Secret Service Transfer Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 8702

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-08: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.

Last Updated

2026-07-09T13:27:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Secret Service Transfer Act of 2026 (H.R. 8702) aims to move the United States Secret Service (USSS) from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Executive Office of the President (EOP). This shift is intended to improve efficiency, operational effectiveness, and focus on the agency's core protective mission (protecting the President, Vice President, and other officials).

Key Provisions

• Full Transfer: All USSS functions, personnel, assets (like equipment and property), and liabilities (debts or obligations) move to the EOP.
• Leadership: A Director, appointed by the President, heads the USSS. The current Director continues in the role with the same pay.
• Transition Support: DHS Secretary provides help (personnel, assets) during the move. Transfer must be complete within 1 year of enactment.
• Personnel Continuity: All current officers and components keep their jobs, pay, and service conditions.
• Reorganization: The Director can reorganize for better efficiency but must initially keep the existing structure, roles, and functions. Changes must follow federal laws.
• Legal Updates:
• References to "USSS" or its Director in laws, orders, or documents now point to the new EOP-based agency.
• The new USSS inherits all contracts, assets, and liabilities.
• Existing legal powers continue under the new structure.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Reporting Structure: USSS shifts from DHS (an executive department) to EOP (directly advising the President), removing DHS oversight.
• No Major Cuts or Additions: Maintains current operations, pay, and authorities but allows future tweaks for efficiency.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: DHS loses USSS, reducing its scope; EOP gains direct control over a key protective and investigative agency (USSS also handles financial crimes like counterfeiting).
• Citizens: No direct change to public services, but could streamline protection for leaders and investigations.
• International Relations: Minimal, as USSS's protective role is domestic-focused, though financial crime work might indirectly affect global partners.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• USSS Personnel and Leadership: Continue roles but under new oversight.
• President and EOP: Gain direct authority over the agency.
• DHS: Loses the USSS and provides transition aid.
• Congress: Referred to Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees for review.
• Protected Individuals: President, Vice President, candidates, and dignitaries benefit from potentially enhanced operations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Ensures seamless continuity by updating references and preserving powers; complies with federal reorganization laws.
• Constitutional: Aligns with President's executive authority over EOP but shifts a law enforcement agency closer to the White House, potentially raising oversight questions (e.g., independence from departmental checks).
• Political: Increases presidential influence over security operations; no funding changes specified, so budget implications depend on future appropriations.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-08: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
• 2026-05-07: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, 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.
• 2026-05-07: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, 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.
• 2026-05-07: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-07: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Secret Service Transfer Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-07 — PDF (5 pages)