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Bill

S 5331

Protect American Values Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Bennet and 15 co-sponsors

Prohibits federal funds from implementing or enforcing the DHS Public Charge rule and related guidance.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5331

Overview

  • Bill: S.5331 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)
  • Title: Protect American Values Act of 2026
  • Purpose: Prohibit the use of any Federal funds to implement or support the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule titled “Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility,” along with related guidance or sub-regulatory policies.
  • Introduced: August 6, 2026
  • Primary sponsor: Senator Mazie Hirono (with a broad group of co-sponsors)

What the bill would do

  • Prohibition on Federal Funding:
    • Section 3 would block all Federal funds (including fees) for any fiscal year from being used to implement, administer, enforce, or carry out the DHS rule known as the “Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility,” including any related guidance or sub-regulatory policy that implements or clarifies that rule.
  • Short title:
    • Section 1 designates the bill as the “Protect American Values Act of 2026.”
  • Sense of Congress:
    • Section 2 states a set of interpretations and beliefs the sponsors wish to express, including:
    • Immigrants and their families are integral to the nation.
    • Access to health care, food, and housing for immigrant and mixed-status families supports community health and stability.
    • The DHS Public Charge rule is described as dangerous, potentially reducing access to essential services and creating uncertainty for those seeking lawful permanent residency.
    • The rule could harm state/local economies and place burdens on health and service providers, and could have downstream and upstream negative impacts on economies, public health, and vulnerable populations.
    • The rule is seen as an overreach that circumvents long-standing immigration law and policies.

Who would be affected

  • The primary impact would be federal agencies and programs that fund or implement the DHS Public Charge rule and any related guidance.
  • By blocking federal funds, the bill aims to prevent DHS from finalizing or enforcing the Public Charge inadmissibility standard and from issuing related sub-regulatory guidance.
  • Indirectly, the measure would affect individuals seeking admission to the United States or adjusting status if the rule were tied to their eligibility for public benefits.

Key provisions and changes

  • No-funding directive:
    • A categorical prohibition on using federal funds for the DHS Public Charge rule and any implementing guidance.
  • Scope:
    • The restriction explicitly mentions the rule published at 91 Fed. Reg. 45324 (July 20, 2026) and any associated guidance or sub-regulatory policies.
  • Policy emphasis:
    • The bill frames the issue within a broader policy debate about immigrant protection, public health, and the potential economic and social impacts of the Public Charge rule.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status:
    • Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Legislative path:
    • As a Senate bill, it would need committee consideration, followed by floor passage in the Senate, and then potential conference with the House (if similar legislation is advanced there) and final enactment.
  • Immediate effect if enacted:
    • The federal funds block would apply to any fiscal year in which the rule or its implementing guidance would otherwise be funded, effectively halting federal support for the rule.

Additional context

  • The sponsors emphasize protecting immigrant families and public health, arguing that the Public Charge rule would create barriers to essential services and economic disruption.
  • Co-sponsors include a broad cross-section of senators, indicating substantial legislative interest in opposing the rule and safeguarding access to benefits for immigrants and mixed-status families.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the DHS Public Charge rule as proposed (or final rule text) and a plain-language implications briefing for affected programs and communities.

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

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