By Anvee Bhutani

Several Republican lawmakers are escalating pressure on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) to move forward on funding the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that the risk of a retaliatory attack has increased following U.S. strikes on Iran. Funding for DHS lapsed earlier this month, as Democrats insisted on new restrictions regarding immigration enforcement before they would approve full-year appropriations for the agency. Democrats and the White House have exchanged offers and counteroffers, but haven't announced any progress in talks.

The GOP push comes as lawmakers brace for potential fallout from Trump's joint U.S.-Israel operation against Iranian targets.

-- Sen. Tim Sheehy (R., Mont.) said the possibility of retaliation makes fully funding DHS urgent. "Following our righteous action in Iran, the risk of a retaliatory terrorist attack is heightened," Sheehy said. "Chuck Schumer must allow us to fund the Department of Homeland Security to keep Americans safe. TSA needs to be funded and paid so we don't have another hijacking event like 9/11."

-- Sen. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.) struck a similar note, urging Democrats to "drop their opposition to DHS funding and pass the bill to support our homeland security," adding that "continuing to play political games with our national security given the unfolding situation in the Middle East is dangerous."

-- Rep. Mike Lawler (R., N.Y.) called on Schumer to "immediately drop all opposition" to the funding measure, citing the potential for Iran or its proxies to attempt an attack.

This item is part of a Wall Street Journal live coverage event. The full stream can be found by searching P/WSJL (WSJ Live Coverage).

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 28, 2026 15:54 ET (20:54 GMT)

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