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HR 7574

ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Gabe Evans and 2 co-sponsors

Realign DHS ELO functions under I&A’s Partner Engagement to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and strengthen engagement with priority law enforcement and SLTT partners.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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Bill Summary · HR 7574

Overview

H.R. 7574, the ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026, would reorganize and realign the Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach (ELO) Office within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), consolidating its essential functions under the Partner Engagement directorate of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). The bill sets a structured plan process, limits expansion of the ELO Office during transition, and aims to improve coordination with priority law enforcement agencies and SLTT (state, local, tribal, and territorial) partners.

Purpose and Intent

  • Reorganize and streamline DHS engagement, liaison, and outreach activities.
  • Realign ELO functions to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancy, and strengthen partnerships with priority law enforcement and SLTT entities.
  • Improve communication protocols, information sharing, and accountability in stakeholder engagement.

Key Provisions

  • Plan for Reorganization and Realignment (Section 2)
    • Within 120 days of enactment, DHS must submit a comprehensive plan to Congress detailing:
    • Identification and elimination or consolidation of redundant or non-essential ELO positions, programs, or functions.
    • Realignment of essential ELO functions and personnel under the Partner Engagement directorate of I&A.
    • Measures to improve management and coordination of strategic relationships with priority law enforcement agencies, including:
      • Clear communication protocols
      • Centralized points of contact for engagement
      • Enhanced information-sharing mechanisms
      • Reduction of outreach duplication across DHS components
      • Improved accountability and performance metrics for stakeholder engagement
    • The plan must also cover organizational analysis with cost-benefit estimates, staffing and reassignment proposals, transition timelines, internal oversight, future engagement models, and continuity of intelligence support (e.g., HSIN-INTEL access) for SLTT partners.
  • Certification (Section 2)
    • DHS Secretary must certify, within 60 days after implementation begins, compliance with the plan to Congress.
  • Limitation on Expansion (Section 2)
    • Until the plan is submitted and implementation commences, DHS may not:
    • Expand ELO staffing, budget, or program scope; or
    • Create new DHS offices duplicating the ELO mission or the Partner Engagement directorate without explicit congressional authorization.
  • Definitions (Section 2)
    • ELO Office: Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach within DHS I&A.
    • Priority Law Enforcement Agencies: Federal, state, and local agencies identified as key partners for national security, counterterrorism, emergency response, or other mission-critical operations.
    • SLTT Entity: As defined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: DHS, specifically the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) and its ELO Office.
  • Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and SLTT partners who engage with DHS.
  • Congressional committees: House Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Enactment date: Feb 13, 2026.
  • Plan submission deadline: within 120 days of enactment.
  • Certification of implementation: within 60 days after the plan begins implementation.
  • Interim restrictions: no expansion or creation of duplicative offices until plan submission and certification of commencement.

Potential Impact

  • Potential for clearer, more efficient DHS engagement with priority partners.
  • Reduced duplication of outreach across DHS components.
  • More formalized accountability and measurable performance in stakeholder engagement.
  • Strategic realignment may involve staff reallocations and budget adjustments within DHS, with Congress retaining oversight through the required plan and certification.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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