To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.

House Bill

H.R. 7617

119th Congress

To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 20, 2026

Primary Sponsor

Julie Johnson

D - TX

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Summary

This bill would ensure the Department of Homeland Security can continue paying its administrative costs and responding to Congressional inquiries during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It aims to prevent the disruption of DHS operations that protect Americans when Congress fails to pass a regular budget on time.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

Introduced2/20/2026

StatusReferred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

ChamberHouse

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Vote Prediction

To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.

This bill would ensure the Department of Homeland Security can continue paying its administrative costs and responding to Congressional inquiries during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It aims to prevent the disruption of DHS operations that protect

Community Breakdown

Pass

0%

Fail

0%

0 predictions

This bill would ensure the Department of Homeland Security can continue paying its administrative costs and responding to Congressional inquiries during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It aims to prevent the disruption of DHS operations that protect Americans when Congress fails to pass a regular budget on time.

Bill Number: 7617
Introduced: 2/20/2026
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
Bill Number: 7617
Sponsor: No sponsor
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
Introduced: 2/20/2026
Summary: This bill would ensure the Department of Homeland Security can continue paying its administrative costs and responding to Congressional inquiries during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It aims to prevent the disruption of DHS operations that protect Americans when Congress fails to pass a

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would ensure the Department of Homeland Security can continue paying its administrative costs and responding to Congressional inquiries during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It aims to prevent the disruption of DHS operations that protect Americans when Congress fails to pass a regular budget on time.

Last updated: 2/23/2026

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Provides automatic funding for DHS administrative expenses during government shutdowns, preventing agency paralysis when budget negotiations stall
Requires DHS to remain responsive to Congressional offices even during funding lapses, maintaining government accountability during crisis periods
Applies specifically to fiscal year 2026, offering a temporary safeguard against potential appropriations deadlines that could disrupt homeland security operations
Could help maintain continuity for border security, TSA airport screening, disaster response coordination, and other DHS functions Americans rely on daily

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would primarily affect federal employees at DHS and the Americans who depend on homeland security services during government shutdowns. Travelers, communities facing disasters, and those relying on immigration services could see less disruption if DHS maintains administrative capacity during funding gaps. The bill also ensures Congressional oversight continues during shutdowns, maintaining a check on executive power even during budget crises.

Policy Areas

No policy areas assigned yet.

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

7617, 119th Congress (2026). "To provide funding for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security during any lapse in appropriations during fiscal year 2026, to require that the Department be responsive to congressional offices during such a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hr-7617

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