Bills · HR 8173
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 8173Economics and Public Finance
Reforming ICE and Protecting America Act
This bill sets the 2026 budget for the Department of Homeland Security and adds new requirements for the agency to report its spending, hiring, and detention center conditions to Congress.AI-written
INTRO APR 2· LAST ACTION APR 2
READING
107MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
tl;dr
AI-writtenFunds the Department of Homeland Security for 2026 while demanding stricter monthly financial reporting and more inspections of detention facilities to ensure tax dollars are being spent properly.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenBudget bills are the primary way Congress controls what the executive branch does. Without this funding, DHS agencies—including the Border Patrol, TSA, and the Secret Service—could not pay their staff or operate. By including specific oversight rules, this bill attempts to address long-standing concerns about how detention facilities are managed and how contracts are awarded to private companies.
If this bill becomes law, it increases the pressure on DHS to be transparent about its spending through monthly reports. If it doesn't pass, the department would likely have to rely on temporary funding measures that don't include these new oversight and inspection requirements, potentially leading to less accountability for how billions of dollars are used.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allocates over $316 million for the Office of the Secretary and executive management.
This funds the core leadership that directs all DHS agencies and operations.
PROVISION 02
Provides $20 million for extra inspections and oversight of detention facilities.
This specifically targets improving the conditions and legal compliance of places where migrants are held.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Chief Financial Officer to submit monthly budget and staffing reports to Congress.
This prevents the department from hiding spending shifts or hiring changes from lawmakers for long periods.
PROVISION 04
Withholds $5 million in funding if the Secretary fails to answer congressional budget questions by July 1.
This uses 'power of the purse' to force the executive branch to be responsive to legislative oversight.
PROVISION 05
Requires a report on all grants and contracts awarded without full and open competition.
This aims to reduce 'cronyism' and ensure taxpayer money is spent through fair, competitive processes.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Pennsylvania
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
86
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAPR 2
Introduced in House
APR 2
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 8173
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedApr 2, 2026
Last actionApr 2, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 2, 2026
House BillHR 8173Economics and Public Finance
Reforming ICE and Protecting America Act
This bill sets the 2026 budget for the Department of Homeland Security and adds new requirements for the agency to report its spending, hiring, and detention center conditions to Congress.AI-written
INTRODUCED APR 2, 2026· LAST ACTION APR 2, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
107 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
