H.R. 7617 — Introduced in House

I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7617 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 20, 2026Ms. Johnson of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations A BILL 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. 1. Continued operations of the Department of Homeland Security (a) Administrative expenses In the case of a lapse in appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security there are appropriated such amounts as may be necessary for administrative expenses necessary for the operation of the Department for the duration of the lapse in appropriations, including the Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Congressional Relations. (b) Continued operation With respect to any lapse in appropriations occurring during fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, using amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (a), ensure that the Department performs all functions that the Department would perform in the absence of such a lapse, including responding to communications transmitted to the Department during such lapse by congressional offices.