Overview
Title
An Act Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill gives money to the Department of Homeland Security to help keep our country safe but says the money can't be used on certain projects, like some about climate change and inclusion, and doesn't pay some people much, like cutting one person's pay to just $1.
Summary AI
The bill titled H. R. 8752 is an allocation of funds for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. It outlines specific budget allocations and conditions for various DHS agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and others. The legislation also sets prohibitions on certain uses of the funds, such as implementing specific executive orders, using funds to purchase electric vehicles, or administering policies like the "Remain-in-Texas" policy. Additionally, the bill includes provisions on compliance with existing laws and certain constraints on the use of funds related to immigration and border protection.
Published
Keywords AI
Sources
Bill Statistics
Size
Language
Complexity
AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
This legislative proposal, H.R. 8752, aims to allocate federal funds to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year concluding on September 30, 2025. The bill stipulates specific appropriations and outlines various operational guidelines for divisions within the DHS, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Coast Guard. Additionally, it extends to other government branches and offices such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The legislation incorporates numerous specific conditions and stipulations on how the funds are to be used, along with various prohibitions regarding regulatory actions.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the more controversial elements of the bill is its broad restrictions on utilizing federally allocated funds for certain executive orders and policies that pertain to climate change, diversity, equity, inclusion, and specific immigration policies. Particularly, Section 562 outlines prohibitions against activities connected to several executive orders on environmental and refugee-related issues. Furthermore, sections like 546 and 558 denounce any use of funds for activities concerning racial equity and inclusion by prohibiting support for the Transportation Security Administration’s Inclusion Action Committee.
Alarmingly, sections 563 and 564 appear to target individuals by drastically affecting their salaries; Nejwa Ali's salary is reduced to $1, and the Secretary of DHS, Alejandro Mayorkas, is singled out with prohibitions on using funds to pay his salary and expenses. These provisions raise ethical and possibly legal concerns about personalization in legislative measures.
Moreover, Section 226 restricts funding for abortions under conditions involving detainees held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which ignites ethical debates over access to healthcare. Also, the prohibition in Section 561 on funding for the "Remain-in-Texas" policy hints at deeper issues within immigration policy without providing clear details.
Impact on the Public Broadly
Broadly, this bill's restrictions on environmental actions and inclusivity measures reflect significant policy shifts regarding federal priorities. The reallocations and withholding of funds from certain initiatives may stymie progress on climate action and social equality efforts. By curtailing funds for abortion in detainment facilities, it touches upon contentious issues surrounding healthcare rights and immigration detention conditions. This shift might influence public opinion and raise activism in affected areas.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, such as DHS employees, particularly those targeted by salary and employment conditions, are likely to face direct and adverse effects. Individuals and organizations working in areas related to climate change, diversity, and inclusion might find their efforts undermined or delayed by this legislation.
Federal agencies tasked with implementing these broad policies, such as the DHS and TSA, may experience operational strains due to sudden funding constraints. Their ability to effectively respond to issues within their purview might be hampered, leading to broader systemic inefficiencies.
However, stakeholders interested in budgetary restraint or opposing federal spending on certain societal programs may view this bill favorably as it curtails perceived unnecessary or overreaching expenditures. Overall, while some see potential fiscal responsibility, significant ripple effects on policy areas and individuals remain evident.
Financial Assessment
The bill H.R. 8752 allocates significant funds to various divisions under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This commentary delves into the financial aspects of these allocations and their relation to identified issues.
Financial Allocations
The bill outlines numerous appropriations across different DHS agencies:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection receives $16,566,247,000 for operations and support, with additional specific allocations for procurement, construction, and improvements totaling $1,390,338,000. The allocation includes funds for the acquisition and deployment of physical barriers, border security technologies, and infrastructure improvements.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is allocated $10,497,243,000 for operations and support, plus $19,548,000 for procurement, construction, and improvements.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is granted $10,817,225,000 for operations, with increased and reduced provisions affecting this amount.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) receives a substantial allocation of $22,741,000,000 for the disaster relief fund, along with additional allocations for operations, improvements, and federal assistance.
Several sections also outline precise conditions and restraints on the use of these funds, reflecting the legislation’s direction for DHS’s priorities.
Financial References Related to Issues
- Restrictions on Executive Orders and Policies (Sec. 562 and Sec. 546):
The bill prohibits using funds to implement several Executive Orders relating to climate change and equity initiatives. This limitation highlights the bill's alignment with particular political and social agendas, potentially redirecting financial resources from federally prioritized climate and equity programs to other areas within DHS.
- Targeted Financial Actions Against Individuals and Positions (Sec. 563 and Sec. 564):
A poignant financial reference is the reduction of an officer's salary to $1, and withholding funds associated with the DHS Secretary’s salary and expenses. These measures appear to be politically motivated and raise ethical questions about using appropriations legislation to victimize specific individuals or offices.
- Prohibitions on Specific Financial Uses (Sec. 226 and Sec. 558):
Limiting funds for abortion services within ICE detention facilities raises ethical issues about detainee rights and access to healthcare. Similarly, withholding funding from the TSA's Inclusion Action Committee could impact the agency's diversity initiatives, questioning the alignment of financial allocations with broader inclusion goals.
- Spending for Specific Programs (Sec. 541):
At least $5,000,000 is transferred to ICE for the Blue Campaign, focused on addressing human trafficking. This specific financial allocation underscores the legislative intent to prioritize certain enforcement and advocacy efforts within the DHS.
Conclusion
The financial references in H.R. 8752 not only allocate substantial resources for homeland security operations but also reflect broader political considerations influencing fund allocations and restrictions. By constraining certain initiatives and prioritizing others, the bill delineates clear boundaries for financial management within various DHS agencies, indicating a structured yet contentious approach to budgetary governance.
Issues
The bill includes specific provisions that restrict the use of funds for key Executive Orders related to climate change and environmental and refugee policies (Sec. 562). This could have significant implications on how the Department of Homeland Security addresses these challenges, raising concerns about the broader impact on the government's climate and refugee strategies.
Section 546 prohibits funds from being used for activities related to racial equity and other diversity and inclusion initiatives, potentially impacting federal efforts to promote equity and inclusion and stirring political and social debate.
Section 563 targets a specific individual, Nejwa Ali, by reducing their salary to $1, which raises ethical and legal questions about targeting specific employees in legislation.
The restriction in Sec. 564 on paying the salary and expenses of the position of the Secretary of Homeland Security, specifically naming Alejandro Mayorkas, suggests a highly targeted political action with significant implications.
Section 226 restricts the use of funds for abortions under certain conditions in detention facilities operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising ethical concerns about access to reproductive healthcare.
The bill prohibits funding for the Inclusion Action Committee of the Transportation Security Administration (Sec. 558) without providing justification, possibly affecting TSA's inclusion practices.
Section 547 allows the Federal Government to consider accreditation, licensing, or certification based on religious beliefs, which could conflict with other standards and create legal challenges.
Section 561 restricts funding for a 'Remain-in-Texas' policy but lacks details, creating potential confusion and debate over immigration policy implementation.
The provisions in Section 516 limit first-class travel, which could be considered financially prudent, but the lack of specificity might allow for misinterpretation.
Section 520 restricts the use of funds to prevent firearms from being transferred to individuals associated with drug cartels without proper oversight, reflecting security priorities but lacking clarity on enforcement.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text outlines the allocation of funds from the U.S. Treasury to the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2025, and mentions that these funds can also be used for other unspecified purposes.
101. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a report by October 15, 2025, listing all grants and contracts made without full and open competition during the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. The Inspector General will review this report to ensure compliance with laws and report back to Congress by February 15, 2026.
102. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Homeland Security must submit a monthly report to Congress detailing the department's budget and staffing, including total spending for each month and the fiscal year, broken down by specific categories and funding sources. This report is due within 30 days after the end of each month.
103. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to inform Congress about any plans to move money from a specific Treasury fund to the Department of Homeland Security. No money can be moved until Congress is notified.
104. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
All expenses related to the use of government planes by Department of Homeland Security leaders for official trips must be covered by funds assigned to the Office of the Secretary.
105. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Under Secretary for Management must update congressional committees about acquisition programs every quarter, detailing various aspects such as program purposes, costs, and risks. Additionally, any related decision memorandums must be submitted within five business days of approval.
106. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that any new pilot or demonstration projects by the Department of Homeland Security using certain funds must have clear objectives, a detailed assessment plan, and an implementation schedule. Additionally, these projects are defined as small experiments requiring significant resources, and reports must be submitted before starting and after completing such projects.
Money References
- (e) For the purposes of this section, a pilot or demonstration program is a study, demonstration, experimental program, or trial that— (1) is a small-scale, short-term experiment conducted in order to evaluate feasibility, duration, costs, or adverse events, and improve upon the design of an effort prior to implementation of a larger scale effort; and (2) uses more than 10 full-time equivalents or obligates, or proposes to obligate, $5,000,000 or more, but does not include congressionally directed programs or enhancements and does not include programs that were in operation as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
201. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Section 201 states that the rules on overtime compensation limits from the 2018 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act will also apply to the funds provided by this new act, but with the date changed to fiscal year 2025 instead of fiscal year 2018.
202. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funding specified for U.S. Customs and Border Protection can be used for customs expenses in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to keep operations running and avoid negative impacts on staff, in addition to the funds already outlined in specific sections of U.S. law.
203. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Fees collected from passengers arriving from Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands can continue to be used without a time limit, as authorized by a specific trade agreement act.
204. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section provides an additional $31 million to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for operations and support, which will remain available until it is all used up. This amount will be offset by money collected in the fiscal year 2025 under certain authorized laws, and if collections exceed $31 million, the extra funds will also remain available for use.
Money References
- SEC. 204. (a) For an additional amount for “U.S. Customs and Border Protection—Operations and Support”, $31,000,000, to remain available until expended, to be reduced by amounts collected and credited to this appropriation in fiscal year 2025 from amounts authorized to be collected by section 286(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(i)), section 10412 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8311), and section 817 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–125), or other such authorizing language.
- (b) To the extent that amounts realized from such collections exceed $31,000,000, those amounts in excess of $31,000,000 shall be credited to this appropriation, to remain available until expended.
205. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section specifies that U.S. Customs and Border Protection cannot use funds from this Act to stop people from importing prescription drugs from Canada if they're not in the business of importing and meet certain conditions. The individual must carry the drugs on their person and have no more than a 90-day personal-use supply, and the drugs cannot be controlled substances or biological products.
206. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section prohibits the use of government funds to approve waivers for laws related to navigation and vessel inspections for transporting crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve unless U.S. flag vessels are used. It also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to inform specific Congressional committees about any waiver requests within two business days.
207. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that starting immediately, the Secretary of Homeland Security is prohibited from creating or charging new fees for people crossing the Southern or Northern borders by foot, bicycle, or private vehicle, and also from studying the possibility of such fees. The term "border crossing fee" is defined as a charge for individuals who cross the borders at land ports of entry.
208. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to submit a plan for spending any funds allocated for procurement, construction, and improvements within 90 days of this Act's enactment to specific congressional committees. Additionally, no funds may be used until this plan is submitted.
209. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the rule in a 2021 law, which stops the funding of building fences in certain areas, will also apply to the money provided in this new Act.
210. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds in this Act can be used to change how the National Targeting Center of U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates. However, the funds cannot be used to reduce vetting operations at current locations unless a new law specifically allows it.
211. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is allocated specific funds for various border-related projects, including $600 million for building physical barriers and $300 million for security technology. These physical barriers must be constructed according to detailed specifications and at locations specified in a past plan. Additionally, the Commissioner can adjust plans with approval, and construction funds must be obligated within 120 days of the law's passage.
Money References
- SEC. 211. (a) Of the total amount made available under “U.S. Customs and Border Protection—Procurement, Construction, and Improvements”, $1,390,338,000 (reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000) shall be available only as follows: (1) $600,000,000 for the acquisition and deployment of physical barriers; (2) $300,000,000 for the acquisition and deployment of border security technologies; (3) $305,000,000 for trade and travel assets and infrastructure; (4) $23,654,000 for facility construction and improvements; (5) $131,419,000 for integrated operations assets and infrastructure; and (6) $30,265,000 for mission support and infrastructure.
212. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds from this Act cannot be used by any federal agency to dismantle or damage the physical barriers between the United States and Mexico unless they are being repaired or replaced at the same time.
213. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided by this Act can be used for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP One Application (or any future similar tool) to help bring any non-citizen into the United States through parole.
214. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds from this Act may be used to carry out the policies in a directive about emergency driving and vehicle pursuits, which was issued by the Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on January 10, 2023.
215. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no funds from this Act can be used to admit a student into the United States on an F or M visa if the school they plan to attend is not accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of Education.
216. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds provided by this law cannot be used to allow Chinese nationals to enter the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa for a temporary visit for business or pleasure.
217. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is prohibited from using any funds to allow aerosol-spraying drones made in certain foreign adversary countries into the United States, with these countries defined in a specific section of U.S. law.
218. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds allocated by this Act can be used to decrease involvement in or weaken the enforcement powers granted under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, unless specified in section 219 of this Act.
219. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In Section 219, it states that no funds for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations can be used to continue a law enforcement authority agreement if the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General finds that the agreement's terms have been significantly broken.
220. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no funding can be used to continue contracts for detention services with facilities that have received inadequate performance evaluations in their two most recent reviews. These evaluations are carried out by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility.
221. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows the Secretary to reallocate and transfer funds within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Operations and Support to ensure the detention of immigrants prioritized for removal, without being restricted by certain time and condition limitations.
222. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section explains that the reports required by section 216 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2021, must continue to be submitted twice a month, and all requirements for those reports remain the same for the specified period.
223. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the same rules and conditions that were included in section 217 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2020, will also apply to this Act.
224. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided by this Act can be used to implement or enforce the policies in the memos issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security on September 30, 2021, and by Kerry Doyle on April 3, 2022, regarding civil immigration law enforcement, or any similar future policies.
225. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section prohibits using funds from the Act to transport individuals who are unlawfully present, paroled, or inadmissible into the interior of the United States for non-enforcement purposes, but this restriction does not apply to transporting unaccompanied alien children.
226. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no funds from this Act given to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can be used for abortions, unless the mother's life is at risk or in cases of rape or incest. Additionally, it prohibits using these funds to force anyone to perform or assist in an abortion.
227. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that funds from this Act cannot be used to provide hormone therapy or perform surgeries for gender-affirming care for individuals in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
228. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to use allocated funds to maintain the full capacity of detainees in all detention facilities throughout the year and to enroll every non-detained immigrant into a monitoring program with GPS tracking during all immigration proceedings, including appeals, until they are removed if that is the decision.
229. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must submit a spending plan to Congress within 45 days of this law being enacted. This plan should outline how funds for the agency will be used, broken down by specific programs, projects, and activities.
230. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no funds allocated for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's operations and support can be used to create or manage a physical ID card for identifying immigrants, checking their immigration status, or accessing immigration services.
231. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for Operations and Support can be used to create or implement any new standards for managing non-detained immigrants or the Alternatives to Detention Program, beyond what is already included in the Alternatives to Detention Handbook as of August 16, 2017.
232. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds allocated to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for operations and support can be used to implement or carry out the activities and guidelines outlined in the Homeland Security Secretary's memorandum from October 27, 2021, about enforcement actions near protected areas.
233. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In Section 233, the law states that no state or local government rules about minimum pay or other job conditions apply to people in federal custody under immigration laws.
234. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Members of Congress, certain heads of federal agencies, and senior executive officials are required to go through federal passenger and baggage screening, and no funds from this or other acts can be used to change these screening requirements.
235. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
For fiscal year 2025, the funds from the Aviation Security Capital Fund can be used to buy and install explosives detection systems or to support projects by issuing special agreements, even if it doesn't follow the rules set in another specific section of the law.
236. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In this section, the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration is required to submit a report within 45 days after the President's budget proposal. This report must include a Capital Investment Plan for transportation security equipment, a 5-year technology investment plan, and a report on passenger screening technologies.
237. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that funds for the Coast Guard cannot be used for recreational vessels unless fees from yacht owners are collected. If these fees are not enough and there's a backlog, Coast Guard personnel who usually work on non-recreational vessels may help with the paperwork for recreational vessels.
238. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Commandant of the Coast Guard is required to send a future capital investment plan to specific House and Senate committees, following guidelines set in a 2015 law about Coast Guard construction and improvements.
239. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the government cannot use any money from this Act to lower the Coast Guard's operations at its legacy Operations Systems Center, nor can it decrease the number of government employees or contract workers there.
240. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the money from this Act can be used for competitions involving the Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center's work, according to guidelines from the Office of Management and Budget.
241. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds from this Act can be used to change how the Coast Guard's Civil Engineering Program operates across the country, including its engineering units, design and construction centers, and other related facilities. However, these funds cannot be used to reduce operations in any civil engineering unit unless a new law is passed to allow it.
242. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In fiscal year 2025, the money placed in the Coast Guard Housing Fund will remain available until it is all used. This money is intended to support the objectives of a specific section of the U.S. Code and will supplement any other funds allocated for these purposes.
243. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds from this Act cannot be used to carry out a rule about shipping safety along the Atlantic Coast until the Coast Guard reports to Congress on how offshore wind turbines might affect marine navigation, especially for search and rescue operations.
244. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no funds from this Act can be used to implement, administer, or enforce the new rules about reducing vessel speed to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale or any speed restrictions for the Rice’s whale that were not in place before January 20, 2021.
245. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The United States Secret Service is allowed to spend money ahead of time, expecting that it will be repaid by different government agencies for training at the James J. Rowley Training Center. However, by the end of the fiscal year, they cannot spend more than the budget they have available for operations and support.
246. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the funds provided to the United States Secret Service cannot be used to protect the head of any Federal agency except for the Secretary of Homeland Security. However, the Secret Service director can agree to protect other agency heads if the costs are fully reimbursed.
247. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
For section 247, the text states that up to $15 million can be reassigned within the budget for "United States Secret Service—Operations and Support" as part of section 503(a)(3) of the Act.
Money References
- For purposes of section 503(a)(3) of this Act, up to $15,000,000 may be reprogrammed within “United States Secret Service—Operations and Support”.
248. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funding for the United States Secret Service's operations allows employees to travel for protective missions without usual spending limits, as long as the Director or a designee notifies the relevant congressional committees at least 10 days in advance.
249. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds under the “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Operations and Support” category cannot be used to end or significantly change contracts for detention services with facilities that have been or are currently operating as Family Residential Centers.
250. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires that during the designated fiscal year, cost-sharing is not allowed for eligible Coast Guard members or their dependents for prescription contraceptives from specific pharmacies under the TRICARE Program, and for certain medical services provided by network providers or under TRICARE Prime. This policy will start 30 days after the law is enacted.
251. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section mandates that the military's health plan, TRICARE, provide up to a one-year supply of contraceptives to eligible beneficiaries, including active duty Coast Guard members and their dependents, through various pharmacies. It also requires the Coast Guard to inform providers and TRICARE members about this coverage within 90 days of its implementation, with the coverage starting 180 days after the law is passed.
301. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds under the "Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency—Operations and Support" can be used to cover the costs of getting access to cybersecurity threat information for various federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government entities, as well as fusion centers and Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations.
302. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Recipients of certain grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency can use up to 5% of the grant money for administrative costs associated with managing the grant. This rule also applies to state recipients managing these grants.
303. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Applications for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency under certain categories must be available to eligible parties within 60 days of this law being passed. Applicants also have 80 days from the grant announcement to apply, and the agency must make a decision within 65 days of receiving an application.
304. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must inform certain congressional committees 5 business days before announcing grants. If they announce too soon, $1 million from their "Operations and Support" budget will be taken back.
Money References
- (b) If any such public announcement is made before 5 full business days have elapsed following such briefing, $1,000,000 of amounts appropriated by this Act for “Federal Emergency Management Agency—Operations and Support” shall be rescinded.
305. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Under Section 305, it is clarified that when it comes to grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for certain purposes, setting up communication towers is not classified as constructing a building or another type of physical facility.
306. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section updates the reporting rules from a 2015 law for the Disaster Relief Fund. In 2025, agencies must report on the funds for 2026 and 2025, with specific adjustments to the language used in the reports.
307. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can issue waivers from certain requirements of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 when giving out grants for fire and emergency staffing.
308. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section specifies that during the fiscal year 2025, the total fees charged for the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program, managed by the Department of Homeland Security, must cover the program's anticipated costs and be at least as much as the costs expected for the following year. These fees should be collected fairly, include administrative costs, and will be available for use from October 1, 2025.
309. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive a specific requirement (subsection (k) of section 33) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 when providing grants for firefighter assistance.
310. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows any leftover funds from previous laws that were meant for disaster preparedness under the National Predisaster Mitigation Fund to be moved and combined with current funds set aside for similar activities under the same disaster relief law.
311. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows funds previously allocated for the FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis Program to be moved and combined with funds for FEMA Federal Assistance to cover expenses related to flood mapping. These funds will be additional to other money already set aside for these purposes and can receive more contributions from states or other local governments.
401. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to use funds to acquire, operate, equip, and dispose of up to five replacement vehicles in areas where the General Services Administration does not provide leased vehicles. It also permits employees in those areas to use these vehicles for travel between home and work.
402. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has decided that no money allocated by this law can be used to carry out competitions related to certain job functions within the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This specifically applies to roles like Immigration Information Officers and other similar positions.
403. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can use federal funds to collect and use biometric data, like fingerprints, at their centers, even if the process is overseen virtually using technology.
404. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no money from this Act can be used to put into action, manage, or enforce a specific rule related to asylum procedures, as outlined in the Federal Register.
405. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided by this law can be used to issue work permits to people who have been denied asylum in the U.S. or to those convicted of a crime while their asylum application is still being processed.
406. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows the Secretary of Homeland Security, after talking with the Secretary of Labor, to increase the number of H-2B visas available for foreign workers beyond the usual limit if American businesses cannot find enough qualified US workers for temporary non-farming jobs in 2025. This increase can be up to the highest number of returning H-2B workers who were previously exempt from these limits.
407. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In fiscal year 2025, the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is allowed to use up to $2,500 from the Immigration Examinations Fee Account for official events and representation costs, even though there is a rule in section 286(n) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that might usually prevent this.
Money References
- Notwithstanding section 286(n) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(n)), the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may use not more than $2,500 of the amounts deposited in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account for official reception and representation expenses in fiscal year 2025.
408. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Federal funding cannot be used by the Department of Homeland Security to process certain work visa applications if the application is from a company or its subsidiary identified in a specific section of a national defense law from 2021.
409. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers can give money to federal law enforcement agencies to help cover costs they have when participating in training accreditation.
410. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board, which includes members from both the Federal law enforcement community and outside experts, is responsible for overseeing the process that evaluates the quality and effectiveness of Federal law enforcement training programs, facilities, and instructors.
411. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers is permitted to receive funds from other government agencies to build special facilities, and once completed, the centers will keep control and ownership of these facilities.
412. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the jobs of the instructors at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers are considered to be inherently governmental tasks, as defined by the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act of 1998.
413. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds from this Act cannot be used to carry out, manage, or enforce the "Asylum Program Fee" as outlined in a certain U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulation.
501. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In Section 501, it is stated that none of the funds allocated by this Act can be used after the current fiscal year unless the Act specifically allows it.
502. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows unspent funds from earlier allocations related to activities in this Act to be moved to new accounts created by this Act. These funds can be combined with the new accounts and treated as a single fund for the same duration as initially intended.
503. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines rules for moving or reallocating funds within the Department of Homeland Security. It restricts funding changes without prior notification to Congress, caps certain budget modifications, and allows limited transfers of up to 5% between accounts with proper notice. Special circumstances allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to transfer funds under specific conditions.
Money References
- (3) augments funding for existing programs, projects, or activities in excess of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; (4) reduces funding for any program, project, or activity, or numbers of personnel, by 10 percent or more; or (5) results from any general savings from a reduction in personnel that would result in a change in funding levels for programs, projects, or activities as approved by the Congress. (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply if the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate are notified at least 30 days in advance of such reprogramming. (c) Up to 5 percent of any appropriation made available for the current fiscal year for the Department of Homeland Security by this Act or provided by previous appropriations Acts may be transferred between such appropriations if the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate are notified at least 30 days in advance of such transfer, but no such appropriation, except as otherwise specifically provided, shall be increased by more than 10 percent by such transfer. (d) Notwithstanding subsections (a), (b), and (c), no funds shall be reprogrammed within or transferred between appropriations— (1) based upon an initial notification provided after June 15, except in extraordinary circumstances that imminently threaten the safety of human life or the protection of property; (2) to increase or decrease funding for grant programs; or (3) to create a program, project, or activity pursuant to subsection (a)(1), including any new function or requirement within any program, project, or activity, not approved by Congress in the consideration of the enactment of this Act.
- (f) Notwithstanding subsection (c), the Secretary of Homeland Security may transfer to the fund established by 8 U.S.C. 1101 note, up to $20,000,000 from appropriations available to the Department of Homeland Security: Provided, That the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate at least 5 days in advance of such transfer.
504. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds from the Department of Homeland Security's working capital fund can be used ahead of time while waiting for reimbursement from different parts of the department, and this is consistent with how it was handled in the 2017 financial rules.
505. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In Section 505, the bill states that up to 50% of unused funds from the "Operations and Support" budget for fiscal year 2025 can still be used until September 30, 2026. Before using these funds, Congress must be notified according to another section of the bill.
506. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds from this Act are specifically approved by Congress for intelligence activities in 2025 until a new authorization is passed. If the funds for certain intelligence activities exceed the authorized amount, the extra funds will be transferred to the Management Directorate. Before using any transferred funds, the Management Directorate must inform the House and Senate Appropriations Committees about their spending plan.
507. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines protocols for the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify Congress at least three business days in advance before awarding large grants or contracts. Exceptions are permitted if there's a substantial risk to human safety, in which case Congress must be informed within five days after the award. The notifications must include details like the award amount and funding source.
Money References
- SEC. 507. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, or the designee of the Secretary, shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate at least 3 full business days in advance of— (1) making or awarding a grant allocation or grant in excess of $1,000,000; (2) making or awarding a contract, other transaction agreement, or task or delivery order on a multiple award contract, or to issue a letter of intent totaling in excess of $4,000,000; (3) awarding a task or delivery order requiring an obligation of funds in an amount greater than $10,000,000 from multi-year Department of Homeland Security funds; (4) making a sole-source grant award; or (5) announcing publicly the intention to make or award items under paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4), including a contract covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (b) If the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that compliance with this section would pose a substantial risk to human life, health, or safety, an award may be made without notification, and the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 5 full business days after such an award is made or letter issued.
508. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress requires that no new facilities be acquired for federal law enforcement training without notifying specific congressional committees first, although the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers can temporarily lease extra space if current facilities are insufficient for training needs.
509. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds from this Act can be used for construction-related projects unless the required approvals have been obtained, but some money can still be spent to prepare the necessary approval documents.
510. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the rules used in sections 522 and 530 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008, will also apply to the funds provided by this new Act in the same way as they did for the original 2008 Act.
511. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds from this Act cannot be used in ways that violate the rules of the Buy American Act, which is a part of the United States law aimed at promoting American-made goods.
512. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section states that no money provided by the Act can be used to change the oath of allegiance required for new citizens, as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
513. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill states that no money from this Act can be used for section 872 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 unless Congress gives specific permission.
514. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that none of the money provided by this law can be used for activities related to creating or testing a national ID card.
515. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Officials required to report or certify to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees cannot pass this responsibility on to someone else unless this Act specifically allows it.
516. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds from this Act can be used by government employees to pay for first-class travel if it goes against specific rules in the federal regulations.
517. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the money provided by this law can be used to hire workers who are not authorized to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act.
518. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the money from this Act can be used to give bonuses or rewards to contractors if their work is judged to be below satisfactory or does not meet the contract's basic requirements.
519. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has stipulated that federal funds cannot be used to maintain or create computer networks that allow access to pornography. However, this rule does not apply to funds needed by law enforcement or other entities involved in criminal justice activities.
520. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds from this law can be used to help a federal law enforcement officer transfer a working firearm to someone they know or think is part of a drug cartel, unless U.S. law enforcement is actively keeping track of or in control of the firearm at all times.
521. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no more than 50 employees from a single part of the Department of Homeland Security can travel to a conference outside the U.S. unless the Secretary of Homeland Security approves it and informs Congress. It also specifies that the total cost of such conferences should not exceed $500,000, and employees attending virtually are not subject to these limits.
Money References
- (c) The total cost to the Department of Homeland Security of any such conference shall not exceed $500,000.
522. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided in this Act can be used to pay back any federal department or agency for their involvement in a National Special Security Event.
523. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Department of Homeland Security cannot use its funds to make big changes to pay structures or job classifications affecting over 100 jobs or costing over $5 million per year without telling Congress in advance and waiting 30 days, unless the change was included in the President's budget and not specifically blocked by the law.
Money References
- SEC. 523. (a) None of the funds made available to the Department of Homeland Security by this or any other Act may be obligated for the implementation of any structural pay reform or the introduction of any new position classification that will affect more than 100 full-time positions or costs more than $5,000,000 in a single year before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Homeland Security submits to Congress a notification that includes— (1) the number of full-time positions affected by such change; (2) funding required for such change for the current fiscal year and through the Future Years Homeland Security Program; (3) justification for such change; and (4) for a structural pay reform, an analysis of compensation alternatives to such change that were considered by the Department.
524. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Agencies receiving funds from this Act must post required reports on their public websites if the agency head believes it serves the national interest. However, reports do not need to be posted if they risk national security or contain proprietary information, and must be shared with specific congressional committees for at least 45 days before being posted.
525. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that funds allocated for "Operations and Support" in this Act can be used for small-scale buying, building, and upgrades. It specifies that "small-scale" means items costing $250,000 or less for items like equipment, and $2,000,000 or less for things like buildings.
Money References
- (b) For purposes of subsection (a), “minor” refers to end items with a unit cost of $250,000 or less for personal property, and $2,000,000 or less for real property.
526. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section continues the existing authority related to the schooling of dependents, as outlined in the 2018 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, for the fiscal year 2025.
527. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Members of Congress and certain employees can visit facilities run by the Department of Homeland Security, where they detain or house non-citizens, without being denied entry or having the view altered. They don't need to give advance notice, except for the designated employees, who must make a request 24 hours ahead.
528. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds from this Act cannot be used to restrain pregnant women in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, except if authorities determine them to be a flight risk or a threat, or if a medical professional prescribes restraints for safety. When restraints are necessary, they must be the safest and least restrictive, and may never be used during active labor or in ways that risk the woman's health.
529. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no funds from the Act can be used to destroy records related to deaths, potential sexual assaults or abuse, or other criminal activities involving those in custody of the Department of Homeland Security. It also ensures these records are accessible to individuals who have faced charges or punishment due to such allegations, following legal rules.
530. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Section 530 continues a rule from a past law that stops government money from being used for a job called Principal Federal Official. This rule applies in the same way to all new federal funds as it did in the original law.
531. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires the Under Secretary for Management at Homeland Security to submit a report on unfunded priorities within 10 days after the President's budget is given to Congress. This report must detail these priorities, which are essential but lack funding, including their purpose, related accounts, and any staff needed.
532. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section describes the notification and reporting requirements that the Secretary of Homeland Security must follow when providing or changing protection for certain former or retired government officials. This includes notifying Congress of any new or extended protection, changes in threat assessments, and submitting detailed reports about the protection efforts, including their scope and costs, which can be classified if necessary.
533. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that funds from the Department of Homeland Security cannot be used to submit a project proposal to the Technology Modernization Fund unless the agency notifies and submits details about the proposal to specific Congressional committees, and explains how the funding will impact the department's budget. Additionally, funds from the Technology Modernization Fund will only be available 15 days after a comprehensive report, detailing the proposal and financial plans, is sent to these committees.
534. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary of Homeland Security must give a report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees within 60 days of submitting the 2026 budget if it includes revenue from fees that haven't been approved yet. This report should explain which parts of the budget will be reduced if those fees don't get approved by October 1, 2025.
535. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds from this Act can be used to implement the Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate votes to approve it.
536. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Federal funds cannot be used by the Department of Homeland Security to engage in contracts, agreements, or financial transactions with entities identified in a specific section of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2021, or any of their subsidiaries.
537. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section specifies that no money from this or any other law can be used to move or help move Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or similar detainees to the U.S. or its territories if they are not U.S. citizens or military members and were held at Guantanamo Bay by the Department of Defense on or after June 24, 2009.
538. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary of Homeland Security must create bimonthly estimates of how many immigrants will arrive at the U.S. southwest border and share this information with various government officials. These estimates should help with planning and budgeting and be included in budget requests to Congress; if they aren’t provided, certain budgetary powers will be suspended.
539. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary of Homeland Security must conduct an analysis of alternatives and evaluate costs and benefits before asking the Department of Defense for help with border security. They must also report to Congress about the request and any support received from the Department of Defense, including its effects on operations, both within 30 days of the request and quarterly thereafter.
540. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds allocated in this or any other legislation for Operations and Support can be used to cover the costs associated with setting up an employee emergency back-up care program.
541. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In Section 541, a minimum of $5 million is designated to be moved to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Operations and Support to fund the Blue Campaign in fiscal year 2025. Before these funds can be used, a notification must be sent to the Appropriations Committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Money References
- SEC. 541. (a) Not less than $5,000,000 made available in this Act shall be transferred to “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Operations and Support” to support and conduct necessary operations of the Blue Campaign for fiscal year 2025.
542. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Funds provided by this or any other Act cannot be used to inspect detention facilities contracted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, unless the inspection ensures compliance with the National Detention Standards for Non-Dedicated Facilities revised in 2019. Inspections must be at least six months apart, except for those conducted by the Office of Inspector General.
543. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided by this bill can be used to carry out, manage, or enforce the rule called “Circumvention of Lawful Pathways.”
544. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section prohibits the use of funds from this Act to create or support a Disinformation Governance Board within the Department of Homeland Security, or any similar group involved in managing disinformation.
545. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that funds from this Act cannot be used to classify information from U.S. individuals as misinformation or to support organizations that push companies to censor legal speech. It also requires the removal of any federal employees conducting these activities.
546. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the funds from this Act cannot be used for activities related to the Department of Homeland Security's Equity Action Plan, or several Executive Orders focused on promoting racial equity and supporting underserved communities, including those associated with Critical Race Theory.
547. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section prohibits using federal funds to discriminate against individuals who act according to their beliefs that marriage is between a man and a woman. It defines discriminatory actions as any change in federal tax treatment, denial of federal benefits, or refusal of accreditation, licensure, or certification based on those beliefs.
548. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section prohibits using government funds to allow officials from countries identified as state sponsors of terrorism to visit or interact with Department of Homeland Security employees. A "state sponsor of terrorism" is defined as any country that has been determined by the Secretary of State to have consistently supported international terrorism.
549. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no funds from the Act can be given to any state or local government that has laws or policies that oppose certain federal immigration laws from 1996, or that prevent the federal government from enforcing immigration laws.
550. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the Department of Homeland Security will cancel $600 million in funds that were set aside for U.S. Customs and Border Protection projects, specifically for building barriers at the southwest border. These funds were not marked as emergency requirements, so they are eligible to be rescinded.
Money References
- Provided, That no amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: (1) $600,000,000 from the unobligated balances available under the heading “U.S. Customs and Border Protection—Procurement, Construction, and Improvements” of the amounts provided by Public Law 116–260 for the construction of barrier system along the southwest border. ---
551. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that $154,000,000 from the remaining funds in the "Department of Homeland Security Nonrecurring Expenses Fund," which was created by a previous law, will be taken back and are no longer available to use.
Money References
- Of the unobligated balances in the “Department of Homeland Security Nonrecurring Expenses Fund” established in section 538 of division F of Public Law 117–103, $154,000,000 are hereby rescinded.
552. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has increased the funding for this section by $10,000,000.
Money References
- $0 (increased by $10,000,000).
553. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section prohibits using funds from the Act to shorten the operating hours of several specified ports of entry across various states, including North Dakota, Minnesota, Idaho, and New York, or to create or enforce any rules that would do so, although this restriction does not apply to tax or tariff administration.
554. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided by this bill can be used to support or enforce the policies outlined in the rule called "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility" that the Secretary of Homeland Security published on September 9, 2022.
555. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no money given by this law can be used to implement, manage, or enforce any major rule mentioned in a specific part of the United States Code.
556. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds from this Act can be used by the Department of Homeland Security to work with the Department of State to create Safe Mobility Offices.
557. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the money allocated by this law can be spent on buying electric vehicles.
558. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Under Section 558, the bill states that no money provided by this act can be used to support the Inclusion Action Committee of the Transportation Security Administration.
559. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided by this Act can be used to enforce COVID-19 mask mandates.
560. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds provided by this Act can be used by the Department of Homeland Security to create or implement a strategy focused on environmental justice.
561. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that no money from this law can be used to support, enforce, or carry out a policy known as "Remain-in-Texas."
562. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill prohibits the use of funds from this act to implement several specific Executive Orders related to climate change, clean energy, environmental justice, and refugee resettlement.
563. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the salary of Nejwa Ali, who works as a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Adjudication Officer, will be reduced to $1.
Money References
- The salary of Nejwa Ali, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Adjudication Officer, shall be reduced to $1.
564. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In this section, it states that no money from this act can be used to pay the salary or expenses for the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, currently held by Alejandro Mayorkas.
565. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section states that the funds from this Act cannot be used to implement Executive Order 14019, which is about improving access to voting, except for the activities described in sections 7, 8, and 10 of that order.
566. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds from this Act can be used to carry out or enforce the President's order, issued on February 14, 2024, about giving certain Palestinians a temporary delay from being forced to leave the United States.
567. Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
None of the funds from this Act can be used to pay the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical claims of people being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.