April 17, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains without full-year funding as Congress returns from recess with no scheduled vote to end the shutdown. The funding lapse, which began on February 14, has now entered its ninth week.

Congressional leadership is pursuing a two-track approach: funding most DHS operations through the appropriations process while addressing immigration enforcement funding separately through budget reconciliation. Senate leadership has indicated that a reconciliation package could be considered in the coming weeks. Negotiations currently remain stalled due to disagreements over immigration enforcement funding and related policy provisions.

Separately, the Administration has released its FY27 budget request, which outlines priorities for federal spending but serves as a proposal rather than binding law. Congress will now use this request as a starting point as it begins drafting its own appropriations bills.

IACP will continue to closely monitor the DHS funding negotiations, evaluate the potential implications on policing and public safety and take appropriate action as necessary.  

President’s Proposed DOJ Budget at a Glance

The President’s proposed FY 2027 Budget includes significant changes to federal public safety funding. DOJ’s overall budget would grow from $36.1B to $40.8B (13% increase), which is directed toward federal law enforcement and prosecution. At the same time, grant programs that support state and local agencies face substantial reductions.

Despite the overall DOJ topline increase, grant programs that are critical to state and local police face severe reductions or elimination.  The president’s proposed FY 2027 Budget increases federal law enforcement funding while significantly reducing the grants that flow to state and local agencies. Local and county agencies that rely on federal grant programs will feel the impact most directly. The chart below highlights the proposed funding levels for several key assistance programs.

 STRUCTURAL REORGANIZATION: OJP, COPS & OVW CONSOLIDATION

The President’s proposed FY 2027 Budget proposes consolidating three major DOJ grant-making offices into a single unified structure, referred to in the DOJ budget documents as the Bureau of Justice Grants (BJG), to be headed by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Attorney General. The offices proposed for consolidation are— 

• Office of Justice Programs (OJP) 
• Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) 
• Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) 

The administration claims that consolidation will streamline the grant administration process. IACP has announced its opposition to this proposal.

It is important to note that the president’s proposed budget represents the opening step in the congressional budget and appropriations process and primarily serves as a statement of the administration’s policy priorities. While the proposed budget provides important insight into funding preferences and strategic direction, it does not determine final spending levels. Congress ultimately controls the appropriations process, and the budget enacted into law often differs, sometimes significantly, from the president’s initial proposal.

Nominee and Appointment Developments

• Robert Cekada, nominee for Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Cekada was nominated by President Trump on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He appeared before the committee for his confirmation hearing on February 4 and was reported favorably out of committee on March 5. His nomination has since been placed on the Senate Executive Calendar for consideration by the full Senate.

Upcoming Congressional Hearings

Tuesday, April 21 

Online Scams, Crypto Fraud, and Digital Extortion: An Examination of How Transnational Criminal Networks Target Americans| 10:00 a.m. 

House Committee on Homeland Security – Hearing| Link to recording

Thursday, April 23
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Budget Hearing | 11:00 a.m. 

House Committee on Appropriations – Meeting| Link to recording

Past legislative Updates