Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) sharply criticized the Trump administration’s national security and immigration policies during a House Rules Committee hearing earlier this week, stating that the country has become less safe under President Donald Trump.
McGovern, who serves as ranking member on the committee, gave opening remarks condemning Trump’s newly launched war in the Middle East with Iran, saying the conflict has increased threats to U.S. security.
McGovern said “major combat operations”—which Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have both described as a “war”—were launched unilaterally by the president and would destabilize the region while isolating the United States internationally.
“Our country is less safe by the hour,” McGovern said, calling out the administration’s “chaos” for escalating global tensions.
McGovern Shines A Spotlight On The DHS
The Massachusetts Democrat also criticized the Republican-led committee for revisiting a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill that the House had already approved weeks earlier. He pointed out that the legislation still lacked meaningul reforms to rein in the unlawful conduct of immigration enforcement agencies.
McGovern made clear he will oppose providing additional funding to both Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), noting that the agencies have violated court orders and engaged in enforcement operations that have harmed American citizens.
Republicans, he noted, previously approved roughly $75 billion in additional funding for immigration enforcement through the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—aka the “Big Ugly Bill.” McGovern said that amount was already excessive and pledged not to support further funding unless significant reforms are enacted.
He argued that the administration’s focus on immigration enforcement has diverted resources away from other national security priorities within the DHS. McGovern cited what he described as staffing and policy decisions that weakened counterterrorism and cybersecurity efforts.
Among those concerns, he criticized the administration for appointing a 22 year old without national security experience to oversee terrorism prevention and pointed to reported changes within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under Director Kash Patel, including the firing of dozens of counter-espionage personnel specialized in tracking Iranian threats.
McGovern also accused the administration of undermining cybersecurity programs by reducing resources at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and reassigning personnel to immigration enforcement duties.
McGovern Calls Out Trump For Starting Another War Despite Campaign Promises
Beyond national security concerns, McGovern criticized House Republican leadership for canceling votes earlier in the week instead of bringing a war powers measure to the floor following the president’s military action. He stated that Congress should have immediately considered a resolution asserting its constitutional authority over war powers.
McGovern pointed out that Trump had previously pledged to avoid new prolonged conflicts in the Middle East but had instead launched what could very well turn into another “forever war.” He warned the decision could drive up energy prices, which is already happening, and place a disproportionate burden on working-class families and military service members.
Six U.S. service members have already been killed in the conflict, McGovern said, adding that Americans remain stranded in parts of the region without a clear plan for their safety.
He concluded by reiterating his opposition to the DHS funding legislation, saying Congress should first address what he called lawlessness within federal immigration enforcement agencies before approving additional resources.
