"The DHS shutdown is disrupting state reimbursements for relief efforts. FEMA is forced to prioritize only emergency responses, leaving long-term recovery projects for our communities on hold," Rep. De La Cruz posted on X.
Agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are being forced to narrow their focus to only the most urgent emergencies, delaying longer-term recovery projects in communities across the country.
Her comments reflect frustrations from both sides of the aisle as funding negotiations drag on. Republicans argue that the DHS shutdown is especially dangerous now, with the U.S. facing rising tensions in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
As U.S. forces ramp up strikes against the Middle East under President Donald Trump, Republicans are pressing Democrats to approve emergency funding, warning of risks to national security and counterterrorism efforts.
They say the agency plays an essential role in counterterrorism and national security.
Meanwhile, many Democrats remain hesitant to pass a full funding package. Instead, they're pushing a narrower plan that would fund only the parts of DHS not connected to immigration enforcement, a position shaped, in part, by ongoing concerns over federal agents' conduct following the deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis.
Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) has proposed a bill that would fund the Coast Guard, TSA, Secret Service, FEMA, and the nation’s cybersecurity agency through September 30.
Despite multiple attempts from both chambers, neither side has shown signs of backing down.
Ongoing talks between the White House and Democratic leaders have stalled, leaving no clear resolution in sight.
As the shutdown drags on, lawmakers like De La Cruz continue calling for compromise to protect communities caught in the political crossfire.
"This has gone on long enough and it's time we prioritize our communities over politics," De La Cruz concluded.
