Lawmakers have called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to reassess the Justice Department’s funding cuts, warning that reduced budgets for critical national security programs could jeopardize U.S. safety amid escalating tensions with Iran. The recent U.S. military action in Iran and Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar have exacerbated fears of heightened threats, prompting calls for increased resources in national security and counterterrorism efforts.
Bondi, appearing before a House Appropriations subcommittee for her first congressional testimony since her confirmation, faced bipartisan concerns over the $33.6 billion DOJ budget request for fiscal year 2026 — a $2.5 billion, or roughly 7%, reduction from the current year. Lawmakers highlighted that the budget cuts could jeopardize critical programs targeting violent crime reduction and efforts to counter threats such as weapons of mass destruction.
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) emphasized that the Trump administration’s budget proposal has reduced funding for national security, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, threat screening, and efforts to counter weapons of mass destruction. He warned that these cuts occur at an inopportune time, stressing the need for more resources to prevent potential threats rather than reacting after an incident.
Bondi, while acknowledging the heightened alert status, did not commit to any changes in the budget to address the growing tensions with Iran. She emphasized the U.S. is already doing more with less and reiterated the administration’s commitment to keeping Americans safe. Additionally, she mentioned the FBI’s vigilance against potential Iranian sleeper cells in the U.S., though she did not provide further details on the matter.
Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland and Rep. Frank Mrvan of Indiana, also echoed concerns about the timing of the budget reductions, warning that taking FBI agents off the street now could be detrimental to U.S. security. Mrvan specifically pointed to the potential for Iranian attacks on banking systems and the electric grid, calling these new threats that require urgent attention.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed frustration over the proposed budget cuts, suggesting they could compromise the DOJ’s ability to prepare for and mitigate threats posed by both domestic and international actors. The bipartisan nature of the criticism reflects a shared concern over the national security implications of the funding reductions, despite differing ideological leanings within Congress.
As the U.S. continues to navigate its complex relationship with Iran, the debate over DOJ funding underscores broader questions about the balance between fiscal responsibility and the need for robust national security infrastructure. With no clear resolution in sight, lawmakers and officials will likely continue to scrutinize the budgetary decisions affecting the department’s ability to safeguard the country amid increasing global uncertainties.