Congressman Pat Harrigan voted on Mar. 26 in favor of H.R. 8029, known as the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026, which would fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and guarantee pay for frontline personnel during the ongoing government shutdown.
The issue is significant because it affects Border Patrol agents, TSA officers, Coast Guardsmen, and Secret Service personnel who continue working without pay while Congress negotiates funding measures. The bill aims to provide stability across essential missions such as border security, aviation safety, disaster response, and protection of national leaders.
“Our homeland defenders should never be forced to work without pay because Democrats want to play politics with our national security,” said Congressman Harrigan. “Border Patrol agents, TSA officers, Coast Guardsmen, and Secret Service personnel show up every day to protect this country. This bill ensures they are paid and that the safety of the American people is not held hostage.”
According to the release from Congressman Harrigan’s office, Senate Democrats walked away from a negotiated deal that triggered the current shutdown. The disruption has led to travel delays, increased pressure on public safety agencies, and economic losses.
Following passage in the House of Representatives, H.R. 8029 now moves to the Senate for consideration. Harrigan urged senators to act quickly so that homeland defenders are “treated like the essential personnel they are,” rather than being used as political pawns.
In related background information,Pat Harrigan defeated Ralph R. Scott Jr. in the 2024 general election with a margin of 57.5 percent to 38.2 percent.
