U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) believes it is critical to make sure the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is fully funded ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Britt, Chair of the DHS Appropriations Subcommittee, led a joint hearing with Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chair of the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, to review preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

DHS remained unfunded as Democrats demand radical changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement before agreeing to any deal to fully open up the government.

“[W]e have over 5 million fans that are expected to attend the upcoming World Cup…I think it’s important to note that this hearing is obviously being held against the backdrop of a shutdown of DHS,” Britt said.

“I want to make sure that we’re doing everything possible to get DHS fully funded, to make sure that the resources are there for each one of you, and the collaboration is at full maximum potential there. Look, international sporting events are a great unifier … I think we need it as a nation and help us refocus on what brings us together. But in doing that, we want to make sure that those spaces are safe.”

Rear Admiral Christopher J. Tomney, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), Director of the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness at DHS, testified in the hearing.

Tomney confirmed to Britt that the shutdown has impeded planning for security measures at the tournament.

“It has significantly impacted our operations,” Tomney said. “If I can implore, you know, members of Congress on both sides, it’s long since time to reopen the Department of Homeland Security. We have been shut down more days than we’ve been open this fiscal year. And, at a time with what’s going on globally, at a time when we’re going to have this historic tournament, it’s time to open our Department of Homeland Security. It has impacted … the hundreds of (Transportation Security Officers) TSOs that have been lost during the shutdown. We just can’t replace that expertise overnight. It has hindered our coordination with state and locals. It has reduced our planning efforts. With all that being said, though, let me assure this committee and the members of the public, we will have a safe … a secure … an enjoyable tournament, but it has had a negative impact on the planning.”

Britt agreed, saying, “Absolutely. I think it’s past time that we do our job, put politics aside and figure out a pathway forward.”

The senator then asked about the challenges DHS is facing when planning security for the World Cup.

“I think … probably our greatest challenges, is again, the multitude of threats … I would say probably, counter drone capability,” Rear Admiral Tomney responded. “I know Congress very … wisely appropriated funding for the states, $250 million in grant funding for counter drone technology. I think, getting all that in place, would be … significant.”

Britt concluded her questioning, stating, “I’d like to see the FBI have more funding there for drones and counter drones.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee