US HB8029

Summary of HB8029: "Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act"

• Total DHS Appropriations for FY2026: Provides funding for the Department of Homeland Security through September 30, 2026, including $17.73 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, $10.04 billion for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, $10.64 billion for the Transportation Security Administration, $11.27 billion for the Coast Guard, and $3.13 billion for the U.S. Secret Service

• Departmental Management and Oversight: Allocates $316.3 million for the Office of the Secretary, $1.69 billion for the Management Directorate, $340.8 million for Intelligence and Situational Awareness, and $257.6 million for the Office of Inspector General (including $20 million specifically for detention facility inspections)

• Immigration Enforcement Investments: Provides $20 million for body-worn cameras for immigration enforcement agents, funding for up to 7,500 police-type vehicles for CBP and 3,790 for ICE, and at least $6 million for forced child labor enforcement

• FAA Air Traffic Controller Pay Increase: Appropriates $140 million to fund a 3.8 percent pay increase for air traffic controllers in calendar year 2026, contingent on the FAA Administrator determining that workforce scheduling and staffing improvements have been achieved to address shortfalls and enhance aviation safety

• Supreme Court Funding: Provides $30 million in additional funding for Supreme Court salaries and expenses, available through September 30, 2028

• Cybersecurity Funding Adjustments: Transfers $99.75 million to CISA Operations and Support from unobligated balances in the Cybersecurity Response and Recovery Fund established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

• Rescissions of Prior Appropriations: Rescinds approximately $89 million from various DHS accounts including Management Directorate, CBP, and CISA programs, plus an additional $111.7 million from unobligated balances across multiple DHS components, and $2.36 million from the DHS Nonrecurring Expenses Fund

• Reporting and Accountability Requirements: Mandates monthly budget and staffing reports, quarterly briefings on major acquisition programs, Secretary submission of non-competitive contract reports by October 15, 2026, and Inspector General reviews of grant/contract awards

• Shutdown Remediation Provisions: Ratifies and approves all obligations incurred during an appropriations lapse beginning around February 13, 2026, and ensures personnel pay, allowances, and benefits are available for payments to employees who worked during the shutdown