House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green opened a hearing to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The session featured testimony from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. In his opening statement, Green emphasized the end of what he described as an “immediate crisis at our borders” under the Trump administration.
Green thanked law enforcement personnel during Police Week and expressed support for their work. He criticized the previous administration, stating that Secretary Noem inherited “an unprecedented crisis at our borders” created by President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. According to Green, over 13 million inadmissible aliens entered the U.S. during the Biden-Harris administration due to policies that encouraged illegal crossings.
He contrasted this with recent data showing a significant decrease in illegal crossings under the current administration. “Under your and President Trump’s leadership, the Border Patrol has apprehended just around 25,000 illegal crossers at the Southwest border,” he said.
Green accused Democrats of misrepresenting facts about border security and criticized actions by Democratic members of Congress who allegedly caused disruptions at an ICE facility in Newark. He stated, “This behavior demands a swift and firm response.”
Addressing cybersecurity threats, Green highlighted concerns about Chinese government activities in the U.S., including cyber intrusions and property acquisitions near sensitive sites. He noted a shortage of cybersecurity professionals and promoted his Cyber PIVOTT Act to address this gap through scholarships tied to government service.
Green urged action on cybersecurity legislation co-sponsored by Senators Gary Peters and Mike Rounds. He also emphasized shifting CISA’s focus from censorship to protecting critical infrastructure.
Concluding his remarks, Green expressed confidence in Secretary Noem’s leadership: “Madam Secretary, I expect meaningful progress on all of them, but I am equally confident in your leadership and resolve to get the job done.”
