James Walkinshaw (D-VA)
Department of Homeland Security Accountability Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 15 Democratic cosponsors · See all 15 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Department of Homeland Security Accountability Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify Congress of any serious injury or death involving individuals in DHS custody. These notifications must include specific details such as the circumstances, nationality, and whether medical assistance was sought. The bill also mandates that the Secretary investigate all such serious bodily injuries and deaths. Investigations must be conducted by employees outside the subject's chain of command and include steps like obtaining autopsies and conducting mortality reviews. Finally, the Secretary must submit a report to appropriate congressional committees within seven days of completing an investigation.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates detailed reporting of serious injuries and deaths in DHS custody to Congress.
- Scored +7
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill provides increased protection and accountability for individuals in DHS custody, often immigrants.
- Scored +6
Does this change how police departments operate?
The bill implements stricter oversight and investigation protocols for use-of-force incidents by DHS personnel.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Congressional Oversight: The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit notifications to appropriate congressional committees and Members of Congress regarding serious bodily injuries or deaths (Section 2(a)). This provides transparency to elected officials about incidents occurring in DHS custody.
-
Standardized Incident Reporting: Notifications must include specific details like the date, time, location, nationality, and the use of force or de-escalation tactics (Section 2(a)(1)-(5)). This ensures that a complete record of the event is established.
-
Impartial Investigations: The bill requires investigations to be conducted by Department employees who are outside the chain of command of the individuals being investigated (Section 2(b)(1)(A)). This aims to prevent bias in the investigative process.
-
Evidence Preservation: The Act requires that video recordings of individuals who suffered serious bodily injury or death be preserved for at least five years after an investigation is completed (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).
-
Accountability for Personnel: The bill mandates that any employee who inflicted serious bodily injury or used lethal force be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
-
Medical Standard Reviews: Investigations must include a review of medical assistance provided to ensure treatment complied with Department standards (Section 2(b)(1)(E)-(F)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Impact on Employees: Employees of the Department who are involved in an incident involving serious bodily injury or lethal force will be placed on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates detailed reporting of serious injuries and deaths in DHS custody to Congress. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill increases procedural protections and oversight for individuals held in DHS custody. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal oversight and reporting requirements for DHS actions.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill provides increased protection and accountability for individuals in DHS custody, often immigrants.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill implements stricter oversight and investigation protocols for use-of-force incidents by DHS personnel.
- 7/7/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- 6/9/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/2/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 13 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
J. CorreaDemocrat · California
Troy CarterDemocrat · Louisiana
Al GreenDemocrat · Texas
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Pablo HernándezDemocrat · Puerto Rico
Julie JohnsonDemocrat · Texas
Raja KrishnamoorthiDemocrat · Illinois
Timothy KennedyDemocrat · New York
Jennifer McClellanDemocrat · Virginia
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey
Analilia MejiaDemocrat · New Jersey
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Suhas SubramanyamDemocrat · Virginia
Bennie ThompsonDemocrat · Mississippi
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan