Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs

The Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs is one of three subcommittees within the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. As a subcommittee, it conducts initial hearings and reviews legislation before matters proceed to the full committee, which alone can report bills to the Senate floor. This specialized panel exists to focus congressional attention on three interconnected areas of government operations that fall under the broader homeland security umbrella.

The subcommittee's jurisdiction covers three main policy areas. First, it assesses the management and operations of the nation's borders, including border security and enforcement. Second, it oversees the federal workforce, examining employee classification, compensation, benefits, and retirement programs. Third, it reviews federal rulemaking and regulatory policies, as well as federal contracting and procurement practices. This combination reflects the reality that border security depends on both operational readiness and the efficiency of the agencies and personnel implementing policy.

The subcommittee is chaired by Senator James Lankford (R-OK), who has been deeply involved in border security negotiations and oversight. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) serves as Ranking Member. The subcommittee has 11 members total. Recent activity includes a hearing held in June 2025 on the Drone Espionage Act, and a hearing scheduled for January 28, 2026. The subcommittee's work reflects ongoing congressional focus on border management, government efficiency, and the federal workforce.