All Roll Calls
Yes: 433 • No: 426
119-hr-7744119th CongressWALLET
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]
Passed House
Summary
Provides FY2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security and enforces stronger oversight and spending controls. The bill pairs billions in agency-level appropriations with tighter reporting, reprogramming limits, and policy conditions across DHS components.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
37 provisions identified: 20 benefits, 6 costs, 11 mixed.
2026 raise for air traffic controllers
If enacted, $140 million would fund a 3.8% pay increase in 2026 for air traffic controllers and supervisors who manage air traffic. The raise would start the first pay period after January 1, 2026, but only if the FAA Administrator decides required workforce and safety improvements were achieved. The funds would be available through September 30, 2027.
More airport security upgrades in 2026
For fiscal year 2026, the Aviation Security Capital Fund would be allowed to buy and install explosives detection systems. It could also fund airport security projects using other transaction agreements under existing law. This would only apply for FY2026.
Move money into CISA and cut old balances
If enacted, $99.75 million in unobligated funds would be moved into CISA Operations and Support from the Cybersecurity Response and Recovery Fund. The bill would also rescind specific unobligated balances from many DHS accounts, including $2.362 million from the DHS Nonrecurring Expenses Fund. The listed amounts and accounts would be the ones cut.
Stricter DHS spending and contractor rules
If enacted, DHS would face tight limits on shifting funds: no creating or ending programs, caps on increases (no more than $5 million or 10%), and only up to 5% transfers with 30 days’ notice. Buying rules would tighten: follow Buy American, no award or incentive fees for poor contractor performance, and no contracts, grants, or loans to entities listed under section 1260H or their subsidiaries. DHS could use Operations and Support funds for small buys and projects (up to $250,000 per item; $4,000,000 per real property project). Big pay reforms (over 100 jobs or over $5,000,000 in a year) would need a 30‑day notice, and Technology Modernization Fund dollars would wait 15 days after a detailed report. First‑class travel against federal rules would be barred, and required reports to Appropriations could not be delegated unless this Act allows it.
Bring 90-day meds from Canada
If enacted, Customs and Border Protection would not block you from bringing a personal-use supply of prescription drugs from Canada. The limit would be up to a 90-day supply, carried on your person, and only if the drug meets FDA rules. This would not cover controlled substances or biological products. It would apply only to people not in the business of importing drugs.
Monthly border forecasts and ICE plans
If enacted, DHS would produce monthly, independently validated estimates of border arrivals by group for this year and next. DHS would also produce monthly estimates of detentions and removals by group for this year and next. Before asking the Pentagon for border help, DHS would do an alternatives and cost‑benefit analysis and report to Congress within 30 days of the request, then again within 30 days after assistance is granted and quarterly while it continues. ICE would submit a detailed monthly spending plan within 30 days and provide monthly updates, plus a detention facility execution plan within 90 days and quarterly updates.
More cyber threat data and funding
If enacted, CISA would be able to buy or provide cyber threat data feeds to federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, fusion centers, and information-sharing groups. About $99.75 million would be moved from a prior cyber fund into CISA’s Operations and Support and would stay available until spent.
No giving guns to suspected cartel agents
If enacted, federal funds could not be used to transfer an operable firearm to someone known or suspected to be a drug cartel agent, unless U.S. officers control or monitor the firearm at all times.
Stronger oversight of ICE detention facilities
If enacted, ICE could not renew detention contracts when a facility’s last two overall ratings are below “adequate.” DHS could not destroy records tied to detainee deaths or alleged abuse, and such records would be available to impacted individuals under disclosure rules. Members of Congress and designated staff would be allowed to enter DHS detention sites for oversight, with limited notice rules. ICE could not keep 287(g) agreements if the DHS Inspector General finds a material violation of the agreement.
Easier to shift funds to ICE detention
If enacted, DHS would be able to reprogram and transfer money into ICE Operations and Support to ensure detention of people prioritized for removal, without a usual time-and-condition limit.
Faster FEMA grants and public tracking
If enacted, FEMA would have to post grant applications within 60 days of enactment. Applicants would have 80 days to apply, and FEMA would decide within 65 days after getting an application. Late postings would cut FEMA Operations and Support by $100,000 per day, and early award announcements without a 5-business-day briefing would trigger a $1,000,000 cut. Grants would run 3–5 years and most would have a 5% admin cost cap. FEMA would post a public dashboard of reimbursement requests within 90 days of getting data or within 60 days after final DHS review. Unused flood mapping funds from past acts would move into FEMA’s Federal Assistance account and stay available until spent.
FEMA training, towers, and backlog rules
If enacted, DHS could not pause FEMA grant-funded training unless it gives Congress at least 10 business days’ notice with reasons, makeup plans, and budget impact. Installing communications towers would not count as constructing a building for two FEMA grant categories. FEMA would lose $100,000 for each day a required monthly Disaster Relief Fund report is late. It would also lose $100,000 per day when more than 500 reimbursement requests sit in final review over 60 days, unless the DRF balance is only enough for lifesaving or life-sustaining needs.
Stricter DHS budget notices and carryovers
If enacted, DHS would have to give Congress 3 full business days’ notice before big grants (over $1 million) or contracts (over $2 million), and certain large task orders. Agencies would need to post required reports online after at least 45 days with Congress, unless posting harms security or reveals proprietary data; failing to post would suspend reprogramming and transfer authority until fixed. DHS would send an “unfunded priorities” list within 10 days after the President’s budget. If the FY2027 budget assumes new user fees not enacted by October 1, 2026, DHS would submit equal spending cuts within 60 days. Agencies could carry over up to 50% of unused FY2026 Operations and Support funds through September 30, 2027, with notice by June 15, 2027. Money could be moved into the National Intelligence Program only with required approvals, caps, and for unforeseen, higher-priority needs.
Remote oversight for USCIS biometrics
If enacted, USCIS staff would be allowed to oversee fingerprinting and other biometrics at Application Support Centers remotely. This could make scheduling and staffing more flexible. It would not change fees or eligibility.
Better care for pregnant people in custody
If enacted, CBP would have to follow the November 30, 2021 policy (or similar expert-backed rules) for pregnant, postpartum, and nursing people and infants in custody. DHS would be barred from using restraints on someone who is pregnant or recovering after birth, except if an authorized official finds a serious flight risk or immediate threat, or a medical professional orders therapeutic restraints. No restraints would be allowed during active labor or delivery. If restraints are used under an exception, only the safest, least restrictive type allowed by the treating medical professional would be used, and immobilized pregnant women would be placed on their left side when possible.
Emergency backup care for DHS staff
If enacted, DHS could use Operations and Support funds to provide short-term emergency backup care. This would help DHS employees cover child care or care for adult dependents when regular care falls through. The authority would apply to funds in this Act or other Acts for Operations and Support.
Protect USCIS jobs and work travel
If enacted, DHS could not use these funds to outsource certain USCIS jobs through A-76 competitions. The protected roles include Immigration Information Officers, Service Analysts, Contact Representatives, Investigative Assistants, and Immigration Services Officers, including temporary staff. USCIS could also replace up to five vehicles in areas without GSA lease vehicles and allow assigned staff there to commute between home and work in those vehicles. The vehicle authority would be for replacements only and capped at five vehicles total.
$5 million for ICE Blue Campaign
If enacted, at least $5 million would be transferred to ICE for the Blue Campaign in FY2026, with prior notice to Congress before using the funds.
Block Guantanamo detainee transfers to U.S.
If enacted, no funds in this or any Act could be used to transfer or release into the United States certain non‑U.S. citizen detainees held at Guantanamo Bay on or after June 24, 2009. This includes Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The ban would apply to transfers, releases, or help with such actions to or within U.S. states, territories, or possessions.
CBP funds tied to travel fees
If enacted, certain arrival fees from travelers from Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands would remain available until spent. CBP would also get $31 million for Operations and Support, reduced by FY2026 collections from certain fee sources. If collections are higher than $31 million, the extra would be added to the account and stay available.
Extra $30 million for Supreme Court
If enacted, the Supreme Court would receive $30 million for salaries and expenses, available until September 30, 2028.
FLETC keeps facilities; instructor jobs protected
If enacted, FLETC could accept funds from other agencies to build special training sites and would keep control and ownership. FLETC instructor work would be treated as government‑only, making it less likely to be outsourced.
Keep ICE investigators at embassies
If enacted, DHS would not reduce ICE attaché or liaison staff at U.S. embassies or consulates for international investigations. A reduction would be allowed only if the Homeland Security Secretary and the Secretary of State give Congress a written explanation that the presence hurts U.S. foreign policy, or if the host country asks to end the work.
More reporting on directed protection
If enacted, DHS would notify key committees within 10 days after the President decides to evaluate or begin directed protection for a covered individual. DHS would also give 15 days’ notice before extending protection and 30 days’ notice before ending it. DHS would submit a report within 45 days after enactment and then quarterly with threat, scope, cost, and duration details; reports may be classified.
Support for digital forensics training sites
If enacted, $2 million would support existing National Computer Forensics Institute facilities used by the Secret Service. The money would remain available until spent.
Secure pay during 2026 funding lapse
If enacted, the lapse that began on or about February 13, 2026 would be treated as covered by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026. Pay, allowances, and benefits for federal personnel during that period would be available and paid under 31 U.S.C. 1341(c). Actions taken to keep essential operations running in that lapse would be ratified if they follow the law.
Yacht paperwork paid by owner fees
If enacted, Coast Guard Operations funds could not pay for recreational vessel documentation unless covered by yacht owner fees. If fees fall short and there is a backlog, staff who handle non‑recreational work could be used to process recreational applications.
Full cost recovery for radiological program
If enacted, fees charged in FY2026 for the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program would have to cover at least 100% of next year’s expected program costs. Fees would go into the program account on October 1, 2026, and stay available until spent.
Keep oath; no hiring unauthorized
If enacted, this bill would bar using its funds to change the citizenship oath text. It would also bar using its funds to hire workers described in INA 274A(h)(3) (unauthorized workers).
Limit DHS travel to overseas conferences
If enacted, DHS could not pay travel or attendance for more than 50 employees from one component at a single international conference without a national‑interest waiver and 10‑day notice to Congress. DHS spending per such conference would be capped at $500,000. Virtual attendees would not count toward the limit or cost cap.
No DHS spending on Arms Trade Treaty
If enacted, DHS could not use this Act’s funds to implement the Arms Trade Treaty unless the Senate approves it. The restriction would begin upon enactment. DHS actions would be allowed only after a Senate ratification vote.
Blocks national ID and some security event costs
If enacted, DHS could not use these funds to plan, test, pilot, or develop a national ID card. The bill would also block money for positions called Principal Federal Officials and bar reimbursements to federal agencies for taking part in National Special Security Events. These restrictions would start upon enactment.
Block pornography on agency networks
If enacted, agencies could only use funds for networks that block viewing, downloading, and sharing pornography. Records tied to such allegations would be available to affected individuals under existing disclosure laws and rules.
Buy Coast Guard drones; no weaponized drones
If enacted, $98 million would buy MQ‑9 aircraft and related systems for the Coast Guard, available until September 30, 2030. DHS funds could not be used to buy or equip long‑range unmanned aircraft with weapons or other kinetic capabilities.
Extend a CARES Act rule to 2026
If enacted, the referenced CARES Act rule would continue to apply through September 30, 2026, as described in section 16005(c).
Keep 2021 limits on border fencing
If enacted, the bill would carry forward the 2021 prohibition on building certain border fencing by applying it to funds in this Act.
Limits on DHS reorg; CWMD exceptions
If enacted, DHS could not use this Act’s funds to carry out section 872 reorganization authority unless Congress authorizes it after enactment. The limit would not apply to Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction changes listed in the explanatory statement, and DHS could move prior‑year funds between accounts to support those listed changes.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]
OK • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 3/5/2026
On Motion to Recommit
Yes: 212 • No: 217
house vote • 3/5/2026
On Passage
Yes: 221 • No: 209