H.R. 4213 · 119th Congress · Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 139.
2026 Homeland Security Funding Bill
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
Deep dive August 23, 2026
This bill funds the Department of Homeland Security for 2026. It sets money for border security, immigration enforcement, disaster aid, and airport security. It also adds many rules on detention, asylum, visas, and reports to Congress.
What to know
- Customs and Border Protection gets $898 million for equipment and buildings.
- CBP also gets $31 million more for daily work.
- ICE must keep detention centers full. ICE must also use GPS trackers on some immigrants who are not detained.
- ICE cannot use funds to detain or deport U.S. citizens.
- The bill bans funding for abortion and gender-affirming care for detainees. There are some limited exceptions.
- Asylum rules get stricter. Early screening gets harder. People who passed through other countries first face more limits.
- The bill protects the right to record ICE actions in public.
- Members of Congress can inspect detention centers without giving notice first.
Heads up
8 buried provisions
Provisions we flagged do not match the bill's stated purpose, or repeat language from bills that did not pass on their own.
H-2A transit-country asylum bar (Section 412)
Why we flagged this
This provision bars asylum for people who passed through another country first. It is placed inside a spending bill. It has a large effect on who can seek asylum. It shifts a major policy through an appropriations rider.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be obligated, expended, or used in any manner to determine that any alien has a credible fear of persecution under section 235(b)(1)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ... or to grant asylum to any alien pursuant to section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ... if such alien entered, attempted to enter, or arrived in the United States after transiting through at least one country
Full detention capacity requirement (Section 224)
Why we flagged this
This tells the agency to keep detention beds full all year. It also requires GPS monitoring for everyone not detained. This is a big operational change buried in a funding allocation section. It affects many people in immigration proceedings.
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prioritize detention by using such amounts to ensure that the average daily population of detainees is maintained at the full capacity at all detention facilities funded by this Act throughout the fiscal year; and ... ensure that every alien on the non-detained docket is enrolled into the Alternatives to Detention Program with mandatory GPS monitoring
Limit on detention facility inspections (Section 228)
Why we flagged this
This blocks inspecting detention facilities against any standard except one 2019 standard. It also bars repeat inspections within six months. This reduces oversight of places that hold people. It is easy to miss in a long bill.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or any other Act shall be used to execute an inspection of a detention facility that is in a contractual agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ... except solely for compliance with the terms, conditions, and standards found within the National Detention Standards for Non-Dedicated Facilities, as revised in 2019
State labor laws waived for detainee work (Section 227)
Why we flagged this
This says no state minimum wage or work condition law applies to people in federal immigration custody. Detainees may do work for little or no pay. This raises questions under the Thirteenth Amendment, which limits involuntary servitude. Courts would decide any conflict.
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No law of any State or political subdivision thereof pertaining to a minimum rate of compensation or any other condition of employment shall apply in the case of any person held in Federal custody pursuant to the immigration laws
Removal from service for speech classification work (Section 543)
Why we flagged this
This fires any worker who partners with groups that recommend removing lawful speech online. It ties employment to speech-related government actions. This raises questions under the First Amendment about free speech and about due process for federal workers. Courts would decide any conflict.
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Any officer or employee of the Federal Government whose salary is funded by this Act and who conducts any activity described in (a) or (b) shall be removed from the Federal service.
Religious belief on marriage protection (Section 544)
Why we flagged this
This bars many federal actions against people who hold a certain belief about marriage. It covers taxes, grants, licenses, and benefits. It is a broad policy rule placed in a homeland security funding bill. Its reach goes well beyond this agency.
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none of the funds provided by this Act, or previous appropriations Acts, shall be used in whole or in part to take any discriminatory action against a person, wholly or partially, on the basis that such person speaks, or acts, in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, that marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and one woman.
Funding withheld from certain local governments (Section 545)
Why we flagged this
This blocks funds to local governments whose rules hinder immigration enforcement. The wording covers oral policies and any hindrance. This raises questions under the Tenth Amendment about pressuring states and localities. Courts would decide any conflict.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to obligate or award funds to a political subdivision of a State that ... has in effect any law, policy, or procedure, whether written or communicated orally, the result of which hinders the federal government from enforcing the immigration laws
Cross-cutting salary certification funds transfer (Section 106)
Why we flagged this
This lets the Secretary move funds using vague terms like 'consistent with program administration.' The pilot rules use open words like 'well-defined and measurable.' Vague standards paired with large sums can be read many ways. This makes the limit hard to enforce.
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None of the funds made available to the Department of Homeland Security in this Act or prior appropriations Acts may be obligated for any new pilot or demonstration unless the component or office carrying out such pilot or demonstration has documented the information described in subsection (c).
Section by section
Purpose statement for DHS funding bill
This section is the opening line of the bill. It says Congress will set aside money from the U.S. Treasury. This money will fund the Department of Homeland Security. The funding covers the fiscal year that ends on September 30, 2026. This line does not list specific dollar amounts or programs. It just introduces the appropriations that follow later in the bill.
It affects the Department of Homeland Security and all its agencies, like border patrol, TSA, and FEMA. It also affects taxpayers, since it involves government spending.
This section itself sets no real limits or details, so it trades specific information now for the promise of detailed funding later in the bill.
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That the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, namely:
Review of no-bid grants and contracts
This section makes the Department of Homeland Security list every grant and contract it gave out without full competition. This covers 2025 and 2026. The Secretary must send this list to the department's Inspector General by October 15, 2026. The Inspector General must then check if the department followed the rules. That review must go to Congress's appropriations committees by February 15, 2027.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, its Inspector General, and Congress. It also affects companies and groups that got no-bid deals from the department.
This adds oversight and paperwork, which can catch problems but also takes staff time away from other work.
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The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report not later than October 15, 2026, to the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security listing all grants and contracts awarded by any means other than full and open competition during fiscal years 2025 or 2026.
Monthly spending report to Congress
This section requires a monthly report from the Department of Homeland Security. The Chief Financial Officer must write it. The report must go to Congress within 30 days after each month ends. It must list all money the department spent that month. It must also list money spent so far in the whole fiscal year. The report must break down spending by program and by budget category. It must also show which year's budget the money came from.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security's finance office. It also affects Congress members who oversee the department's budget.
This creates more paperwork and reporting work for the department, but it gives Congress more detail to track how money is spent.
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Not later than 30 days after the last day of each month, the Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a monthly budget and staffing report that includes total obligations of the Department for that month and for the fiscal year at the appropriation and program, project, and activity levels, by the source year of the appropriation.
Notice before moving forfeiture fund money
This section deals with a special fund called the Treasury Forfeiture Fund. This fund holds money and property seized in law enforcement cases. Sometimes the government wants to move that money to a Homeland Security agency. Before doing that, the Secretary of Homeland Security must first tell Congress. The Secretary must work with the Treasury Department on this. Congress must be told about the plan before any transfer happens. The money cannot be spent until Congress gets this notice. This gives lawmakers a chance to review the move first.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, the Treasury Department, and Congress. It controls how seized-asset money moves between them.
This rule slows down how fast agencies can use forfeiture funds, but it gives Congress a chance to watch over how that money gets spent.
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The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate of any proposed transfer of funds available under section 9705(g)(4)(B) of title 31, United States Code, from the Department of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund to any agency within the Department of Homeland Security.
Paying for Secretary's air travel
This section says the Department of Homeland Security must pay for certain air travel costs in a specific way. When the Secretary or Deputy Secretary uses government aircraft for official trips, the money to pay for that travel must come from the Office of the Secretary's budget. It cannot be paid from other budget accounts.
This affects the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, and how their travel costs are tracked in the department's budget.
This makes travel costs easier to track in one place, but it limits which budget accounts can cover those costs.
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All official costs associated with the use of Government aircraft by Department of Homeland Security personnel to support official travel of the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary shall be paid from amounts made available for the Office of the Secretary.
Reporting on big Homeland Security equipment purchases
This section makes a top official at the Department of Homeland Security give regular updates to Congress. The official is called the Under Secretary for Management. Every three months, this person must brief Congress on large purchase programs. These are called Level 1 and Level 2 acquisition programs. Each briefing must explain what the program buys and why. It must show how many units will be bought each year. It must report if the program is delayed, paused, or over budget. It must compare current costs and schedules to original plans. It must list the total expected cost over the program's life. It must show how money has been spent and will be spent. It must name the main contractors and subcontractors. It must describe risks that could cause the program to fail its goals. The official must also send Congress a copy of any approval decision for these programs within five business days.
This affects Department of Homeland Security officials, Congress, and companies that sell equipment or services to the department.
This gives Congress more oversight and detail on costly programs, but it adds paperwork and reporting work for department staff.
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The Under Secretary for Management shall brief the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter on all Level 1 and Level 2 acquisition programs on the Master Acquisition Oversight List between Acquisition Decision Event and Full Operational Capability, including programs that have been removed from such list during the preceding quarter.
Rules for new pilot programs at Homeland Security
This section sets rules for new test programs at the Department of Homeland Security. Before starting a new pilot or demonstration, the department must write down clear goals. It must also explain how it will measure success. It must have a plan with timelines and cost estimates. The Under Secretary for Management must send this information to Congress before spending money on the pilot. After the pilot ends, the department must report back within 90 days. This report must cover what was learned, actual costs, and whether the pilot will continue or grow. A pilot counts under this rule if it uses more than 10 full-time workers or costs at least $5 million. Programs already running before this law, projects directed by Congress, and IT contract testing are not covered by this rule.
This affects Department of Homeland Security offices and components that want to start new pilot or test programs. It also affects Congress, which will get more reports on these programs.
This rule gives Congress more oversight and information about new pilot programs, but it may slow down how fast the department can start testing new ideas.
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None of the funds made available to the Department of Homeland Security in this Act or prior appropriations Acts may be obligated for any new pilot or demonstration unless the component or office carrying out such pilot or demonstration has documented the information described in subsection (c).
Limit on intelligence office activities
This section blocks funding for one part of Homeland Security. That part is the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. The office cannot use this money for a 'covered activity.' That term is defined in a separate 2025 law about intelligence agencies. This section does not spell out what the activity is. Readers must check that other law to know exactly what is banned.
The Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security. It may also affect anyone whose information that office collects or reviews.
The rule stops this office from doing a specific activity, but it also limits the office's tools without explaining the activity in this bill itself.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a covered activity (as defined by section 6303 of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (division F of Public Law 118–159 )).
Overtime pay limits carried forward
This section reuses an older rule about overtime pay for Department of Homeland Security workers. That rule was first written in 2018. It set limits on how much overtime pay certain employees can earn. This section says the same rule applies again, but now for 2026 funding. It does not create a new rule. It just extends the old one to cover this year's budget.
Department of Homeland Security employees who earn overtime pay, especially those in agencies like the Coast Guard or Border Patrol.
This keeps overtime spending under control, but it may cap extra pay for workers who work long hours.
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Section 201 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018 (division F of Public Law 115–141 ), related to overtime compensation limitations, shall apply with respect to funds made available in this Act in the same manner as such section applied to funds made available in that Act, except that fiscal year 2026 shall be substituted for fiscal year 2018 .
Extra customs funding for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
This section lets Customs and Border Protection use its regular operating and construction money for customs work in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This money can be used to keep operations running. It can also stop bad personnel actions, like layoffs or furloughs. This is on top of other funding these territories already get under separate law.
Customs and Border Protection staff and offices in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and residents who rely on customs services there.
It gives officials more flexibility to keep territorial customs offices staffed and running, but it means some general CBP funds could be shifted away from other planned uses.
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Funding made available under the headings U.S. Customs and Border Protection—Operations and Support and U.S. Customs and Border Protection—Procurement, Construction, and Improvements shall be available for customs expenses when necessary to maintain operations and prevent adverse personnel actions in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in addition to funding provided by sections 740 and 1406i of title 48, United States Code.
Border traveler fees stay available longer
This section deals with fees paid by travelers who enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or a nearby island. These fees already exist under older customs law. The section says the money collected from these fees does not expire. It stays available to spend until it is used up. This follows a rule from an earlier trade law with Colombia.
Travelers crossing into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands, and the agencies that use these customs fees.
This lets the government hold onto fee money longer for planned use, but it also means the funds are not returned or freed up on a yearly schedule.
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As authorized by section 601(b) of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act ( Public Law 112–42 ), fees collected from passengers arriving from Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island pursuant to section 13031(a)(5) of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ( 19 U.S.C. 58c(a)(5) ) shall be available until expended.
Extra funding for Customs and Border Protection operations
This section gives Customs and Border Protection $31 million more for its operations and support work. The money stays available until it is spent. This amount will be lowered by fees the agency collects from certain programs. These fees come from immigration inspections, agriculture inspections, and trade enforcement fees. If the agency collects more than $31 million in fees, the extra money also goes to this account. That extra money can be spent until it runs out.
Customs and Border Protection and its operations budget. It also affects travelers, importers, and farms that pay related inspection or trade fees.
The agency gets guaranteed extra funds, but part of that funding depends on fee collections instead of fixed tax dollars, which can make the final amount uncertain.
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For an additional amount for U.S. Customs and Border Protection—Operations and Support , $31,000,000, to remain available until expended, to be reduced by amounts collected and credited to this appropriation in fiscal year 2026 from amounts authorized to be collected by section 286(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1356(i) )
Bringing prescription drugs from Canada for personal use
This section limits how border officers can use funds. Customs and Border Protection cannot use money from this bill to stop regular people from bringing prescription drugs from Canada into the U.S. This only applies to people who are not in the drug importing business. The drugs must follow U.S. safety rules. A person can carry up to a 90-day supply for their own use. The rule does not cover controlled substances, like certain addictive drugs. It also does not cover biological products, such as some vaccines or gene therapies.
U.S. residents who travel to Canada and want to bring back personal medicine. It also affects Customs and Border Protection officers who enforce import rules.
People may get easier access to lower-cost Canadian drugs for personal use, but border officers have less power to block drug imports, even ones with safety concerns.
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None of the funds made available in this Act for U.S. Customs and Border Protection may be used to prevent an individual not in the business of importing a prescription drug (within the meaning of section 801(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) from importing a prescription drug from Canada that complies with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
Rules for waiving U.S. ship laws on oil reserve shipments
This section limits waivers for certain shipping laws. These laws normally require U.S. flagged ships for moving goods within the country. The waiver lets foreign ships carry crude oil to or from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Secretary of Homeland Security cannot approve this waiver unless steps are taken first. The Secretary must talk with the Energy and Transportation Departments. The Secretary must also talk with U.S. shipping industry representatives. These talks must lead to real steps to use American ships. The section also requires fast reporting. If anyone requests this waiver, Congress must be told within 2 business days. Several committees in the House and Senate must get this notice, along with the final decision on the request.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. shipping industry, and oil companies that move crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
This rule protects work for U.S. flagged ships, but it could slow down or limit the use of foreign ships even when they might be faster or cheaper for moving reserve oil.
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none of the funds provided in this or any other Act shall be used to approve a waiver of the navigation and vessel-inspection laws pursuant to section 501(b) of title 46, United States Code, for the transportation of crude oil distributed from and to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with the Secretaries of the Departments of Energy and Transportation and representatives from the United States flag maritime industry, takes adequate measures to ensure the use of United States flag vessels.
Ban on new border crossing fees
This section stops the Secretary of Homeland Security from creating a new fee for crossing the border. This applies to the Southern border and the Northern border. It covers land ports of entry only. The ban applies to pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers in cars. The Secretary also cannot study whether to create such a fee. This rule starts as soon as the law is signed.
People who cross the U.S. border with Canada or Mexico on foot, by bike, or by car. It also affects the Department of Homeland Security's ability to plan future fees.
Travelers avoid a possible new cost to cross the border, but the government loses a possible source of funds and cannot even study the idea.
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the Secretary of Homeland Security shall not— (1) establish, collect, or otherwise impose any new border crossing fee on individuals crossing the Southern border or the Northern border at a land port of entry; or (2) conduct any study relating to the imposition of a border crossing fee.
Spending plan required before border agency uses building funds
This section is about money for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This agency gets funds for building projects and equipment. The section says the agency must write a spending plan first. It must send this plan to Congress within 90 days after the law passes. The plan covers money from this law and past laws. The agency cannot spend this year's construction money until it turns in the plan.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and its leaders. Congress members who oversee spending also review this plan.
This rule gives Congress more oversight of border construction spending, but it can slow down projects until the plan is approved.
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Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall submit an expenditure plan for any amounts made available for U.S. Customs and Border Protection—Procurement, Construction, and Improvements in this Act and prior Acts to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Old fencing limits still apply
This section reuses a rule from a 2021 spending law. That rule blocked money from being used to build certain border fencing in some areas. This section says the same rule now applies to money in this new bill. It does not write new rules. It just carries the old limit forward.
It affects federal agencies that plan and build border fencing, and communities in the areas the old rule protected.
It keeps past limits on fence construction in place, which can protect certain lands or communities but may also limit where new fencing can be built.
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Section 211 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2021 (division F of Public Law 116–260 ), prohibiting the use of funds for the construction of fencing in certain areas, shall apply with respect to funds made available in this Act in the same manner as such section applied to funds made available in that Act.
Protecting vetting operations at the National Targeting Center
This section lets money in this law be used to change how the National Targeting Center works. That center helps Customs and Border Protection screen people and goods entering the country. But the section also blocks agencies from cutting planned screening work at current locations. This rule applies to money from this bill, leftover money from past bills, and fee money the agency collects. Agencies can only cut these screening plans if a new law says they can.
This affects Customs and Border Protection staff and managers. It also affects travelers and cargo shipments that go through security screening.
The rule keeps screening levels steady and hard to cut, but it also limits how much flexibility agency leaders have to change staffing or priorities on their own.
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None of the funds provided by this Act, provided by previous appropriations Acts that remain available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2026, or provided from any accounts in the Treasury of the United States derived by the collection of fees available to the components funded by this Act, may be used to reduce anticipated or planned vetting operations at existing locations unless specifically authorized by a statute enacted after the date of enactment of this Act.
Border security equipment and buildings funding
This section sets aside $898,118,000 for Customs and Border Protection. The money must go to five specific uses. It gives $346,000,000 for border security technology, like sensors and cameras. It gives $300,000,000 for trade and travel infrastructure, such as ports of entry. It gives $182,400,000 for equipment and buildings used in field operations. It gives $32,000,000 for support services and facilities. It gives $37,718,000 for systems that detect radioactive material. Each amount can only be spent on its listed purpose.
Customs and Border Protection agents and staff. Also travelers and trade shipments crossing at U.S. borders and ports of entry.
Locking funds to specific categories gives Congress more control over spending, but it limits the agency's ability to shift money if needs change during the year.
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$898,118,000 shall be available only as follows: (1) $346,000,000 for the acquisition and deployment of border security technologies; (2) $300,000,000 for trade and travel assets and infrastructure; (3) $182,400,000 for integrated operations assets and infrastructure; (4) $32,000,000 for mission support and infrastructure; and (5) $37,718,000 for radiological detection systems.
Student visas require accredited schools
This section blocks the use of funds to let a student enter the United States on an F or M visa unless their school is accredited. F and M visas are for people who want to study in the U.S. The school must be a college, university, or other higher learning school. It must be accredited by an agency the Secretary of Education recognizes. If the school is not accredited, the student cannot be let in under this funding.
Foreign students seeking F or M study visas, and the colleges or schools they plan to attend.
This aims to stop students from entering on visas for unaccredited schools, but it could also delay or block entry for students at schools with valid but less common accreditation.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to admit an alien into the United States at a port of entry on an F or M visa if the college, university, or other institution of higher learning that the student will attend is not accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education pursuant to part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1099a et seq. ).
No parole into Northern Mariana Islands for Chinese visitors without visas
This section blocks a specific travel option. It stops funds from being used to let Chinese nationals enter the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa. This applies even if they say the visit is for business or pleasure. Normally, some travelers can get "parole" to enter temporarily without a visa. This section says that option cannot be funded for people from China visiting this area.
Chinese nationals who want to visit the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. immigration agencies that manage entry rules there.
This tightens border control for one region, but it removes an easy travel option that had let Chinese visitors enter without a visa.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to parole into the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, for the purpose of temporary visit for business or pleasure without a visa, an alien who is a national of the People's Republic of China.
Ban on certain foreign-made spray drones entering the U.S.
This section blocks money in this Act from being used to let Customs and Border Protection allow a certain type of drone into the country. The drone type is one that sprays aerosol, like a mist or chemical spray. The ban applies only if the drone was made in a country the government calls a foreign adversary. That list of countries comes from an existing law about the U.S. military.
This affects Customs and Border Protection, and companies that make or import spray drones from listed adversary countries.
The rule aims to keep certain foreign-made drones out for security reasons, but it could also limit access to useful spray drone technology from those countries.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to admit into the United States any aerosol-dispensing unmanned aircraft system produced or manufactured in a foreign adversary country.
Protecting local police immigration agreements
This section limits how the government can use money from this bill. It says the money cannot be used to cut back on a program called section 287(g). That program lets local and state police help enforce federal immigration laws. Agencies cannot use this bill's funds to reduce or weaken those agreements. There is one exception, listed in another section of the bill (section 216).
This affects federal immigration agencies, state and local police departments, and immigrant communities in areas with 287(g) agreements.
It keeps local police involved in immigration enforcement, but it limits the government's ability to scale back these partnerships if problems arise.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to reduce participation in or substantively diminish the delegation of law enforcement authority authorized under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1357(g) ), except as provided in section 216 of this Act.
Cutting off funds for broken 287(g) agreements
This section deals with a program called 287(g). Under that program, local police can get special authority to help enforce immigration law. This section says Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cannot use its operations money to keep one of these agreements running if it is broken. The Department of Homeland Security's own watchdog office, called the Inspector General, must first find that the agreement's rules were seriously violated. If that happens, ICE cannot keep funding that specific local partnership.
This affects ICE, local police and sheriff's departments with 287(g) agreements, and the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General.
This gives the Inspector General more power to stop bad local immigration enforcement deals, but it could also cut off funding based on one office's judgment, without a separate court review.
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None of the funds provided under the heading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Operations and Support may be used to continue a delegation of law enforcement authority authorized under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1357(g) ) if the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General determines that the terms of the agreement governing the delegation of authority have been materially violated.
Ending contracts for poorly rated detention facilities
This section deals with private detention centers that hold immigrants. It stops ICE from paying for a detention contract if a facility scores badly on two performance checks in a row. A score is bad if it is rated less than adequate, or an equal low score under a newer rating system. ICE's own oversight office, called the Office of Professional Responsibility, must do these performance checks.
This affects companies that run immigration detention facilities under ICE contracts. It also affects people held in those facilities and ICE staff who manage the contracts.
This can push poorly run facilities to improve or lose funding, but it could also cut off detention space quickly if replacement facilities are not ready.
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None of the funds provided under the heading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Operations and Support may be used to continue any contract for the provision of detention services if the two most recent overall performance evaluations received by the contracted facility are less than adequate or the equivalent median score in any subsequent performance evaluation system.
Moving money to fund immigrant detention
This section gives the Secretary of Homeland Security extra power to move money around. Normally, section 503(d) sets rules about when and how funds can be shifted between accounts. This section removes those rules for one purpose. The Secretary can transfer funds into the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Operations and Support account. The goal is to make sure enough money exists to detain people who are marked for removal from the country.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and immigrants facing removal. It also affects how Congress tracks federal spending.
This gives the agency more flexibility to fund detention quickly, but it reduces the usual time limits and conditions Congress set for moving money between budget accounts.
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Without regard to the limitation as to time and condition of section 503(d) of this Act, the Secretary may reprogram within and transfer funds to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Operations and Support as necessary to ensure the detention of aliens prioritized for removal.
Continuing twice-a-month spending reports
This section keeps an old reporting rule in place. In 2021, Congress passed a law called section 216. That law made an agency send spending reports twice a month. This section says that rule must keep going. The agency must still send the same reports. They must include the same details as before. Nothing about the reports changes. Only the requirement to keep sending them continues.
It affects a Department of Homeland Security agency that must file the reports, and Congress, which uses them to track spending.
This keeps close watch over how money is spent, but it also means ongoing paperwork and staff time for the agency.
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The reports required to be submitted under section 216 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2021 (division F of Public Law 116–260 ) shall continue to be submitted semimonthly and each matter required to be included in such reports by such section 216 shall apply in the same manner and to the same extent during the period described in such section 216.
Reuse of an older law's rules
This section borrows rules from a past law. It uses the rules found in section 217 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2020. That older section is part of a 2019 spending law. This new bill says those same terms and conditions will apply here too. The text does not spell out what those rules are in this section. Someone would need to look up the 2020 law to see the exact requirements.
It affects agencies and programs funded by this Homeland Security spending bill.
Reusing old rules can save time and keep things consistent, but it makes this bill harder to understand without checking an older law.
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The terms and conditions of section 217 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2020 (division D of Public Law 116–93 ) shall apply to this Act.
Limits on transporting immigrants inside the country
This section stops the government from using this bill's money to move certain immigrants deeper into the United States. This applies to people who are in the country without legal status, or who came in on parole, or who cannot legally enter. The money can only be used to move them if it helps enforce immigration law. There is one exception. The rule does not apply to unaccompanied children who arrive without a parent or guardian. Money can still be used to transport those children.
It affects immigrants without legal status, and federal agencies that manage immigration transport. Unaccompanied immigrant children are not affected by this limit.
The rule limits how funds move certain immigrants around the country, but it makes an exception for children traveling alone, which balances enforcement goals against care for vulnerable minors.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to transport aliens unlawfully present in, paroled into, or inadmissible to the United States into the interior of the United States for purposes other than enforcement of the immigration laws
Abortion funding limit for ICE
This section limits how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can spend its money. ICE cannot use these funds to pay for abortions. There are three exceptions. Funds can be used if the mother's life is at risk. Funds can be used in cases of rape. Funds can be used in cases of incest. The section also says ICE cannot force any worker to perform an abortion. It also says ICE cannot force any worker to help with one.
This affects people in ICE custody who may need abortion care. It also affects ICE staff and medical workers.
The rule limits abortion access for people in ICE custody in most cases, but it also protects staff from being forced to take part in abortions.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may be used to pay for or facilitate an abortion, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus would be carried to term, or in the case of rape or incest.
Ban on gender-affirming care funds for ICE detainees
This section blocks money in this law from paying for certain medical care. It bans funding for hormone therapy for gender transition. It also bans funding for related surgery. This applies only to people held in custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE. No funds from this act can support these treatments for gender-affirming care while a person is detained.
People held in ICE detention who seek gender-affirming medical care, and ICE facility staff and contractors who provide medical services.
The section limits federal spending on this specific care for detainees, but it may reduce access to treatments that some medical groups view as needed care for certain detainees.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to administer hormone therapy medication or perform or facilitate any surgery for any person in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the purpose of gender-affirming care.
ICE enforcement priorities and detention rules
This section tells the Department of Homeland Security how to spend money on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. It says ICE must first target people linked to terrorism, national security threats, violent criminals, felons, repeat offenders, and organized crime members. It also requires ICE to keep detention facilities full to capacity all year, using funds from this law. Finally, it requires every immigrant who is not detained to join a program called Alternatives to Detention. That program would require GPS monitoring for these people. This monitoring would last through their immigration court process, any appeals, and until they are removed if a judge orders it.
Immigrants facing deportation proceedings, especially those with criminal records or security concerns. It also affects ICE staff, detention facility operators, and taxpayers funding these programs.
This approach focuses resources on people seen as higher risk and keeps closer tabs on others, but it requires keeping detention centers full and puts GPS trackers on every non-detained immigrant, regardless of individual risk.
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prioritize detention by using such amounts to ensure that the average daily population of detainees is maintained at the full capacity at all detention facilities funded by this Act throughout the fiscal year; and (3) ensure that every alien on the non-detained docket is enrolled into the Alternatives to Detention Program with mandatory GPS monitoring throughout the duration of all applicable immigration proceedings
ICE spending plan report
This section sets a deadline for a report on ICE spending. The Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must file a spending plan. It is due within 45 days after this law passes. The plan must go to the House and Senate spending committees. It must break down the money by specific program and project. This helps Congress track how ICE plans to use its funds.
This affects U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement staff and the congressional committees that oversee its budget.
The report gives Congress more detail to track ICE spending, but it adds a paperwork task with a strict deadline for the agency.
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Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate an obligation plan for amounts made available in this Act for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement , delineated by level II program, project, and activity.
Ban on ICE physical ID cards
This section blocks money for one purpose. It stops Immigration and Customs Enforcement from using its operations budget to make a physical ID card. That card could not be used to identify immigrants. It could not check immigration status. It could not give access to an immigration data portal. The agency can still do these tasks in other ways. It just cannot spend this money to build a physical card system.
This affects Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and immigrants whose status or identity ICE tracks.
This limits how ICE can build ID and tracking tools, which may reduce one option for verifying immigration status but does not stop other forms of tracking or enforcement.
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None of the funds provided under the heading “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Operations and Support” may be made available to develop or administer a physical identification card for purposes of alien identification, verification of immigration status, or immigration portal access.
State labor laws don't apply to detained immigrants
This section deals with people held in federal immigration custody. It says state and local laws do not apply to them. This includes minimum wage laws. It also includes other job condition rules. These laws would normally set pay or work rules. But they will not cover people held by federal immigration authorities.
People held in federal custody under immigration laws. This includes anyone doing work while detained.
This lets federal authorities set uniform rules for detainee labor, but it removes state wage and work protections for people in immigration custody.
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No law of any State or political subdivision thereof pertaining to a minimum rate of compensation or any other condition of employment shall apply in the case of any person held in Federal custody pursuant to the immigration laws (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 )).
Rules for inspecting immigration detention facilities
This section limits how the government can inspect certain immigration detention facilities. These are facilities that hold detainees under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Inspectors can only check these facilities against one specific rulebook. That rulebook is called the National Detention Standards for Non-Dedicated Facilities, updated in 2019. Inspectors cannot use other standards to judge these facilities. The section also says a facility cannot be inspected again within six months of its last inspection. This waiting period does not apply to the Office of Inspector General, which can still inspect at any time.
This affects ICE, its contracted detention facilities, government inspectors, and detained immigrants held at these facilities.
Limiting inspections to one standard and spacing them out may reduce oversight burden on facilities, but it could also mean fewer checks catch problems quickly.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or any other Act shall be used to execute an inspection of a detention facility that is in a contractual agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the provision of detention services and that is subject to the terms, conditions, and standards found within the National Detention Standards for Non-Dedicated Facilities, as revised in 2019 for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, except solely for compliance with the terms, conditions, and standards found within the National Detention Standards for Non-Dedicated Facilities, as revised in 2019.
Keeping ICE staff at embassies overseas
This section limits how the government can use funds. Agencies cannot cut the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff working at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad. These staff work on investigations and partnerships with foreign police. There are two exceptions. First, the Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of State can explain in writing why keeping staff in a country hurts U.S. foreign policy there. This explanation goes to Congress. Second, a foreign country can ask the U.S. to stop this law enforcement work in their country.
This affects ICE staff stationed abroad, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and foreign governments hosting U.S. embassies.
This keeps international law enforcement partnerships steady, but it limits the government's flexibility to shift staff based on changing needs or budget priorities.
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None of the funds made available by this Act or any other Act may be used to reduce the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attaches or liaisons at international U.S. embassies or consulates for the purposes of international investigations or partnerships with foreign law enforcement.
No skipping airport security for top officials
This section says top government leaders must go through regular passenger and baggage screening. This includes members of Congress and their leaders. It includes heads of federal agencies. It includes top Department of Homeland Security officials. It includes the Attorney General and top Justice Department officials. It also includes senior White House staff, like the budget office director. None of these people can skip security checks. The section also blocks money from being used to change this rule. This applies to funds from this bill or any other law.
Members of Congress, top federal agency leaders, Department of Homeland Security officials, Justice Department leaders, and senior White House staff.
This ensures equal treatment at security checkpoints, but it removes flexibility for handling special security or scheduling needs for top officials.
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Members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, including the leadership; the heads of Federal agencies and commissions, including the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security; the United States Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorneys General, and the United States Attorneys; and senior members of the Executive Office of the President, including the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall not be exempt from Federal passenger and baggage screening.
Airport security fund flexibility
This section deals with the Aviation Security Capital Fund. That fund normally pays for airport safety projects, like fixing exits or checkpoints. For 2026, the section allows the money to also pay for explosives detection machines. It also lets the government use special contracts, called other transaction agreements, to fund these projects. This gives officials more freedom to spend the fund's money on security equipment.
This affects airports, federal aviation security agencies, and companies that make explosives detection equipment.
It gives officials more flexibility to fund security equipment fast, but it may reduce money available for other airport safety projects the fund usually covers.
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any funds in the Aviation Security Capital Fund established by section 44923(h) of title 49, United States Code, may be used for the procurement and installation of explosives detection systems or for the issuance of other transaction agreements for the purpose of funding projects described in section 44923(a) of such title.
TSA equipment planning report
This section tells the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to send Congress one combined report each year. The report must come within 45 days after the President's budget plan comes out. It must include a plan for buying new security equipment. It must also update aging equipment. The report must include a 5-year technology spending plan. It must also cover a report on new passenger screening technology. This combines several separate reports into one document.
This affects TSA leaders and staff. It also affects Congress members who review airport security spending.
Combining reports may save time and reduce paperwork, but it could make it harder to track each topic separately.
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Not later than 45 days after the submission of the President's budget proposal, the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations and Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a single report that fulfills the following requirements
Change from written report to briefing
This section changes an old law. That law is Public Law 108-334. It required a written report on a certain topic. This section replaces the word 'report' with 'briefing' everywhere it appears. This includes the title of that part of the law. Because of this change, the agency must now give an oral briefing instead of a written report. The topic itself does not change.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security and Congress. It changes how the agency must share certain information with lawmakers.
A briefing can be faster and more flexible than a report, but it may leave less detailed written record for the public to review.
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Section 515(b) of Public Law 108–334 ( 49 U.S.C. 44945 note) is amended by striking report each place it appears (including in the subsection heading) and inserting briefing .
Coast Guard yacht paperwork fees
This section deals with paperwork for yacht owners. It says the Coast Guard cannot use its normal operating money to pay for recreational vessel documentation. Instead, that work must be paid for using fees collected from yacht owners themselves. If those fees do not cover the cost, and there are too many applications waiting, other Coast Guard staff can help process yacht paperwork. Those staff normally handle documents for other kinds of vessels.
This affects yacht and recreational boat owners who need Coast Guard documentation, and Coast Guard staff who process vessel paperwork.
Yacht owners pay for their own paperwork costs through fees, but if there is a backlog, staff who normally do other vessel work may be pulled away to help.
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None of the funds made available by this Act under the heading Coast Guard—Operations and Support shall be for expenses incurred for recreational vessels under section 12114 of title 46, United States Code, except to the extent fees are collected from owners of yachts and credited to the appropriation made available by this Act under the heading Coast Guard—Operations and Support .
Coast Guard long-term spending plan
This section tells the Coast Guard's top officer, the Commandant, to give Congress a future spending plan. The plan must cover Coast Guard building and buying projects. It must follow rules set in an older law from 2015. That older law explains what the plan must include and how it must be checked.
This affects the Coast Guard and the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, which oversee federal spending.
The plan gives Congress more information to track Coast Guard spending, but it adds paperwork and reporting work for the Coast Guard.
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the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a future-years capital investment plan as described in the second proviso under the heading Coast Guard—Acquisition, Construction, and Improvements in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015
Coast Guard housing fund money
This section deals with money for Coast Guard housing. It says any money placed into the Coast Guard Housing Fund in 2026 can be spent until it is used up. This money must pay for housing programs listed in a specific law. This money comes on top of other funds already set aside for Coast Guard housing.
Coast Guard members and their families who use Coast Guard housing.
The fund gives housing money more flexibility over time, but it also means the money is not tied to a strict yearly deadline.
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Amounts deposited into the Coast Guard Housing Fund in fiscal year 2026 shall be available until expended to carry out the purposes of section 2946 of title 14, United States Code, and shall be in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes.
Coast Guard limit on new whale speed rules
This section blocks money in the bill from being used a certain way. The Coast Guard cannot enforce new vessel speed rules meant to protect the North Atlantic right whale or the Rice's whale. This applies only to rules made after January 20, 2021. Speed rules that existed before that date can still be enforced.
This affects the U.S. Coast Guard, ship and boat operators, and efforts to protect endangered whales.
It limits new steps to protect endangered whales from ship strikes, but it also avoids new speed rules that could affect boaters and shipping.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the United States Coast Guard to enforce vessel speed restrictions with respect to the North Atlantic right whale or the Rice's whale that was not in place prior to January 20, 2021.
Secret Service training center funding rule
This section lets the Secret Service spend money now, before it gets paid back later. Other government agencies send staff to train at the James J. Rowley Training Center. Those agencies pay the Secret Service back for this training. This rule lets the Secret Service spend funds ahead of getting that repayment. But there is a limit. Total spending cannot go over the total money available in the Secret Service's operations budget by the end of the year.
This affects the Secret Service and other federal agencies that send workers for training. It also affects how the Secret Service manages its yearly budget.
The rule lets training continue without payment delays, but it risks the Secret Service spending more than it has if reimbursements are slow or incomplete.
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The United States Secret Service is authorized to obligate funds in anticipation of reimbursements from executive agencies, as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, for personnel receiving training sponsored by the James J. Rowley Training Center, except that total obligations at the end of the fiscal year shall not exceed total budgetary resources available under the heading United States Secret Service—Operations and Support at the end of the fiscal year.
Secret Service protection limits for agency heads
This section limits how the Secret Service can use its money. It says Secret Service funds cannot pay for protecting heads of federal agencies. The only exception is the Secretary of Homeland Security. That official can still get Secret Service protection. The Secret Service can still protect other agency heads if it makes a deal. But that agency must fully pay back the Secret Service for the cost.
This affects the Secret Service, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and other federal agency leaders who might want protection.
This keeps Secret Service funds focused on core duties, but agency heads who want protection must arrange and pay for it separately.
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None of the funds made available to the United States Secret Service by this Act or by previous appropriations Acts may be made available for the protection of the head of a Federal agency other than the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Secret Service budget shifting rule
This section sets a rule for the Secret Service. Normally, moving money between budget items needs special approval. This section says the Secret Service can move up to $15 million within its own Operations and Support budget. This move counts under an existing rule from section 503(a)(3) of the law. This gives the agency more freedom to shift funds for its daily work.
This affects the United States Secret Service and how it manages its budget.
It lets the Secret Service adjust spending quickly, but it means less outside review of how that $15 million is used.
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For purposes of section 503(a)(3) of this Act, up to $15,000,000 may be reprogrammed within United States Secret Service—Operations and Support .
Secret Service travel spending rule
This section lets the Secret Service spend money on travel for protective missions without following normal spending limits. Protective missions include guarding the president and other protected people. Normally, laws set limits on how much can be spent on certain trips. This section removes that limit for these trips. But the Secret Service must tell Congress first. The Director or another official must notify House and Senate spending committees at least 10 days before spending the money. If that is not possible, they must notify Congress as soon as they can.
This affects the U.S. Secret Service and people it protects, such as the president, vice president, and other officials. It also affects Congress, which must be told about this spending in advance.
This gives the Secret Service more flexibility to pay for protective travel, but it also removes normal spending limits that are meant to control costs.
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Funding made available in this Act for United States Secret Service—Operations and Support is available for travel of United States Secret Service employees on protective missions without regard to the limitations on such expenditures in this or any other Act if the Director of the United States Secret Service or a designee notifies the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 10 or more days in advance, or as early as practicable, prior to such expenditures.
Care for pregnant people in border custody
This section deals with people held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It requires the agency to follow a 2021 policy on caring for pregnant, postpartum, and nursing people, and infants. The agency must keep this policy in place. It can use a similar policy instead, but health experts must help write it. The goal is to protect the health, safety, and rights of pregnant people in custody.
Pregnant, postpartum, and nursing people held by border officials, their infants, and Customs and Border Protection staff who care for them.
This section aims to protect vulnerable people in custody, but it also requires border agents to follow extra medical rules while doing their enforcement work.
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The Secretary shall ensure that the November 30, 2021, policy statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection titled Policy Statement and Required Actions Regarding Pregnant, Postpartum, Nursing Individuals, and Infants in Custody, or substantively similar standards of treatment developed in consultation with maternal and pediatric health providers and experts, are in effect and are fully implemented to safeguard the health, safety, and rights of pregnant individuals in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody.
No ICE money to detain or deport U.S. citizens
This section limits how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can use its funds. ICE cannot use money from this law to detain a U.S. citizen. ICE also cannot use this money to deport a U.S. citizen. This rule applies only to civil immigration enforcement, not criminal cases. The rule uses the legal definition of immigration laws found in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
This affects U.S. citizens who might be mistakenly caught up in immigration enforcement. It also affects how ICE agents can spend federal funds.
This section protects citizens from wrongful immigration detention or removal, but it does not create new penalties if ICE breaks this rule, so enforcement of the limit depends on oversight.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may be used, in carrying out any civil immigration enforcement activities under the immigration laws (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 )), to— (1) detain a citizen of the United States; or (2) deport a citizen of the United States from the United States.
Sharing cyber threat information
This section lets the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency spend its operations money on cyber threat feeds. These feeds are data streams that warn about hacking threats. The agency can buy or share this access with federal agencies. It can also share with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. Fusion centers and information sharing groups can get access too. The goal is to help more groups spot cyber threats early.
Federal agencies, state and local governments, tribal and territorial governments, fusion centers, and information sharing groups.
Wider sharing of threat data can improve cyber defense, but it also means the government spends money giving many outside groups access to sensitive threat information.
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Funds made available under the heading Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency—Operations and Support may be made available for the necessary expenses of procuring or providing access to cybersecurity threat feeds for branches, agencies, independent agencies, corporations, establishments, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government of the United States, State, local, Tribal, and territorial entities, fusion centers as described in section 210A of the Homeland Security Act ( 6 U.S.C. 124h ), and Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations.
Limit on grant administration costs
This section sets a rule for FEMA grants. Groups that get certain FEMA grants can use money for admin costs. But they can only use up to 5 percent of the grant for these costs. Admin costs mean things like paperwork and managing the grant. This rule overrides an older law that may have set a different limit. It also applies to state governments that manage grant money under one specific grant type.
This affects state, local, and tribal governments that receive FEMA emergency and disaster grants.
Limiting admin spending means more grant money goes to direct services, but it may leave less funding for staff who manage the grant properly.
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not more than 5 percent of the amount of a grant made available in paragraphs (1) through (5) under Federal Emergency Management Agency—Federal Assistance , may be used by the recipient for expenses directly related to administration of the grant.
Faster deadlines for FEMA grant applications
This section sets time limits for certain FEMA grants. These grants come from the Federal Assistance part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA must open these grants to applicants within 60 days after the law passes. Applicants then get 80 days to submit their applications after FEMA announces the grant. After that, FEMA has 65 days to decide on each application. The goal is to speed up the grant process for groups that need this money.
It affects state and local governments, and other groups that apply for these FEMA grants. It also affects FEMA staff who manage the grant process.
Faster deadlines can get money to communities sooner, but they may leave FEMA and applicants less time to review complex requests carefully.
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Applications for grants under the heading Federal Emergency Management Agency—Federal Assistance , for paragraphs (1) through (5), shall be made available to eligible applicants not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, eligible applicants shall submit applications not later than 80 days after the grant announcement, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall act within 65 days after the receipt of an application.
Advance notice before FEMA announces grant awards
This section covers certain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants. Before FEMA tells the public about a grant award, it must first brief Congress. FEMA must give the House and Senate spending committees 5 full business days notice. This applies to several types of grant programs listed in the law. If FEMA announces an award too early, there is a penalty. One million dollars would be cut from FEMA's operations budget.
FEMA, Congress's spending committees, and communities or groups waiting to hear about grant awards.
Congress gets more advance notice and oversight of FEMA grant announcements, but this may slow down how fast FEMA can share news with the public.
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the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall brief the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate 5 full business days in advance of announcing publicly the intention of making an award
Communications towers not counted as buildings
This section deals with grant money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some grants can pay for equipment or projects. But they cannot pay for building new construction. This section says communications towers do not count as construction. That means grant money can be used to build communications towers. This applies to certain grants listed in the section.
State and local agencies that get FEMA grants. It also affects communities that rely on emergency communication systems.
Groups can now use grant funds to build communications towers, but this may mean less funding available for other approved uses.
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the installation of communications towers is not considered construction of a building or other physical facility
Updating disaster fund reporting rules for 2026
This section updates old reporting rules from a 2015 law. Those rules made FEMA report on its Disaster Relief Fund. The fund pays for disaster help across the country. This section says the same reporting rules will apply in 2026. But it changes some details. One rule now applies to budget year 2027 instead of 2016. Another rule gets a small wording change about which day of the month counts.
This affects FEMA and Congress, since it controls how FEMA reports disaster fund spending to lawmakers.
It keeps disaster fund tracking consistent over time, but the technical wording changes make the rule harder for regular readers to follow.
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The reporting requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) under the heading Federal Emergency Management Agency—Disaster Relief Fund in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015 ( Public Law 114–4 ), related to reporting on the Disaster Relief Fund, shall be applied in fiscal year 2026 with respect to budget year 2027 and current fiscal year 2026, respectively
Waivers for firefighter staffing grants
This section deals with a grant program called Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. It gives money to fire departments to hire staff. Normally, departments must meet certain rules to get this money. This section lets the FEMA Administrator waive some of those rules. The waivers cover specific parts of the law about how grants are given out.
Fire departments and emergency responders who apply for these federal staffing grants.
Waiving these rules can help more fire departments qualify for grants, but it may weaken the standard requirements meant to guide fair and consistent grant decisions.
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the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may grant waivers from the requirements in subsections (a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), (a)(1)(E), (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(4) of section 34 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974
Fees for radiation emergency planning
This section sets rules for a fee program. The program helps pay for the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program. This program helps communities plan for accidents at nuclear power plants. The section says fees collected in 2026 must cover all the money the Department of Homeland Security expects to need for this program next year. It also says the fees must be fair and must match the real cost of the service. This includes the cost of collecting the fees. The money collected goes into a special account. It stays available until it is spent, starting October 1, 2026.
This mostly affects nuclear power plant operators who pay these fees, and communities near nuclear plants that rely on emergency planning.
Full cost recovery means taxpayers pay less, but power plant operators may pay higher fees, which could raise costs passed on to electricity customers.
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The aggregate charges assessed during fiscal year 2026, as authorized in title III of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 ( 42 U.S.C. 5196e ), shall not be less than 100 percent of the amounts anticipated by the Department of Homeland Security to be necessary for its Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program for the next fiscal year.
Waiver rule for firefighter grants
This section deals with Assistance to Firefighter Grants. These grants help fire departments buy equipment and training. The section lets FEMA's leader skip one rule when giving out these grants. That rule is subsection (k) of section 33 of a fire safety law from 1974. The bill does not say what that rule normally requires. It just gives FEMA the choice to not follow it.
Fire departments and other groups that apply for firefighter grants. Also affects the FEMA official who manages these grants.
Skipping the rule may let FEMA give out grants faster or more flexibly, but it also removes a legal requirement meant to guide how those grants are handled.
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the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may waive subsection (k) of section 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 ( 15 U.S.C. 2229 ).
Moving leftover disaster prevention money
This section deals with old, unused money set aside for disaster prevention work. That money came from an older version of a federal disaster fund program. The section lets the government move this leftover money into a newer version of the same fund. The newer fund helps communities prepare for disasters before they happen, like floods or storms. This move combines old and new money so it can still be used, instead of sitting unused.
This affects federal disaster agencies and communities that apply for disaster prevention grants.
It lets leftover funds get used for their original purpose, but it also shifts money between programs without new lawmaker review of each dollar.
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Any unobligated balances of funds appropriated in any prior Act for activities funded by the National Predisaster Mitigation Fund under section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5133 ), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of section 1234 of division D of Public Law 115–254 , may be transferred to and merged with funds set aside pursuant to subsection (i)(1) of section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5133 ), as in effect on the date of the enactment of this section.
Moving leftover flood mapping money
This section lets FEMA move unused money from past years into its flood mapping program. The money must have first been given for Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis. It can now go into a related account called Federal Assistance. This account also funds flood mapping work. The moved money adds to other funding already set aside for this work. This includes money from the National Flood Insurance Fund. It also includes money from states or local governments that help pay for mapping projects. The funds can be spent whenever needed. There is no deadline to spend them.
This affects FEMA, states, and local governments that work on flood maps. It also affects communities that rely on flood maps for insurance and building rules.
This gives FEMA more flexibility to finish flood mapping work, but it moves money between accounts instead of asking Congress for new funds.
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Any unobligated balances of funds appropriated under the heading Federal Emergency Management Agency—Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis Program in any prior Act may be transferred to and merged with funds appropriated under the heading Federal Emergency Management Agency—Federal Assistance for necessary expenses for Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis
Changes to disaster prevention grants
This section changes a law about disaster prevention funding, called the Stafford Act. Right now, some agencies 'may' give out money to help states prepare for disasters before they happen. This section changes 'may' to 'shall' in several places. That means the help becomes required, not optional. It also narrows some funding rules so they must relate to a disaster declared in the past 4 years. It shortens a time limit in one part from 7 years to 4 years. It also sets a required funding range of at least 3 percent, with a cap that is not written out here.
State and local governments that apply for disaster prevention grants. Federal agencies that manage this funding program.
Making the funding required could help communities prepare faster, but it also removes flexibility agencies had to adjust funding based on other needs.
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In subsection (b)— (A) by striking “may” and inserting “shall”; and (B) by inserting related to a major disaster declaration in the previous 4 years and after measures that are .
Vehicles for immigration services staff
This section lets U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services buy, run, and get rid of up to 5 vehicles. These vehicles can only replace older ones. They can only be used in areas where the General Services Administration does not offer vehicles for rent. The agency's director can also let workers in those areas drive the vehicles between home and work.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services staff who work in areas without leased government vehicles.
It gives the agency more flexibility to keep staff mobile in hard-to-serve areas, but it adds a small extra government vehicle cost and use of vehicles for commuting.
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funds otherwise made available to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may be used to acquire, operate, equip, and dispose of up to 5 vehicles, for replacement only, for areas where the Administrator of General Services does not provide vehicles for lease
Blocking outsourcing studies for certain immigration jobs
This section stops the government from using this bill's money to study or approve outsourcing certain jobs. These jobs are at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They include Immigration Information Officers, Immigration Service Analysts, Contact Representatives, Investigative Assistants, and Immigration Services Officers. The study process is called an A-76 competition. It checks if private companies could do a job cheaper than federal workers. This section blocks that process for these specific jobs. This applies even to workers in temporary or term positions.
It affects federal workers in these five job roles at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It also affects private contractors who might otherwise compete for this work.
It protects these federal jobs from being replaced by contractors, but it also removes a tool that might find cheaper ways to do the work.
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None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be used to process or approve a competition under Office of Management and Budget Circular A–76 for services provided by employees (including employees serving on a temporary or term basis) of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security who are known as Immigration Information Officers, Immigration Service Analysts, Contact Representatives, Investigative Assistants, or Immigration Services Officers.
No work permits for denied or convicted asylum seekers
This section blocks money in this bill from being used to give work permits to certain immigrants. It applies to two groups. The first group is people whose asylum request has already been denied. The second group is people who commit a state or federal crime while their asylum case is still pending. Neither group can get a work permit paid for with these funds.
Asylum seekers whose cases are denied, and asylum seekers who are convicted of a crime while their case is still open.
This limits work options for these two groups, but supporters say it ties work permits to a clean immigration and criminal record.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to issue any employment authorization document or similar document to any alien whose application for asylum in the United States has been denied, or who is convicted of a Federal or State crime while his or her application for asylum in the United States is pending.
Small budget for USCIS official events
This section lets U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spend a small amount of money in 2026. The money can go toward official reception and representation costs. This means things like hosting official visitors or events. The cash comes from a fee fund called the Immigration Examinations Fee Account. This fund normally has other spending rules under federal immigration law. This section allows an exception, but only up to $2,500.
This affects U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services staff and how they use fee-based funds. It has no direct effect on the public or on immigration applicants.
The agency gets a small, flexible fund for official hosting, but it is a special exception to normal rules on how fee money can be spent.
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the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may use not more than $2,500 of the amounts deposited in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account for official reception and representation expenses in fiscal year 2026.
Ban on H-1B visa help for listed Chinese military-linked companies
This section blocks the Department of Homeland Security from using its money to review H-1B visa petitions. This applies only when the company asking for the visa is on a special watch list. That list names companies tied to the Chinese military. It comes from a defense law passed in 2021. The rule also covers any subsidiary of those companies. If a company is on the list, its visa requests will not be processed with federal funds.
It affects companies named on the defense department's Chinese military company list, their subsidiaries, and foreign workers they try to sponsor for H-1B visas.
This blocks certain flagged companies from sponsoring skilled foreign workers, which limits their hiring options but aims to reduce ties between U.S. visa programs and firms linked to China's military.
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No Federal funds made available to the Department of Homeland Security may be used for the consideration of a petition for a nonimmigrant visa under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, if the petitioner is any entity identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) or any subsidiary of such entity.
Money for police training accreditation
This section lets the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers share funds with other federal law enforcement agencies. The money covers costs those agencies have when they take part in training accreditation. Accreditation is a process that checks if training programs meet certain quality standards.
Federal law enforcement agencies that join training accreditation programs, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers itself.
Sharing funds helps agencies meet training standards, but it also means less control over how each agency spends the money it receives.
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The Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers is authorized to distribute funds to Federal law enforcement agencies for expenses incurred participating in training accreditation.
Federal law enforcement training accreditation
This section names a board to lead a review process for federal law enforcement training. The board includes people from federal law enforcement and outside training experts. It checks the quality of training programs, training facilities, and instructors. This work continues an existing accreditation effort. The goal is to make sure federal training meets set standards.
This affects federal law enforcement agencies, their training facilities, and instructors. It also affects the accreditation board members who review the training.
This process can improve training quality, but it may add extra rules and reviews for agencies to follow.
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The Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board, including representatives from the Federal law enforcement community and non-Federal accreditation experts involved in law enforcement training, shall lead the Federal law enforcement training accreditation process to continue the implementation of measuring and assessing the quality and effectiveness of Federal law enforcement training programs, facilities, and instructors.
Special training facility funding transfers
This section lets the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers accept money from other government agencies. Agencies can send funds to build special use facilities. This works through a rule called the Economy Act. After a facility is built, the Training Centers keeps control of it. The Training Centers also keeps ownership of the finished building.
This affects the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and other federal agencies that want special training facilities built.
Other agencies can get custom training facilities built, but the Training Centers ends up owning and controlling buildings paid for by someone else.
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The Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers may accept transfers to its Procurement, Construction, and Improvements account from Government agencies requesting the construction of special use facilities, as authorized by the Economy Act ( 31 U.S.C. 1535(b) ).
Law enforcement trainers must be government workers
This section covers instructors at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. These centers train federal police and agents. The section says instructor jobs must be labeled 'inherently governmental.' That label comes from a 1998 law about federal jobs. It means these jobs cannot be given to outside companies. Only government employees can do this work.
It affects instructors at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and the federal agency that runs them.
Keeping instructors as government employees may cost more than hiring contractors, but it keeps training under direct government control.
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The functions of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers instructor staff shall be classified as inherently governmental for purposes of the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act of 1998 ( 31 U.S.C. 501 note).
Blocking the asylum program fee
This section blocks a new rule. It stops U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services from charging an "Asylum Program Fee." This fee came from a 2023 final rule. That rule updated fees for immigration benefit requests. No money in this act can be used to start, run, or enforce this specific fee.
It affects people who file asylum applications. It also affects U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which handles those applications.
Blocking the fee may save asylum applicants money, but it could also cut funding the agency planned to use for processing cases.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be made available to implement, administer, or enforce the Asylum Program Fee from the Final Rule entitled U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements (88 Fed. Reg. 6194).
Stricter rules for asylum fear screenings
This section deals with money for the Department of Homeland Security. It blocks the use of funds for a certain step in the asylum process. That step is called a 'credible fear' screening. It happens when an immigration officer checks if a person might qualify for asylum. Under this section, officers cannot find credible fear unless they check the person's honesty first. The officer must decide it is more likely than not the person could win an asylum case. The officer must also decide it is more likely than not the person's statements are true. This raises the bar for passing this early screening step.
This affects immigrants seeking asylum at the border or in the country, and the officers who screen their claims.
This may stop weaker asylum claims from moving forward, but it could also make it harder for real asylum seekers to pass the first screening step.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be obligated, expended, or used in any manner to determine that any alien has a credible fear of persecution under section 235(b)(1)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(B)(v) ) unless taking into account the credibility of the statements made by the alien in support of the alien's claim, as determined pursuant to section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii), and such other facts as are known to the officer, the alien more likely than not could establish eligibility for asylum under section 208, and it is more likely than not that the statements made by, and on behalf of, the alien in support of the alien's claim are true.
Limits on asylum for people who passed through other countries
This section limits money for certain asylum decisions. It says funds cannot be used to find that a migrant has a credible fear of harm, or to grant asylum, if that person traveled through another country before reaching the United States. This rule applies unless the person meets one of three exceptions. First, they must show they asked for protection in each country they passed through, and were formally turned down. Second, they must show they were a victim of serious trafficking, such as forced labor or forced commercial sex, and could not apply for protection because of that trafficking. Third, the only countries they passed through must not be part of major international refugee or torture protection treaties. If none of these exceptions apply, the government cannot spend money to process that asylum claim this way.
Migrants and asylum seekers who travel through other countries before entering the United States, and the immigration officers who review their cases.
The rule aims to reduce asylum claims from people who could have sought safety elsewhere first, but it may make it harder for genuine refugees and trafficking victims to get protection if they cannot prove they qualify for an exception.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be obligated, expended, or used in any manner to determine that any alien has a credible fear of persecution under section 235(b)(1)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(B)(v) ) or to grant asylum to any alien pursuant to section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1158 ) if such alien entered, attempted to enter, or arrived in the United States after transiting through at least one country outside the alien's country of citizenship, nationality, or last lawful habitual residence en route to the United States
H-2B visa cap exemption for repeat employers
This section deals with the H-2B visa program. Employers use this program to hire foreign workers for temporary, non-farm jobs. Normally, there is a yearly limit on how many H-2B visas can be given out. This section says some employers can skip that limit. It applies to employers who got approved labor certifications in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025. In 2026, these employers can bring in workers without counting against the cap. The number of exempt workers cannot be more than the employer's highest yearly total from the past five years.
It affects employers who regularly hire H-2B temporary foreign workers, and the workers themselves.
This lets experienced employers keep hiring foreign workers reliably, but it means fewer open visa slots may be limited by the normal yearly cap for other employers.
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An employer that received a labor certification from the Department of Labor under section 214(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act with regard to a petition to import an alien under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of such Act in fiscal year 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 shall, upon issuance of the labor certification and approval of the petition, obtain positions exempt from the numerical limitation under section 214(g)(1)(B) of such Act in an amount that does not exceed the highest number of positions for all labor certifications received by such employer in any 1 of the prior 5 fiscal years in fiscal year 2026.
Farm worker visas for one-year jobs
This section deals with H-2A visas. These visas let foreign workers come to the U.S. for farm jobs. The section says work on "agricultural operations" counts as seasonal farm labor. That is true even if the job lasts up to one year. This lets workers get H-2A visas for jobs that are not just short harvest seasons. The rule only applies for fiscal year 2026.
It affects farm owners who hire foreign workers, and foreign workers who apply for H-2A farm visas.
Farms get easier access to workers for longer jobs, but this widens who counts as a temporary worker under the visa program.
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work performed by workers on agricultural operations (as such term is defined in section 1619 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 8791 ) shall be considered agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of such Act, and such workers shall be eligible for admission under such section for a period not to exceed one year.
Block on H-2 visa rule enforcement
This section stops federal agencies from using this bill's money to enforce a specific rule. The rule is called "Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections." It was published as a Final Rule in the Federal Register. The H-2 program lets employers hire foreign workers for temporary farm and non-farm jobs. This section does not cancel the rule. It just blocks funding to carry it out, administer it, or enforce it.
This affects employers who hire H-2 workers, the foreign workers themselves, and agencies like Homeland Security that run the program.
Blocking funding can stop new worker protections in the rule, but it also stops any parts of the rule that added oversight or rules for employers.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to implement, administer, or enforce the Final Rule entitled "Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections" (89 Fed. Reg. 103202).
New visa category for traveling carnival and circus workers
This section creates a new type of temporary visa. It is for workers who travel with carnivals or circuses. It also covers workers for food stands, games, and other services that travel with fairs and festivals. These workers can enter the U.S. to set up, run, take down, and fix rides, games, and food stands. They must follow the same labor rules as other temporary worker visas. The Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor must write detailed rules for this new visa. They have 180 days to propose the rules. They have one year to make the rules final.
This affects foreign workers who travel with carnivals, circuses, and fairs. It also affects U.S. fair and festival organizers who hire these workers.
The new visa category may help traveling entertainment businesses find workers, but it also expands the number of temporary foreign worker visas available.
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seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of performing functions that are integral and essential to the operation of a mobile entertainment provider (as set forth in section 214(c)(4)(I)(ii))
Money must be spent within the year
This section sets a basic rule for the funds in this bill. Agencies must spend the money in the same fiscal year it was given. They cannot save it for use in future years. The only exception is if another part of the bill clearly allows longer use.
This affects federal agencies that receive funding under this act, including their budget planning and spending schedules.
This rule keeps tight control over yearly spending, but it can limit an agency's flexibility to finish long projects that take more than one year.
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No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein.
Moving old leftover funds into new accounts
This section lets the government take unused money from past years. That money was set aside for certain activities. Agencies can move it into new accounts created by this same law, if those accounts cover the same activities. The leftover money can then be combined with the new money. After that, it is tracked as one single fund. This can only happen if agencies also follow rules in section 503 of the law. The money still must be spent within its original time limit.
This affects federal agencies that manage Homeland Security funding, and programs that rely on multi-year budgets.
This gives agencies more flexibility to use old funds without losing them, but it can make it harder for the public to track exactly how much money is spent on each specific program.
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the unexpended balances of prior appropriations provided for activities in this Act may be transferred to appropriation accounts for such activities established pursuant to this Act, may be merged with funds in the applicable established accounts, and thereafter may be accounted for as one fund for the same time period as originally enacted.
Rules for moving money between DHS programs
This section limits how the Department of Homeland Security can shift money between programs. It cannot start or end a program without Congress's approval. It cannot move work from federal employees to contractors. It cannot boost a program's funding by more than $5 million or 10 percent, whichever is smaller. It cannot cut a program's funding or staff by 10 percent or more. These moves are called 'reprogramming.' The department can still make these changes if it tells Congress at least 30 days ahead of time. It can also shift up to 2.5 percent of its budget between accounts with 30 days notice, but cannot raise any account by more than 5 percent this way. After June 15, these transfers are mostly blocked unless there is a real emergency. The rules also cover unspent money left over from past years. One exception lets the Secretary move up to $20 million into a specific immigration-related fund, with only 5 days notice.
This affects how DHS leaders manage their budget. It also affects Congress's ability to control spending decisions.
The rules give Congress more control over DHS spending changes, but they also slow down how fast the department can react to new needs.
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None of the funds provided by this Act, provided by previous appropriations Acts to the components in or transferred to the Department of Homeland Security that remain available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2026, or provided from any accounts in the Treasury of the United States derived by the collection of fees available to the components funded by this Act, shall be available for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming of funds that—
Reusing an older rule for a shared money fund
This section deals with a working capital fund. This is a shared pool of money used by different parts of the Department of Homeland Security. The section says an old rule from 2017 still applies to this fund. That rule set up how the fund works. It also lets the fund spend or commit money before it gets paid back by other agency parts. This helps cover costs early, while waiting for repayment later.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security and its internal offices that use the shared fund.
Allowing spending before reimbursement helps work start faster, but it means the fund can spend money it has not yet received.
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Funds from such working capital fund may be obligated and expended in anticipation of reimbursements from components of the Department of Homeland Security.
Extra time to spend leftover operating funds
This section lets the Department of Homeland Security keep some unused money a bit longer. Normally, unspent money must be returned or it expires at the end of the budget year. This section allows up to half of leftover funds from 2026 operations money to stay available into 2027. The money must still be used for its original purpose. Agencies must first tell Congress how they plan to use it, no later than June 15, 2027.
This affects Department of Homeland Security offices that manage day-to-day operating budgets. It also affects Congress, which must review spending notices before the money is used.
Agencies get more flexibility to finish projects without losing funding, but Congress has less control over strict yearly spending limits.
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not to exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances remaining available at the end of fiscal year 2026, as recorded in the financial records at the time of a reprogramming notification, but not later than June 15, 2027, from appropriations for Operations and Support for fiscal year 2026 in this Act shall remain available through September 30, 2027, in the account and for the purposes for which the appropriations were provided.
Temporary approval for intelligence spending
This section lets Congress treat this year's intelligence funding as officially approved. It counts as approved until Congress passes a separate law authorizing intelligence activities for 2026. If the Intelligence, Analysis, and Situational Awareness office gets more money than that future law allows, the extra money moves to a different office. That office is called the Management Directorate. Before spending that moved money, an official must first tell Congress the plan. That official is the Undersecretary for Management. They must brief House and Senate spending committees first.
This affects Department of Homeland Security intelligence offices and the congressional committees that oversee their budgets.
This lets intelligence work continue without delay, but it means spending happens before Congress passes a full authorization law.
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Funds made available by this Act for intelligence activities are deemed to be specifically authorized by the Congress for purposes of section 504 of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 414 ) during fiscal year 2026 until the enactment of an Act authorizing intelligence activities for fiscal year 2026.
Advance notice for big Homeland Security spending
This section makes the Department of Homeland Security tell Congress before it spends large amounts of money. The Department must give notice 3 business days early. This applies to grants over $1 million, contracts over $4 million, and certain task orders over $10 million. It also applies to sole-source grants, which are grants given without competition. If waiting would put lives or safety at risk, the Department can act first. In that case, it must tell Congress within 5 business days after the award. Each notice must list the amount, the year the money was approved, the contract type, and where the funds come from.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, Congress, and companies or groups that receive large federal awards from the Department.
Congress gets more oversight and warning before big spending happens, but this can slow down the Department's ability to act quickly in normal situations.
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The Secretary of Homeland Security, or the designee of the Secretary, shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate at least 3 full business days in advance of— (1) making or awarding a grant allocation or grant in excess of $1,000,000
Limits on new law enforcement training facilities
This section limits federal agencies from buying, building, or leasing new facilities for law enforcement training. Agencies can only expand at existing training sites or places next to them. Any new site outside that area needs advance notice to Congress. There is one exception. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers can temporarily rent extra space if their current buildings cannot handle all the training needed.
This affects federal agencies that run law enforcement training programs, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers specifically.
This rule limits agencies' ability to quickly expand training space, but it gives Congress more oversight and control over new federal training facility spending.
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no agency shall purchase, construct, or lease any additional facilities, except within or contiguous to existing locations, to be used for the purpose of conducting Federal law enforcement training without advance notification to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate
Building projects need prior approval
This section limits how the Department of Homeland Security can spend money on big building projects. It cannot pay for construction, repairs, changes, or property purchases unless a special planning document called a prospectus has been approved first. This document explains the project and its cost. The department can still spend a small amount of money to prepare that document.
It affects Department of Homeland Security offices that manage buildings and construction projects.
This rule stops rushed or unapproved building projects, but it can slow down needed repairs while approval is pending.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for expenses for any construction, repair, alteration, or acquisition project for which a prospectus otherwise required under chapter 33 of title 40, United States Code, has not been approved, except that necessary funds may be expended for each project for required expenses for the development of a proposed prospectus.
Old rules apply to new money
This section reuses two rules from a 2008 spending law. Those rules were called sections 522 and 530. They will apply to money in this new bill. They work the same way they did in the 2008 law. The section does not spell out what the rules say. It just tells agencies to follow them again for this year's funds.
It affects the Department of Homeland Security and agencies that get money from this bill.
This saves space by not repeating old rules, but readers must look up the 2008 law to know what the rules actually require.
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Sections 522 and 530 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008 (division E of Public Law 110–161 ; 121 Stat. 2073 and 2074) shall apply with respect to funds made available in this Act in the same manner as such sections applied to funds made available in that Act.
Buy American rule enforcement
This section says money in this bill must follow the Buy American Act. That law requires the government to buy American made goods for public use. Agencies cannot spend this bill's funds in ways that break that law. The section also points to the exact legal chapter that defines the Buy American Act.
It affects government agencies buying goods with this funding, and companies that supply products to the government.
This rule can support American manufacturers, but it may limit agencies from choosing cheaper foreign made products.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used in contravention of the applicable provisions of the Buy American Act.
No changes to the citizenship oath
This section blocks the use of money from this law to change the oath of allegiance. That oath is what people say when they become U.S. citizens. The oath's rules come from an existing immigration law. This section keeps those rules the same. Agencies cannot use these funds to rewrite or update the oath's wording.
It affects immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship, and the federal agencies that manage naturalization ceremonies.
This keeps the citizenship oath consistent and predictable, but it also prevents agencies from updating the oath's language even if they wanted to for other reasons.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to amend the oath of allegiance required by section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1448 ).
Limits on reorganizing DHS offices
This section limits the Homeland Security Secretary's power to reorganize the Department. It blocks the use of a specific law, section 872 of the Homeland Security Act, unless Congress gives clear approval first. That law normally lets the Secretary move offices and duties around inside the Department. But there are two exceptions. The Secretary can still shift duties for the top official who leads the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office. The Secretary can also move other duties within that same office to different teams. The section also lets the Secretary move money from past budgets into or out of that office, if needed for these allowed changes.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security's leadership and staff, especially the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.
Congress keeps more control over how DHS is organized, but the Secretary loses some freedom to quickly reshape the Department in response to new needs.
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None of the funds provided or otherwise made available in this Act shall be available to carry out section 872 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 452 ) unless explicitly authorized by the Congress.
No national ID card
This section blocks the use of money in this law for a national ID card. Agencies cannot use these funds to plan a national ID card. They also cannot use the funds to test or build one. This rule applies only to money provided by this specific act.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security and any agency using this law's funds.
This stops federal work on a national ID card, but it could also block related security or identification research that some officials might see as useful.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used for planning, testing, piloting, or developing a national identification card.
Officials cannot pass off report duties
This section sets a rule about reports required by this law. Some officials must report or certify things to Congress's spending committees. This section says those officials must do the reporting themselves. They cannot hand this job to someone else, unless the law specifically allows it.
This affects top officials at the Department of Homeland Security who must report to Congress under this law.
This keeps senior officials directly responsible for reports, but it may add work for them instead of letting them assign it to staff.
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Any official that is required by this Act to report or to certify to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate may not delegate such authority to perform that act unless specifically authorized herein.
No first-class travel with agency funds
This section stops agency employees from flying first-class using money from this bill. It applies to workers at agencies funded by this act, like the Department of Homeland Security. Employees must follow existing federal travel rules. Those rules already limit when first-class travel is allowed, such as for medical needs or when no other class is available.
Employees and officials at Department of Homeland Security agencies who travel for work.
This limits comfort and flexibility for traveling employees, but it saves taxpayer money and keeps travel spending in check.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used for first-class travel by the employees of agencies funded by this Act in contravention of sections 301–10.122 through 301–10.124 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations.
Ban on hiring workers not authorized to work
This section blocks a rule for one group of federal funds. Agencies cannot use money from this act to hire certain workers. These workers are defined in a specific immigration law. That law describes people who are not authorized to work in the United States. So this section makes sure federal money does not pay for hiring unauthorized workers.
This affects federal agencies that get funding from this act, and any workers or contractors involved in hiring.
This rule aims to stop unauthorized hiring with federal funds, but it could also limit flexibility for agencies filling jobs quickly.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to employ workers described in section 274A(h)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)(3) ).
No bonus pay for poor contractor work
This section stops the Department of Homeland Security from using its budget to pay bonus fees to contractors. This applies if a contractor's work was rated below satisfactory. It also applies if the work did not meet basic contract rules. The rule uses money from this act. It aims to make sure bonuses only go to contractors who do good work.
This affects companies that hold contracts with the Department of Homeland Security. It also affects agency staff who manage those contracts and award fees.
This rule can save money and reward good work, but it may also lead to disputes over how contractor performance gets judged.
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none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to pay award or incentive fees for contractor performance that has been judged to be below satisfactory performance or performance that does not meet the basic requirements of a contract.
Blocking pornography on government computer networks
This section limits how DHS money can be spent on computer networks. It says no funds can be used to run a computer network unless it blocks pornography. This means workers cannot view, download, or share pornography on these government networks. There is an exception for law enforcement work. Police and other agencies can still use funds for criminal investigations, prosecutions, or court cases, even if that work involves such material.
This affects DHS employees who use government computer networks. It also affects federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local law enforcement agencies.
The rule aims to stop misuse of government networks, but the law enforcement exception means agencies must judge when content review counts as an official investigation.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.
Restrictions on letting guns reach drug cartels
This section limits how federal agents handle guns during investigations. It says agents cannot let a working gun go to someone they know or suspect is a drug cartel agent. There is one exception. Agents can allow this only if U.S. law enforcement keeps constant watch or control over the gun. This rule aims to stop guns from slipping away from government tracking during operations.
Federal law enforcement officers who run gun-related investigations, and people suspected of working with drug cartels.
The rule aims to prevent guns from being lost to criminal groups, but it could make some undercover or tracking operations harder to run.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by a Federal law enforcement officer to facilitate the transfer of an operable firearm to an individual if the Federal law enforcement officer knows or suspects that the individual is an agent of a drug cartel unless law enforcement personnel of the United States continuously monitor or control the firearm at all times.
Limits on staff at international conferences
This section limits travel to conferences held outside the United States. No more than 50 employees from one Homeland Security office can attend a single overseas conference. This rule uses money from this act. An exception exists if the Secretary decides it serves the national interest. If so, the Secretary must tell Congress within 10 days. The Secretary must also explain why. Any single conference cannot cost the department more than $500,000. Employees who join a conference online, without leaving their home base, do not count toward the 50-person limit. Their costs are also not blocked by this rule.
Homeland Security employees who travel abroad for conferences, and department leaders who approve that travel and spending.
The limit can reduce travel costs and encourage oversight, but it may also restrict how many staff can join important international meetings in person.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to pay for the travel to or attendance of more than 50 employees of a single component of the Department of Homeland Security, who are stationed in the United States, at a single international conference unless the Secretary of Homeland Security, or a designee, determines that such attendance is in the national interest
No reimbursement for special security events
This section blocks the use of funds from this law to pay back federal agencies. Agencies sometimes help with security at National Special Security Events. These are big events like presidential inaugurations or major summits. Under this section, this law's money cannot cover their costs. Agencies would need to use other funding for that work.
Federal agencies that help provide security at major national events.
This saves this law's funds for other uses, but it means agencies must find money elsewhere to cover security event costs.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to reimburse any Federal department or agency for its participation in a National Special Security Event.
Notice required before big pay or job classification changes
This section limits how the Department of Homeland Security can change staff pay or job structures. If a change affects more than 100 full-time jobs, or costs more than $5,000,000 a year, the Department must first tell Congress. The notice must explain how many jobs are affected. It must show the cost for this year and future years. It must also explain why the change is needed. For pay reforms, the notice must list other pay options the Department considered. The Department must wait 30 days after sending this notice before starting the change. This rule does not apply if the change was already in the President's budget request, and Congress did not block or limit its funding.
Department of Homeland Security employees and managers, and Congress, which oversees major staffing and pay decisions.
This gives Congress a check on large workforce changes, but it can slow down the Department's ability to quickly update pay systems or job structures.
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None of the funds made available to the Department of Homeland Security by this or any other Act may be obligated for the implementation of any structural pay reform or the introduction of any new position classification that will affect more than 100 full-time positions or costs more than $5,000,000 in a single year before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security submits to Congress a notification
Posting agency reports online
This section lets agencies post certain reports on their public websites. These are reports that agencies must already send to Congress spending committees. An agency head must first decide that posting helps the national interest. Agencies cannot post a report if it would hurt homeland or national security. They also cannot post a report if it has proprietary business information. Before posting, the agency must give the report to Congress committees first. That report must sit with Congress for at least 45 days before it goes public, unless another law sets a different rule.
This affects federal agencies that get money from this law. It also affects Congress spending committees and the public, who may get more access to agency reports.
Posting reports online gives the public more information, but agencies can withhold reports that involve security risks or private business data, which limits how much gets shared.
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Any agency receiving funds made available in this Act shall, subject to subsections (b) and (c), post on the public website of that agency any report required to be submitted by the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate in this Act, upon the determination by the head of the agency that it shall serve the national interest.
Small purchases and repairs allowed from operations money
This section lets Homeland Security agencies use their day-to-day operating funds for small purchases too. This includes buying equipment or fixing property. It sets dollar limits so this money is only used for small items. Equipment must cost $250,000 or less. Building repairs or construction must cost $4,000,000 or less. Anything above these limits needs separate, specific funding.
Homeland Security agencies and offices that manage equipment and buildings. It also affects how taxpayer money is tracked and approved.
This gives agencies more flexibility to fix small problems quickly, but it also means less detailed congressional review of how that money gets spent.
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For purposes of subsection (a), minor refers to end items with a unit cost of $250,000 or less for personal property, and $4,000,000 or less for real property.
Schooling help for dependents continues
This section keeps an older rule in place for one more year. That rule lets the Department of Homeland Security help pay for schooling for dependents. The rule first started in 2018. This section says it will still work during fiscal year 2026. It does not create a new program. It just extends an existing one.
This affects families of certain Department of Homeland Security employees, likely those working in remote or overseas posts, whose dependents need primary or secondary schooling.
It keeps support for employee families going, but it also keeps ongoing government spending in place instead of ending or changing the program.
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The authority provided by section 532 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2018 ( Public Law 115–141 ) regarding primary and secondary schooling of dependents shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2026.
Congress can inspect immigration detention facilities
This section protects the right of Congress to check on immigration detention facilities. It says Homeland Security cannot use its funds to block a Member of Congress from entering a facility. The facility holds or detains immigrants. A Member's staff can also visit if the Member picks them for this job. Facilities cannot make temporary changes to hide what visitors would normally see. Members of Congress do not have to give notice before visiting. Staff members might have to give 24 hours notice before their visit.
This affects Members of Congress, their staff, Homeland Security, and facilities that hold immigrants.
Congress gets stronger power to inspect detention sites without warning, but facilities can require staff visits to be scheduled a day ahead.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Homeland Security by this Act may be used to prevent any of the following persons from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility used to hold, detain, or otherwise house aliens, or to make any temporary modification at any such facility that in any way alters what is observed by a visiting Member of Congress or such designated employee, compared to what would be observed in the absence of such modification
Limits on restraining pregnant women in DHS custody
This section limits when the Department of Homeland Security can use restraints on pregnant women. It applies to women in custody, during transport, in detention, or at outside medical visits. It also covers women recovering after delivery. Normally, restraints are not allowed. There are two exceptions. First, an official can decide a woman is a serious flight risk or a safety threat, if no other option works. Second, a medical professional can approve restraints for the woman's own medical safety. If restraints are used, only the safest and least restrictive kind can be chosen. Restraints can never be used during active labor or delivery. Certain harmful positions are banned, like face-down four-point restraints or belts that press on the pregnancy area. A restrained pregnant woman should be placed on her left side whenever possible.
Pregnant women and women recovering from delivery who are held in Department of Homeland Security custody or facilities.
The rule protects pregnant women from harmful restraint methods, but it still allows restraints in cases judged to involve flight risk, safety threats, or medical need.
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In no case may restraints be used on a woman who is in active labor or delivery, and in no case may a pregnant woman be restrained in a face-down position with four-point restraints, on her back, or in a restraint belt that constricts the area of the pregnancy.
Keeping records on deaths and abuse in custody
This section stops the Department of Homeland Security from destroying certain records. These records cover deaths of people held in DHS custody. They also cover possible sexual assault or abuse of detainees. They also cover claims of abuse, crimes, or disruptions by detainees. No funds in this law can be used to destroy these documents or recordings. If a detainee was charged with a crime, put in segregation, or punished because of an abuse or crime allegation, they can request these records. DHS must give them the records, following existing laws and court disclosure rules.
People held in DHS custody, especially those accused of causing problems or facing punishment. It also affects DHS staff who manage detention records.
This protects detainees' access to evidence about their treatment, but it also requires DHS to keep and manage more records long term.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to destroy any document, recording, or other record pertaining to any— (1) death of; (2) potential sexual assault or abuse perpetrated against; or (3) allegation of abuse, criminal activity, or disruption committed by an individual held in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security.
Ban on funding a 'Principal Federal Official' position
This section blocks federal money from paying for a job called 'Principal Federal Official.' It reuses a rule from an older law, Public Law 114-113. That older law banned funding this position. This section says the same ban applies to money in this bill too.
It affects federal agencies, especially those that handle disaster response and emergency management. It also affects any official who might hold this title.
The rule stops spending on this specific role, but it may limit how agencies organize leadership during emergencies.
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Section 519 of division F of Public Law 114–113 , regarding a prohibition on funding for any position designated as a Principal Federal Official, shall apply with respect to any Federal funds in the same manner as such section applied to funds made available in that Act.
Yearly report on unfunded Homeland Security needs
This section makes a top Homeland Security official write a yearly report. The report lists things the department wanted but did not get money for. It must come out within 10 days after the President sends his budget to Congress. The report covers the whole department and each of its parts. For each unfunded item, it must explain what it is and what it would achieve. It must also list the funding account and how many jobs it would create. An item counts as unfunded if it was left out of the budget. It must also be needed for an operational or emergency plan. It would have been funded if there was more money, if the need came up late, or if it is needed to protect past investments.
This affects Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, and its leaders who write the report.
This gives Congress more information on unmet needs, but it also requires extra staff time and paperwork to prepare the report each year.
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Not later than 10 days after the date on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the Under Secretary for Management of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the unfunded priorities
Reporting rules for protecting former officials
This section sets rules for when the government protects a former or retired official. The Secretary of Homeland Security must tell Congress within 10 days after deciding to protect someone. This notice can be secret if needed. It must explain the threat, how much protection is planned, and its cost and length. Before extending protection, the Secretary must notify Congress 15 days ahead. Before ending protection, the Secretary must notify Congress 30 days ahead. The Secretary must also send a full report every three months. This report lists every protected person and the cost of their protection.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, Congress, and former or retired government officials who receive federal protection.
Congress gets more oversight and cost information about protection decisions, but the extra reporting rules could add paperwork and delay for the Department of Homeland Security.
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Not later than 10 days after a determination is made by the President to evaluate and initiate protection under any authority for a former or retired Government official or employee, or for an individual who, during the duration of the directed protection, will become a former or retired Government official or employee (referred to in this section as a covered individual ), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a notification to congressional leadership and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate
Rules for tech funding requests
This section controls how the Department of Homeland Security asks for money from the Technology Modernization Fund. That fund pays for federal technology projects. Before the department asks for this money, it must tell Congress first. It must send a copy of its project plan. It must also explain if the new money would replace money it already asked for in its budget. Once the department gets funds from this program, it cannot spend them right away. It must wait 15 days after sending Congress a detailed report. That report must include the full project plan, the payment agreement, a repayment plan, and other details.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security and its technology programs. It also affects Congress, which gets more oversight of these funding requests.
This gives Congress more control and information before tech funds are spent, but it may slow down how fast the department can start new technology projects.
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None of the funds provided to the Department of Homeland Security by the Technology Modernization Fund shall be available for obligation until 15 days after a report on such funds has been transmitted to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Backup budget plan if new fees aren't approved
This section applies to the Department of Homeland Security's 2027 budget request. Sometimes the department's budget assumes it will collect money from new user fees. But those fees need to become law first. If the fees are not approved by October 1, 2026, this section requires the Secretary to act. Within 60 days of submitting the budget, the Secretary must tell Congress exactly where spending would be cut. These cuts must match the amount of money the unapproved fees would have raised. This gives Congress a backup plan in case the fees never pass.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, its budget planning, and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
This forces the department to plan for real spending cuts early, but it also means Congress must consider possible budget cuts before knowing if the fees will actually pass.
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Within 60 days of any budget submission for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2027 that assumes revenues or proposes a reduction from the previous year based on user fees proposals that have not been enacted into law prior to the submission of the budget, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate specific reductions in proposed discretionary budget authority commensurate with the revenues assumed in such proposals in the event that they are not enacted prior to October 1, 2026.
No funding for the Arms Trade Treaty
This section blocks money in this bill from being used to carry out the Arms Trade Treaty. The Arms Trade Treaty is an international deal about arms sales rules. Agencies cannot spend any funds on this treaty. This rule stays in place until the Senate votes to approve the treaty. The Senate must pass a formal resolution of ratification first.
This affects federal agencies that could work on arms trade rules. It also affects U.S. participation in the international Arms Trade Treaty.
It stops federal money from supporting the treaty now, but it could delay U.S. involvement in international arms trade rules until the Senate acts.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be obligated or expended to implement the Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves a resolution of ratification for the Treaty.
Ban on funding certain flagged companies
This section blocks a type of spending. The Department of Homeland Security cannot use its funds to work with certain companies. These companies are listed under a specific defense law from 2021. That law flags companies linked to the Chinese military. The department cannot sign contracts with these companies. It also cannot give them grants, loans, or loan guarantees. This ban also covers any subsidiary of these flagged companies.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security and companies flagged under the 2021 defense law. It also affects any business that is a subsidiary of those flagged companies.
This rule aims to limit ties to flagged companies, but it may also cut off some contractors or products the department could otherwise use.
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No Federal funds made available to the Department of Homeland Security may be used to enter into a procurement contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, or make a grant to, or provide a loan or guarantee to, any entity identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) or any subsidiary of such entity.
Ban on bringing Guantanamo detainees to the United States
This section blocks the use of any funds to move certain Guantanamo Bay detainees into the United States. It names Khalid Sheikh Mohammed specifically. It also covers any other non-citizen detainee held at Guantanamo Bay on or after June 24, 2009. Money from this bill or any other law cannot pay to transfer, release, or help release these people into the U.S. or its territories. The rule does not apply to U.S. citizens or members of the U.S. military.
It affects non-citizen detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, and any federal agency that might try to move or release them into the United States.
This keeps these detainees out of the country, but it also limits the government's options for closing the Guantanamo prison or moving detainees for trial or other legal reasons.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available in this or any other Act may be used to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer or release to or within the United States, its territories, or possessions Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee who— (1) is not a United States citizen or a member of the Armed Forces of the United States; and (2) is or was held on or after June 24, 2009, at the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by the Department of Defense.
Monthly estimates of border arrivals
This section tells the Secretary of Homeland Security to make monthly estimates. These estimates predict how many people will arrive at the southern border. The estimates must cover the current year and the next year. They must break down numbers by group, like single adults, families, and children traveling alone. An outside reviewer must check the estimates for accuracy. The Department must use these estimates for planning and budgeting. The estimates must appear in budget documents sent to Congress. This includes the President's yearly budget request and any request for extra funds. The Secretary must share these estimates with other agency leaders. These include the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State. Congress must also get these estimates. If the Department does not provide the required estimates, it loses a certain budget power. That power lets the Department move money between programs. This power stays suspended until the estimates are given to Congress.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, other federal agencies, and Congress. It also affects how border and immigration programs get funded.
The rule forces more planning and sharing of border data, but it also risks freezing the Department's budget flexibility if reports are late or incomplete.
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The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, on a monthly basis beginning immediately after the date of enactment of this Act, develop estimates of the number of aliens anticipated to arrive at the southern border of the United States.
Rules for asking the military to help at the border
This section sets rules for when the Department of Homeland Security wants help from the Department of Defense for border security. Before asking, the Secretary must study other options first. This study must compare costs and benefits. Within 30 days of asking for help, the Secretary must send Congress a report. The report must explain what help was requested and what it will cost. It must also explain how it affects normal border operations. If the request is approved, the Secretary must send more reports. These reports happen every 30 days at first, then every three months. They must describe the help given and its effects on border work.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and Congress. It also affects how border security operations are run.
This adds oversight and paperwork before military help is used, which can slow down urgent requests but gives Congress more information and control.
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Prior to the Secretary of Homeland Security requesting assistance from the Department of Defense for border security operations, the Secretary shall ensure that an alternatives analysis and cost-benefit analysis is conducted before such request is made, which shall include an examination of obtaining such support through other means.
Backup care for employees
This section lets the Department of Homeland Security use its funds for an emergency backup care program. This helps cover costs when employees need short-term care for children or family members. The money comes from funds already given for operations and support. No new money is added by this section.
Department of Homeland Security employees who need emergency backup care. It also affects agency budget managers who decide how funds are spent.
Employees get a support benefit for emergencies, but that spending uses funds that could otherwise go to other operations and support needs.
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Funds made available in this Act or any other Act for Operations and Support may be used for the necessary expenses of providing an employee emergency back-up care program.
Funding for anti-trafficking program
This section sets aside at least $5 million for a program called the Blue Campaign. This program works to stop human trafficking. The money moves to a fund used for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. That agency must tell Congress before it spends the money. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees must get this notice first.
This affects U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement staff who run anti-trafficking work. It also affects people helped by trafficking awareness and victim support efforts.
The rule guarantees steady money for anti-trafficking work, but the notice requirement adds an extra step before the agency can spend it.
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Not less than $5,000,000 made available in this Act shall be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Operations and Support to support and conduct necessary operations of the Blue Campaign for fiscal year 2026.
Ban on funding a disinformation board
This section blocks money in this law from being used to set up a Disinformation Governance Board. It also blocks funding for any similar group at the Department of Homeland Security. That group would work on disinformation issues in the same way or to the same degree. The Department cannot use this law's funds for that kind of office.
This affects the Department of Homeland Security and any office it might create on disinformation.
This stops possible spending on tracking false information, but it also limits the Department's ability to study or respond to disinformation.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to establish or support the activities of a Disinformation Governance Board at the Department of Homeland Security, or any other similar entity carrying out activities relating to disinformation in a similar manner or to a similar extent to such a Board.
Ban on funding speech monitoring programs
This section blocks money in this bill from being used to label American speech as misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation. It also stops agencies from funding or partnering with groups that pressure companies to remove or censor lawful speech by Americans. This includes pushing social media platforms to take down content. Any government worker paid with this bill's money who does these things must be fired.
This affects federal employees and agencies funded by this bill. It also affects nonprofit groups that work with the government on online content issues.
This rule protects free speech from government pressure, but it may also limit efforts to fight false or harmful information online.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to: (a) classify or facilitate the classification of any communications by a United States person as mis-, dis-, or mal-information; or (b) partner with or fund nonprofit or other organizations that pressure or recommend private companies to censor lawful and constitutionally protected speech of United States persons, including recommending the censoring or removal of content on social media platforms.
Protection for beliefs about marriage
This section blocks the government from punishing people or groups because they believe marriage is only between one man and one woman. It applies to anyone who holds this view for religious or moral reasons. The government cannot use money from this bill to take action against these people. It cannot change their tax status, deny them tax-exempt status, or block tax deductions for gifts to them. It cannot cut off their grants, contracts, loans, licenses, or jobs. It cannot deny them benefits, degrees, or access to federal property or events. It also says these people must still be treated as accredited, licensed, or certified, even if someone tried to deny that status because of this belief.
People, groups, and organizations that hold this specific belief about marriage. It also affects federal agencies that manage taxes, grants, licenses, and benefits.
The section protects people who hold this belief from federal punishment, but it may limit the government's ability to enforce rules meant to prevent discrimination based on marriage or sexual orientation.
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none of the funds provided by this Act, or previous appropriations Acts, shall be used in whole or in part to take any discriminatory action against a person, wholly or partially, on the basis that such person speaks, or acts, in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, that marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and one woman.
No funds for local governments that limit immigration enforcement cooperation
This section blocks federal money in this bill from going to a city, county, or other local government body. It applies if that local government has a law or rule that limits sharing immigration status information with federal agencies. It also applies if a local law makes it harder for the federal government to enforce immigration laws. The rule covers written policies and also unwritten or spoken practices.
Cities, counties, and other local governments that receive Homeland Security funds under this Act, along with the people and services those funds support.
This section pushes local governments to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, but it may cause some local areas to lose federal funding if they keep their own information-sharing rules.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to obligate or award funds to a political subdivision of a State that— (a) has in effect any law, policy, or procedure, whether written or communicated orally, in contravention of, or which substantially limits compliance with, subsection (a) or (b) of section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996 ( 8 U.S.C. 1373 )
Ban on DEI and Critical Race Theory funding
This section blocks money in this bill from paying for diversity, equity, and inclusion work. This includes DEI training, programs, offices, and staff jobs. It also blocks funding for anything that teaches or supports Critical Race Theory. Critical Race Theory is a way of studying how race and law connect. Any related idea tied to that theory also loses funding under this rule. The rule covers the Department of Homeland Security and its activities.
This affects Department of Homeland Security staff, offices, and contractors. It also affects any trainers or programs that focus on DEI or Critical Race Theory topics.
Supporters say this stops spending on certain ideas they see as divisive, while others say it removes tools some agencies use to address workplace fairness and training.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, training, programs, offices, officers, policies, or any program, project, or activity that promotes or advances Critical Race Theory, or any concept associated with Critical Race Theory.
Ban on Chinese-owned tech purchases
This section stops the Department of Homeland Security from using this law's funds to buy certain equipment. That includes computers, printers, and video call systems. The rule applies if the maker or seller has any ownership tie to China. This includes parent companies or related businesses. It also covers deals made through outside contractors, not just direct purchases.
The Department of Homeland Security, its contractors, and tech companies with Chinese ownership links.
The rule aims to limit foreign influence over government technology, but it may reduce the pool of vendors and raise costs or slow purchases.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to procure, whether directly or by contract with a third party, computers, printers, or videoconferencing services in which the manufacturer, bidder, or offeror, or any subsidiary or parent entity of the manufacturer, bidder, or offeror, of the equipment is an entity, or parent company of an entity in which the People's Republic of China has any ownership stake.
Extra funds for police costs at presidential properties
This section gives $3,000,000 in extra money to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The money must be used by September 30, 2026. It will pay back state and local police for extra costs. These costs must come from guarding private property owned by the President. The Secret Service must be the agency protecting that property under a 1976 law. Local police can only get paid back for costs that are more than their normal police work. The costs must be tied directly to Secret Service protection duties. The Secret Service must have asked for this protection. Local agencies must also prove and certify these facts to get paid. Payments can cover costs going back to October 1, 2024.
State and local police departments that protect private property owned by the President, and the Secret Service and FEMA who manage the funds.
It helps local police get paid for extra security work, but it also means federal money covers private property protection linked to the President.
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$3,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026, exclusively for providing reimbursement of extraordinary law enforcement personnel costs for protection activities directly and demonstrably associated with any non-governmental property of the President that is to be secured by the United States Secret Service pursuant to section 3 or section 4 of the Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976
Money must follow the Constitution
This section is a rule about how the money in this law can be used. It says the funds cannot be spent in a way that breaks the First, Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Amendments. These amendments protect things like free speech, privacy, fair trials, and legal rights. The section does not add new rules. It reminds agencies that they must follow the Constitution when they spend this money.
This affects Department of Homeland Security agencies that receive funding under this law, and the people those agencies interact with, such as travelers, immigrants, and suspects in investigations.
This rule adds a legal safeguard for individual rights, but it does not create new enforcement tools beyond what courts already provide.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be obligated or expended in contravention of the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the Constitution.
Right to record immigration enforcement
This section limits how the government can spend money from this law. Federal agencies cannot use these funds to stop people from recording or filming immigration enforcement. This includes actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies. The recording must happen in public areas. People also cannot physically block or interfere with the officers while recording.
This affects the public, including bystanders, journalists, and activists. It also affects ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies during public operations.
The public gains a protected right to document law enforcement in public, but officers may face more scrutiny or distraction while doing their jobs.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to interfere with or restrict the ability of an individual to record or document immigration enforcement actions, consistent with existing laws, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or any other Federal law enforcement occurring in public areas, provided that such documentation does not obstruct or physically interfere with law enforcement operations.
Section 551: Zero dollar entry
This section is very short. It just lists the number 551 and a dollar amount of $0. This likely marks a line item or placeholder in the appropriations bill. It does not provide new funding for anything. It may cancel a prior funding amount, set a cap at zero, or serve as a formatting marker in the larger spending bill.
The text alone does not name any agency, program, or group affected. More context from the full bill is needed to know who this applies to.
Without more context, it is unclear what program or activity this zero amount applies to, so the practical effect cannot be fully explained.
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551. $0.
Citations
- Congress.gov bill text: link (retrieved 2026-08-23)
Public record
Below is the official voting record from Congress.gov. It is not our analysis.
Source: Congress.gov
This bill has no recorded roll-call vote yet. A roll-call vote records how each member voted by name.
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