To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7617
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Economics and Public Finance
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-20: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-12T13:26:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill (H.R. 7617) aims to ensure the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can maintain essential administrative operations and remain responsive to Congress during any temporary halt in federal funding (known as a lapse in appropriations) that occurs in fiscal year 2026. It addresses potential disruptions from government shutdowns by providing targeted funding and operational mandates.
Key Provisions
- Funding for Administrative Expenses: During a lapse in appropriations, the bill automatically provides "such amounts as may be necessary" to cover administrative costs for DHS operations. This includes specific support for the Department's Office of Legislative Affairs (which handles interactions with Congress) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of Congressional Relations.
- Requirement for Continued Operations: The Secretary of Homeland Security must use these funds to keep all DHS functions running as they would normally, without the lapse. This explicitly includes responding promptly to any communications from congressional offices during the lapse.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill introduces targeted, automatic appropriations specifically for DHS administrative needs during funding lapses in fiscal year 2026, which goes beyond general shutdown procedures under current law (like the Antideficiency Act, which restricts spending without appropriations but allows limited exceptions for emergencies).
- It adds a new mandate for DHS to prioritize responsiveness to Congress, ensuring legislative oversight is not interrupted—something not explicitly required in prior statutes for this department during shutdowns.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DHS would face fewer operational disruptions, allowing it to sustain core administrative activities (e.g., coordination and communication) without relying solely on unpaid furloughs or delayed responses. This could streamline internal processes during funding gaps.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits may include more consistent DHS services, such as immigration enforcement or border security coordination, though the focus is administrative rather than direct public-facing operations. No major changes to citizen services are outlined.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill targets domestic administrative funding; however, sustained DHS operations could indirectly support ongoing international efforts like customs enforcement or security partnerships without interruption.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Primary beneficiary, gaining funding stability and operational continuity for its administrative arms, including ICE.
- Congressional Offices: Ensured access to DHS information and responses, enhancing oversight during crises.
- Federal Workforce: DHS employees in administrative roles (e.g., legislative affairs staff) may avoid furloughs, maintaining job security.
- Taxpayers: Potential for controlled spending during lapses, though it could increase short-term federal outlays if a shutdown occurs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Reinforces compliance with the U.S. Constitution's appropriations clause (Article I, Section 9), which requires Congress to authorize spending, by providing a pre-approved mechanism for emergencies. It may set a precedent for department-specific shutdown protections, potentially influencing future appropriations laws.
- Constitutional Implications: Balances executive branch operations (DHS under the President) with legislative oversight, upholding separation of powers by mandating congressional responsiveness without overstepping funding authority.
- Political Implications: Could reduce partisan tensions during budget disputes by safeguarding essential government functions, but might be viewed as favoritism toward DHS amid broader debates on federal spending priorities. The bill's narrow focus on fiscal year 2026 limits long-term scope, possibly serving as a model for similar protections in other agencies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-20: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
- 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (2 pages)