Maloy Talks Stalled DHS Funding And Redistricting Challenges

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy joined the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB radio this week to discuss several major issues facing Utah and Washington, including a redistricting lawsuit, Homeland Security funding negotiations, and the outlook for the 2026 midterm elections.

Maloy opened by noting, “I’m doing well. I’m glad we’re finally getting some snow,” before turning to the ongoing court battle over Utah’s congressional maps. She explained that she is a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit alongside Rep. Burgess Owens and other Utah elected officials. “It’s being argued today in federal court in Utah,” she said, emphasizing that the case is separate from Proposition 4, though she also supports repealing Prop 4 through a signature effort now headed toward the ballot.

Maloy argued that the current district map was not created through the intended process. “We currently have a map that was drawn by plaintiffs in a lawsuit and selected by a judge,” she said, adding, “That’s not what the US Constitution says. That’s not what the Utah Constitution says. That’s not what Prop 4 says.”

The conversation then shifted to the ongoing standoff over Department of Homeland Security funding. Maloy said congressional action has been paused temporarily, noting, “Because the House and the Senate are both out this week. Nothing’s going on with that.” She described a proposal Senate Democrats reportedly sent to the White House, though she admitted, “I haven’t seen it.”

Accountability Is Paramount

Maloy said she supports transparency measures such as body cameras for ICE agents but warned against limiting enforcement too severely. “What I’m not okay with is handcuffing ICE to the point they can’t do their jobs,” she said, while also stressing, “When you’re acting with the full force of the federal government, there should be a high level of accountability.”

She noted that most federal funding bills are already complete. “11 of the 12 appropriations bills are signed into law,” she said, calling the dispute largely political. Maloy expressed concern about unpaid workers, stating, “That is just no way to run a country.”

Looking ahead, she predicted a resolution soon: “If I had to put money down on it today, I’d put my money on Wednesday.”

Finally, Maloy addressed midterm uncertainty, saying, “Redistricting really is the X factor in the midterms right now,” with multiple states reconsidering maps and making outcomes harder to predict.

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You can hear the entire discussion with Congressperson Maloy in the podcast below.