House Passes DHS Appropriations Bill 221-209 Amidst Shutdown, Rejects War Powers Resolution on Iran 212-219
The House convened for a major legislative day, primarily focused on addressing the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and debating the President's military actions in Iran. The chamber passed H.R. 7744, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, by a vote of 221-209, after rejecting a motion to recommit that sought to fund non-controversial DHS components separately. Additionally, the House voted on H. Con. Res. 38, a War Powers Resolution to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran, which ultimately failed by a vote of 212-219. A resolution reaffirming Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism (H. Res. 1099) was also agreed to by a vote of 372-53.
This chamber-day was highly significant due to the passage of critical appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security amidst a partial government shutdown, impacting numerous federal employees and national security operations. The debate and vote on the War Powers Resolution highlighted a deep constitutional and policy divide regarding presidential authority in military engagements, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict with Iran. The day's proceedings underscored the high stakes of national security, immigration policy, and congressional oversight of executive power.
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
H.R. 7744Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 7744, making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
The case for
Proponents argued that passing the bill was essential to end the partial government shutdown, ensure critical national security functions are fully operational, and pay hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including TSA agents, FEMA employees, CISA analysts, Coast Guard servicemembers, and Secret Service agents, who are currently working without pay. They emphasized that the bill reflects a bipartisan, bicameral agreement and that continuing the shutdown punishes hardworking federal employees and compromises national security during heightened global threats.
The case against
Opponents argued that the bill was "political theater" and had no chance of becoming law, having failed once before. They expressed concern over the "dangerous and illegal activities" of ICE and Border Patrol agents, citing instances of racial profiling, harassment, assaults, and deaths of American citizens, and demanded reforms such as body-worn cameras, judicial warrants for home entry, and independent investigations. They proposed a separate bill (H.R. 7481) to fund non-controversial DHS components (FEMA, TSA, Coast Guard, Secret Service, CISA) while negotiations on ICE and CBP reforms continued, accusing Republicans of holding other agencies hostage.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The House passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, by a recorded vote.
221-209
Amendments
- An amendment to strike all after the enacting clause of H.R. 7744 and insert the provisions of H.R. 7481, which would fund non-controversial DHS components while setting aside funding for ICE and CBP for continued negotiation. (Ms. DeLauro of Connecticut) — Rejected [212-217]
Who is affected
- Federal employees of DHS: Will receive their paychecks and resume full operations.
- American citizens: Will benefit from restored disaster relief, aviation security, and cybersecurity services.
- Individuals subject to immigration enforcement: May see continued operations under existing policies, as proposed reforms were not adopted.
Directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran
H. Con. Res. 38Question before the chamber
Adoption of H. Con. Res. 38.
The case for
Proponents argued that the President's military actions in Iran constituted an "unwarranted and unconstitutional war of choice" without congressional authorization, violating the War Powers Resolution and risking a wider conflict. They highlighted the loss of American servicemembers, the stranding of American citizens, and the daily cost of the war, emphasizing that Congress, not the President, holds the constitutional authority to declare war.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record directly against the resolution during the debate. However, the vote outcome indicates a majority did not support curbing the President's actions.
Disposition
Failed · recorded vote
The concurrent resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran failed by a recorded vote.
212-219
Who is affected
- U.S. Armed Forces personnel deployed in the Middle East: Will continue to be engaged in hostilities in Iran without a congressional directive to withdraw.
- American citizens: Those in the region may face continued risks associated with military conflict.
- U.S. foreign policy: The President's executive authority over military engagement in Iran remains unchecked by a specific congressional mandate.
Reaffirming Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism
H. Res. 1099Question before the chamber
Agreement to H. Res. 1099.
The case for
Proponents argued for reaffirming Iran's status as the largest state sponsor of terrorism, implying the need for strong foreign policy and national security measures against it.
The case against
Mr. Green of Texas explicitly stated his opposition, arguing that Iran is not an "imminent threat" to the United States, which he characterized as a superpower not capable of being harmed by Iran. He suggested that the resolution's premise of Iran being a threat was incorrect.
Disposition
Agreed to · recorded vote
The resolution reaffirming Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism was agreed to by a recorded vote.
372-53
Who is affected
- U.S. foreign policy: The U.S. posture towards Iran is officially reaffirmed as one that considers Iran a major state sponsor of terrorism.
- International relations: The resolution may influence international perceptions and actions regarding Iran.
House Passes DHS Appropriations Bill Amidst Shutdown
highThe House passed H.R. 7744, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, by a vote of 221-209, aiming to end the partial government shutdown affecting DHS and restore full funding to its components.
Motion to Recommit DHS Bill Fails
highA motion to recommit H.R. 7744, which proposed replacing the bill's text with a measure (H.R. 7481) to fund non-controversial DHS components while continuing negotiations on ICE and CBP, was rejected by a vote of 212-217.
War Powers Resolution on Iran Fails
highH. Con. Res. 38, directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran, failed to pass by a vote of 212-219, indicating a lack of congressional consensus to curb the President's military actions.
Resolution Reaffirming Iran as State Sponsor of Terrorism Agreed To
mediumH. Res. 1099, reaffirming Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism, was agreed to by a vote of 372-53, demonstrating broad bipartisan agreement on this foreign policy stance.
Debate on Immigration Enforcement Reforms
mediumSignificant debate occurred regarding the conduct of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with calls from some members for reforms such as body-worn cameras, judicial warrants for home entry, and independent investigations into alleged misconduct.