Continued Consideration: Full Committee Markup of FY27 Homeland Security Bill

The House Appropriations Committee convened on June 11, 2026, for a full committee markup of the FY27 Homeland Security Bill. Key procurement-related discussions focused on funding and oversight of immigration detention facilities, particularly those located on military installations such as Fort Bliss. An amendment was proposed to prohibit the use of funds for designing, constructing, or operating immigration detention facilities on military bases, citing concerns over readiness, security, and accountability, especially regarding no-bid contracts awarded to private contractors. The committee debated the amendment, with some members opposing restrictions on using military installations for detention due to capacity and security considerations. Other procurement topics included funding levels for the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), and transparency requirements related to detainee deaths within 30 days of release. Several amendments addressing these issues were proposed and voted on, with some failing to pass. Additionally, an amendment concerning the use of eminent domain for border wall construction near a religious site in New Mexico was discussed and ultimately not adopted. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about contract oversight, detainee welfare, and the balance between security needs and community impacts in homeland security procurement and policy decisions.