Supply Chain Safeguards Would Receive Boost in DHS Bill
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WASHINGTON — House funding leaders on June 24 approved a fiscal 2026 spending plan for homeland security programs meant to boost supply chain safety initiatives.
The fiscal 2026 ϳԹland Security Appropriations Act would dedicate $2 million for a comprehensive program designed to decrease, and eventually eliminate, cases of cargo theft. In doing so it would look to enhance security along supply chain corridors nationwide.
Sponsored primarily by ϳԹland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), the bill was . Its consideration on the floor of the House has yet to be scheduled. The chamber’s Republican leaders signaled its potential consideration before the August recess.
After its passage in committee, Amodei explained, “This bill delivers on that mission by fully funding the department that protects the homeland, and refocuses where necessary, to make sure this department is only doing the job that Congress has authorized it to do — keep the American people safe.”
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“None of this would matter without the brave men and women on the front lines, our agents and officers, who have been unfairly demonized simply for doing the hard work of defending our homeland, but we will not turn our backs on them,” Amodei continued.
Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) expanded on his colleague’s remarks: “From our borders and ports to aviation and cyber, we deliver the personnel, training and technology to reinforce our community defenses and confront those who wish us harm. I commend the advancement of this legislation, which ensures our laws are enforced, our agencies are equipped and our citizens are protected.”
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Specifically, the bill would establish the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center. The $2 million multiagency, intelligence-based and prosecutor-led operation would be tasked with disrupting and dismantling groups found to be harming supply chains.
The center would coordinate with federal agencies and law enforcement units to target criminal organizations. It would gather and analyze data to identify retail networks that are experiencing high volumes of organized crime. Officials also will be required to notify Congress about their findings.
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Overall, the ϳԹland Security Appropriations Act would dedicate a discretionary allocation of $66.36 billion for fiscal 2026. This includes programs for cybersecurity operations to safeguard critical infrastructure and disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Per background information sponsors provide, the legislation’s aim is “upholding the America First vision by realigning the Department of ϳԹland Security’s priorities around its fundamental mission: Defending the nation against the threat posed by terrorists, criminals and foreign adversaries and ensuring the safety and security of every American.”
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House Democrats, meanwhile, strongly pushed back on the legislation. Appropriations Committee ranking member Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) argued its provisions would stop short of assisting vulnerable communities. As she put it, “Despite the ever-increasing threats against American families, businesses, critical infrastructure and national institutions, House Republicans’ bill weakens our national security and leaves Americans vulnerable to attacks from our adversaries by sharply cutting cyber and infrastructure security.”
“Additionally,” she said, “House Republicans do nothing to protect against the administration’s effort to place the responsibility of disaster recovery and mitigation on the states.”
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Relatedly, the House appropriations panel has scheduled consideration of its fiscal 2026 transportation funding bill for July 17. The legislation would fund operations at the U.S. Department of Transportation, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Senate has yet to announce its consideration of the transportation measure.
The Trump White House is asking Congress to approve nearly $27 billion for DOT’s fiscal 2026 discretionary budget. The Office of Management and Budget also proposed reductions to “costly technologies that burden ratepayers and consumers,” such as the $6 billion cancellation of a nationwide electric vehicle charging station program.
Nominations
Also on the Senate’s radar for this summer is the consideration of nominees for senior posts at DOT. These include David Fink for the top post at the Federal Railroad Administration, Marc Molinaro to run the Federal Transit Administration and Sean McMaster to become administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. At his confirmation hearing earlier this year, McMaster told senators, “If confirmed, I look forward to working with the secretary and Congress on ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs so more of the funds being invested in our infrastructure will go to building the infrastructure. I know from experience that this is achievable.”
