United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund Act of 2026
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This bill would create a reserve fund to pay U.S. Capitol Police salaries and expenses during a lapse in federal appropriations.
What it does
This bill would establish the United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund to cover employee salaries and essential expenses during any period where regular funding for the department has lapsed. These funds would be restricted for use only during an active lapse in appropriations. Any money remaining in the fund by the end of 2026 would be required to be returned to the Department of the Treasury and rescinded by January 31, 2027.
Who is affected
This bill primarily affects the United States Capitol Police (USCP) and its employees. It ensures that staff salaries and necessary operational expenses can be paid during periods when regular appropriations for the agency have lapsed. Additionally, the Department of the Treasury is affected by the requirement to receive and rescind any unused funds remaining after December 31, 2026.
Key provisions
- Establishment of the United States Capitol Police Reserve Fund. Creates a dedicated fund to pay for employee salaries and necessary expenses of the U.S. Capitol Police during periods when regular appropriations have lapsed.
- Restricted use of funds during appropriation lapses. Limits the use of the fund strictly to the duration of a lapse in appropriations, covering only the period between the start and end of such a lapse.
- Mandatory transfer and rescission of unused funds. Requires any amounts remaining in the fund as of December 31, 2026, to be transferred to the Department of the Treasury by January 31, 2027, for rescission.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
The fund's provisions apply during any lapse in appropriations for the U.S. Capitol Police. Any unused funds remaining as of December 31, 2026, must be transferred to the Department of the Treasury and rescinded by January 31, 2027.
Relationship to existing law
The bill provides a mechanism to fund the existing operations of the U.S. Capitol Police, specifically for employee salaries and necessary expenses, during a lapse in regular appropriations. It also mandates the transfer and rescission of unused funds to the Department of the Treasury by January 31, 2027.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to ensure the continued payment of employee salaries and necessary expenses for the U.S. Capitol Police during periods when regular appropriations have lapsed. It establishes a dedicated reserve fund to provide financial stability for agency operations during such funding gaps.