U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.) said on Mar. 23 that the ongoing partial government shutdown is harming Department of Homeland Security employees and called for an end to political gridlock affecting the agency.
The issue matters because thousands of federal workers, including law enforcement and public safety personnel, are missing paychecks while vital homeland security functions are disrupted. Boozman referenced comments from former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson: “We depend on [the Department of Homeland Security] to protect the homeland and protect the American people, and it’s being used right now as a political football. In general, we have to get out of the business of linking a major policy disagreement in Washington with funding the government.”
Boozman agreed with Johnson’s statement despite past disagreements, saying it is “incredibly unfortunate that our country now finds itself in another partial government shutdown that is impacting vital federal agencies charged with keeping us safe.” He highlighted that over 250,000 DHS employees—including members of the Coast Guard, TSA officers, FEMA staff, Secret Service agents, CISA professionals, CBP officers, and ICE agents—are affected by missed paychecks. In Arkansas specifically, airport workers in Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock have organized food donations for TSA colleagues who have not been paid.
Boozman acknowledged concerns among Senate Democrats about tactics used by CBP and ICE but pointed out efforts by both Congress and the Trump administration to address those issues through bipartisan legislation. He noted recent appropriations bills include funding for body-worn cameras and de-escalation training for officers as well as transparency measures around DHS spending. The White House has also proposed limiting certain ICE operations near sensitive locations like schools or hospitals.
Federal unions representing DHS workers have urged lawmakers to resolve negotiations so employees can receive their paychecks again. Boozman warned that each day without resolution increases risks related to national security or disaster response.
Boozman was elected as a U.S. senator from Arkansas according to his official website. He serves on several Senate committees including Agriculture, Nutrition, Forestry; Appropriations; Veterans’ Affairs; Environment and Public Works; Rules and Administration; demonstrating his involvement in key legislative areas according to his official website. He grew up in Fort Smith after graduating from Northside High School before earning an optometry degree at Southern College of Optometry according to his official website. Boozman’s advocacy extends beyond homeland security—he supports Arkansas farmers, ranchers, veterans’ care programs according to his official website, co-founded a family eye care business in Northwest Arkansas focused on healthcare access according to his official website, raised three daughters with wife Cathy—and has four grandchildren according to his official website.
“I will continue to implore my colleagues to ensure DHS and its employees have all the resources they need to protect and support the American people,” Boozman said.
