United States Secret Service Reserve Fund Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8058
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-24: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T17:52:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill establishes a temporary reserve fund to ensure the United States Secret Service (USSS) can continue protecting key government officials—such as the President, Vice President, and others listed in federal law (18 U.S.C. § 3056)—including paying employee salaries, during a government shutdown (a "lapse in appropriations").
Key Provisions
- Fund Creation: Establishes the "United States Secret Service Reserve Fund."
- Authorized Uses: Funds can only cover USSS protection expenses during a shutdown, starting from the lapse date and lasting up to 30 days or until appropriations resume.
- Funding Amount: Appropriates $106 million from the U.S. Treasury (money not otherwise allocated).
- Management: The Treasury Secretary deposits the funds; the USSS Director controls spending.
- Fund Wind-Down: By January 31, 2027, any unused funds (as of December 31, 2026) must be returned to the Treasury and canceled ("rescinded").
- Reporting Requirement: The USSS Director must report to specified congressional committees on fund uses and transactions within 30 days after the return.
Appropriate Congressional Committees (for reporting):
- House Administration; Senate Rules and Administration.
- House and Senate Judiciary Committees.
- House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new, one-time reserve fund specifically for USSS protection during shutdowns.
- No direct amendments to prior laws; creates a standalone mechanism to bridge funding gaps without relying on general shutdown contingency rules.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enables USSS to maintain full operations (no furloughs for protection staff) during short-term shutdowns, reducing operational disruptions.
- Citizens: Indirectly enhances security for public officials and events they attend, minimizing risks during budget disputes.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though uninterrupted protection of foreign dignitaries (covered under § 3056) could support diplomatic continuity.
- Funds expire unused by early 2027, limiting long-term fiscal effects.
Main Stakeholders
- United States Secret Service: Primary beneficiary for operational continuity.
- U.S. Treasury Department: Handles deposits and fund recovery.
- Congressional Committees: Receive oversight reports.
- Protected Individuals: High-level officials (e.g., President, Vice President, former presidents, major candidates) and their security details.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Provides a targeted appropriation during potential shutdowns, compliant with constitutional spending powers (Article I); includes strict time limits and accountability to prevent misuse.
- Constitutional: Reinforces executive branch readiness for core duties without encroaching on Congress's "power of the purse."
- Political: Addresses vulnerabilities exposed in past shutdowns (e.g., 2018–2019), potentially reducing partisan leverage in budget negotiations; fund's expiration avoids creating a permanent entitlement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-24: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-03-24: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- United States Secret Service Reserve Fund Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-24 — PDF (4 pages)