On May 6, 2025, the House Appropriations Committee held an oversight hearing with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss border security, immigration enforcement, and related issues.
The hearing focused on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to secure the U.S. border, combat fentanyl trafficking, strengthen personnel recruitment, and protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. (Appropriations GOP)
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) emphasized the importance of a secure border, stating, “A secure border is not just a line on a map – it’s the front line of our national defense.”
He highlighted the need for DHS to effectively use its resources to protect American communities.
Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei (R-NV) underscored the committee’s role in ensuring DHS spends taxpayer dollars appropriately. He stated…
“It is our job as members of the Appropriations Committee to make sure the Department is appropriately spending the money Congress provides, as well as to ensure the Department has the resources it needs to execute its mission on an annual basis.”
Secretary Noem addressed questions about DHS’s strategies to manage immigration and border security.
She discussed the department’s plans to enhance border infrastructure, increase personnel, and improve technology to detect and prevent illegal crossings and drug trafficking.
Noem also highlighted that daily encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have decreased by 93% since President Trump took office, with just under 7,200 encounters in March 2025 – the lowest in recorded history. (Spectrum News)
The hearing also touched on the challenges posed by fentanyl trafficking.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the influx of fentanyl into the U.S. and its impact on public health and safety. Secretary Noem outlined DHS’s efforts to collaborate with other agencies and international partners to disrupt fentanyl supply chains.
Critics of the Biden administration’s immigration policies argue that more stringent enforcement measures are necessary to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking effectively.
They advocate for increased funding for border security and stricter immigration controls.
The oversight hearing underscored the ongoing debate over the best approaches to securing the U.S. border and managing immigration.
As discussions continue, lawmakers and DHS officials aim to find solutions that balance national security concerns with humanitarian considerations.
For those interested in viewing the full hearing, it is available on the House Appropriations Committee’s official YouTube channel. (YouTube)
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
