Police Chief Magazine|Columns|Legislative Update
August Recess Update

August 08, 2025

Congress is taking its annual August recess and will return to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. While members of the House and Senate are back home in their districts, no official business will take place in Washington. Because of this, IACP will pause its legislative updates until Congress is back in session.

When lawmakers return, their most important task will be to pass FY 26 funding bills by September 30. These 12 appropriations funding bills will keep government agencies and programs running.

Read More
Legislative Update
Black‑and‑white view of the U.S. Capitol centered at the end of an empty roadway blocked by ‘STOP’ barricades, lined with leafless trees, fencing, and street lamps
Share

Congress Ends DHS Funding Impasse

May 1, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of DHS funding and the FY2027 appropriations pr...
Legislative Update
Wide exterior view of the U.S. Capitol building with white stone columns, broad steps, domed rotunda, empty plaza, and clear blue sky in daylight
Share

DHS Shutdown Continues as Budget Process Moves Forward

The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the current DHS funding lapse and the President’s DOJ bu...
Legislative Update
Night view of illuminated U.S. Capitol with dome reflection in water, framed by trees and lights under a clear blue sky, symbolizing governance.
Share

Congressional Recess Pauses DHS Funding Negotiations as Shutdown Continues

April 3, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the ongoing DHS funding lapse and recent DOJ leader...
Legislative Update
U.S. Capitol building with iconic dome and adjacent structures, lit by warm sunlight under clear sky; architectural details clearly visible
Share

DHS Funding Lapse Continues as Negotiations Stall

March 20, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the DHS funding lapse, ongoing negotiations, and r...
Legislative Update
The dome of the United States Capitol against a deep blue sky in Washington, DC.
Share

DHS Funding Lapse Continues Following State of the Union Address

February 27, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the President’s State of the Union address ...
Legislative Update
American flag waves before U.S. Capitol’s ornate facade with tall columns, arched windows, and partly cloudy sky
Share

DHS Funding Deadline Approaches

February 13, 2026 Congress has not yet reached an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the current funding is set to expire tonight, February 13. Without a new deal, par...
Legislative Update
U.S. Capitol building with iconic dome and adjacent structures, lit by warm sunlight under clear sky; architectural details clearly visible
Share

Senate Reaches Agreement to Move Forward on Government Funding

January 30, 2026 The Senate reached an agreement Thursday to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the January 30 funding deadline. Under the agreement, funding for the Department of Homeland S...
Legislative Update
Capitol building
Share

Government Funding Bills Advance as January 30 Deadline Nears

January 16, 2026 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update provides an overview of the FY 2026 appropriations process, incl...
Legislative Update
U.S. Capitol building with iconic dome and adjacent structures, lit by warm sunlight under clear sky; architectural details clearly visible
Share

Counter-UAS Victory & Marijuana Rescheduling Executive Order: What It Means for Policing

December 19, 2025 The IACP Legislative Update covers the major developments in Congress that could impact policing. This update covers the FY 26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and explains...
Legislative Update
The dome of the United States Capitol against a deep blue sky in Washington, DC.
Share

NDAA Advances as Spending Talks Tighten

Congress returned from the Thanksgiving recess with a full agenda. The most likely major bill to advance this month is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA does not appropriate fund...
Show More