United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7369
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Economics and Public Finance
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-24T01:57:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund Act of 2026" aims to create a temporary financial reserve to ensure the United States Capitol Police can continue paying employee salaries and covering essential operational costs during periods when federal funding (appropriations) lapses, such as during a government shutdown. This helps maintain security and operations at the U.S. Capitol without interruption.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of the Fund: Creates a dedicated account called the "United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund" specifically for salaries and necessary expenses of Capitol Police employees.
- Usage Rules: The Chief of the Capitol Police, with approval from the Capitol Police Board (a oversight group), can only access the fund during an active lapse in appropriations—starting from the lapse's beginning and ending when funding resumes.
- Funding Amount: Appropriates $50 million from the U.S. Treasury's general funds (money not already allocated elsewhere) to seed the reserve.
- Management and Return of Funds: The Treasury Secretary deposits the money into the fund. Any unused balance as of December 31, 2026, must be returned to the Treasury by January 31, 2027, and canceled (rescinded, meaning it's no longer available).
- Reporting Requirement: Within 30 days after returning unused funds, the Chief of the Capitol Police must submit a report to designated congressional committees detailing all uses and transactions from the fund.
- Defined Committees: "Appropriate congressional committees" include the House Administration Committee, Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and both Houses' Appropriations Committees, which oversee funding and operations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, short-term reserve mechanism tailored to the Capitol Police, which does not currently exist under federal law. Prior to this, during funding lapses, essential federal employees like law enforcement might receive back pay after resolution, but operations could still face disruptions without dedicated reserves. The fund is time-limited (expiring in 2027), making it a targeted response rather than a permanent change.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Provides financial stability for the Capitol Police, allowing uninterrupted security services during shutdowns and reducing operational risks at the Capitol complex. It may set a precedent for similar reserves in other critical agencies.
- On Citizens: Indirectly benefits the public by ensuring consistent protection for the Capitol, where legislative work occurs, potentially preventing security gaps that could affect national governance or public access to democratic processes.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic law enforcement funding.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- United States Capitol Police: Primary beneficiary, gaining access to funds for salaries and operations during crises.
- Capitol Police Board: Oversees fund usage, ensuring accountability.
- U.S. Department of the Treasury: Handles deposit and return of funds.
- Congressional Committees: Receive reports and influence oversight; members of Congress and staff at the Capitol benefit from enhanced security continuity.
- Federal Employees: Capitol Police officers and staff are directly protected from unpaid periods during shutdowns.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill uses congressional authority to appropriate funds (under Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution, which gives Congress control over spending), but its temporary nature limits long-term fiscal commitments. The rescission clause ensures no indefinite spending, aligning with budget laws.
- Constitutional: Reinforces the Capitol's role as the seat of government by prioritizing its security, without altering separation of powers.
- Political: Addresses vulnerabilities exposed in past events (e.g., funding disruptions affecting law enforcement), potentially reducing partisan disputes over shutdown impacts on essential services. However, the one-year sunset provision may prompt future debates on extension or expansion, reflecting ongoing concerns about government continuity.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (3 pages)