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Pittsburgh council urges U.S. senators to oppose DHS funding bill HR 7147
Summary
Council approved a resolution urging U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormack to vote no on HR 7,147, citing alleged abuses by ICE and calling for independent investigations; the will of council passed by voice vote.
Councilwoman Wark read and the council approved a resolution urging U.S. senators to oppose HR 7,147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026.
The resolution, read in full by Councilwoman Wark, says in part that 'the council of the city of Pittsburgh hereby urges US senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormack ... to vote no on h r 7 1 4 7' and calls for 'nonpartisan and independent investigations into the activities of DHS and ICE in our communities.' The text cites concerns including alleged constitutional rights violations by ICE officers, deaths in ICE custody in 2025, and local impacts on Pittsburgh residents.
After the reading, a motion to approve the will of council was moved and seconded. The chair called for the vote and the resolution was approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: The resolution is a formal expression of the council’s position on pending federal appropriations and signals municipal concern about enforcement practices and local public-safety impacts. The action is advisory to federal lawmakers; it does not alter city policy or spending.
What’s next: The clerk will transmit the council’s will of council to the named senators, per the chair’s statement at the meeting.
