In a pivotal meeting on June 24, 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Bill, which includes significant funding adjustments for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A key amendment proposed by a committee member aimed to reduce funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) by $280 million, aligning it with the President's budget request of $1.95 billion. The amendment's supporter argued that this cut was necessary to curb what he described as "waste, abuse, and mission drift" within CISA, particularly under the Biden administration, which he claimed had shifted the agency's focus toward domestic speech policing rather than its original mission of protecting critical infrastructure.

The discussion highlighted concerns over CISA's alleged involvement in censoring lawful speech and its participation in initiatives like the now-defunct Disinformation Governance Board. The proposed funding reduction aims to refocus CISA on its core responsibilities, such as federal network defense, amidst rising national debt and fiscal constraints.

Additionally, another amendment was introduced to restore funding to the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) within DHS, which had faced a drastic 90% funding cut. Advocates for this amendment emphasized the importance of civil rights oversight, especially in light of increased immigration enforcement. They argued that adequate funding is essential to ensure that civil liberties are protected and that the office can effectively investigate potential violations.

The committee ultimately adopted the amendment to restore CRCL funding, reflecting a commitment to uphold civil rights amid ongoing debates about immigration policy and enforcement practices. As the bill progresses, these funding decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the operational focus of DHS and its agencies, impacting both national security and civil liberties for all Americans.