DHS Grants Accountability Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
In Committee
Summary
This bill would require annualized grant cycles across multiple Department of Homeland Security preparedness, transit, rail, bus, and port security programs to make funding more predictable and transparent. It would standardize when funding notices appear and how long recipients have to apply and spend awards.
Show full summary
- State and local emergency planners would receive allocations based on a defined allocation framework and yearly notifications before funding opportunities, helping budgeting and planning.
- Transit, port, rail, and over-the-road bus operators would get a minimum 54-month period to use certain awards and at least 30 days to submit applications after notices are posted.
- Grant applicants and the Department would face stricter transparency and timing rules, including public posting of notices and requirements that some notices be posted within 60 days when no deadline is specified.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More predictable grant notices for states
If enacted, the bill would require DHS to issue certain preparedness grants at least once per year. It would require the Administrator to allocate preparedness funds on the named allocation framework and notify House and Senate homeland security committees each year before the related notice of funding opportunity. For multiple DHS grant programs (preparedness, public transit, port, railroad, and bus security), the bill would require public posting of each NOFO on a set schedule (or within 60 days if the spending law gives no deadline) and give eligible applicants at least 30 days to apply. The bill would also require risk-assessment information be provided at least 30 days before any NOFO or program guidance.
Longer time to spend DHS grants
If enacted, the bill would require that funds awarded under specified DHS grant programs remain available for at least 54 months. This would apply to public transportation grants under section 1406 and to grant funds made under preparedness sections 2003, 2004, or 2009. Recipients would have more time to obligate or spend awarded funds, effective upon enactment.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
NY • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
MS • D
Sponsored 12/9/2025
Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
HI • D
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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