Contact Congress about H.R. 7119: DHS Use of Force Oversight Act

DHS law enforcement officers would have to follow one department-wide policy on force and deescalation. The bill also requires training, internal reviews, and public reports on serious force incidents. It would ban chokeholds and carotid restraints in the listed arrest situations.

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DHS Use of Force Oversight Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Latest action on H.R. 7119: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects DHS law enforcement officers and agents, because it changes the rules they must follow when using force and the training they must complete. It also affects people who interact with DHS officers, DHS agencies that must collect and report the data, Congress, and the DHS Inspector General, which would keep reviewing compliance.

Why this matters: This bill matters because DHS law enforcement agencies could be pushed to follow the same force rules, training standards, and review process instead of using uneven practices across the department. It could make force decisions more focused on deescalation and make serious incidents easier for Congress and the public to track. Its real effect on safety, accountability, and day-to-day enforcement would depend on how DHS writes the policy and carries it out.

Key provisions in H.R. 7119

• DHS would have to use one force and deescalation policy across the whole department. That rule would apply to all DHS law enforcement officers and agents.
• Officers could use force only when it is objectively reasonable under all the facts. They should give a verbal warning and identify themselves first when they can.
• DHS officers and agents could not use chokeholds or carotid restraints in these listed cases. The ban applies when they are trying to control people who are resisting arrest but not complying.
• The policy would have to say deescalation is the preferred response. Officers and agents would also need first-time and repeat training on all force options, including deescalation.
• Each DHS component with law enforcement personnel would have to name a subject-matter expert. That person would help make sure the component follows the policy.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 7119

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 7119

What is H.R. 7119?

DHS law enforcement officers would have to follow one department-wide policy on force and deescalation. The bill also requires training, internal reviews, and public reports on serious force incidents. It would ban chokeholds and carotid restraints in the listed arrest situations.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 7119?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 7119?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 7119 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.