Protect American Values Act of 2026

S. 5331 would bar the use of any federal funds, including fees, to implement, administer, or enforce the Department of Homeland Security's "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility" rule (published July 20, 2026), or any related guidance interpreting that rule. It also states Congress's view that the rule threatens immigrant and mixed-status families' access to food, medical care, and housing, and could harm state and local economies and health systems.

The bill would primarily affect immigrants going through the lawful permanent resident adjustment process, along with their families, and the federal agencies (chiefly DHS) responsible for applying the public charge rule. By cutting off funding for the rule's enforcement, it would also indirectly affect state and local service providers and health systems that the bill's sponsors say are burdened by the rule.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 6, 2026, by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) along with 15 cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet been voted on; it would need to pass committee review, both chambers of Congress, and be signed by the President before becoming law.

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