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H.R. 6594: REUNITE Act

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H.R. 6594: REUNITE Act

115th Congress · introduced 2018-07-26 · Immigration · Latest: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2018-07-26 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
  4. Where it stands now: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

REUNITE Act

Plain summary

Reunite Every Unaccompanied Newborn Infant, Toddler and other children Expeditiously Act or the REUNITE Act This bill directs the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Health and Human Services (HHS), after consultation with humanitarian organizations, child welfare agencies, and states bordering Mexico, to promulgate and publish a rule describing efforts that DHS and HHS will undertake to aid apprehended parents or legal guardians in locating and reuniting with any children (under age 18 with no permanent immigration status) separated from them at or near the port of entry, or within 100 miles of the border. DHS, HHS, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must provide apprehended parents or legal guardians separated from their children with written notice, in a language understandable to them, of any rules or guidance that may assist them in locating and reuniting with their children. The bill permits DHS and HHS to use DNA testing to determine family relationships subject to certain requirements, after using other commonly-used techniques for determining such relationships. DHS must establish secure alternative programs that incorporate case management services in each DHS field office to ensure appearances by alien parents and children at immigration proceedings and public safety and to provide for community-based alternatives to detention. DHS, DOJ, and HHS shall establish an interagency Office for Locating and Reuniting Children with Parents for facilitating the reunification of children and apprehended parents or legal guardians after entering the United States. The bill requires DOJ to appoint counsel, free of charge, for children and vulnerable aliens (e.g., persons with disabilities and victims of abuse, torture, or violence) in immigration proceedings. The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to limit bonds for detained aliens to $1,500, except for aliens who have committed an aggravated felony (as defined by the INA).

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

REUNITE Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)

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The strongest published arguments

Arguments for (supporters)

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Arguments against (opponents)

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13] · 39 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Grace Meng (D-NY), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Adam Smith (D-WA), Janice D. Schakowsky (D-IL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)

Sponsor's campaign money: Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13] reported raising $2.9 million (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (4)
Bill
A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Bond
A way to borrow money. A government sells bonds to raise money now and promises to pay it back with interest over time. Bonds repaid from taxes often need voter approval.
Rulemaking
The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.
Securities
Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong115-hr6594 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong115 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong115