Katko on President’s Budget: Fails to Address Today’s Pressing Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Rep. John Katko (R-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Biden’s fiscal year 2022 budget priorities for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:

“From crippling cyber campaigns to illegal crossings at the border, today’s threat environment demands a posture of unwavering resilience and requires robust funding with strong oversight. Unfortunately, President Biden’s budget is detached from reality and fails to address many of the issues we are facing today.

“By eliminating border wall funding, President Biden is allowing cartels, smugglers, criminals, and traffickers to continue exploiting the border. In a matter of months, we’ve seen the consequences of these dangerous open border polices. As we speak, our Border Patrol agents are wrestling with the greatest surge of migrants at the southwest border in over 20 years. The Biden Administration refuses to acknowledge the severity of this crisis and has not taken any meaningful action to address it. This is unacceptable, and Homeland Republicans will continue pressuring the Administration to reverse its disastrous executive orders and work with us on strong border security measures.

“I am further disappointed, as we look to emerge from the pandemic, at a lack of budget clarity for critical agencies like FEMA, TSA, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“While the shortcomings in border security funding are glaring, there were modest improvements in CISA funding. The increase in funding is a good first step, however it’s just that – a first step. As I’ve said, CISA needs sustained, robust funding to carry out its mission and nimbly respond to evolving threats. Without question, it should be a $5 billion agency in the coming years. By ensuring CISA has the resources, workforce, and authorities it needs, the federal government can be better prepared to compete – and win – in cyberspace.

“Additionally, it’s long been a priority of mine to ensure SLTT and private sector entities have the resources they need and can effectively leverage the products and services CISA offers. I am pleased to see the investment in the Cyber Response and Recovery Fund and would encourage the Biden Administration to work with Congress to get it right.

“Again, while I appreciate the Administration’s focus on cybersecurity, our border security and other critical homeland security programs cannot be overlooked.”

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