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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 9579· 119th Congress

Strengthen DHS Civil Rights Office

To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make certain improvements in the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

Sponsor
Al Green (D-TX)
Introduced
Jul 2, 2026
Last Action
Jul 2, 2026
Passage
12%
Introduced
Jul 2, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Upgrades the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties with unspecified improvements to its operations or authority.
  • Bill text unavailable; based on title alone, likely expands oversight capacity or enforcement tools for the civil rights office.
  • 20 cosponsors suggest bipartisan backing, but specific policy changes remain unclear pending detailed summary publication.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • DHS civil rights complaints and discrimination cases could be handled faster or more thoroughly if office gets new resources or powers.
  • Immigration enforcement, airport security, and border operations all fall under DHS — this office investigates complaints from those affected by these programs.
  • Currently impossible to assess winners and losers without knowing what 'improvements' actually mean.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced July 2, 2026; referred to House Homeland Security Committee. Awaiting committee review and formal summary from Congressional Research Service.
  • Track progress at Congress.gov or contact your House representative to request their position on civil rights enforcement at DHS.
  • Official summary expected when CRS completes analysis — check back in 1–2 weeks for specifics before forming a position.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 2, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
  • Jul 2, 2026Introduced in House
  • Jul 2, 2026Introduced in House