ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7574

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-07-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 640.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T19:41:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 7574: ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026

Purpose

This legislation directs the reorganization and realignment of the Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach (ELO) Office within the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to reduce redundancy, improve coordination with law enforcement partners, and enhance efficiency in managing strategic relationships.

Key Provisions

• Plan Requirement: Within 120 days of enactment, the DHS Secretary must submit a comprehensive plan to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The plan must:
• Identify redundant or non-essential positions, programs, or functions in the ELO Office and explain how reorganization addresses them.
• Realign essential ELO functions and personnel into the Partner Engagement directorate of I&A.
• Improve management of relationships with priority law enforcement agencies through clear communication protocols, centralized points of contact, enhanced information-sharing, reduced duplication across DHS components, and better accountability metrics.
• Plan Contents: The plan must include an organizational analysis with cost-benefit estimates, detailed staffing and reassignment proposals, a transition timeline, internal oversight mechanisms, recommendations for future engagement models, and assurances of continuity for intelligence support to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) partners, including HSIN-INTEL access.
• Certification: The Secretary must certify to the relevant congressional committees within 60 days after beginning implementation of the plan.
• Limitations: Until the plan is submitted and implementation is certified, the Secretary may not expand the ELO Office's staffing, budget, or scope, or establish new duplicative offices without specific congressional authorization.
• Definitions: The bill defines key terms, including "Department" (DHS), "ELO Office," "I&A," "Secretary," "SLTT entity," and "priority law enforcement agencies."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a statutory requirement for the realignment of the ELO Office's essential functions into the Partner Engagement directorate of I&A, which was not previously mandated by law.
• It imposes temporary restrictions on the expansion of the ELO Office or creation of similar offices, adding a layer of congressional oversight not present in current DHS structure.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: DHS operations may become more streamlined, with possible staff reassignments and reduced duplication in outreach efforts; the I&A Partner Engagement directorate would assume new responsibilities.
• Citizens and Partners: SLTT entities and law enforcement agencies could experience improved information sharing and coordination, with assured continuity of existing support services.
• International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined in the bill.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• DHS leadership and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), including ELO Office personnel.
• Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies designated as priority partners.
• SLTT entities receiving intelligence support.
• Congressional committees overseeing homeland security.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The bill emphasizes administrative efficiency and accountability within DHS without altering core legal authorities.
• It reinforces congressional oversight through mandatory reporting and certification requirements, potentially limiting executive branch discretion in organizational matters.
• No significant constitutional issues are raised, as the changes focus on internal DHS restructuring rather than new regulatory powers.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9]

Recent Actions

• 2026-07-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 640.
• 2026-07-09: Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-736.
• 2026-07-09: Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-736.
• 2026-06-24: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 3.
• 2026-06-24: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-05-14: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
• 2026-05-14: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-02-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
• 2026-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
• 2026-02-13: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-13: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-13 — PDF (5 pages)
• ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026 — issued 2026-07-09 — PDF (8 pages)