ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026 passed the House 150 days after introduction and awaits a vote in the Senate

ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a comprehensive plan to reorganize its Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach (ELO) Office and submit such plan to Congress. The bill also limits certain DHS actions until DHS submits the plan to Congress and certifies that it is being implemented. ELO is part of DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). ELO manages strategic relationships with I&A’s international stakeholders and federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners, including by facilitating intelligence and information sharing. Under the bill, the plan must identify redundant or non-essential positions, programs, or functions within ELO; specify how reorganization of ELO will address such redundant or non-essential positions, programs, or functions; realign essential functions and personnel of ELO within the Partner Engagement directorate of I&A; and improve the management and coordination of strategic relationships with priority law enforcement agencies. Until DHS submits this plan to Congress and certifies that it is being implemented, DHS may not (1) expand the staffing, budget, or programmatic scope of ELO; or (2) establish new offices duplicating the mission of ELO or the Partner Engagement directorate without congressional authorization.