DHS Budget Priorities 2024: Key Focus Areas to Strengthen National Security

Table of Contents#

1. Combating Evolving Cybersecurity Threats
2. Enhancing Border Security and Humanitarian Operations
3. Addressing Climate-Related National Security Risks
4. Strengthening Disaster Response and Community Resilience
5. Investing in Emerging Technologies and Workforce Development
6. Balancing Priorities: Equity, Transparency, and Accountability
7. Conclusion
8. References

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1. Combating Evolving Cybersecurity Threats#

Cybersecurity remains the top existential threat to U.S. national security, with ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure (hospitals, power grids, water systems) costing businesses and taxpayers an estimated $57 billion globally in 2025 (Cybersecurity Ventures, 2025). Approximately 37% of all cybersecurity breaches now involve ransomware, and 28% of attacks target critical infrastructure sectors (Verizon, 2025). To counter this, DHS budget must prioritize:

a. Expanding Critical Infrastructure Protection#

Allocate adequate funding to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which received $3.0 billion and 4,021 positions in FY2025. CISA provides free threat intelligence, vulnerability assessments, and incident response support to 16 critical sectors (including healthcare and energy). However, the FY2026 budget request proposed cutting CISA staff by approximately 1,000 positions, raising concerns about the agency's capacity to fulfill its mission (Federal News Network, 2025). Funding should expand CISA's Shields Up initiative and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, which allocated$91.7 million in FY2025 to help smaller organizations address cybersecurity risks.

b. Funding Public-Private Partnerships#

Invest in platforms like the Cyber Information Sharing and Collaboration Program (CISCP) to streamline threat data sharing between DHS and private companies. This ensures that both sectors can proactively identify and mitigate emerging threats—such as AI-powered phishing scams or zero-day vulnerabilities—before they cause widespread harm.

c. Upgrading Federal Network Defenses#

Allocate funds to modernize DHS's own network infrastructure, including adopting zero-trust architecture to reduce access to sensitive data for unauthorized users. This would prevent breaches like the 2020 SolarWinds attack, which compromised multiple federal agencies.

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2. Enhancing Border Security and Humanitarian Operations#

Border security requires a balanced approach that addresses both national safety and humanitarian needs. The DHS budget should prioritize:

a. Modernizing Border Technology#

Invest in AI-powered surveillance tools (like facial recognition and license plate readers) to enhance threat detection at ports of entry while reducing wait times for legitimate travelers. The FY2026 budget includes $23.0 billion for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with 69,874 positions, and$239 million specifically for hiring at least 1,000 new CBP Officers (DHS, 2025). Funding should also expand the Entry-Exit System, which tracks overstays by linking biometric data to travel records.

b. Supporting Humanitarian Aid for Asylum Seekers#

Allocate a portion of the CBP budget to improve processing facilities and provide essential services to asylum seekers. This includes funding for medical care, legal assistance, and shelter facilities along the southern border. Additionally, funds should be directed to partnerships with Central American countries to address root causes of migration (like poverty and violence), reducing the number of people seeking refuge in the U.S.

c. Hiring and Training Border Personnel#

Fund the recruitment of additional CBP officers and Border Patrol agents, paired with ongoing training on de-escalation tactics and cultural competency. The FY2026 budget request includes $239 million for Operations and Support to hire at least 1,000 new CBP Officers and related port staff (NTEU, 2025). This ensures that border operations are both effective and respectful of human rights.

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3. Addressing Climate-Related National Security Risks#

Climate change is a multiplier of national security threats, exacerbating wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding that disrupt critical infrastructure and displace communities. The DHS budget must integrate climate resilience into every agency's mission:

a. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure for First Responders#

Allocate funds to FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which provides $750 million to support hazard mitigation efforts that strengthen infrastructure and reduce risks from natural disasters. Funding should upgrade fire stations, emergency operations centers, and communication systems in high-risk areas (like California's wildfire zones and Florida's hurricane-prone coasts). For example, funding could support the construction of fire-resistant buildings and satellite-based radios that work during power outages.

b. Training for Climate-Driven Disasters#

Invest in specialized training programs for first responders to handle climate-related emergencies, such as heatwave response protocols and wildfire suppression techniques. This includes funding for the National Fire Academy to expand its climate-focused curriculum. Western U.S. emergency experts have noted that FEMA's response capabilities still favor East Coast hurricanes over Western wildfires, highlighting the need for more balanced training and resources (Source NM, 2026).

c. Integrating Climate Risk into Planning#

Fund DHS's Climate Adaptation Plan, which requires all agencies to conduct annual climate risk assessments and update their operations to reduce vulnerability. For example, the Coast Guard could use these funds to upgrade ships and ports to withstand sea-level rise. FEMA's Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund, which makes up to $50 million available for low-interest loans to local governments, represents one model for supporting climate resilience at the community level.

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4. Strengthening Disaster Response and Community Resilience#

Disasters like Hurricane Ian (2022) and the 2023 Hawaii wildfires exposed gaps in federal response capabilities. The DHS budget should prioritize:

a. Pre-Positioning Emergency Supplies#

Allocate funds to stockpile food, water, medical kits, and shelter materials in strategically located warehouses across the U.S. This reduces response time from days to hours during disasters, especially in remote or underserved communities.

b. Expanding the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF)#

The DRF is FEMA's primary mechanism for directing, coordinating, managing, and funding federal response and recovery efforts for major disasters. In FY2025, FEMA's budget totaled $33 billion, with$22 billion dedicated to the disaster relief fund. Increase the DRF to support long-term recovery efforts for low-income communities, which are disproportionately likely to struggle to rebuild after disasters. This includes funding for home repairs, small business grants, and mental health services for disaster survivors.

c. Improving Emergency Communication Systems#

Invest in a national public alert system that uses multiple channels (text, radio, social media) to reach all communities, including non-English speakers and people with disabilities. This ensures that critical safety information is accessible to everyone during emergencies.

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5. Investing in Emerging Technologies and Workforce Development#

DHS must stay ahead of threats by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and building a skilled, diverse workforce:

a. AI and Machine Learning for Threat Detection#

Allocate funds to develop AI tools that analyze large datasets (like social media posts and border surveillance footage) to identify potential threats before they materialize. The FY2025 DHS budget included establishing an AI office within DHS's Office of the Chief Information Officer to oversee AI efforts across the department and ensure these tools are developed and deployed responsibly (GovCon Wire, 2024). For example, AI could flag suspicious activity at ports of entry or predict ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure.

b. Quantum Computing Defenses#

Invest in research and implementation of quantum-resistant encryption, as quantum computers could break current encryption methods used by DHS to protect sensitive data. In June 2026, the White House issued Executive Order 14412, "Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks," which requires federal agencies to transition high-value assets to post-quantum cryptography by December 31, 2030 (White House, 2026). DHS, in partnership with NIST, has released a roadmap to help organizations prepare for this transition. Funding should support DHS's own cryptographic inventory and migration planning, as well as outreach to critical infrastructure partners.

c. Workforce Diversity and Upskilling#

Fund training programs to upskill existing DHS employees in emerging technologies (like AI and cybersecurity) and recruit diverse talent from underrepresented communities. This ensures that DHS has the expertise to address complex threats and reflects the communities it serves.

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6. Balancing Priorities: Equity, Transparency, and Accountability#

An effective DHS budget must balance security needs with equity and accountability:

a. Equity in Resource Allocation#

Ensure that disaster response funds are directed to underserved communities, which are often hit hardest by disasters but have fewer resources to recover. This includes funding for community-led resilience projects, like flood barriers in low-income neighborhoods.

b. Transparent Budget Reporting#

Publish detailed online reports that explain how DHS funds are allocated and spent, including breakdowns by agency and program. This allows the public and Congress to hold DHS accountable for its spending decisions.

c. Independent Audits#

Fund regular audits by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify wasteful spending and redirect funds to high-priority areas. For example, audits could identify outdated programs that no longer address current threats and reallocate those funds to cybersecurity or climate resilience.

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Conclusion#

The DHS budget is more than just a financial document—it's a blueprint for protecting America's safety and prosperity in an increasingly complex world. By prioritizing cybersecurity, border security with humanitarian support, climate resilience, disaster response, emerging technologies, and equity, DHS can address current threats while preparing for future challenges. Bipartisan support is critical to ensuring that these priorities are funded and implemented effectively, as national security is a shared responsibility across all levels of government and communities.

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References#

1. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2025). FY 2026 Budget in Brief. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025_07_03_ocfo_fy-2026-budget-in-brief.pdf
2. Cybersecurity Ventures. (2025). Ransomware damage costs projected to reach $57 billion in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.mimecast.com/content/ransomware-statistics/
3. Verizon. (2025). Data Breach Investigations Report. Retrieved from https://www.mimecast.com/content/ransomware-statistics/
4. Federal News Network. (2025). DHS budget request would cut CISA staff by 1000 positions. Retrieved from https://federalnewsnetwork.com/cybersecurity/2025/05/dhs-budget-request-would-cut-cisa-staff-by-1000-positions/
5. CISA. (2025). State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/state-and-local-cybersecurity-grant-program-fact-sheet
6. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2025). CBP Congressional Justification FY2026. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/25_0613_cbp_fy26-congressional-budget-justificatin.pdf
7. National Treasury Employees Union. (2025). Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for CBP. Retrieved from https://www.nteu.org/legislative-action/congressional-testimony/CBP%20FISCAL%20YEAR%202026
8. FEMA. (2026). Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/building-resilient-infrastructure-communities
9. FEMA. (2026). Disaster Relief Fund: Monthly Reports. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/about/reports-and-data/disaster-relief-fund-monthly-reports
10. White House. (2026). Executive Order 14412: Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/06/securing-the-nation-against-advanced-cryptographic-attacks/
11. DHS. (2025). Post-Quantum Cryptography. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/quantum
12. GovCon Wire. (2024). Inside DHS' Top 3 Spending Priorities for 2025. Retrieved from https://www.govconwire.com/articles/inside-dhs-top-3-spending-priorities-for-2025
13. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2024). Budget in Brief. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/budget
14. Government Accountability Office. (2023). DHS Cybersecurity: Actions Needed to Strengthen Critical Infrastructure Protection. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105648
15. Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2023). Climate Resilience Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/climate-resilience