DHS Budget Targets Cyber Workforce, Counter-Drone Capabilities

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Wednesday that DHS plans to rebuild portions of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, expand counter-drone capabilities and expand privatized airport screening operations under its proposed $118.4 billion fiscal 2027 budget request.

DHS has faced funding disruptions and uncertainty over the years, culminating in a record shutdown Feb. 14 to April 30 during a stalemate in Congress over federal immigration enforcement reforms.

Mullin told Congress that DHS lost about 8% of its workforce throughout the government shutdowns. CISA lost about one-third of its employees, which Mullin said prompted a re-examination of the agency’s workforce capabilities.

Mullin outlined the agency’s budget request in testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee and said it builds on prior investments and advances the department’s core mission priorities.

“It provides $118.4 billion for DHS to secure the nation’s borders; modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s force design, fleet and facilities; refocus cybersecurity work on protecting federal networks and critical infrastructure; enhance federal disaster response and recovery through effective emergency management; and bolster state and local capacity, enhancing their own ability to respond and recover or provide security at special events, such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” Mullin wrote.

Renewed Course for CISA

According to Mullin, CISA’s fiscal 2026 budget supports a workforce of up to 3,400 employees. However, with stronger support from private-sector partners, he said the agency may only need about 2,800 personnel.

“We’re down to 2,200, and we probably need somewhere around 2,800 — if we can actually have the partnerships … and I think we can. We’re not going to fail on the mission that we have in front of us, and cyberattacks are only getting stronger, and they’re attacking our private partners the most,” said Mullin.

He said the administration is close to nominating a director who can help rebuild the workforce and refocus the agency on mission outcomes.

“We want CISA to be the leader in cybersecurity. They should be, and they will be,” said Mullin.

Investing in Drones

The budget proposes additional investments in counter-drone technologies and unmanned aircraft systems. Mullin said the proliferation of drones remains one of DHS’s most pressing security concerns.

“We’re seeing more drone technology, so we’re adapting, and we definitely need more resources,” said Mullin. “Our countermeasures with drones isn’t what I would call a vulnerability, but it is one of the areas that we are struggling with every single day.”

Mullin said DHS disabled eight unauthorized drones in May during a Formula One Grand Prix race in Miami, Florida. During the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, 12 drones breached the no-fly zone.

The agency is now preparing for the FIFA World Cup next week, with Mullin adding that all 11 U.S. World Cup stadiums are equipped with counter-drone technology.

Privatizing Screening Tech at TSA

The budget also proposes changes to transportation security, mainly by privatizing some of the Transportation Security Administration’s screening operations.

Mullin said half of the top airports in the U.S. currently operate with private TSA agents. He added that incorporating industry can help security run smoothly without decreasing safety.

The proposed $11.7 billion for TSA would prioritize modernizing security systems, streamlining traveler processes, enabling real-time data sharing through cloud-based connectivity and enhancing privatized screening programs.

“There’s a lot of technology that’s out there that we’re just not utilizing. We feel like when we really bring in the private sector, we’ll be able to expand and be ready once again,” said Mullin.