Technical corrections only. The only change between v3 and v4 is the addition of the Clerk's name in the attestation and a minor formatting adjustment in a line break. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.
ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to streamline and enhance DHS's engagement with law enforcement partners by reorganizing a key outreach office and centralizing its functions within an intelligence directorate.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and submit a comprehensive plan within 120 days to reorganize and realign the Department's Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach (ELO) Office. The plan must identify redundancies, shift essential ELO functions and personnel into the Partner Engagement directorate of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), and improve coordination with priority law enforcement agencies. Until the plan is submitted and certified, the ELO Office cannot expand its staffing, budget, or programmatic scope.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this legislation will improve efficiency and effectiveness within DHS by eliminating redundant functions and centralizing critical outreach efforts. They contend that a more streamlined ELO Office, integrated within I&A's Partner Engagement directorate, will lead to better information sharing, clearer communication protocols, and enhanced strategic relationships with law enforcement partners, ultimately strengthening homeland security.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that reorganizing the ELO Office could disrupt existing, effective relationships with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners, potentially hindering intelligence support and collaboration during a critical transition period. They might also express concern that centralizing outreach within an intelligence directorate could alter the nature of engagement, making it less accessible or responsive to diverse stakeholder needs, or that the limitations on expansion could stifle necessary growth.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Mandate for ELO Office Reorganization Plan
This provision requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a detailed plan within 120 days. The plan must identify and address redundant positions or functions within the ELO Office, realign its essential personnel and functions into the Partner Engagement directorate of I&A, and improve coordination with priority law enforcement agencies through clearer protocols and enhanced information sharing.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this will enhance DHS's operational efficiency and effectiveness by eliminating waste and improving critical inter-agency coordination, leading to stronger national security outcomes.
Critics contend
Some might argue that such a mandated reorganization could be disruptive, potentially leading to a temporary decrease in operational effectiveness during the transition period, or that it might not fully address the root causes of identified redundancies.
Tradeoffs
The bill seeks to balance the need for efficiency and improved coordination with the potential for disruption during a significant organizational change within a critical national security agency.
Section 2(b)
Specific Requirements for the Reorganization Plan
This section details what the reorganization plan must include. Key elements are an organizational analysis with cost-benefit estimates, detailed staffing proposals, a transition timeline, internal oversight mechanisms, recommendations for future engagement models, and an assurance of continued intelligence support and HSIN-INTEL access for SLTT entity partners.
Section 2(d)
Moratorium on ELO Office Expansion
This provision imposes a moratorium on the expansion of the ELO Office. Until the Secretary submits the required reorganization plan and certifies its implementation, the ELO Office cannot expand its staffing, budget, or programmatic scope. Additionally, DHS cannot establish new offices that duplicate the ELO Office's or I&A's Partner Engagement directorate's mission without specific congressional authorization.
Requires the reorganization plan to include an assurance that intelligence support, convenings, and HSIN-INTEL access currently provided to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) entity partners through the ELO office will continue without interruption.
Section 2(b)(6)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure all necessary components of a plan are addressed, rather than an attempt to obscure.
Case for: Supporters argue this provision is essential to maintain trust and operational continuity with vital SLTT partners, ensuring that the reorganization does not inadvertently disrupt critical intelligence sharing and collaboration networks.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against ensuring continuity of essential services, though some might argue that the explicit mention highlights a potential risk that the reorganization might otherwise pose to these partnerships.
Estimated impact: Ensures continued intelligence flow and access for thousands of SLTT entities nationwide.