Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8029) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1128) expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5103) to establish a program to Beautify the District of Columbia and establish the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7084) to amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to the types of vessels that may enter or operate in navigable waters of the United States or transfer cargo in any port or place under the jurisdiction of the United States, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

Bill Number: H.Res. 1131
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-03-25: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T17:41:35Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 1131) is a procedural measure adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives on March 25, 2026. Its main goal is to set special rules for debating and voting on four specific legislative items (three bills and one resolution) during floor proceedings. It streamlines the process by waiving certain standard objections (points of order), limiting debate time, and restricting amendments or other motions, allowing quicker advancement without typical delays.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Consideration of H.R. 8029 (DHS Appropriations Bill)

Makes H.R. 8029, which funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 (and other purposes), eligible for immediate House consideration. The bill is treated as fully read, all procedural objections are waived, and voting proceeds directly after one hour of debate (split equally between majority and minority leaders of the Appropriations Committee or their designees). Only one motion to send the bill back to committee (recommit) is allowed.

Section 2: Consideration of H. Res. 1128 (Support for DHS)

Allows immediate consideration of H. Res. 1128, a non-binding resolution expressing House support for DHS. Pre-printed amendments from the Rules Committee report are automatically adopted, the resolution is treated as read, and voting follows one hour of debate (split between majority and minority leaders of the Homeland Security Committee or designees). No other motions or divisions are permitted.

Section 3: Consideration of H.R. 5103 (DC Beautification Program)

Enables consideration of H.R. 5103, which creates a program to improve the appearance of Washington, D.C., and establishes the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission (a body to oversee beautification efforts like landscaping and safety enhancements). A substitute amendment from the Oversight and Government Reform Committee is automatically adopted, all objections are waived, and the bill is treated as read. Proceedings include one hour of debate (split between committee leaders or designees) and one motion to recommit.

Section 4: Consideration of H.R. 7084 (Maritime Vessel Regulations)

Permits consideration of H.R. 7084, which updates U.S. maritime law (Title 46 of the U.S. Code) to regulate the types of vessels allowed in U.S. navigable waters or for cargo handling in U.S. ports (e.g., restricting certain foreign or unsafe ships). A substitute amendment from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is adopted automatically, objections are waived, and the bill is read as amended. One hour of debate (split between committee leaders) and one recommit motion are allowed.

Section 5: Amendment to Prior Resolution

Modifies Section 8 of House Resolution 707 (adopted September 16, 2025), extending its provisions from expiring on March 31, 2026, to cover the rest of the 119th Congress (through January 2027). (Note: The original H. Res. 707's details are not specified here, but this extends some ongoing House procedural rule.)

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution itself does not directly change laws; it is a House "rule" for internal procedures. However, it facilitates potential changes via the underlying bills:
H.R. 8029 could alter DHS funding levels and priorities compared to prior fiscal years.
H.R. 5103 introduces a new federal program and commission for D.C. beautification, which did not exist before.
H.R. 7084 amends maritime statutes to impose stricter vessel entry and operation rules, potentially expanding restrictions on non-U.S. flagged ships or outdated vessels.
The extension in Section 5 prolongs an existing procedural framework from H. Res. 707, avoiding a lapse in House operations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: DHS could receive updated funding (H.R. 8029), affecting border security, immigration, and disaster response budgets. The Safe and Beautiful Commission (H.R. 5103) would involve coordination between federal and D.C. agencies for urban improvements. Maritime agencies like the Coast Guard might enforce new vessel rules (H.R. 7084), increasing oversight of ports and shipping.
On Citizens: D.C. residents could benefit from beautification efforts, such as cleaner parks or safer streets. Broader U.S. citizens might see indirect effects from DHS funding (e.g., enhanced security) or maritime changes (e.g., safer shipping reducing environmental risks). The supportive resolution (H. Res. 1128) has no direct impact but signals congressional backing for DHS operations.
On International Relations: H.R. 7084's vessel restrictions could affect trade with foreign shipping nations, potentially straining relations if seen as protectionist, but it aims to protect U.S. waters and ports.

Main Stakeholders Affected

House Members and Committees: Appropriations, Homeland Security, Oversight and Government Reform, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees lead debates and shape outcomes.
Federal Agencies: Primarily DHS (funding and support) and maritime regulators (Coast Guard, ports).
Local Government: District of Columbia officials and residents, via the new beautification program.
Industry and Businesses: Shipping companies, port operators, and cargo handlers impacted by vessel rules.
General Public: Taxpayers funding DHS and D.C. initiatives; coastal communities affected by maritime safety.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Procedural Efficiency: By waiving points of order (rules against budget violations or germaneness), this speeds up passage but limits minority input, which could raise concerns about balanced debate in a divided Congress. This is standard for House rules but may spark partisan critiques.
Constitutional Aspects: Aligns with Congress's power of the purse (Article I) for appropriations and oversight of D.C. (as a federal district). No direct constitutional challenges, but H.R. 7084's navigation rules tie to commerce clause authority over interstate/international waters.
Political Context: Occurs in the 119th Congress (2025–2027), emphasizing DHS priorities amid ongoing security debates. The non-binding support resolution (H. Res. 1128) could politically bolster DHS without legal force. Extension of H. Res. 707 ensures continuity in House operations, avoiding procedural disruptions. Overall, it reflects majority control over the legislative agenda without altering broader legal frameworks.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

Recent Actions

2026-03-25: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-03-25: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 - 210 (Roll no. 99). (text: CR H2688) (Roll call 99)
2026-03-25: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 - 210 (Roll no. 99). (Roll call 99)
2026-03-25: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 212 - 210 (Roll no. 98). (Roll call 98)
2026-03-25: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2696-2697)
2026-03-25: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 1131, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2026-03-25: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1131.
2026-03-25: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H2688-2696)
2026-03-24: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 68.
2026-03-24: The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8029, H. Res. 1128, H.R. 5103, and H.R. 7084 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 8029, H.R. 5103, and H.R. 7084.
2026-03-24: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-570, by Mrs. Houchin.
2026-03-24: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-570, by Mrs. Houchin.

Bill Versions

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8029) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1128) expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5103) to establish a program to Beautify the District of Columbia and establish the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7084) to amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to the types of vessels that may enter or operate in navigable waters of the United States or transfer cargo in any port or place under the jurisdiction of the United States, and for other purposes; and for other purposes. — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (4 pages)
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8029) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1128) expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5103) to establish a program to Beautify the District of Columbia and establish the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Commission; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7084) to amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to the types of vessels that may enter or operate in navigable waters of the United States or transfer cargo in any port or place under the jurisdiction of the United States, and for other purposes; and for other purposes. — issued 2026-03-24 — PDF (6 pages)