Security First Act

# Security First Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Security First Act would extend funding for Operation Stonegarden, a federal grant program that helps state, local, and tribal governments strengthen border security, through 2028. Rather than relying on traditional budget appropriations, the bill would fund this program using money from unreported monetary instruments (cash and valuables) seized from people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. This redirects funds already being collected into the DHS budget without requiring new congressional spending votes. **Key Requirements and Impact** The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide Congress with three main reports: details about its hiring practices from 2018-2024, an assessment of whether certain criminal gangs and Mexican drug cartels should be officially designated as foreign terrorist organizations, and ongoing updates about technology needs for securing the U.S.-Mexico border.

These provisions aim to increase oversight and transparency of border security operations. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.