To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
This bill aims to ensure the continuous operation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during any future funding gaps. It automatically appropriates necessary funds for administrative expenses , including critical offices like the Department's Office of Legislative Affairs and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Congressional Relations, during a lapse in appropriations. Specifically targeting fiscal year 2026, the legislation mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security utilize these funds to maintain all departmental functions as if no lapse had occurred. A key provision requires DHS to remain fully responsive to communications from congressional offices throughout any such funding interruption, ensuring accountability and continued engagement.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
Economics and Public Finance
To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
USA119th CongressHR-7617| House
| Updated: 2/20/2026
This bill aims to ensure the continuous operation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during any future funding gaps. It automatically appropriates necessary funds for administrative expenses , including critical offices like the Department's Office of Legislative Affairs and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Congressional Relations, during a lapse in appropriations. Specifically targeting fiscal year 2026, the legislation mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security utilize these funds to maintain all departmental functions as if no lapse had occurred. A key provision requires DHS to remain fully responsive to communications from congressional offices throughout any such funding interruption, ensuring accountability and continued engagement.