DHS Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 8206)

Summary

Provides money for Homeland Security agencies, keeps the government open, and creates new rules for voting, like needing proof of citizenship and a photo ID.

What problem does this solve?

The Department of Homeland Security needs its yearly funding to operate, and some lawmakers are concerned that non-citizens are voting in federal elections. This bill provides the necessary money for security agencies and also creates strict new national rules requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote.

Who does this affect?

Voters in federal elections
Department of Homeland Security employees
State and local election officials

What does this bill do?

Requires proof of citizenship to register to vote

Amends the National Voter Registration Act to require all applicants to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, when registering to vote in federal elections.

Requires photo ID to vote

Amends the Help America Vote Act to require all in-person voters in federal elections to present a valid, physical photo identification. Absentee voters must submit a copy of their ID.

Provides over $26 billion for disaster relief

Appropriates $26.367 billion to the Disaster Relief Fund, which allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to respond to major disasters and emergencies.

Provides over $11 billion for border protection

Allocates $11.083 billion for the operations and support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for its security and enforcement activities.

Provides over $10 billion for airport security

Gives $10.635 billion to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for its operations, including passenger and baggage screening at airports.

Extends government funding to prevent a shutdown

Amends the current continuing appropriations act to extend the deadline for funding the government, preventing a lapse in appropriations and a government shutdown.

Requires states to check voter rolls for non-citizens

Mandates that states submit their voter registration lists to the Department of Homeland Security to be checked against the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to find and remove non-citizens.

Requires government officials to go through airport screening

States that Members of Congress, heads of Federal agencies, and senior White House officials are not exempt from Federal passenger and baggage screening at airports.

Provides $20 million for body-worn cameras

Allocates an additional $20 million for the Office of the Secretary to buy and use body-worn cameras for agents and officers involved in enforcement activities.

What is the real world impact?

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Funds essential security agencies

Provides the yearly budget for the Department of Homeland Security, allowing agencies like Border Patrol, TSA, and the Coast Guard to continue their security, enforcement, and emergency response missions.

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Changes national voting laws

Uses a must-pass spending bill to enact major changes to federal election laws, requiring all states to verify citizenship and demand photo identification from voters.

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Could make voting harder for some citizens

Critics may argue that requiring specific documents for proof of citizenship and photo ID could create barriers for eligible voters, particularly the elderly, low-income individuals, and minorities who may not easily have access to these documents.

When does this start?

Most funding provisions apply to the 2026 fiscal year, while the new voting requirements take effect as soon as the bill becomes law.

Guidance on new voting rules

The Election Assistance Commission must issue guidance to states on how to implement the new proof of citizenship rules within 10 days of the bill becoming law.

Report on non-competitive contracts

The Secretary of Homeland Security must report on all grants and contracts awarded without full competition by October 15, 2026.

Monthly budget reports

The Department of Homeland Security's Chief Financial Officer must submit a monthly budget and staffing report to Congress within 30 days of the end of each month.