin’s written statement highlights a legislative proposal in the FY2027 budget request that will move all Category III and IV airports into the Screening Partnership Program and set the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on the path to privatization.The written statement continues that “The President’s Budget advances a more cost-effective and efficient model at TSA, which emphasizes oversight, risk-based policy, and technology deployment while maintaining security standards. Key initiatives include modernizing security systems, streamlining traveler processes, enabling real-time data sharing through cloud-based connectivity, and enhancing privatized screening programs, all in alignment with national security and operational priorities.”

Mullin discussed the negative impact of the multiple DHS shutdowns on employee morale, retention and recruitment across the Department, which has seen an eight percent reduction in its overall workforce. Mullin also acknowledged that the shutdowns delayed efforts to prepare for the FIFA World Cup, including distributing grants to state and local authorities in cities hosting the FIFA games. Mullin stated that the Department is now in “a good place” in advance of the FIFA World Cup, but concerns remain, especially regarding detecting and mitigating nefarious drones at the games and fan festivals. Mullin reported that federal C-UAS systems operated by either CBP, FBI or the Coast Guard are in place at the 11 host cities. Mullin did cite C-UAS as his biggest concern, even outside of the FIFA World Cup events.

Committee members also questioned the proposed cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), citing Congress’ intent to have DHS be the federal government leader on cybersecurity and CISA as a key interface to coordinate with state, local and private sector partners. Mullin acknowledged that cyber attacks are only getting stronger but also stated that CISA needs to be streamlined to focus on its original mission of securing cyberspace and protecting critical infrastructure.

Video of the hearing and Mullin’s written statement can be viewed on the Committee website.