United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund Act of 2026
Summary
HB7369, the United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund Act of 2026, would create a dedicated reserve fund for the United States Capitol Police to cover salaries and necessary operating expenses during any lapse in appropriations. The bill authorizes the Chief of the Capitol Police, with approval from the Capitol Police Board, to draw on the fund only during a funding lapse and only for those limited purposes.
The bill also appropriates $50 million from the Treasury to seed the reserve fund and requires the Treasury Secretary to deposit those funds into the account. Any unused money remaining at the end of 2026 must be returned to the Treasury by January 31, 2027, and rescinded. The Chief of the Capitol Police must then report to the relevant House and Senate committees on how the fund was used and on related transactions.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend federal appropriations practice by creating a standing, dedicated funding source for the U.S. Capitol Police during government shutdowns or other lapses in appropriations. It would not broadly change criminal law or policing authority, but it would affect budget administration, payroll continuity, and emergency operating capacity for the Capitol Police. The measure also adds reporting and oversight requirements for House and Senate administration and appropriations committees.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a practical continuity-of-operations proposal rather than a controversial policy change. No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no documented opposition or support in the provided materials. The overall tone of the bill is administrative and protective, aimed at ensuring the Capitol Police can continue functioning during funding interruptions.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the creation of a $50 million reserve fund outside the normal annual appropriations process, which could raise questions about budget discipline, precedent, and congressional control over spending. Another possible issue is whether a dedicated reserve for one legislative-branch agency should be prioritized over other agencies facing shutdown-related disruptions. However, no specific objections or supporters are identified in the available record.
A resolution observing the fifth anniversary of the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, and recognizing the essential work of United States Capitol personnel, including the United States Capitol Police.
Directing the Architect of the Capitol to install at a permanent location on the western front of the United States Capitol an honorific plaque listing the names of all of the officers of the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and protective entities who responded to the violence that occurred at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.