April 7, 2026 / 5:40 PM EDT — Chimney Rock, N.C.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Tuesday that Department of Homeland Security employees who have been working without pay during a six-week government shutdown should receive missed paychecks by the end of the week. Mullin, on his first official visit as DHS secretary, said the department is relying on executive actions and existing funding flexibility to cover recent pay periods.
He said most payments are expected to hit employees’ bank accounts by Friday, though some financial institutions may not post them until Monday. Mullin described the move as using a presidential provision that permits limited emergency reallocation of funds and stressed it is not a permanent solution. He warned that future payrolls, aside from law enforcement personnel, will depend on congressional action.
Mullin blamed Democratic lawmakers for the funding lapse, saying their approach left dozens of agencies without needed resources, and he praised DHS staff for continuing to work through the shutdown. The comments came while Mullin toured storm damage from Hurricane Helene and met with local officials, including Mayor Peter O’Leary. (Photo: Markwayne Mullin during the Chimney Rock visit, April 7, 2026 — Rebecca Santana/AP)