Mullin defends $118B Homeland Security budget request

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faced tough questions from lawmakers on Tuesday as he defended the Biden administration's $118 billion budget request for the agency. The hearing, held before the House Homeland Security Committee, saw Republican members sharply criticizing the proposed spending increase, which they argued would not adequately address border security concerns.

Representative Mark Green of Tennessee, the committee's ranking member, questioned the need for such a large budget, pointing to what he called a lack of measurable outcomes from previous spending. Mayorkas countered that the funding is essential for modernizing infrastructure, hiring additional personnel, and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.

The budget request includes $25 billion for Customs and Border Protection, $15 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and $10 billion for the Transportation Security Administration. Democrats on the committee largely supported the request, emphasizing the need to invest in homeland security amid evolving threats.

The debate comes as the administration faces ongoing criticism over its handling of the southern border, with migrant encounters remaining high. The budget proposal now moves to the full House for consideration.