S.Amdt. 4277

SA 4277, submitted by Mr. Murphy, aims to change H.R. 7148 by replacing a specific section of the bill with new rules regarding how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can move and spend its money.

The purpose is to restrict the "reprogramming" of funds—which means moving money from one area to another—unless certain conditions are met.

Restrictions on Reprogramming Funds

The amendment states that funds from this Act, prior acts, certain Treasury accounts, or Public Law 119-21 cannot be reprogrammed if the action:

• Creates or eliminates a program, project, or activity, or increases funds for something Congress denied or restricted.

• Contracts out work currently done by Federal employees or new work proposed for Federal employees in the 2026 budget.

• Increases funding for existing programs by more than $1,000,000 or 1 percent (whichever is less).

• Cuts funding or personnel for any program by 5 percent or more.

• Uses general savings from personnel reductions to change funding levels for programs approved by Congress.

Conditions and Exceptions

These restrictions generally do not apply if the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations are notified 30 days in advance.

Additionally, up to 5 percent of appropriations can be transferred between accounts if the Committees are notified 30 days ahead, though no appropriation can be increased by more than 1 percent through this method.

Strict Prohibitions

Regardless of notifications, the amendment prohibits reprogramming or transfers in these cases:

• After June 15, 2026, except for extraordinary circumstances involving natural disasters or Coast Guard drug interdiction that threaten life or property.

• To change funding for grant programs.

• To create new programs or requirements not approved by Congress.

• To, from, or within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs and Border Protection.