Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8206
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Economics and Public Finance
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-06: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-15T18:22:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
# Purpose
This legislation provides appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for fiscal year 2026 ending September 30, 2026. It includes continuing appropriations, oversight mechanisms, and enacts the "Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act" (SAVE America Act) in Division C to require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo identification for voting in federal elections.
# Key Provisions
- Division A (DHS Appropriations Act, 2026):
- Allocates specific funding for DHS components, including:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: $11,083,012,000 for operations and support, plus procurement funds.
- Transportation Security Administration: $10,635,434,000 for operations.
- U.S. Coast Guard: $11,272,401,000 for operations, plus vessel and aircraft procurement.
- U.S. Secret Service: $3,128,304,000 for operations.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency: $2,218,634,000 for operations.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: $1,667,038,000 for operations and $3,836,748,513 for federal assistance grants.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other research/training entities.
- Includes administrative provisions on budget reporting, acquisition oversight, pilot programs, transfers, and restrictions on certain activities (e.g., no new border crossing fees, limits on non-autonomous surveillance systems).
- Adds funding for body-worn cameras, MQ-9 aircraft, and other specific initiatives with conditions.
- Division B (Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026): Extends prior continuing appropriations, ratifies obligations incurred during lapses, and ensures funding for personnel pay and essential operations.
- Division C (SAVE America Act):
- Amends the National Voter Registration Act to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., REAL ID, passport, birth certificate) for voter registration in federal elections.
- Amends the Help America Vote Act to require valid photo identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, military ID) for in-person voting, with provisional ballot options and limited exceptions.
- Mandates states to verify citizenship using federal systems like SAVE, remove non-citizens from rolls, and share data.
- Establishes processes for applicants without documents, penalties for violations, and public access to copying devices.
# Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces mandatory documentary proof of citizenship for all voter registration methods under the National Voter Registration Act, overriding prior flexibility for states.
- Requires photo ID as a condition for casting ballots in federal elections, with new provisional ballot rules and state obligations for verification.
- Expands DHS reporting, acquisition oversight, and restrictions on reprogramming (e.g., 30-day notice requirements, limits on certain transfers).
- Modifies continuing appropriations mechanisms and ratifies expenditures during funding lapses.
- Adds new criminal penalties and private rights of action related to voter registration without proper documentation.
# Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Increases administrative burdens on DHS components for compliance, reporting, and grant management; affects election officials and states with new verification and data-sharing requirements.
- On citizens: May require additional documentation for voting and registration; provides funding for border security, disaster relief, and cybersecurity.
- On international relations: Supports U.S. flag vessel requirements for certain oil transport and restricts certain waivers.
# Main Stakeholders Affected
- DHS agencies and components (CBP, TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, CISA, Secret Service, USCIS).
- State and local election officials.
- Voters and applicants for voter registration.
- Federal appropriations committees and oversight bodies.
- Recipients of federal grants (e.g., homeland security, fire grants, flood mapping).
# Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Raises potential issues regarding voting access and equal protection under the U.S. Constitution due to new identification and citizenship proof mandates.
- Enhances federal oversight of state election processes and DHS operations through detailed reporting and notification requirements.
- Includes provisions on classified programs, technology transfers, and restrictions on certain federal actions (e.g., no funds for specific detainee transfers or Arms Trade Treaty implementation).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-06: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-06: Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-06: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 — issued 2026-04-06 — PDF (125 pages)