Monday, February 9th, 2026
DHS Funding: Political and procedural hurdles to a possible immigration enforcement compromise are mounting ahead of a Feb. 13 stopgap funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security, leaving many members unsure if the lift is possible. House and Senate Democratic leadership sent Republican leadership a proposal. But GOP senators have said they're already eyeing another extension for DHS funding beyond the current deadline. Democrats want to stop "roving patrols" by immigration enforcement agents and arrests at churches and schools; bar agents from wearing masks; and require judicial warrants, not just administrative warrants, for arrests. Republicans, on the other hand, want to curtail jurisdictions known as sanctuary cities, which they criticize for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and prevent doxing of immigration officials.
Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate: The House is set to consider H.R.2189, which establishes the term “less-than-lethal projectile device” in Federal statute. The updated definition would ensure that these devices are properly classified by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) based on a new five step criteria. A device that cannot fire projectiles at velocities exceeding 500 feet per second and is designed in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of causing death or serious injury would be re-classified as a less-than-lethal projectile device and no longer be considered a firearm.
Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply: The House is set to begin debate on H.R.3617, which redefines "critical energy resource" to empower the Department of Energy with a clear mandate: to secure the supply of minerals essential to our energy sector. Key strategies include launching a domestic strategic reserve (Project Vault), strengthening domestic mining and processing, recycling, and fostering international partnerships.
Undersea Cable Protection: The House will consider H.R.261, which prohibits the Department of Commerce from enforcing certain permit requirements for activities related to undersea fiber optic cables in national marine sanctuaries.
Extending Public Safety Network: The House Energy and Commerce Committee is looking to move forward in extending the authority of FirstNet, the nation’s wireless broadband network that serves first responders and public safety officials, before the program expires in February 2027. Since the program’s inception 15 years ago in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks — which showed critical public communications failures and shortcomings — the network has expanded to serve over 7 million connections nationwide. Firefighters, medical professionals, police officers, and other public safety personnel rely on the network during emergencies and disasters.
