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Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026.Section 5 › Proposal

An analysis comes before asking the Defense Department for border help

Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, section 5, Sec. 5. Written by .

An analysis comes before asking the Defense Department for border help

The document says “shallWho acts: Secretary of Homeland SecurityHow: statuteSec. 5 in the PDF
What the document says

“Prior to the Secretary of Homeland Security requesting assistance from the Department of Defense for border security operations, the Secretary shall ensure that an alternatives analysis and cost-benefit analysis is conducted before such request is made, which shall include an examination of obtaining such support through other means.”

Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, Sec. 5

Section 539(a). Before asking the Department of Defense for help with border security operations, the Secretary must see that an alternatives analysis and a cost-benefit analysis are done, including a look at getting the support another way. Subsection (b) requires a report to both Appropriations Committees within 30 days of a request, and subsection (c) requires a further report within 30 days of a request being granted and quarterly while the help continues.

What the document actually says

“Prior to the Secretary of Homeland Security requesting assistance from the Department of Defense for border security operations, the Secretary shall ensure that an alternatives analysis and cost-benefit analysis is conducted before such request is made, which shall include an examination of obtaining such support through other means.”

Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, Sec. 5
That sentence, in plain words

The Secretary may want help from the military at the border. First the choices must be weighed. So must the cost.

What this is about

The study must look at other ways to get the same help. A report is due within 30 days of the ask. More follow each quarter.

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