May 1, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been operating without full-year funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, since mid‑February, marking the longest DHS shutdown on record.
The House has now passed a bill to fund the majority of DHS operations, including agencies such as Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service. The bill, which previously passed the Senate, now heads to the president for signature and represents a major step toward ending the shutdown for most DHS components. However, the legislation does not include funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
House leadership is continuing to pursue a separate, two-part plan to address ICE and CBP. This includes advancing long-term funding for ICE through the budget reconciliation process, which can pass the Senate with a simple majority vote. Lawmakers are also continuing to evaluate next steps for remaining DHS funding and related legislation. Timing remains a challenge, as Congress has a limited number of legislative days in May. Both chambers of will recess on May 4, with the Senate returning on May 11 and the House on May 12.
FY2027 Appropriations Update
Congress has officially begun the FY2027 appropriations process, marking the next phase in determining federal funding levels for public safety and law enforcement programs.
The House Appropriations Committee has started releasing draft legislation, beginning with the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) bill. On April 29, the Committee released the FY2027 CJS bill, followed by a subcommittee markup on April 30, where the bill was approved for full committee consideration.
The FY2027 CJS bill proposes $77.3 billion in discretionary funding, a slight decrease from FY2026 levels, while prioritizing federal, state, and local law enforcement, efforts to combat fentanyl, and investments in national security and emerging technologies.
This marks the first formal step in the appropriations cycle. The process will now move to full committee consideration, followed by House floor action. The Senate is expected to begin releasing its versions of appropriations bills in the coming months, with final funding levels to be determined through negotiations before the September 30 deadline.
Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Announce Regulatory Reforms
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced 34 notices of proposed and final rulemaking following a comprehensive review of existing firearms regulations conducted pursuant to Executive Order 14206. The regulatory actions are intended to update and clarify existing rules, incorporate stakeholder feedback, and reduce compliance burdens on Federal Firearms Licensees and other regulated entities, while maintaining ATF’s public safety and enforcement responsibilities.
According to DOJ and ATF, the reforms focus on modernizing regulatory frameworks that may no longer reflect current law, agency practice, or court precedent, while emphasizing clearer standards and more targeted enforcement priorities. This release represents the first in a series of planned regulatory updates. Most proposed rules will be subject to public comment, generally open for approximately 90 days.
Changes to ATF regulations and enforcement priorities may impact how federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies coordinate on firearms enforcement, investigations, and compliance activities with regulated entities.
To submit comments or review proposed rules, visit the federal rulemaking portal at Regulations.gov and refer to the specific rule’s instructions and deadlines.
Supreme Court to Weigh Use of Geofence Warrants
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week in the case of Chatrie v. United States, which will examine the constitutionality of “geofence warrants.” A geofence warrant is an investigative tool that allows law enforcement to request location data from technology companies to identify devices that were within a specific geographic area during a certain period of time.
The case stems from a 2019 bank robbery investigation in Virginia, where law enforcement used a geofence warrant to obtain anonymized location data for devices near the crime scene. That data was later used to identify and arrest a suspect. The central legal question before the Supreme Court is whether this type of warrant violates the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for policing. Geofence warrants have become an important tool in investigations, particularly when traditional leads are limited. At the same time, the case raises broader questions about digital privacy and the scope of law enforcement authority when accessing location data.
A decision from the Supreme Court is expected later this term and could either affirm current practices or establish new limitations on how law enforcement agencies are allowed to use location data in criminal investigations.
Crypto ATM Legislation and IACP Engagement
Cryptocurrency kiosks, also known as crypto ATMs or convertible virtual currency kiosks, have rapidly expanded across the United States and are increasingly being identified as a growing public safety threat. These machines allow users to convert cash into cryptocurrency but have also been linked to rising instances of fraud, financial exploitations, and broader criminal activity.
In response, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) recently adopted a resolution recognizing the public safety risks posed by crypto ATMs, including their use in scams, money laundering, and the movement of illicit proceeds. The resolution calls for stronger regulatory oversight, enhanced consumer protections, and improved tools and authorities for law enforcement to investigate and disrupt criminal activity.
Building on this effort, the IACP sent a letter to congressional leadership and key committees urging the need for legislation to fully address not only consumer fraud, but also the broader policing and public safety challenges associated with these machines. The letter highlights the need for stronger regulatory requirements, improved access to transaction data for law enforcement, and additional safeguards to prevent fraud and victimization.
To view a copy of the letter, it can be found by clicking here.
IACP Releases Drone and C-UAS Funding and Training Guidance
SLTT policing agencies have access to over $1 billion in federal funding to support drone and counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities. Recent legislation has also expanded authorities to detect and mitigate drone threats, while establishing new training and certification requirements for officers.
To help agencies navigate these opportunities, IACP has developed an issue brief outlining available federal funding sources, application timelines, and required training steps. The resource highlights key grant programs including upcoming FEMA funding, as well as certification requirements through the FBI’s National Counter-UAS Training Center.
Agencies are encouraged to review the one-pager to better understand available resources and prepare to apply for funding. You can access the white paper by clicking here.
Nominee and Appointment Developments
The Senate confirmed Robert Cekada as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on April 29, 2026, by a vote of 59–39. The IACP previously endorsed his nomination, highlighting his more than 30 years of law enforcement experience across both local and federal levels, as well as his focus on reducing violent crime and supporting state and local law enforcement partners.
Upcoming Congressional Hearings
should be Both chambers of Congress will recess on May 1, with the Senate returning on May 11 and the House on May 12. At this time, no activities are scheduled for the week of May 11, though hearings and other items may be set while both chambers are out.
IACP remains committed to ensuring the voice of the policing profession is heard at the highest levels of government. IACP’s advocacy is grounded in the needs of those serving on the front lines.
We will continue to keep you informed as advocacy efforts progress and new opportunities arise. If you have any questions about IACP’s advocacy efforts or would like to connect further, please contact IACP’s Legislative Affairs team at legaffairs@theIACP.org.
