A proposed 5 percent raise in Coast Guard discretionary funding in fiscal 2026 hangs in the balance amid a congressional fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Last week, the House passed the six fiscal 2026 spending bills that cover most federal spending but have yet to become law. These include the Defense and DHS money measures. The House combined the six bills into a single $1.33 trillion package.
Yet Senate Democrats appear united in their opposition to clearing the bills in one piece for the president’s signature with the DHS funds included. Some Republicans may join Democrats in resisting new DHS spending for now. That is because the Jan. 24 killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has hardened many senators’ determination to hold out for policy and funding changes in the DHS bill.
