Bills · HR 7481
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7481Economics and Public Finance
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
INTRO FEB 11· LAST ACTION FEB 11
READING
74MIN
COSPONSORS
114
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill is important because it dictates how the Department of Homeland Security, a critical agency for national security, will be funded and managed for the upcoming fiscal year. It directly impacts the resources available for border protection, counter-terrorism efforts, cybersecurity defense, and emergency response, all of which directly affect public safety and the nation's security. If this bill passes, it ensures these essential services continue to operate effectively.
Furthermore, the bill introduces enhanced oversight and transparency measures. For instance, the increased funding for the Inspector General to monitor detention facilities and review contracts addresses public concerns about accountability and efficiency within a large government agency. Without this bill, or if it were significantly altered, vital DHS operations could face funding shortfalls, potentially compromising national security, or the level of public and congressional oversight over DHS spending and practices might be less rigorous.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allocates $297,584,000 for the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management for operations and support.
This funds the top leadership and core administrative functions that oversee the entire Department of Homeland Security.
PROVISION 02
Appropriates $257,599,000 for the Office of Inspector General, including $20,000,000 specifically for additional inspections and oversight of detention facilities.
This strengthens the internal watchdog's ability to monitor DHS operations, particularly in sensitive areas like detention, and ensures accountability.
PROVISION 03
Requires the DHS Secretary to submit a report on grants and contracts awarded without full and open competition, which the Inspector General must then review and report on to Congress.
This provision increases transparency and accountability in how DHS awards contracts and spends taxpayer money, aiming to prevent waste or favoritism.
PROVISION 04
Mandates monthly budget and staffing reports from the DHS Chief Financial Officer to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate.
This provides Congress with regular, detailed insight into DHS spending and personnel levels, enhancing legislative oversight.
PROVISION 05
Prohibits the obligation of $5,000,000 until the Secretary submits responses to all questions for the record related to the fiscal year 2027 budget submission to Congressional committees.
This provision acts as a mechanism to ensure timely and thorough communication between DHS leadership and Congress regarding budget matters.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 114
D· Connecticut
YRS IN OFFICE
35
BILLS LED
39
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 114 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 11
Introduced in House
FEB 11
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7481
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 11, 2026
Last actionFeb 11, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2026
House BillHR 7481Economics and Public Finance
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 11, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
74 min
COSPONSORS
114
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
