119-HRES-1138 Journalist Public Summary
A nonbinding House resolution criticizing recent cuts to FEMA, CISA, and TSA staff, urging the administration to stop further reductions, account for past layoffs, and quickly nominate a permanent FEMA Administrator.
Headline Summary
A House resolution condemns recent reductions to the career workforce at FEMA, CISA, and TSA and urges the administration to halt further cuts and rebuild staffing.
What It Does
H. Res. 1138 is a statement of the House (not a law) recognizing the importance of three homeland security agencies—the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It asserts that recent, large reductions in their nonpartisan career staffs have weakened disaster response, cybersecurity, and airport security. The resolution calls on the administration to stop further unauthorized cuts, provide Congress a detailed accounting of reductions since January 20, 2025, submit a nominee for a permanent FEMA Administrator, and reaffirm the need to retain and recruit skilled career professionals.
Who’s For It
- Sponsors: Rep. Wesley Bell (D‑MO) introduced the resolution with Rep. Greg Stanton (D‑AZ).
- Supporters say shrinking FEMA, CISA, and TSA during disaster seasons, rising cyber threats, and heavy travel periods risks slower disaster aid, weaker cyber defenses, and longer airport lines.
- They argue Congress, not the executive branch acting alone, should decide major workforce changes—especially when appropriations funded those positions.
- They also emphasize continuity: experienced, apolitical civil servants are critical for emergency operations and protecting critical infrastructure.
Who’s Against It
- Likely opponents include members who favor reducing the size and cost of the federal workforce or restructuring DHS agencies; they may view the resolution as a partisan, nonbinding message.
- They may argue that staffing changes improve efficiency, curb bureaucracy, or reflect budget realities and performance priorities.
- Skeptics could also dispute the scale or interpretation of the cited numbers and note that resolutions do not themselves restore funding or hire staff.
What’s Next
As of March 26, 2026, the resolution has been referred to the House Committees on Homeland Security; Transportation and Infrastructure; Energy and Commerce; and Oversight and Government Reform. If any committee takes it up and reports it, the full House could vote on it. As a simple House resolution, it would not go to the Senate or the President and would not change law; it would express the House’s position.
Key Numbers Cited in the Resolution
Figures below are taken from the text of H. Res. 1138; they have not been independently verified in this summary.
Discussion