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.

H.R. 7617 would provide funding to keep the Department of Homeland Security operating during any period when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2026. Government agencies typically must shut down or operate with minimal staff when appropriations lapse, but this bill would allow DHS to continue paying administrative expenses during such gaps.

The bill also includes a requirement that DHS remain responsive to requests and inquiries from congressional offices even during an appropriations lapse. This would ensure that members of Congress and their staff can still communicate with and receive information from the department when normal government funding is interrupted. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.