An Act Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.
Summary
This Act provides consolidated appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It allocates funding for various agencies and programs within DHS, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Act addresses departmental management, security, enforcement, investigations, protection, preparedness, response, recovery, research, development, training, and services. It also includes administrative provisions related to reporting requirements, reprogramming of funds, and compliance with existing laws.
Several sections focus on oversight and accountability, requiring reports from the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Inspector General, and other officials. The Act also includes rescissions of funds from various accounts.
Expected Effects
The Act will fund the operations of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2026. This includes border security, immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, disaster preparedness, and protection of national leaders and infrastructure.
The appropriations will enable DHS to continue its core functions and implement new initiatives as outlined in the Act. The rescissions and reprogramming provisions will shift resources within the department.
Potential Benefits
- Funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enhance border security and prevent illegal immigration.
- Resources for the Transportation Security Administration to improve aviation security and passenger screening.
- Support for the Coast Guard to maintain maritime safety and security, including funding for depot level maintenance.
- Grants for state and local governments to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities through FEMA.
- Funding for cybersecurity initiatives to protect critical infrastructure and federal networks through CISA.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Rescissions of funds from certain accounts may lead to reduced capacity or delayed projects in those areas.
- Restrictions on the use of funds for certain activities, such as preventing prescription drug importation from Canada, may limit flexibility in addressing specific issues.
- Increased reporting requirements may place an additional burden on DHS agencies.
- Potential for delays in grant application processes if FEMA fails to meet deadlines outlined in the Act.
- The Act does not address long-term solutions to immigration or border security challenges.
Constitutional Alignment
This Act aligns with the U.S. Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." The Act is an exercise of Congress's power of the purse, appropriating funds for the various functions of the Department of Homeland Security.
The Act also touches on national security and defense, which are implied powers of the federal government. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, but the powers exercised in this Act are generally considered within the scope of federal authority.
Several sections of the Act address individual rights and liberties, such as Section 205 regarding the importation of prescription drugs and Section 527 regarding the use of restraints on pregnant women in DHS custody. These provisions reflect Congress's role in protecting individual rights while also ensuring national security.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).