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Congress·In Committee

Congress Proposes $26 Billion for Disaster Relief and New Rules for Border Security in 2026 Budget

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026

Also known as: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026

1 day ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • This bill provides the money needed to run the Department of Homeland Security for the 2026 budget year. It includes billions of dollars for agencies like the Border Patrol, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and the TSA to keep their daily operations running.
  • A major part of the plan sets aside $26.3 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund. This money helps FEMA respond to major emergencies like hurricanes, wildfires, or floods and provides grants to help communities rebuild after a disaster.
  • The policy includes rules for people traveling across the border. It prevents the government from charging new fees for people or cars crossing land borders and allows individuals to bring up to a 90-day supply of certain prescription drugs from Canada for personal use.
  • To improve transparency, the bill provides $20 million for body-worn cameras for agents performing enforcement duties. It also clarifies that high-ranking government officials, including Members of Congress, must go through the same TSA security screenings as regular passengers at the airport.
  • The bill funds several grant programs that help local areas. This includes $300 million to help nonprofits and houses of worship protect themselves against attacks, and over $680 million for local fire departments to hire staff and buy equipment.
National Security Foreign PolicyImmigrationInfrastructure TransportationHealthcareEconomy Finance

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Mar 2, 2026House

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.

Mar 2, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Upon enactment (timing uncertain given committee stage)

DHS begins operating under FY2026 funding levels

All DHS agencies—CBP, ICE, FEMA, TSA, Coast Guard, Secret Service—receive their full-year budgets, ending reliance on continuing resolutions. Disaster relief, grant programs, and enforcement operations can proceed at planned levels.

60 days after enactment

FEMA security grant applications open within 60 days of enactment

State and local governments, nonprofits, transit agencies, and fire departments can apply for billions in security and preparedness grants including $300M for nonprofit security, $584M for urban area security, and $684M for firefighter grants.

Retroactive to first pay period after January 1, 2026, if Administrator certifies workforce improvements

FAA air traffic controllers receive 3.8% pay increase

Approximately 14,000+ air traffic controllers would receive a meaningful pay boost, helping address chronic staffing shortfalls that have strained the aviation system and affected flight delays nationwide.

Related News

4 articles
CNN·5 days ago

Partial government shutdown starts to hit TSA workers' paychecks

The partial DHS shutdown enters its second week as Congress remains deadlocked over H.R. 7147. The bill includes $26.3 billion for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund but is stalled due to Democratic demands for ICE reforms following recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.

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Anadolu Agency·6 days ago

US Senate fails to advance act on funding Homeland Security Department amid ongoing partial shutdown

The Senate failed to advance H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, in a 50-45 vote. The legislation would provide $64.4 billion for DHS agencies but faces opposition over immigration enforcement oversight, including demands for body cameras and arrest warrants.

C=
Legis1·7 days ago

Senate Kills DHS Funding Bill, Putting TSA, FEMA, and Border Agencies on Track for Partial Shutdown

The Senate's failure to advance the FY2026 DHS Appropriations Act has triggered a funding lapse for critical security agencies. The House-passed bill, H.R. 7147, would fund the department at $64.4 billion while codifying DOGE-driven spending reductions and boosting resources for fentanyl interdiction.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026

Bill NumberHR 7744
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred 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.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.