April 3, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains without funding as Congress has departed Washington for the Easter recess. The Senate is scheduled to return on April 13 and the House on April 14, delaying further action as negotiations remain stalled with no clear path to resolution.

Prior to recess, the Senate advanced a measure to fund most DHS operations, excluding immigration enforcement, and sent it to the House. The House did not act on the measure before leaving Washington, extending the shutdown. Congressional leadership has since aligned around a two-track approach: funding most DHS operations through the appropriations process, while addressing immigration enforcement funding separately through reconciliation. However, divisions still remain among Members of Congress.

In the absence of congressional action, the administration has taken steps to mitigate operational impacts. President Trump has indicated he will issue an executive order to provide pay to DHS employees, building on a prior action that restored pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel. While this may provide temporary relief, questions remain about how long this can be sustained. With Congress out of session, no legislative action is expected until lawmakers return in mid-April

IACP will continue monitoring developments and assessing potential impacts on policing programs, grants, and broader public safety operations.

Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security Leadership Changes

On April 2, President Trump announced that Attorney General Pam Bondi will be leaving her position after approximately one year in the role. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as Acting Attorney General while a permanent replacement is identified. Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s criminal defense attorney, has been serving as her deputy. Bondi stated she will spend the next month assisting with the transition before moving to a role in the private sector.

On March 23, the Senate confirmed Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as Secretary of DHS in a 54-45 vote, with two Democrats joining Republicans in support. Mullin was nominated earlier this month following the departure of Kristi Noem. He takes over a department currently navigating a government shutdown now entering its seventh week. During his confirmation hearing, Mullin committed to using judicial warrants for home and business arrests.

Nominee and Appointment Developments 

• Robert Cekada, nominee for Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Cekada was nominated by President Trump on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He appeared before the committee for his confirmation hearing on February 4 and was reported favorably out of committee on March 5. His nomination has since been placed on the Senate Executive Calendar for consideration by the full Senate. 

Past legislative Updates