Legislative Update on the President’s Budget, Executive Orders on Drones, and IACP Letters of Support

FY 2026 President’s Budget Request

On May 30, the president released the proposed budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. Each year, the administration submits a budget request to Congress outlining spending levels and policy priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. This request shapes the initial budget discussions in Congress and sets the stage for funding decisions across federal agencies and programs.

While Congress ultimately determines final appropriations for FY 2026, the president’s budget serves as an important blueprint for legislative negotiations. You can review the full budget request by clicking here.

Key Proposals Impacting State, Tribal, and Local Law Enforcement

Justice Department

The budget proposes consolidating nearly all state and local law enforcement assistance programs under the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), including these:

• COPS Office, encompassing
  • COPS Hiring Program
  • Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives
• Office on Violence Against Women
• Office of Tribal Justice

Additionally, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program would be transferred from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to OJP.

Justice Department Assistance Funding

The president’s request includes the following allocations:

• Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG): $446 million, with $87.5 million in designated carveouts, including
  • $13 million for the VALOR officer safety program
  • $40 million for Project Safe Neighborhoods
• COPS Hiring Program: $180 million—down nearly $73 million from FY 2025—with $10 million earmarked for officer wellness programs
• Body-Worn Camera Grants: Zeroed out in this proposal
• Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP): $30 million
• Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP): $37 million
• STOP School Violence Grants: $110 million

Proposed ATF and DEA Merger

The administration’s budget includes a proposal to merge the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) into the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Administration contends that consolidation would streamline federal drug and firearms enforcement.

However, members of Congress have raised concerns about the potential impact on mission clarity, resource distribution, and ATF’s specialized support for local agencies in firearms tracing and explosives investigations.

Homeland Security 

The DHS budget maintains funding for key preparedness grants but introduces a new 25 percent nonfederal cost match requirement for both of the following:

• State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP): $351 million

• Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): $426.5 million

   

Ongoing Updates

As Congress reviews the budget, holds hearings, and drafts appropriations bills, the IACP will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the process unfolds.

Executive Orders on Drones

Executive Order: Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty

Issued on June 6, this order aims to strengthen national airspace security by addressing threats from unauthorized drone activity. It establishes a federal task force, expands enforcement authorities, and directs FAA, DOJ, and DHS to support state, local, tribal, and territorial policing partners with tools, data access, and guidance. 

Executive Order: Unleashing American Drone Dominance

Also issued on June 6, this order aims to accelerate U.S. drone innovation and use. It directs federal agencies to expand Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, support domestic manufacturing, and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The order also expands UAS training opportunities and promotes drone exports through updated trade policies and financing tools.

IACP Recently Supported Legislation

The IACP has recently submitted letters of support for six legislative proposals:

• Qualified Immunity Act of 2025 (S. 122/H.R. 503)
• Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act (H.R.3304)
• Educational and Career Opportunities for Public Safety (S.1752)
• Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 (S. 237/H.R. 1269)
• Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025 (S. 180)
• Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act (S.419)

Upcoming Congressional Hearings

• Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing: Scammers Exposed: Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Crime Networks
  10:15 AM ET | 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Livestream Link

   

Stay Engaged! 

The IACP remains committed to ensuring the voice of the policing profession is heard at the highest levels of government. The IACP’s advocacy is grounded in the needs of those serving on the front lines.

We will continue to keep you informed as advocacy efforts progress and new opportunities arise. If you have any questions about the IACP’s advocacy efforts or would like to connect further, please contact the IACP’s Legislative Affairs team at [email protected].