H.R. 7574: ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026

The ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026 is a piece of legislation that aims to reorganize and realign the Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach Office (ELO Office) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The purpose of this bill is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the ELO Office's operations, particularly in its interactions with law enforcement and other partners.

Reorganization and Realignment Plan

Under this bill, the Secretary of Homeland Security is required to submit a comprehensive reorganization and realignment plan for the ELO Office within 120 days of the bill's enactment. This plan must address the following:

• Identification of redundant or non-essential positions, programs, or functions within the ELO Office.
• Realignment of essential functions and personnel to be integrated within the Partner Engagement directorate of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A).
• Enhancement of management and coordination of strategic relationships with priority law enforcement agencies through:
  • Establishing clear communication protocols.
  • Centralizing points of contact for law enforcement engagement.
  • Enhancing information-sharing mechanisms.
  • Reducing duplication of outreach efforts among various components of DHS.
  • Improving accountability and performance metrics related to stakeholder engagement.

Plan Requirements

The plan must include several specific elements:

• An organizational analysis justifying the reorganization and providing cost-benefit estimates.
• Detailed staffing proposals, including plans for reassignment of personnel.
• A timeline for the transition to the new structure within the I&A.
• Internal oversight mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the plan.
• Recommendations for future engagement models that reduce redundancy and enhance efficiency in managing partnerships with law enforcement agencies.
• Assurance that current intelligence support and resources for state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) entity partners will continue during the transition.

Limitations on Expansion

Until the Secretary of Homeland Security submits and certifies the implementation of the reorganization plan, the bill places restrictions on:

• Expanding the staffing, budget, or programmatic scope of the ELO Office.
• Establishing new offices that duplicate the mission of the ELO Office or the Partner Engagement directorate of I&A, unless authorized by Congress.

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions for key terms used, such as:

• Department: Refers to the Department of Homeland Security.
• ELO Office: The Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach office within the Office of Intelligence and Analysis.
• I&A: The Office of Intelligence and Analysis within DHS.
• SLTT entity: State, local, tribal, and territorial governmental entities.
• Priority law enforcement agencies: Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies identified as key partners.

Certification Requirement

The Secretary of Homeland Security must certify that the implementation of the plan has commenced within 60 days of starting the implementation process.

Relevant Companies

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