Secret Service-Local Law Enforcement Partnership Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7876

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-04-01T18:09:10Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation aims to create a reimbursement program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to financially support state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies. The program would cover extraordinary costs they incur when assisting the U.S. Secret Service in protecting non-governmental properties (such as homes or offices) of specific high-profile individuals, including the President, Vice President, former Presidents, and major presidential or vice-presidential candidates.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: DHS must set up the "Extraordinary Protection Reimbursement Program" to issue grants reimbursing eligible agencies for costs directly linked to protecting designated non-governmental properties under the Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976.
• Eligibility Requirements: Only state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies qualify, and they must certify that funds will cover only excess costs (beyond normal operations) tied to protection duties.
• Authorized Uses of Funds:
• Personnel costs limited to man-hours spent on direct protection, such as patrols around the property or officers assigned to it.
• Equipment purchases or rentals, but only if explicitly needed for protection and approved by the Secret Service Director (including for travel to/from the site).
• Protection activities funded only when the protected individual is physically at the property or traveling to/from it.
• Implementation Timeline: Within 180 days of enactment, DHS must report to congressional committees on implementing recommendations from a 2023 DHS Inspector General (IG) report and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Accountability Measures:
• Annual audits by the DHS IG, with reports due 90 days into the next fiscal year.
• Annual reports from DHS to Congress detailing total grants, grantee identities, amounts awarded, man-hours logged, and itemized equipment lists with Secret Service certifications.
• Definitions: "Non-governmental property" includes owned or leased sites designated by the Secret Service for protection but excludes temporary stays (e.g., hotels) under 30 days.
• Funding: Authorizes $61 million annually for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028, administered by DHS's Management Directorate or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Secret Service.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new grant program that expands on the Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976, which allows Secret Service protection for certain non-official residences and offices but does not provide federal reimbursements for local law enforcement support. It formalizes financial aid for "extraordinary" costs, adds strict oversight via audits and reports, and mandates action on prior IG recommendations for better coordination between federal and local agencies. No direct amendments to existing statutes are specified, but it builds reimbursement mechanisms into federal protection protocols.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DHS and the Secret Service gain a structured way to offset local costs, potentially improving coordination and reducing strain on federal resources. Local agencies could see financial relief, enabling sustained support without budget shortfalls. Annual reporting and audits may increase administrative workload but enhance transparency.
• On Citizens: Protected individuals (and the public) may benefit from more robust, consistent security at private sites, reducing risks during high-threat periods like elections. Taxpayers fund the program, with a defined budget cap to limit fiscal exposure.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced protection for U.S. leaders could indirectly support diplomatic security during foreign travel or events.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: DHS (including Secret Service and FEMA) for program administration and oversight.
• State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Law Enforcement: Primary recipients of grants, bearing the operational burden of protection.
• Protected Individuals: Current and former Presidents, Vice Presidents, and major candidates, whose private properties gain supported security.
• Congressional Committees: Homeland Security, Governmental Affairs, and Appropriations committees, which receive reports and oversee implementation.
• Taxpayers and the Public: Indirectly affected through authorized federal spending.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens intergovernmental partnerships by clarifying reimbursable costs and requiring Secret Service certifications, reducing potential disputes over fund misuse. The IG audit requirement promotes accountability, aligning with federal grant laws like those under the Office of Management and Budget.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it supports executive branch security functions under Article II (presidential duties) without infringing on state powers, as reimbursements are voluntary and tied to federal protection mandates.
• Political: Could foster bipartisan support for election security and leader protection, especially amid rising threats, but may spark debates on spending priorities or equity in reimbursements across jurisdictions. The fixed three-year authorization invites future congressional review for extension or modification.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-09: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Secret Service-Local Law Enforcement Partnership Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-09 — PDF (5 pages)