Washington, D.C. – Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei released the following statement following yesterday’s oversight hearing on the potential impacts of a DHS shutdown:
“Under the leadership of Chuck Schumer, progressive Democrats are now demanding that Congress weaken interior immigration enforcement or risk shutting down the entire Department of Homeland Security,” said Chairman Mark Amodei.

“If you think that’s acceptable because you oppose ICE or Border Patrol operations, it’s worth remembering that DHS funds far more than immigration enforcement. Threatening to shut it down puts core national security functions at risk.

“The Coast Guard, which carries out critical maritime search-and-rescue missions, would be sidelined. FEMA’s emergency preparedness and disaster recovery efforts would be delayed and disrupted, even as states across the country are still dealing with historic winter weather. At a time of heightened global tensions, DHS cybersecurity and communications capabilities would shift from proactive to reactive defense. During the last shutdown, Americans saw firsthand what happens when TSA operations are disrupted: longer wait times, widespread flight cancellations, and unnecessary chaos. Some lawmakers are apparently willing to see that happen again. 

“None of these consequences have anything to do with immigration enforcement.

“While I’ve previously said ICE needs to refocus on its core mission, that pivot is already underway. Under Tom Homan’s leadership, tensions in Minnesota were successfully deescalated through engagement with local officials, leading to the conclusion of surge operations in the state and the deployment of body cameras for personnel remaining on the ground.

“It’s also important to note that ICE still has resources funded in the One Big Beautiful Bill if the third shutdown in less than 100 days takes place. At the same time, a continuing resolution does little to resolve the issue, as it keeps funding at FY25 levels, which are actually higher than what’s proposed for FY26.
“Policy disagreements are not the responsibility of the appropriations process; rather, they should be taken up with the authorizing committees. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to reflect on the lessons of the longest government shutdown in history, which proved it accomplishes nothing.”

Watch the full hearing here. 
 
Read Chairman Amodei’s full remarks here.

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Amodei announced the inclusion of $34.85 million in 
appropriations for the continued development and expansion of the ShakeAlert West Coast earthquake early warning system, with language specifically directing the United States Geological Survey to initiate the expansion of the program into Nevada. 
 
This funding was secured in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water 
Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which was signed 
into law by the President on January 23, 2026. 
 
“While neighboring states already have the tools and technology to warn residents of 
potential earthquakes, Nevada has lagged behind,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “This funding will equip our state’s experts with the resources they need to implement a proven system 
that keeps Nevadans safe and communities prepared for seismic activity. I appreciate the 
University of Nevada for its leadership and advocacy on this issue, and it was an honor to 
work alongside them to secure the funding that will bring ShakeAlert to Nevada.”
 
“We thank Representative Amodei for his leadership in advocating for this funding to 
advance research and create much needed infrastructure for earthquake emergency 
response in Nevada,” said Brian Sandoval, President, University of Nevada.
 
"The possibility of ShakeAlert expanding to serve Nevada is really exciting,” said Christie 
Rowe, Director of Nevada Seismological Laboratory. “We will help the USGS develop a 
plan that fits Nevada's people, industries, and infrastructure to offer the best warning 
system possible. We are so grateful for the support from Nevada's congressional 
delegation that resulted in this critical step toward earthquake early warning for Nevada."
 
"The ShakeAlert system was designed in such a way that it could be expanded to other U.S. 
regions with high earthquake risk,” said Robert de Groot, Coordinator for 
Communication, Education, Outreach, and Technical Engagement for the ShakeAlert 
Program. “Possibilities could include the populated areas across high-risk regions of 
Nevada, Alaska, Utah, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, the Puerto Rico region, and 
elsewhere. Development of a technical implementation plan would be the first step in a 
multi-step process for ShakeAlert rollout to parts of Nevada."
 
Background
ShakeAlert works by detecting the fastest seismic waves close to an earthquake as soon as it starts. Computer algorithms compare the signals from several seismic stations and 
confirm that a large earthquake has occurred and trigger an alert. For areas farther away 
from the source of the earthquake, the alert arrives via cell phones and WEA Alerts before 
damaging seismic waves reach that location. 
 
The precious seconds of warning allow people to Drop, Cover and Hold to protect 
themselves, and allow trains, water supply systems, emergency services, manufacturing, 
schools, and health care facilities to put emergency measures in place or stop delicate 
procedures just before shaking begins.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Amodei released the following statement:
 
"Serving the people of Nevada has been the honor of my lifetime. Nobody is prouder of our Nevada Congressional District than me. Thank you for the honor. Every achievement worth doing began with listening to Nevadans and fighting for our values.
 
I came to Congress to solve problems and to make sure our State and Nation have strong voice in the federal policy and oversight processes. I look forward to finishing my term. After 15 years of service, I believe it is the right time for Nevada and myself to pass the torch."