Federal grants reimburse local police for protecting VIPs—with audit oversight.

What it does

This bill creates a federal grant program within the Department of Homeland Security to reimburse state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies for the extraordinary costs of protecting non-governmental properties of people who receive Secret Service protection under federal law. Eligible agencies can be reimbursed for personnel hours and equipment directly tied to protecting these properties, with $61 million authorized annually through 2028. The program includes oversight requirements: annual audits by the DHS Inspector General and detailed reporting to Congress on all grants, costs, and equipment purchases.

Why we flagged it

The bill is a straightforward intergovernmental grant program that reimburses local law enforcement for extraordinary protection costs. It is not a deregulation, tax measure, or private subsidy—it is a federal-to-local cost-sharing mechanism with built-in oversight.

What the text implies

• The bill does not specify which individuals or properties qualify for protection under 18 U.S.C. § 3056(1), (3), (7), (8)—those definitions exist in external statute. The scope of eligible properties and persons is therefore not transparent within this bill alone.
• The $61 million annual authorization is capped but not tied to actual protection costs; if costs exceed the cap, the bill does not specify whether agencies absorb the difference or seek supplemental appropriations.
• The definition of 'non-governmental property' excludes temporary accommodations under 30 days, but does not address properties used for mixed purposes (e.g., a residence that doubles as a business office), creating potential ambiguity in reimbursement eligibility.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

The bill shifts costs for extraordinary protection activities from state and local budgets to the federal government, freeing local resources for other public safety needs. Robust audit and reporting requirements create transparency and accountability, reducing the risk of misuse or hidden costs.

Who stands to gain

• state and local law enforcement agencies
• tribal and territorial law enforcement agencies

Named in the bill

Department of Homeland Security, United States Secret Service, State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies, DHS Inspector General, Federal Emergency Management Agency, House Committee on Homeland Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, House Committee on Appropriations, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976, 18 U.S.C. § 3056

Where it stands

3 cosponsors: 3 Republicans.

• Mar 9, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Mar 9, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.