United States Secret Service Reserve Fund Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill creates a temporary, dedicated reserve fund to ensure the U.S. Secret Service can maintain its critical protective operations during government shutdowns, mitigating immediate operational disruptions.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a $106 million 'United States Secret Service Reserve Fund' to cover necessary expenses, including salaries for protective details, during a lapse in appropriations for the Secret Service. The fund can be used for a maximum of 30 days during a government shutdown, and any unused amounts must be returned to the Treasury by January 31, 2027.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this fund provides critical continuity for the Secret Service's protective mission during government shutdowns, ensuring the safety of protected individuals without interruption and avoiding the need for emergency measures or furloughs for essential personnel.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that creating such a fund normalizes government shutdowns by providing a workaround rather than addressing the root causes of appropriations lapses, potentially reducing pressure on Congress to pass timely budgets.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a quick evaluation by any interested reader.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of United States Secret Service Reserve Fund
This section formally creates a new financial account named the 'United States Secret Service Reserve Fund.' Its explicit purpose is to cover essential operational costs, including the salaries of employees directly involved in protective duties for individuals specified in federal law (18 U.S.C. 3056), specifically during periods when the Secret Service's regular funding has ceased due to a government shutdown.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for national security, preventing any potential lapse in the critical protective duties of the Secret Service during government shutdowns, thereby safeguarding high-profile individuals.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that this provision, while seemingly practical, could reduce the urgency for Congress to resolve budget impasses, as a critical agency's operations are insulated from the immediate consequences of a shutdown.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the imperative for uninterrupted protective services against the broader principle of holding all government agencies accountable to timely appropriations processes.
Section 2(b), (c), (d), (e)
Fund Usage, Appropriation, and Rescission
This provision outlines the strict conditions for using the fund: it can only be accessed during an appropriations lapse, for a maximum of 30 days, or until regular funding is restored, whichever comes first. It directly appropriates $106,000,000 from the U.S. Treasury to establish this fund. Crucially, any money remaining in the fund by December 31, 2026, that has not been used for its stated purpose, must be transferred back to the Treasury and rescinded by January 31, 2027.