DHS Grants Accountability Act
Sponsored By: Representative Kennedy (NY)
In Committee
Summary
This bill would impose standardized grant timelines and transparency across Department of Homeland Security preparedness, transit, and port security grants to make funding more predictable for states and operators. It focuses on fixed notice windows, minimum application periods, defined allocation rules, and longer periods to spend awards.
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- States and local recipients would face more predictable rules. Grants for preparedness would be required at least annually and allocations would follow a defined allocation basis rather than open-ended consideration. Public notices must meet appropriations deadlines or appear within 60 days and applicants get at least 30 days to apply.
- Transit, rail, bus, and port operators would see the same notice and application timing. Their grants must also allow funds to be spent for at least 54 months, giving more time to complete projects.
- Congress and the public would get earlier information. The bill would require an annual notification to Homeland Security congressional committees before funding notices and require key risk and program information at least 30 days before guidance or notices.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Longer grant periods for states
This bill would require certain preparedness and public transportation grant funds to remain available to recipients for at least 54 months. If enacted, grants under the listed preparedness sections and the public transit program would have a minimum 54-month period for recipients to obligate and use the money. That gives states, transit agencies, and ports more time to plan and spend grant funds.
More predictable homeland security grants
This bill would set firm timing rules for many DHS preparedness and transit grants. If enacted, DHS would have to post each funding notice either by any deadline in the appropriations Act or within 60 days after that Act is enacted when no deadline exists. Eligible applicants would get at least 30 days after the notice to apply. The Administrator would also have to send an annual notification to House and Senate homeland security committees before a notice is issued. DHS would have to provide risk-assessment information at least 30 days before any notice. The bill defines which preparedness sections these timing rules cover.
Clearer state allocation rules
This bill would change the rule for how DHS splits State homeland security grant money. If enacted, DHS would be required to allocate funds "on the basis of" the listed statutory factors instead of merely "considering" area factors. The change could shift how much money particular States or areas receive, but it does not set exact dollar shares.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Kennedy (NY)
NY • D
Cosponsors
Thompson (MS)
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.
View on Congress.gov