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Union Calendar No. 604
116th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 116-720
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
116TH CONGRESS
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
January 2, 2021.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
116TH CONGRESS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union Calendar No. 604
116th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 116-720
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
116TH CONGRESS
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
January 2, 2021.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
42-840 WASHINGTON : 2021
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC, January 2, 2021.
Hon. Cheryl L. Johnson,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
The Capitol, Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Johnson: Pursuant to Rule X and clause 1(d) of
Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, attached
please find the report of the legislative and oversight
activities of the Committee on Homeland Security during the
116th Congress.
Sincerely,
Bennie G. Thompson,
Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Jurisdiction..................................................... 3
Membership and Organization...................................... 5
History.......................................................... 7
Legislative Activities of the Committee.......................... 19
Oversight Activities............................................. 89
Full Committee............................................... 89
Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations 113
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Innovation................................................. 123
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery................................................... 133
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism............ 141
Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability.... 151
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security......... 157
Committee Oversight Plan
Part A, Oversight Plan as Agreed to.......................... 165
Part B, Implementation of the Oversight Plan................. 173
Appendices
Appendix I--Committee Rules.................................. 185
Appendix II--Membership Changes to the Committee............. 197
Appendix III--List of Public Laws............................ 203
Appendix IV--Committee Legislative Reports................... 205
Appendix V--Executive Communications, Memorials, and
Presidential Messages...................................... 213
Appendix VI--Committee Staff................................. 217
Appendix VII--Witnesses...................................... 221
Appendix VIII--Printed Hearings.............................. 241
Appendix IX--Committee Prints................................ 247
Appendix X--Summary of Community Activities.................. 249
Union Calendar No. 604
116th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 116-720
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
_______
January 2, 2021.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State
of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Thompson, from the Committee on Homeland Security,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
Overview
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 30, 2019,
for an organizational meeting for the 116th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The
Committee Membership was set at 31 Members with 18 Democrats
and 13 Republicans. Subsequently, the Committee Membership was
updated to 32 Members with 18 Democrats and 14 Republicans.
The Committee established six subcommittees: The
Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations;
the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection,
and Innovation; the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Recovery; the Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism; the Subcommittee on Oversight, Management,
and Accountability; and the Subcommittee on Transportation and
Maritime Security.
Jurisdiction
The Committee on Homeland Security was re-established in
the 116th Congress pursuant to H. Res. 6, the Rules of the
House of Representatives for the 116th Congress, agreed to on
January 9, 2019. The jurisdiction of the Committee is as
follows:
HOUSE RULE X
organization of committees
Committees and their legislative jurisdictions
1. There shall be in the House the following standing committees,
each of which shall have the jurisdiction and related functions
assigned by this clause and clauses 2, 3, and 4. All bills,
resolutions, and other matters relating to subjects within the
jurisdiction of the standing committees listed in this clause shall be
referred to those committees, in accordance with clause 2 of rule XII,
as follows:
* * * * *
(j) Committee on Homeland Security.
(1) Overall homeland security policy.
(2) Organization, administration, and general management of the
Department of Homeland Security.
(3) Functions of the Department of Homeland Security relating to
the following:
(A) Border and port security (except immigration policy and
non-border enforcement).
(B) Customs (except customs revenue).
(C) Integration, analysis, and dissemination of homeland
security information.
(D) Domestic preparedness for and collective response to
terrorism.
(E) Research and development.
(F) Transportation security.
* * * * *
General oversight responsibilities
2. (a) The various standing committees shall have general oversight
responsibilities as provided in paragraph (b) in order to assist the
House in
(1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of--
(A) the application, administration, execution, and
effectiveness of Federal laws; and
(B) conditions and circumstances that may indicate the
necessity or Desirability of enacting new or additional legislation;
and
(2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of changes in
Federal laws, and of such additional legislation as may be necessary or
appropriate.
(b)(1) In order to determine whether laws and programs addressing
subjects within the jurisdiction of a committee are being implemented
and carried out in accordance with the intent of Congress and whether
they should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated, each standing
committee (other than the Committee on Appropriations) shall review and
study on a continuing basis--
(A) the application, administration, execution, and
effectiveness of laws and programs addressing subjects within its
jurisdiction;
(B) the organization and operation of Federal agencies and
entities having responsibilities for the administration and execution
of laws and programs addressing subjects within its jurisdiction;
(C) any conditions or circumstances that may indicate the
necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional legislation
addressing subjects within its jurisdiction (whether or not a bill or
resolution has been introduced with respect thereto); and
(D) future research and forecasting on subjects within its
jurisdiction.
(2) Each committee to which subparagraph (1) applies having more
than 20 members shall establish an oversight subcommittee, or require
its subcommittees to conduct oversight in their respective
jurisdictions, to assist in carrying out its responsibilities under
this clause. The establishment of an oversight subcommittee does not
limit the responsibility of a subcommittee with legislative
jurisdiction in carrying out its oversight responsibilities.
(c) Each standing committee shall review and study on a
continuing basis the impact or probable impact of tax policies
affecting subjects within its jurisdiction as described in clauses 1
and 3.
(d)(1) Not later than February 15 of the first session of a
Congress, each standing committee shall, in a meeting that is open to
the public and with a quorum present, adopt its oversight plan for that
Congress. Such plan shall be submitted simultaneously to the Committee
on Government Reform and to the Committee on House Administration. In
developing its plan each committee shall, to the maximum extent
feasible--
(A) consult with other committees that have jurisdiction over the
same or related laws, programs, or agencies within its jurisdiction
with the objective of ensuring maximum coordination and cooperation
among committees when conducting reviews of such laws, programs, or
agencies and include in its plan an explanation of steps that have been
or will be taken to ensure such coordination and cooperation;
(B) review specific problems with Federal rules, regulations,
statutes, and court decisions that are ambiguous, arbitrary, or
nonsensical, or that impose severe financial burdens on individuals;
(C) give priority consideration to including in its plan the
review of those laws, programs, or agencies operating under permanent
budget authority or permanent statutory authority;
(D) have a view toward ensuring that all significant laws,
programs, or agencies within its jurisdiction are subject to review
every 10 years; and
(E) have a view toward insuring against duplication of Federal
programs.
(2) Not later than March 31 in the first session of a Congress,
after consultation with the Speaker, the Majority Leader, and the
Minority Leader, the Committee on Government Reform shall report to the
House the oversight plans submitted by committees together with any
recommendations that it, or the House leadership group described above,
may make to ensure the most effective coordination of oversight plans
and otherwise to achieve the objectives of this clause.
(e) The Speaker, with the approval of the House, may appoint
special ad hoc oversight committees for the purpose of reviewing
specific matters within the jurisdiction of two or more standing
committees.
* * * * *
Special oversight functions
3. (g)(1) The Committee on Homeland Security shall review and study
on a continuing basis all Government activities relating to homeland
security, including the interaction of all departments and agencies
with the Department of Homeland Security.
(2) In addition, the committee shall review and study on a primary
and continuing basis all Government activities, programs and
organizations related to homeland security that fall within its primary
legislative jurisdiction.
Membership and Organization of the Committee on Homeland Security
(18-14)
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Michael T. Mccaul, Texas Donald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey
John Katko, New York Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Mark Walker, North Carolina J. Luis Correa, California
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Max Rose, New York
Mark Green, Tennessee Lauren Underwood, Illinois
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Dina Titus, Nevada
Mike Garcia, California Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Val Butler Demings, Florida
VACANT
----------
Appointment of Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi as Chair,
and Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama as Ranking Minority Member on
January 3, 2017, pursuant to H. Res. 24 and H. Res. 25,
respectively.
Appointment of Majority and Minority Members of the Committee on
January 23, 2019, pursuant to H. Res. 67 and H. Res. 68,
respectively.
Resignation of Mr. John Ratcliffe of Texas from the Committee on
September 25, 2019.
Appointment of Mr. Dan Bishop of North Carolina to the Committee
on September 26, 2019, pursuant to H. Res. 596.
Resignation of Mr. Van Taylor of Texas from the Committee on
January 15, 2020. Appointment of Mr. Jefferson Van Drew of
New Jersey to the Committee on January 16, 2020, pursuant to
H. Res. 801.
Appointment of Mr. Mike Garcia of California to the Committee on
July 30, 2020, pursuant to H. Res. 1072.
Resignation of Mr. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana from the
Committee on September 22, 2020.
----------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER SECURITY, FACILITATION, AND OPERATIONS
Kathleen M. Rice, New York,
Chairwoman
Clay Higgins, Louisiana, Ranking Membernald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey
Debbie Lesko, Arizona J. Luis Correa, California
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND
INNOVATION
Lauren Underwood, Illinois,
Chairwoman
John Katko, New York, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Mark Walker, North Carolina James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Mark Green, Tennessee Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) VACANT
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Donald M. Payne Jr., New Jersey,
Chairman
Peter T. King, New York, Ranking Memberx Rose, New York
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) VACANT
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM
Max Rose, New York, Chairman
Mark Walker, North Carolina, Ranking Member Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Mark Green, Tennessee Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico,
Chairwoman
Dan Crenshaw, Texas, Ranking Member Dina Titus, Nevada
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
J. Luis Correa, California,
Chairman
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
John Katko, New York Dina Titus, Nevada
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Mark Green, Tennessee Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Val Butler Deming, Florida
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
History of the Committee on Homeland Security
Select Committees on Homeland Security
107th Congress
In the 107th Congress, the House Select Committee on
Homeland Security was established on June 19, 2002, pursuant to
H. Res. 449 (adopted by voice vote).
The Committee was composed of nine Members of the House:
Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Armey of Texas, Chairman; Mr. Thomas DeLay
of Texas; Mr. Julius Caesar ``J.C.'' Watts of Oklahoma; Ms.
Deborah Pryce of Ohio; Mr. Robert Portman of Ohio; Ms. Nancy
Pelosi of California; Mr. Jonas Martin Frost of Texas; Mr.
Robert Menendez of New Jersey; and Ms. Rosa L. DeLauro of
Connecticut.
The mandate of the Select Committee in the 107th Congress
was to ``develop recommendations and report to the House on
such matters that relate to the establishment of a department
of homeland security.'' The Select Committee accomplished its
mandate on November 22, 2002, when the House concurred in the
Senate amendment to H.R. 5005, a bill establishing the
Department of Homeland Security, by unanimous consent, and
cleared H.R. 5005 for the President. The bill was presented to
the President on November 22, 2002, and was signed on November
25, 2002, becoming Public Law 107-296.
The termination date of the House Select Committee on
Homeland Security was ``after final disposition of a bill [ . .
. ] including final disposition of any veto message on such
bill,'' which occurred on November 25, 2002.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 107-296................. The Homeland H.R. 5005
Security Act of
2002.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
108th Congress
The second House Select Committee on Homeland Security was
established in the 108th Congress on January 7, 2003, pursuant
to provisions of H. Res. 5 (adopted by a recorded vote of 221
yeas and 203 nays).
The Membership of the Select Committee was established on
February 12, 2003, as: Mr. Christopher Cox of California,
Chairman; Ms. Jennifer Dunn of Washington; Mr. Bill Young of
Florida; Mr. Don Young of Alaska; Mr. F. James Sensenbrenner,
Jr. of Wisconsin; Mr. Wilbert Joseph ``Billy'' Tauzin of
Louisiana; Mr. David Dreier of California; Mr. Duncan Hunter of
California; Mr. Harold Rogers of Kentucky; Mr. Sherwood
Boehlert of New York; Mr. Lamar Smith of Texas; Mr. Wayne
Curtis ``Curt'' Weldon of Pennsylvania; Mr. Christopher Shays
of Connecticut; Mr. Porter J. Goss of Florida; Mr. David Camp
of Michigan; Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida; Mr. Robert W.
Goodlatte of Virginia; Mr. Ernest James Istook, Jr. of
Oklahoma; Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. John E. Linder of
Georgia; Mr. John B. Shadegg of Arizona; Mr. Mark E. Souder of
Indiana; Mr. William McClellan ``Mac'' Thornberry of Texas; Mr.
James A. Gibbons of Nevada; Ms. Kay Granger of Texas; Mr. Pete
Sessions of Texas; Mr. John E. Sweeney of New York; Mr. Jim
Turner of Texas; Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms.
Loretta Sanchez of California; Mr. Edward J. Markey of
Massachusetts; Mr. Norman D. Dicks of Washington; Mr. Barney
Frank of Massachusetts; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr.
Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland; Ms. Louise M. Slaughter of New
York; Mr. Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon; Mrs. Nita M. Lowey of New
York; Mr. Robert E. Andrews of New Jersey; Ms. Eleanor Holmes
Norton, a Delegate from the District of Columbia; Ms. Zoe
Lofgren of California; Ms. Karen McCarthy of Missouri; Ms.
Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New
Jersey; Mrs. Donna M. Christensen, a Delegate from the U.S.
Virgin Islands; Mr. Bob Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr.
Charles Gonzalez of Texas; Mr. Ken Lucas of Kentucky; Mr. James
R. Langevin of Rhode Island; and Mr. Kendrick B. Meek of
Florida.
The Select Committee was authorized to develop
recommendations and report to the House by bill or otherwise on
such matters that relate to the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(Public Law 107-296) as may be referred to it by the Speaker,
and was charged with reviewing and studying on a continuing
basis laws, programs, and Government activities relating to
homeland security. In addition, the Select Committee was
directed to conduct a thorough and complete study of the
operation and implementation of the Rules of the House,
including Rule X, with respect to the issue of homeland
security, and submit its recommendations regarding any changes
in the Rules of the House to the Committee on Rules not later
than September 30, 2004.
On September 30, 2004, the Select Committee on Homeland
Security submitted its recommendations on jurisdictional
changes to the Rules of the House of Representatives to the
Committee on Rules.
The Committee had six measures signed into law during the
108th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 108-136................. National Defense H.R. 1588
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2004.
Pub. L. 108-268................. To provide for the H.R. 4322
transfer of the
Nebraska Avenue
Naval Complex in
the District of
Columbia to
facilitate the
establishment of
the headquarters
for the
Department of
Homeland
Security, to
provide for the
acquisition by
the Department of
the Navy of
suitable
replacement
facilities.
Pub. L. 108-276................. Project BioShield S. 15 (H.R. 2122)
Act of 2004.
Pub. L. 108-293................. Coast Guard and H.R. 2443
Maritime
Transportation
Act of 2004.
Pub. L. 108-330................. Department of H.R. 4259
Homeland Security
Financial
Accountability
Act.
Pub. L. 108-458................. Intelligence S. 2845 (H.R.
Reform and 5223)
Terrorism
Prevention Act of
2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
Pursuant to H. Res. 5, the Select Committee terminated on
January 2, 2005, with the expiration of the 108th Congress.
Committees on Homeland Security
109th Congress
The 109th Congress marked the first Congress for the
standing Committee on Homeland Security. During the two
previous Congresses, the House of Representatives established
separate Select Committees on Homeland Security: the first to
establish the Department of Homeland Security, the second to
monitor the initial activities of the Department and to examine
the need for a standing committee in the House with
jurisdictional authority over matters relating to the issue of
homeland security.
The Committee on Homeland Security was established as a
standing Committee of the House with the passage of H. Res. 5,
on January 4, 2005. The resolution was adopted by a recorded
vote of 220 yeas and 195 nays.
The Committee Membership was set at 34 Members with 19
Republicans and 15 Democrats. The following Members were
appointed to the Committee on Homeland Security for all or part
of the Congress: Mr. Christopher Cox of California; Mr. Peter
T. King of New York; Mr. Don Young of Alaska; Mr. Lamar S.
Smith of Texas; Mr. Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania; Mr.
Christopher Shays of Connecticut; Mr. John Linder of Georgia;
Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia; Mr.
Daniel E. Lungren of California; Mr. Jim Gibbons of Nevada; Mr.
Rob Simmons of Connecticut; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama; Mr.
Stevan Pearce of New Mexico; Ms. Katherine Harris of Florida;
Mr. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana; Mr. David G. Reichert of
Washington; Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent
of Pennsylvania; Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida; Mr. Bennie
G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California;
Mr. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts; Mr. Norman D. Dicks of
Washington; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr. Peter A. DeFazio
of Oregon; Ms. Nita M. Lowey of New York; Ms. Eleanor Holmes
Norton of District of Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California;
Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. Bill Pascrell of Jr., New
Jersey; Ms. Donna M. Christensen of U.S. Virgin Islands; Mr.
Bob Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr. James R. Langevin of Rhode
Island; and Mr. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida.
On February 9, 2005, the Committee on Homeland Security
adopted its Rules, which provided for the establishment of five
Subcommittees. The Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attack; the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment; the
Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection,
and Cybersecurity; the Subcommittee on Management, Integration,
and Oversight; and the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Science, and Technology.
On October 7, 2005, the Committee revised its Rules to
establish a Subcommittee on Investigations.
The Committee had eight measures signed into law during the
109th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 109-13.................. Emergency H.R. 1268
Supplemental
Appropriations
Act for Defense,
the Global War on
Terror, and
Tsunami Relief,
2005.
Pub. L. 109-59.................. Safe, Accountable, H.R. 3
Flexible,
Efficient
Transportation
Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users .
Pub. L. 109-163................. National Defense H.R. 1815
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2006.
Pub. L. 109-241................. Coast Guard and H.R. 889
Maritime
Transportation
Act of 2006.
Pub. L. 109-295................. Department of H.R. 5441
Homeland Security
Appropriations
Act, 2007.
Pub. L. 109-347................. SAFE Port Act..... H.R. 4954
Pub. L. 109-364................. John Warner H.R. 5122
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2007.
Pub. L. 109-367................. Secure Fence Act H.R. 6061
of 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
110th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 4, 2007, by a record vote of 235 yeas and
195 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 23, 2007,
for an organizational meeting for the 110th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The
Committee Membership was set at 34 Members with 19 Democrats
and 15 Republicans. The following Members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
California; Mr. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts; Mr. Norman
D. Dicks of Washington; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr.
Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon; Mrs. Nita M. Lowey of New York; Ms.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Delegate from the District of
Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California; Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee
of Texas; Mrs. Donna M. Christensen, a Delegate from the U.S.
Virgin Islands; Mr. Bob Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr. James
R. Langevin of Rhode Island; Mr. Henry Cuellar of Texas; Mr.
Christopher P. Carney of Pennsylvania; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of
New York; Mr. Al Green of Texas; Mr. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado;
Mr. Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr. Peter T. King of New
York; Mr. Lamar Smith of Texas; Mr. Christopher Shays of
Connecticut; Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. Tom Davis of
Virginia; Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California; Mr. Mike Rogers
of Alabama; Mr. David G. Reichert of Washington; Mr. Michael T.
McCaul of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent of Pennsylvania; Ms. Ginny
Brown-Waite of Florida; Mr. Gus M. Bilirakis of Florida; Mr.
David Davis of Tennessee; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs.
Candice S. Miller of Michigan; Mrs. Marsha Blackburn of
Tennessee; Mr. Kevin McCarthy of California; and Mr. Bobby
Jindal of Louisiana.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism;
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection; the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology;
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response; and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
The Committee had four measures signed into law during the
110th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laws Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 110-53.................. Implementing H.R. 1
Recommendations
of the 9/11
Commission Act of
2007.
Pub. L. 110-181................. National Defense H.R. 4986 (H.R.
Authorization Act 1585)
for Fiscal Year
2008.
Pub. L. 110-388................. A bill to provide S. 2816
for the
appointment of
the Chief Human
Capital Officer
of the Department
of Homeland
Security by the
Secretary of
Homeland
Security..
Pub. L. 110-412................. Personnel H.R. 6098
Reimbursement for
Intelligence
Cooperation and
Enhancement of
Homeland Security
Act of 2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
111th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 6, 2009, by a record vote of 235 yeas and
195 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on February 4, 2009,
for an organizational meeting for the 111th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The
Committee Membership was set at 34 Members with 21 Democrats
and 13 Republicans. The following Members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez, of
California; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr. Peter A. DeFazio
of Oregon; Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton a Delegate from the
District of Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California; Ms. Sheila
Jackson-Lee of Texas; Mr. Henry Cuellar of Texas; Mr.
Christopher P. Carney of Pennsylvania; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of
New York; Ms. Laura Richardson of California; Mrs. Ann
Kirkpatrick of Arizona; Mr. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico; Mr.
Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr. Emmanuel Cleaver of
Missouri; Mr. Al Green of Texas; Mr. James A. Himes of
Connecticut; Ms. Mary Jo Kilroy of Ohio; Mr. Eric J.J. Massa of
New York; Ms. Dina Titus of Nevada; Mr. William L. Owens of New
York; Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. Lamar Smith of Texas;
Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of
California; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama; Mr. Michael T. McCaul
of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent of Pennsylvania; Mr. Gus M.
Bilirakis of Florida; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs.
Candice S. Miller of Michigan; Mr. Pete Olson of Texas; Mr. Anh
``Joseph'' Cao of Louisiana; Mr. Steve Austria of Ohio; and Mr.
Tom Graves of Georgia.
The Committee established six subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism;
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection; the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology;
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response; and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
The Committee had 14 measures signed into law during the
111th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laws Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 111-84.................. National Defense H.R. 2647
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2010.
Pub. L. 111-140................. Nuclear Forensics H.R. 730
and Attribution
Act.
Pub. L. 111-145................. United States H.R. 1299
Capitol Police
Administrative
Technical
Corrections Act
of 2009.
Pub. L. 111-198................. Homebuyer H.R. 5623
Assistance and
Improvement Act
of 2010.
Pub. L. 111-207................. Cruise Vessel H.R. 3360
Security and
Safety Act of
2010.
Pub. L. 111-245................. First Responder H.R. 3978
Anti-Terrorism
Training
Resources Act.
Pub. L. 111-252................. To allow certain H.R. 1517
U.S. Customs and
Border Protection
employees who
serve under an
overseas limited
appointment for
at least 2 years,
and whose service
is rated fully
successful or
higher throughout
that time, to be
converted to a
permanent
appointment in
the competitive
service.
Pub. L. 111-258................. Reducing Over- H.R. 553
Classification
Act.
Pub. L. 111-259................. Intelligence H.R. 2701
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2010.
Pub. L. 111-271................. Redundancy H.R. 3980
Elimination and
Enhanced
Performance for
Preparedness
Grants Act.
Pub. L. 111-281................. Coast Guard H.R. 3619
Authorization Act
of 2010.
Pub. L. 111-356................. Northern Border H.R. 4748
Counternarcotics
Strategy Act of
2010.
Pub. L. 111-376................. Anti-Border S. 3243
Corruption Act of
2010.
Pub. L. 111-383................. Ike Skelton H.R. 6523
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2011.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
112th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 5, 2011, by a record vote of 238 yeas and
191 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 26, 2011,
for an organizational meeting for the 112th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Peter T. King of New York.
The Committee Membership was set at 33 Members with 19
Republicans and 14 Democrats. The following Members were
appointed to the Committee on Homeland Security for all or part
of the Congress: Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. Lamar Smith
of Texas; Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California; Mr. Mike Rogers
of Alabama; Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Gus M.
Bilirakis of Florida; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs.
Candice S. Miller of Michigan; Mr. Tim Walberg of Michigan; Mr.
Chip Cravaack of Minnesota; Mr. Joe Walsh of Illinois; Mr.
Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania; Mr. Benjamin Quayle of Arizona;
Mr. Scott Rigell of Virginia; Mr. Billy Long of Missouri; Mr.
Jeff Duncan of South Carolina; Mr. Tom Marino of Pennsylvania;
Mr. Blake Farenthold of Texas; Mr. Mo Brooks of Alabama; and
Mr. Robert L. Turner of New York; Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of
Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California; Ms. Jane Harman
of California; Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. Henry
Cuellar of Texas; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of New York; Ms. Laura
Richardson of California; Mrs. Donna M. Christensen a Delegate
from the U.S. Virgin Islands; Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois;
Mr. Brian Higgins of New York; Ms. Jackie Speier of California;
Mr. Cedric L. Richmond of Louisiana; Mr. Hansen Clarke of
Michigan; Mr. William R. Keating of Massachusetts; Ms. Kathleen
C. Hochul of New York; Ms. Janice Hahn of California; and Mr.
Ron Barber of Arizona.
The Committee established six subcommittees: The
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security; the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and
Management; the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications; the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security; and the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence.
The Committee had 10 measures signed into law during the
112th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 112-54.................. Asia-Pacific S. 1487
Economic (H.R. 2042)
Cooperation
Business Travel
Cards Act of 2011.
Pub. L. 112-81.................. National Defense H.R. 1540
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2012.
Pub. L. 112-86.................. Risk-Based H.R. 1801
Security
Screening for
Members of the
Armed Forces Act.
Pub. L. 112-127................. Border Tunnel H.R. 4119
Prevention Act of
2012.
Pub. L. 112-171................. To require the H.R. 3670
Transportation
Security
Administration to
comply with the
Uniformed
Services
Employment and
Reemployment
Rights Act.
Pub. L. 112-199................. Whistleblower S. 743
Protection (H.R. 3289)
Enhancement Act
of 2012.
Pub. L. 112-205................. Jaime Zapata H.R. 915
Border
Enforcement
Security Task
Force Act.
Pub. L. 112-213................. Coast Guard and H.R. 2835
Maritime
Transportation
Act of 2012.
Pub. L. 112-217................. DART Act.......... S. 1998
(H.R. 5941)
Pub. L. 112-218................. No-Hassle Flying S. 3542
Act of 2012. (H.R. 6028)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
113th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 3, 2013, by a record vote of 228 yeas and
196 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 23, 2013,
for an organizational meeting for the 113th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Michael T. McCaul of Texas.
The Committee Membership was set at 32 Members with 18
Republicans and 14 Democrats. The following Members were
appointed to the Committee on Homeland Security for all or part
of the Congress: Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Lamar
Smith of Texas; Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. Mike Rogers
of Alabama; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs. Candice S.
Miller of Michigan; Mr. Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania; Mr.
Jeff Duncan of South Carolina; Mr. Tom Marino of Pennsylvania;
Mr. Jason Chaffetz of Utah; Mr. Steven M. Palazzo of
Mississippi; Mr. Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania; Mr. Chris
Stewart of Utah; Mr. Keith J. Rothfus of Pennsylvania; Mr.
Richard Hudson of North Carolina; Mr. Steve Daines of Montana;
Mrs. Susan W. Brooks of Indiana; Mr. Scott Perry of
Pennsylvania; Mr. Mark Sanford of South Carolina; Mr. Curtis
Clawson of Florida; Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms.
Loretta Sanchez of California; Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas;
Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of New York; Mr. Brian Higgins of New
York; Mr. Cedric L. Richmond of Louisiana; Mr. William R.
Keating of Massachusetts; Mr. Ron Barber of Arizona; Mr. Donald
M. Payne, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr. Beto O'Rourke of Texas; Ms.
Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii; Mr. Filemon Vela of Texas; Mr. Steven
A. Horsford of Nevada; and Mr. Eric Swalwell of California.
The Committee established six subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence; the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security; the Subcommittee
on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies; the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency; the Subcommittee on Transportation Security; and
the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Committee had 11 measures signed into law during the
113th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 113-27.................. Helping Heroes Fly H.R. 1344
Act. (S. 1367)
(S. 1403)
Pub. L. 113-221................. Honor Flight Act.. H.R. 4812
(S. 2659)
(S. 2671)
Pub. L. 113-238................. Aviation Security H.R. 1204
Stakeholder (S. 1804)
Participation Act
of 2014.
Pub. L. 113-245................. Transportation H.R. 2719
Security (S. 1893)
Acquisition
Reform Act.
Pub. L. 113-246................. Cybersecurity H.R. 2952
Workforce
Assessment Act.
Pub. L. 113-254................. Protecting and H.R. 4007
Securing Chemical
Facilities from
Terrorist Attacks
Act of 2014.
Pub. L. 113-277................. Border Patrol S. 1691
Agent Pay Reform
Act of 2014.
Pub. L. 113-282................. National S. 2519
Cybersecurity (H.R. 3696)
Protection Act of
2014.
Pub. L. 113-283................. Federal S. 2521
Information (H.R. 1163)
Security
Modernization Act
of 2014.
Pub. L. 113-284................. DHS OIG Mandates S. 2651
Revision Act of
2014.
Pub. L. 113-294................. To amend title 49, H.R. 5462
United States
Code, to provide
for limitations
on the fees
charged to
passengers of air
carriers..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
114th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 6, 2015, by a record vote of 234 yeas, 172
nays, and 1 voting `present' (Roll no. 6).
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 21, 2015,
for an organizational meeting for the 114th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Michael T. McCaul of Texas.
The Committee Membership was set at 32 Members with 18 Re-
publicans and 12 Democrats. The following Members were
appointed to the Committee on Homeland Security for all or part
of the Congress: Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Lamar
Smith of Texas; Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. Mike Rogers
of Alabama; Mrs. Candice S. Miller of Michigan; Mr. Jeff Duncan
of South Carolina; Mr. Tom Marino of Pennsylvania; Mr. Steven
M. Palazzo of Mississippi; Mr. Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania;
Mr. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania; Mr. Curt Clawson of Florida;
Mr. John Katko of New York; Mr. Will Hurd of Texas; Mr. Earl L.
``Buddy'' Carter of Georgia; Mr. Mark Walker of North Carolina;
Mr. Barry Loudermilk of Georgia; Ms. Martha McSally of Arizona;
Mr. John Ratcliffe of Texas; Mr. Patrick Meehan of
Pennsylvania; Mr. Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. of New York; Mr.
Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
California; Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. James R.
Langevin of Rhode Island; Mr. Brian Higgins of New York; Mr.
Cedric L. Richmond of Louisiana; Mr. William R. Keating of
Massachusetts; Mr. Donald M. Payne, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr.
Filemon Vela of Texas; Mrs. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New
Jersey; Miss Kathleen M. Rice of New York; and Ms. Norma J.
Torres of California.
The Committee established six subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence; the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security; the Subcommittee
on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies; the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency; the Subcommittee on Transportation Security; and
the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Committee had 24 measures signed into law during the
114th Congress, consisting of provisions of 40 measures
referred to the Committee:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 114-22.................. Justice for S. 178
Victims of (H.R. 460)
Trafficking Act
of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-29.................. Department of H.R. 615
Homeland Security
Interoperable
Communications.
Pub. L. 114-41.................. Surface H.R. 3236
Transportation
and Veterans
Health Care
Choice
Improvement Act
of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-43.................. DHS IT Duplication H.R. 1626
Reduction Act of
2015.
Pub. L. 114-50.................. Gerardo Hernandez H.R. 720
Airport Security
Act of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-53.................. Continuing H.R. 719
Appropriations
Act, 2016.
Pub. L. 114-68.................. Border Jobs for H.R. 2835
Veterans Act of
2015.
Pub. L. 114-80.................. DHS Social Media H.R. 623
Improvement Act
of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-92.................. National Defense S. 1356
Authorization Act (H.R. 1735)
for Fiscal Year
2016.
Pub. L. 114-113................. Consolidated H.R. 2029
Appropriations (H.R. 158)
Act, 2016. (H.R. 1731)
(H.R. 3305)
(H.R. 3313)
Pub. L. 114-125................. Trade Facilitation H.R. 644
and Trade (H.R. 998)
Enforcement Act (H.R. 878)
of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-136................. Edward ``Ted'' S. 1172
Kaufman and
Michael Leavitt
Presidential
Transitions
Improvements Act
of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-143................. Integrated Public S. 1180
Alert and Warning H.R. 1738)
System (H.R. 1472)
Modernization Act
of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-150................. Department of S. 1638
Homeland Security (H.R. 1640)
Headquarters
Consolidation
Accountability
Act of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-190................. FAA Extension, H.R. 636
Safety, and (H.R. 2843)
Security Act of (H.R. 4698)
2016. (H.R. 5388)
Pub. L. 114-267................. Northern Border S. 1808
Security Review
Act.
Pub. L. 114-268................. First Responder S. 1915
Anthrax (H.R. 1300)
Preparedness Act.
Pub. L. 114-278................. Essential H.R. 710
Transportation
Worker
Identification
Credential
Assessment Act.
Pub. L. 114-279................. Cross-Border Trade H.R. 875
Enhancement Act
of 2016.
Pub. L. 114-285................. Federal Law H.R. 3842
Enforcement
Training Centers
Reform and
Improvement Act
of 2015.
Pub. L. 114-293................. Bottles and H.R. 5065
Breastfeeding
Equipment
Screening Act.
Pub. L. 114-301................. GAO Mandates H.R. 5687
Revision Act of
2016.
Pub. L. 114-304................. United States- H.R. 5877
Israel Advanced
Research
Partnership Act
of 2016.
Pub. L. 114-328................. National Defense S. 2943
Authorization Act (H.R. 399)
for Fiscal Year (H.R. 1073)
2017. (H.R. 3510)
(H.R. 3572)
(H.R. 3586)
(H.R. 4402)
(H.R. 4408)
(H.R. 4509)
(H.R. 4780)
(H.R. 5064)
(S. 2976)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
115th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 3, 2017, by a record vote of 234 yeas and
193 nays (Roll no. 6).
The Committee on Homeland Security met on February 1, 2017,
for an organizational meeting for the 115th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Michael T. McCaul of Texas.
The Committee Membership was set at 32 Members: with 18
Republicans and 14 Democrats. The following Members were
appointed to the Committee on Homeland Security for all or part
of the Congress: Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Lamar
Smith of Texas; Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. Mike Rogers
of Alabama; Mr. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina; Mr. Tom Marino
of Pennsylvania; Mr. Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania; Mr. Scott
Perry of Pennsylvania; Mr. John Katko of New York; Mr. Will
Hurd of Texas; Ms. Martha McSally of Arizona; Mr. John
Ratcliffe of Texas; Mr. Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. of New York; Mr.
Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin; Mr. Clay Higgins of Louisiana; Mr.
John H. Rutherford of Florida; Mr. Thomas A. Garrett, Jr. of
Virginia; Mr. Brian K. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania; Mr. Ron
Estes of Kansas; Mr. Don Bacon of Nebraska; Mrs. Lesko of
Arizona; Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Sheila
Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. James R. Langevin of Rhode Island;
Mr. Cedric L. Richmond of Louisiana; Mr. William R. Keating of
Massachusetts; Mr. Donald M. Payne, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr.
Filemon Vela of Texas; Mrs. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New
Jersey; Miss Kathleen M. Rice of New York; Mr. J. Luis Correa
of California; Mrs. Val Butler Demings of Florida; and Ms.
Nanette Diaz Barragan of California.
The Committee established six subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence; the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security; the Subcommittee
on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection; the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency; the
Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security; and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Committee had 8 measures signed into law during the
115th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 115-38.................. DHS Stop Asset and H.R. 366
Vehicle Excess
Act.
Pub. L. 115-43.................. Securing our H.R. 1238
Agriculture and
Food Act.
Pub. L. 115-76.................. Strengthening H.R. 1616
State and Local
Cyber Crime
Fighting Act of
2017.
Pub. L. 115-79.................. Asia-Pacific S. 504
Economic (H.R. 2805)
Cooperation
Business Travel
Cards Act of 2017.
Pub. L. 115-112................. International H.R. 2142
Narcotics
Trafficking
Emergency
Response by
Detecting
Incoming
Contraband with
Technology Act.
Pub. L. 115-118................. FISA Amendments S. 139
Reauthorization (H.R. 4478)
Act of 2017.
Pub. L. 115-125................. Department of H.R. 4708
Homeland Security
Blue Campaign
Authorization Act.
Pub. L. 115-790................. Transportation H.R. 5729
Worker
Identification
Credential
Accountability
Act of 2018.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
116th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 6, agreed to in
the House on January 3, 2019, by a record vote of 234 yeas and
197 nays (Roll no. 7).
The Committee on Homeland Security met on February 1, 2017,
for an organizational meeting for the 116th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi.
The Committee Membership was set at 31 Members, with 18
Democrats and 13 Republicans. On July 30, 2020, the Committee
Membership was reset to 32 Members, with 18 Democrats and 14
Republicans. The following members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee
of Texas; Mr. James R. Langevin of Rhode Island; Mr. Cedric L.
Richmond of Louisiana; Mr. Donald M. Payne, Jr. of New Jersey;
Miss Kathleen M. Rice of New York; Mr. J. Luis Correa of
California; Ms. Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico; Mr. Max
Rose of New York; Ms. Lauren Underwood of Illinois; Ms. Elissa
Slotkin of Michigan; Mr. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri; Mr. Al
Green of Texas; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of New York; Ms. Dina
Titus of Nevada; Mrs. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey; and
Ms. Nanette Diaz Barragan of California; Mrs. Val Butler
Demings of Florida; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama; Mr. Peter T.
King of New York; Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. John
Katko of New York; Mr. John Ratcliffe of Texas; Mr. Mark Walker
of North Carolina; Mr. Clay Higgins of Louisiana; Mrs. Debbie
Lesko of Arizona; Mr. Mark Green of Tennessee; Mr. Van Taylor
of Texas; Mr. John Joyce of Pennsylvania; Mr. Dan Crenshaw of
Texas; Mr. Michael Guest of Mississippi; Mr. Dan Bishop of
North Carolina; Mr. Jefferson Van Drew of New Jersey; and Mr.
Mike Garcia of California.
The Committee established six subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations;
the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection,
and Innovation; the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Recovery; the Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism; the Subcommittee on Oversight Management, and
Accountability; the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime
Security.
The Committee had 13 measures signed into law during the
116th Congress, consisting of provisions of 30 measures
referred to the Committee:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 116-2................... Chemical Facility H.R. 251
Anti-Terrorism
Standards Program
Extension Act.
Pub L. 116-22................... Pandemic and All- H.R 269
Hazards
Preparedness and
Advancing
Innovation Act of
2019.
Pub. L. 116-64.................. Terrorist and H.R. 1590
Foreign Fighter
Travel Exercise
Act of 2019.
Pub. L. 116-92.................. National Defense S. 1790
Authorization Act (H.R. 428)
for Fiscal Year (H.R. 2621)
2020. (H.R. 3106)
Pub. L. 116-93.................. Consolidated H.R. 1158
Appropriations
Act, 2020.
Pub. L. 116-94.................. Further H.R. 1865
Consolidated (H.R. 3851)
Appropriations
Act, 2020.
Pub. L. 116-108................. Securing American H.R. 2476
Nonprofit
Organizations
Against Terrorism
Act of 2019.
Pub. L. 116-116................. DHS Field H.R. 504
Engagement
Accountability
Act.
Pub. L. 116-122................. Protecting S. 2107
America's Food
and Agriculture
Act of 2019.
Pub. L. 116-150................. A bill to extend S. 4148
the Chemical
Facility Anti-
Terrorism
Standards Program
of the Department
of Homeland
Security, and for
other purposes.
Pub. L. 116-XXX (At the time of National Defense H.R. 6395
publication of this report, a Authorization Act (H.R. 1975)
public law has not yet been for Fiscal Year (H.R. 3484)
issued.). 2021. (H.R. 5273)
(H.R. 5680)
(H.R. 5780)
(H.R. 7588)
(H.R. 7589)
Pub. L. 116-XXX (At the time of DHS Opioid H.R. 4761
publication of this report, a Detection
public law has not yet been Resilience Act of
issued.). 2019.
Pub. L. 116-XXX (At the time of Consolidated H.R. 133
publication of this report, a Appropriations (H.R. 769)
public law has not yet been Act, 2021. (H.R. 2590)
issued.). (H.R. 3787)
(H.R. 4739)
(H.R. 7944)
(H.R. 8833)
(H.R. 8993)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
Legislative Activities of the Committee
During the 116th Congress, the Committee on Homeland
Security received a referral of 255 measures; was appointed as
Conferees to an additional two measures. At the time of
publication of this report, thirteen public laws were enacted
and 30 measures referred to the Committee.
------
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Extension Act
PUBLIC LAW 116-2 H.R. 251
To extend by two years the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security.
Summary
The ``Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program
Extension Act'' (P.L. 116-2) extends authorization for the
Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Standards Program by 15 months to ensure that this
counter-terrorism program, focused on bolstering the security
of high-risk chemical facilities, continues to operate.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 251
H.R. 251 was introduced in the House on January 4, 2019 by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to, the Committee on Energy
and Commerce.
On January 8, 2019, H.R. 251 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 414 yeas to 3 nays (Roll No. 14).
On January 9, 2019, H.R. 251 was received in the Senate and
placed on the Legislative Calendar under read the first time.
On January 10, 2019, H.R. 251 was read a second time and
placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders
(Calendar No. 8).
On January 16, 2019, H.R. 251 was considered in the Senate,
and passed, with an amendment and an amendment to the title, by
unanimous consent.
On January 17, 2019, the Senate amendments to H.R. 251 were
agreed to by the House, under suspension of the Rules, by
unanimous consent.
On January 18, 2019, H.R. 251 was presented to and signed
into law by the President (Public Law 116-2).
------
Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of
2019
PUBLIC LAW 116-22 S. 1379 (H.R. 269)
To reauthorize certain programs under the Public Health Service
Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect
to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and
response, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing
Innovation Act of 2019'' (P.L. 116-22) reauthorizes funding to
improve bioterrorism and other public health emergency
preparedness and response activities including the Hospital
Preparedness Program, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Cooperative Agreement, Project Bio Shield, and BARDA for the
advanced research and development of medical countermeasures.
Legislative History
116th Congress
S. 1379
S. 1379 was introduced in the Senate on May 8, 2019 by Mr.
Burr, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
On May 16, 2019, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
and Pensions was discharged from further consideration of S.
1379 and measure was passed, without amendment, by unanimous
consent.
On June 4, 2019, S. 1379 was considered in the House under
suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On June 13, 2019, S. 1379 was presented to the President
and the President signed S. 1379 into law on June 24, 2019
(Public Law 116-22).
H.R. 269
H.R. 269 was introduced in the House on January 8, 2019 by
Ms. Eshoo and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
and in addition to, the Committees on Homeland Security,
Veterans' Affairs, and the Judiciary.
On January 8, 2019, H.R. 269 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by a 2/3
recorded vote of 401 yeas to 17 nays (Roll No. 13).
On January 9, 2019, H.R. 269 was received in the Senate and
placed on the Legislative Calendar under read the first time.
On January 10, 2019, H.R. 269 was read a second time and
placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders
(Calendar No. 10).
115th Congress
H.R. 6378
H.R. 6378 was introduced in the House on July 16, 2018 by
Ms. Brooks and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, and in addition to, the Committees on Homeland
Security, Veterans' Affairs, and the Judiciary.
On July 17, 2018, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 6378 to the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications.
On July 18, 2018, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
considered H.R. 6378 and ordered the measure to be reported
favorably to the House, as amended, by voice vote.
On September 25, 2018, H.R. 6378 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by
unanimous consent.
On September 26, 2018, H.R. 6378 was received in the
Senate.
------
Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Exercise Act of 2019
PUBLIC LAW 116-64 H.R. 1590
To require an exercise related to terrorist and foreign fighter
travel, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Exercise Act of
2019'' (P.L. 116-64) requires the Department of Homeland
Security to develop and conduct an exercise related to the
detection and prevention of terrorist and foreign fighter
travel.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1590
H.R. 1590 was introduced in the House on March 7, 2019 by
Mr. Guest and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On March 13, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 1590 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House, as
amended, by voice vote.
On March 28, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 1590 (H.
Rpt. 116-27).
On April 1, 2019, the House considered H.R. 1590 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
a 2/3 recorded vote of 394 yeas to 7 nays (Roll No. 138).
On April 2, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1590 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 1590 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the Senate without an
amendment.
On June 5, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 1590 (S. Rpt. 116-44).
On September 24, 2019, H.R. 1590 was passed by the Senate
without an amendment by unanimous consent.
On September 27, 2019, H.R. 1590 was presented to the
President.
On October 9, 2019, the President signed H.R. 1590 into law
(Public Law 116-64).
115th Congress
H.R. 1302
H.R. 1302 was introduced in the House on March 2, 2017 by
Ms. McSally and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On March 8, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 1302 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House,
without amendment, by voice vote.
On March 16, 2017, the Committee reported H.R. 1302 (H.
Rpt. 115-40).
On March 22, 2017, H.R. 1302 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and on March 24, 2017, H.R. 1302
passed the House by voice vote.
On March 27, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1302 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020
PUBLIC LAW 116-92 S. 1790 (SEE H.R. 428, H.R. 2621, AND H.R. 3106)
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2020 for military
activities of the Department of Defense, for military
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such
fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2020'' (P.L. 116-92) authorizes FY2020 appropriations and sets
forth policies for the Department of Defense programs and
activities as well as certain homeland security-related
measures that originated in the Committee on Homeland Security
(See H.R. 428, H.R. 2621, and H.R. 3106).
Legislative History
116th Congress
S. 1790
S. 1790 was introduced in the Senate on June 11, 2019 by
Mr. Inhofe, reported from the Committee on Armed Services (S.
Rpt. 116-48), and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar
under General Orders (Calendar No. 114).
On June 19, 2019, the Senate invoked cloture on a motion to
proceed on consideration of S. 1790 by a roll call vote of 89
yeas to 10 nays (Record Vote No. 176).
On June 27, 2019, S. 1790 was passed in the Senate, as
amended, by roll call vote of 86 yeas to 8 nays (Record Vote
No. 188).
On July 2, 2019, S. 1790 was received in the House.
On September 17, 2019, the House approved, by voice vote, a
motion to strike all after the enacting clause of S. 1790 and
insert provisions of H.R. 2500 as passed by the House, pass S.
1790, as amended, and insist on the House amendment thereto and
request a conference with the Senate thereon, Additionally, S.
1790, as amended, was passed by the House without objection, a
motion to request a conference was approved without objection,
a motion to instruct conferees failed by a roll call vote of
198 yeas to 219 nays (Roll No. 531), and a motion to close
portions of the conference by a roll call vote of 407 yeas to 4
nays (Roll No. 532). The Speaker appointed Conferees from the
Committee on Armed Services; Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence; Committee on the Budget; Committee on Education
and Labor; Committee on Energy and Commerce; Committee on
Financial Services; Committee on Foreign Affairs; Committee on
Homeland Security; Committee on the Judiciary; Committee on
Natural Resources; Committee on Oversight and Reform; Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology; Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure; and Committee on Veterans Affairs.
On September 18, 2019, the Senate motion to disagree to the
amendment of the House to the Senate bill, agree to a
conference, and authorize the Presiding Officer to appoint
conferees was invoked on September 18, 2019 and was agreed to
by voice vote. The Senate appointed the following conferees:
Mr. Inhofe; Mr. Wicker; Ms. Fischer; Mr. Cotton; Mr. Rounds;
Ms. Ernst; Mr. Tillis; Mr. Sullivan; Mr. Perdue; Mr. Cramer;
Ms. McSally; Mr. Scott of Florida; Ms. Blackburn; Mr. Hawley;
Mr. Reed; Ms. Shaheen; Ms. Gillibrand; Mr. Blumenthal; Ms.
Hirono; Mr. Kaine; Mr. King; Mr. Heinrich; Ms. Warren; Mr.
Peters; Mr. Manchin; Ms. Duckworth; and Mr. Jones.
On September 19, 2019, the conference was held and the
conferees agreed to file a conference report.
On December 9, 2019, the conference report was filed in the
House (H. Rpt. 116-333).
On December 10, 2019, the Senate report and manager's
statement was held at the desk in the Senate.
On December 11, 2019, the House, under the provision of H.
Res. 758, considered agreeing to the conference report and
agreed to the conference report by a roll call vote of 377 yeas
to 48 nays (Roll No. 672).
On December 16, 2019, the Senate invoked cloture on the
conference report to accompany S. 1790 by a roll call vote of
76 yeas to 6 nays (Record Vote No. 398).
On December 17, 2019, the conference report was considered
in the Senate and, a point of order that the conference report
to accompany S. 1790 violates section 3101(b) of S. Con. Res.
11, 114th Congress, was raised in the Senate, and a motion to
waive all applicable budgetary discipline with respect to the
measure was agreed to in the Senate by a roll call vote of the
s 82 yeas to 12 nays (Record Vote No. 399). The Senate agreed
to the conference Report by roll call vote of the s and 86 yeas
to 8 nays (Record Vote No. 400).
On December 19, 2019, S. 1790 was presented to the
President.
On December 20, 2019, the President signed S. 1790 into law
(Public Law 116-92).
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Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020
PUBLIC LAW 116-93 H.R. 1158 (S. 315)
Making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2020, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Cyber Incident Response Teams Act of 2019'' (H.R.
1158), as amended by the Senate, was further amended by the
House to engross a package of appropriations measures which
included the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2020;
the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act of 2020; the Financial Services and General
Government Appropriations Act of 2020; the Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2020; and
appropriations for other Federal Departments and independent
agencies. The enacted version of H.R. 1158 was renamed the
``Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020'' (P.L. 116-93).
The ``DHS Cyber Incident Response Teams Act of 2019''
authorizes cyber incident response teams at the Department of
Homeland Security to provide, upon request and as appropriate,
assistance to asset owners and operators following a cyber-
incident.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1158
H.R. 1158 was introduced in the House on February 13, 2019
by Mr. McCaul and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On March 4, 2019, H.R. 1158 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Innovation.
On March 15, 2019, the Chair discharged the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation from
further consideration of H.R. 1158. The Full Committee
considered the measure and ordered to be reported favorably to
the House, without amendment, by voice vote.
On May 30, 3019, the Committee reported H.R. 1158 (H. Rpt.
116-89).
On June 10, 2019, H.R. 1158 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by voice
vote.
On June 11, 2019, the Senate received H.R. 1158 on June 11,
2019, read it twice, and placed the measure on Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 113).
On September 24, 2019, the measure was laid before the
Senate and passed with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute (SA 941) by unanimous consent.
On September 25, 2019, the Senate sent a message on the
action to the House on September 25, 2019.
On December 17, 2019, the House, pursuant to provisions of
H. Res. 765, approved a motion to agree to the Senate amendment
to H.R. 1158 with an amendment consisting of the text of Rules
Committee Print 116-43 by a roll call vote of 280 yeas to 138
nays (Roll No. 690). Additionally, on December 17, 2019, the
Senate received H.R. 1158 with the House amendment to the
Senate amendment and a motion to concur to the House amendment
to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1158 and a cloture motion on
the motion to concur was presented., Two additional Senate
amendments were proposed: --an Senate amendment to change the
enactment date (SA 1263) and an amendment to perfect the
measure (SA 1264). Another motion was made by the Senate to
refer the measure the Committee on Appropriations with
instructions to report back forthwith in addition to three
Senate amendments (SA 1265, SA 1266, SA 1267).
On December 19, 2019, the Senate invoked cloture on the
motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment
to H.R. 1158 by a roll call vote of 77 yeas to 16 nays (Record
Vote No. 427), and agreed to the House amendment to the Senate
amendment to H.R. 1158 by a roll call vote of 81 yeas to 11
nays (Record Vote No. 428) after pending Senate amendments
failed (SA 1265, SA 1266, SA 1267) or were withdrawn (SA 1263,
1264).
On December 20, 2019, H.R. 1158 was presented to the
President and the President signed H.R. 1158 into law (Public
Law 116-93).
S. 315
S. 315 was introduced in the Senate on January 31, 2019 by
Ms. Hassan, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
On February 13, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs considered S. 315 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the Senate, with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute.
On April 8, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported S. 315 (S. Rpt. 116-27) and the
measure was placed it on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 62).
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Securing American Nonprofit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2019
PUBLIC LAW 116-108 H.R. 2476
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide funding
to secure nonprofit facilities from terrorist attacks, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Securing American Nonprofit Organizations Against
Terrorism Act of 2019'' (P.L. 116-108) formally authorizes a
homeland security grant program to bolster the security of
nonprofit facilities from terrorist attacks. The measure
authorizes $75 million in grants annually for nonprofits to
upgrade the security of their facilities, regardless of
location.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2476
H.R. 2476 was introduced in the House on May 2, 2019 by Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 2476 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House,
without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On May 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 2476 (H. Rpt.
116-92).
On June 10, 2019, H.R. 2476 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On June 11, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2476 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On December 19, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 2476 and the Senate passed the measure,
without amendment, by unanimous consent.
On January 14, 2020, H.R. 2476 was presented to the
President.
On January 24, 2020, the President signed H.R. 2476 into
law (Public Law 116-108).
115th Congress
H.R. 1486
H.R. 1486 was introduced in the House on March 9, 2017 by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On March 22, 2017, H.R. 1486 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
On December 13, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 1486
and ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House,
as amended, by voice vote.
On January 9, 2018, the Committee reported H.R. 1486 (H.
Rpt. 115-495).
On January 9, 2018, H.R. 1486 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by voice
vote.
On January 10, 2018, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1486 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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DHS Field Engagement Accountability Act
PUBLIC LAW 116-116 H.R. 504
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the
Department of Homeland Security to develop an engagement
strategy with fusion centers, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Field Engagement Accountability Act'' (P.L. 116-
116) seeks to strengthen the relationship between the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Network
of Fusion Centers by requiring the Secretary of Homeland
Security to develop a DHS-wide fusion center engagement
strategy, establish metrics for field personnel from the Office
of Intelligence and Analysis, and leverage the Homeland
Security Information Network.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 504
H.R. 504 was introduced in the House on January 11, 2019 by
Mr. Bacon and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On January 29, 2019, H.R. 504 was considered under
suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote. Additionally,
on January 29, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 504 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On February 13, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 504 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the Senate, with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute.
On March 25, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 504 (S. Rpt. 116-16) and the
Senate placed the measure on the Senate Legislative Calendar
under General Orders on March 25, 2019 (Calendar No. 47).
On July 25, 2019, the Senate passed H.R. 504 with an
amendment by unanimous consent.
On February 10, 2020, the House agreed to the Senate
amendment to H.R. 504 under suspension of the Rules by voice
vote.
On February 20, 2020, H.R. 504 was presented to the
President.
On March 2, 2020, the President signed H.R. 504 into law
(Public Law 116-116).
115th Congress
H.R. 5079
H.R. 5079 was introduced in the House on February 23, 2018
by Mr. Bacon and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On February 28, 2018, H.R. 5079 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
On March 7, 2018, the Chair discharged the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence from further consideration of
H.R. 5079, considered by the Committee, and ordered to be
reported favorably to the House, as amended, by unanimous
consent.
On March 19, 2018, the Committee reported H.R. 5079 (H.
Rpt. 115-606). Additionally, on March 19, 2018, H.R. 5079 was
considered in the House under suspension of the Rules and
passed, as amended, by voice vote.
On March 20, 2018, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 5079 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019
PUBLIC LAW 116-122 S. 2107 (H.R. 4482)
To increase the number of CBP Agriculture Specialists and
support staff in the Office of Field Operations of U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of
2019'' (P.L. 116-122) seeks to ensure the safe and secure trade
of agricultural goods across our nation's borders by
authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to hire
additional inspectors to fully staff America's airports,
seaports, and land ports of entry. The measure authorizes CBP
to hire 240 Agricultural Specialists and 200 Agricultural
Technicians a year to address staffing gaps and to train and
assign 20 new canine teams a year to detect illicit fruits,
vegetables, and animal products.
Legislative History
116th Congress
S. 2107
S. 2107 was introduced in the Senate on July 11, 2019 by
Mr. Peters, read twice, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
On July 24, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered S. 2107 and ordered the measure
to be reported favorably to the Senate, without amendment.
On September 10, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs reported S. 2107 without amendment (S.
Rpt. 116-94) and the measure was placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 198).
On October 24, 2019, the Senate passed S. 2107 without an
amendment by unanimous consent.
On October 28, 2019, S. 2107 was referred in the House to
the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to, the
Committee on Agriculture.
On November 14, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security referred S. 2107 to the Subcommittee on
Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations.
On February 10, 2020, S. 2107 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On February 20, 2020, S. 2107 was presented to the
President.
On March 3, 2020, the President signed S. 2107 into law
(Public Law 116-122).
H.R. 4482
H.R. 4482 was introduced in the House on September 24, 2019
by Mr. Vela and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to, the Committee on Agriculture.
On October 2, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 4482 to the Subcommittee on Border
Security, Facilitation, and Operations.
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A Bill To Extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program
of the Department of Homeland Security, and for Other Purposes
PUBLIC LAW 116-150 S. 4148
To extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other
purposes.
Summary
A bill to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and
for other purposes (P.L. 116-150) extends authorization for the
Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Standards Program to July 27, 2023. This extension
continues to ensure that the counter-terrorism program focused
on bolstering the security of high-risk chemical facilities
continues to operate.
Legislative History
116th Congress
S. 4148
S. 4148 was introduced in the Senate on July 1, 2020 by Mr.
Johnson, read twice, considered, read a third time, and passed
without amendment by unanimous consent.
On July 6, 2020, H.R. was received in the House and held at
the desk.
On July 20, 2020, S. 4148 was considered by unanimous
consent in the House and passed without objection.
On July 22, 2020, S. 4148 was presented to and signed into
law by the President (Public Law 116-150).
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National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021
PUBLIC LAW 116-XXX H.R. 6395 (SEE H.R. 1975, H.R. 3484; H.R. 5273,
H.R. 5680; H.R. 5780, H.R. 7588, H.R. 7589)
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2021 for military
activities of the Department of Defense, for military
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such
fiscal year, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX) authorizes Fiscal Year 2021
appropriations and sets forth policies for the Department of
Defense programs and activities as well as certain homeland
security-related measures that originated in the Committee on
Homeland Security. (See H.R. 1975, H.R. 3484, H.R. 5680, H.R.
5780, H.R. 7588, H.R. 7589).
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 6395
H.R. 6395 was introduced in the House on March 26, 2020 and
referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
On July 9, 2020, the Committee on Armed Services reported
H.R. 6395 (H. Rpt. 116-442).
On July 16, 2020, the Committee filed a supplementary
report for H.R. 6395 (H. Rpt. 116-442, Part II).
On July 21, 2020, the House passed H.R. 6395, as amended,
by a recorded vote of 295 yeas to 125 nays (Roll No. 152).
On December 3, 2020, the Conference Report to accompany
H.R. 6395 was filed in the House (H. Rpt. 116-617).
On December 8, 2020, the House agreed to the Conference
Report to accompany H.R. 6395 by a recorded vote of 335 yeas to
78 nays and one present (Roll No. 238).
On December 11, 2020, the Senate agreed to the Conference
Report to accompany H.R. 6395 by a recorded vote of 84 yeas to
13 nays (Record Vote No. 264).
On December 11, 2020, H.R. 6395 was presented to the
President.
On December 23, 2020, the President vetoed H.R. 6395.
On December 28, 2020, the House voted to override the
President's veto by a 2/3 recorded vote of 322 yeas to 87 nays
(Roll No. 253).
On January 1, 2021, the Senate voted to override the
President's veto by a 2/3 recorded vote of 81 yeas to 13 nays
(Record Vote No. 292).
S. 4049
On June 23, 2020, S. 4049 was introduced in the Senate,
reported by the Committee on Armed Services without a written
report and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 483).
On June 24, 2020, a cloture motion on the motion to proceed
to the measure was presented and the Committee on Armed
Services filed a written report to accompany S. 4049 (S. Rpt.
116-236).
On June 25, 2020, the Senate invoked cloture on the motion
to proceed to the measure on a recorded vote of 90 yeas to 7
nays. (Record Vote No. 127).
On June 29, 2020, the Senate agreed to, a motion to proceed
in the Senate by a recorded vote of 89 yeas to 4 nays. (Record
Vote No. 128). The measure was then laid before the Senate by
motion.
Subsequently, S. 4049, was considered on July 1, 2, 21, and
22, 2020, and on July 23, 2020, cloture on the measure was
invoked by a recorded vote of 86 yeas to 14 nays (Record Vote
No. 139) and the measure was passed with an amendment by a
recorded vote of 86 yeas to 14 nays (Record Vote No. 140).
On August 7, 2020, a message on Senate action was sent to
the House and S. 4049 was received in the House and held at the
desk.
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DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019
PUBLIC LAW 116-XXX H.R. 4761
To ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, agents,
and other personnel have adequate synthetic opioid detection
equipment, that the Department of Homeland Security has a
process to update synthetic opioid detection capability, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019'' (H.R.
4761) seeks to ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
officers, agents, and other personnel have adequate synthetic
opioid detection equipment and that the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) has a process to update synthetic opioid
detection capability.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 4761
H.R. 4761 was introduced in the House on October 18, 2019
by Mr. Higgins of Louisiana and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and
Means.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 4761 and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On December 3, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 4761 to the House (H. Rpt. 116-319, Part I) and
the Committee on Ways and Means discharged.
On November 21, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Ways
and Means sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Ways and
Means would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 4761. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Ways and Means and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 4761. The letter further agreed to
support the request for conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
On December 9, 2019, the House considered H.R. 4671 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, without
amendment, by 2/3 recorded votes of 393 yeas and 1 nay (Roll
No. 655).
On December 10, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4761 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On March 11, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 4761 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the Senate.
On July 29, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 4761 as Report No. 116-244.
On December 7, 2020, the Senate approved H.R. 4761 without
amendment by unanimous consent.
On December 11, 2020, H.R. 4761 was presented to the
President.
On December 23, 2020, the President signed H.R. 4761 into
law (Public Law 116-XXX).
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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
PUBLIC LAW 116-XXX H.R. 133 (SEE H.R. 769, H.R. 2590, H.R. 3787,
H.R. 4739, H.R. 7944, H.R. 8833, H.R. 8993)
Making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2021, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021'' (P.L. 116-
XXX) authorizes appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 as well as
certain homeland security-related measures that originated in
the Committee on Homeland Security. (See H.R. 769, H.R. 2590,
H.R. 3787, H.R. 4739, H.R. 7944, H.R. 8833, H.R. 8993)
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 133
H.R. 133 was introduced in the House on January 3, 2019 and
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
On January 10, 2019, the House considered H.R. 133 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On January 15, 2020, the Senate passed H.R. 133 with an
amendment by Unanimous Consent.
On December 21, 2020 the House agreed to the Senate
Amendment with an amendment comprising divisions B, C, E and F
by a recorded vote of 327 yeas to 85 nays (Roll Vote 250); the
House agreed to the Senate Amendment with an amendment (except
divisions B, C, E and F) by a recorded vote of 359 yeas to 53
nays (Roll Vote 251).
On December 21, 2020, the Senate agreed, having achieved 60
votes in the affirmative, to the House amendment to the Senate
amendment to H.R. 133 by a recorded vote of 92 yeas to 6 nays
(Record Vote No. 289).
On December 24, 2020, H.R. 133 was presented to the
President.
On December 27, 2020, the President signed H.R. 133 into
law (Public Law 116-XXX).
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Homeland Security Assessment of Terrorists' Use of Virtual Currencies
Act
H.R. 428 (SEE SECTION 6730 OF P.L. 116-92)
To direct the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for
Intelligence and Analysis to develop and disseminate a threat
assessment regarding terrorist use of virtual currency.
Summary
The ``Homeland Security Assessment of Terrorists' Use of
Virtual Currencies Act'' (H.R. 428) directs the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Intelligence and
Analysis, in coordination with other Federal partners, to
develop and disseminate a threat assessment regarding the
actual and potential threat posed by individuals using virtual
currencies to carry out activities in furtherance of an act of
terrorism, including the provision of material support to a
foreign terrorist organization. The bill requires DHS to share
the assessment with relevant state and local law enforcement
partners.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 428
H.R. 428 was introduced in the House on January 10, 2019 by
Miss Rice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On January 29, 2019, the House considered H.R. 428 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by the Yeas and
Nays: (2/3 required) 422 to 3 (Roll No. 56).
On January 29, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 428 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On December 20, 2019, H.R. 428 was enacted into law as
section 6730 of the ``National Defense Authorization Act of
2020'' (P.L. 116-92).
115th Congress
H.R. 2433
H.R. 2433 was introduced in the House on May 16, 2017 by
Miss Rice of New York and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On May 17, 2017, H.R. 2433 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
On May 18, 2017, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence considered H.R. 2433 and ordered the measure to be
forwarded favorably to the Full Committee ordered the measure
to be reported favorably to the House as amended, by voice
vote.
On September 12, 2017, H.R. 2433 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by
voice vote.
On September 13, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2433 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act of 2019
H.R. 769 (S. 411) (SEE TITLE VI OF DIVISION U OF P.L. 116-XXX
(CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021)
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the
Department of Homeland Security a board to coordinate and
integrate departmental intelligence, activities, and policy
related to counterterrorism, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act of 2019'' (H.R.
769) amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) to
establish a Counterterrorism Advisory Board (CTAB) within the
Department of Homeland Security to coordinate and integrate
Departmental intelligence, activities, and policies related to
counterterrorism within the Department. Upon completion of the
final report of the Committee on Homeland Security's Task Force
on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel in September
2015, the task force found that Congress should authorize the
CTAB and ensure it is aligned with the current threat
environment related to counterterrorism issues.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 769
H.R. 769 was introduced in the House on January 24, 2019 by
Mr. Katko and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On January 29, 2019, the House considered H.R. 769 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by the Yeas and
Nays: (2/3 required) 414 to 12 (Roll No. 58).
On January 29, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 769 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On December 27, 2020, legislation based on H.R. 769 was
enacted into law as Title VI of Division U of the
``Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX).
115th Congress
H.R. 526
H.R. 526 was introduced in the House on January 13, 2017 by
Mr. Katko and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On January 31, 2017, the House considered H.R. 526 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On February 1, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 526 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Cybersecurity Advisory Committee Authorization Act of 2019
H.R. 1975 (SEE SECTION 1718 OF DIVISION A OF P.L. 116-XXX (NDAA, 2021))
To establish in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency of the Department of Homeland Security a Chief
Information Security Officer Advisory Committee.
Summary
H.R. 1975 establishes an advisory committee comprised of
highly skilled cybersecurity professionals responsible for
protecting enterprises from every major business sector. The
advisory committee will provide insight and expertise to the
Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
(CISA) and the Department of Homeland Security.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1975
H.R. 1975 was introduced in the House on March 28, 2019 by
Mr. Katko of New York and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce and Committee on Oversight and Reform.
On September 25, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 1975 and ordered the measure to be reported by
unanimous consent.
On January 1, 2021, H.R. 1975 was enacted into law as
section 1718 of title XVII of the Conference Report to the
``National Defense Authorization Act of 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX)
after Congress overrode the President's veto of this measure.
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DHS Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act of 2019
H.R. 2590 (SEE TITLE II OF DIVISION U, P.L. 116-XXX (CONSOLIDATED
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021)
To require a Department of Homeland Security overseas personnel
enhancement plan, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act of 2019''
(H.R. 2590) seeks to build on existing requirements for an
updated strategy for the Department of Homeland Security's
(DHS) overseas footprint, while identifying barriers to
information sharing and collaboration among DHS components and
other partner entities on issues directly relating to the
Department's counterterror mission. The bill also addresses how
DHS trains, deploys, and utilizes personnel at overseas
locations.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2590
H.R. 2590 was introduced in the House on May 8, 2019 by Mr.
Katko and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 2590 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House, as
amended, by unanimous consent.
On May 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 2590 (H. Rpt.
116-95).
On June 10, 2019, H.R. 2590 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 394 yeas to 2 nays (Roll No. 244). On June 11, 2019, the
Senate received, read twice, and referred H.R. 2590 the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
On July 24, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 2590 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute.
On September 10, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 2590 with an amendment
in the nature of a substitute (S. Rpt. 116-97).
On December 27, 2020, H.R. 2590 was enacted into law as
Title II of Division U of the ``Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX).
115th Congress
H.R. 4567
H.R. 4567 was introduced in the House on December 6, 2017
by Mr. Katko and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On December 13, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 4567
and ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House,
as amended, by voice vote.
On January 9, 2018, the Committee reported H.R. 4567 (H.
Rpt. 115-490).
On January 9, 2018, H.R. 4567 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules.
On January 10, 2018, H.R. 4567 was passed in the House by a
2/3 recorded vote of 415 yeas to 0 nays (Roll No. 12).
On January 11, 2018, the Senate received read twice, and
referred H.R. 4567 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On June 13, 2018, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 4567 and ordered the
measure to be favorably reported to the Senate without
amendment.
On July 30, 2018, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 4567 (S. Rpt. 115-308).
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Homeland Security Assessment of Terrorists Use of Ghost Guns Act
H.R. 2621 (SEE SECTION 5716 OF P.L. 116-92)
To direct the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis of
the Department of Homeland Security to develop and disseminate
a threat assessment regarding terrorist use of ghost guns, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Homeland Security Assessment of Terrorists' Use of
Ghost Guns Act'' (H.R. 2621) will ensure that the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) maintains focused attention to the
homeland security threat posed by ghost guns, which are
unregistered, untraceable weapons that are sold and assembled
without a serial number. H.R. 2621 requires the DHS Office of
Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to develop and disseminate an
annual terrorism threat assessment regarding the availability
of ghost guns in furtherance of an act of terrorism, including
the provision of material support or resources to a foreign
terrorist organization. H.R. 2621 also requires I&A to share
this assessment with state, local, and tribal law enforcement
officials.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2621
H.R. 2621 was introduced in the House on May 9, 2019 by Mr.
Rose and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 2621 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House by
voice vote.
On May 28, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 2621 (H. Rpt.
116-88).
On June 10, 2019, the House agreed, without objection, to
permit the filing of a supplemental report on the bill, H.R.
2621 (H. Rpt. 116-88, Part II).
On December 20, 2019, legislation based on H.R. 2621 was
enacted into law as section 5716 of the ``National Defense
Authorization Act of 2020'' (P.L. 116-92).
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Domestic and International Terrorism Documentation and Analysis of
Threats in America Act
H.R. 3106 (SEE SECTION 5602 OF P.L. 116-92)
To require a joint domestic terrorism report, establish within
the Department of Homeland Security a National Center for the
Study of Domestic Terrorism, authorize research within the
Department of Homeland Security on current trends in domestic
terrorism, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Domestic and International Terrorism Documentation
and Analysis of Threats in America Act'' or ``Domestic and
International Terrorism DATA Act'' (H.R. 3106) seeks to foster
transparency and facilitate informed policymaking on domestic
and international terrorism by, among other things, requiring
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice
(DOJ), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to produce
an annual, unclassified joint report that provides data on
domestic and international terrorist incidents; assessments,
investigations, indictments, prosecutions, and convictions with
a domestic or international terrorism nexus; and the number of
full-time staff working on domestic terrorism employed by DOJ
and DHS.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3106
H.R. 3106 was introduced in the House on June 5, 2019 by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to, the Committee on the
Judiciary.
On June 18, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 3106 to the Subcommittee on Intelligence
and Counterterrorism.
On June 28, 2019, the Committee on the Judiciary referred
H.R. 3106 to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland
Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security discharged the Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism from further consideration of H.R. 3106, the
Full Committee considered the measure and ordered it to be
reported favorably to the House, as amended, by voice vote.
On September 19, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 3106 (H. Rpt. 116-213, Part I).
On September 19, 2019, the Committee on the Judiciary was
discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3106.
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 3106 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by
voice vote.
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3106 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On December 20, 2019, legislation based on H.R. 3106 was
enacted into law as section 5602 of the ``National Defense
Authorization Act of 2020'' (P.L. 116-92).
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DHS Rotational Cybersecurity Program Act of 2019
H.R. 3484 (SEE SECTION 8278 OF DIVISION A OF NDAA, 2021 (P.L. 116-XXX)
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the
Secretary of Homeland security to establish a rotational
cybersecurity research program, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Department of Homeland Security Rotational
Cybersecurity Program Act of 2019'' or the ``DHS Rotational
Cybersecurity Program Act of 2019'' (H.R. 3484) authorizes the
Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a rotational
research, development, and training program to detail to the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Coast
Guard Academy graduates and faculty, as well as to detail to
the Coast Guard Academy, as faculty, employees of CISA, the
Directorate of Science and Technology, or institutions that
have been designated by the Department of Homeland Security as
a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3484
H.R. 3484 was introduced in the House on June 25, 2019 by
Mr. Richmond and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On July 18, 2019, H.R. 3484 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
On January 1, 2021, H.R. 3484 was enacted into law as
section 8278 of Division A of the ``National Defense
Authorization Act of 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX) after Congress
overrode the President's veto of this measure.
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DHS Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator
H.R. 3787 (S.1867) (SEE TITLE VII OF DIVISION U OF P.L. 116-XXX
(CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021)
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the
Department of Homeland Security an Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Coordinator, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator
Act'' (H.R. 3787) directs the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) to designate a DHS official as the Countering Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UAS) Coordinator to coordinate with relevant
DHS offices and components, including the Office for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties and the Privacy Office and other
relevant federal agencies, on the development of policies and
plans to counter threats associated with UAS (i.e., drones).
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3787
H.R. 3787 was introduced in the House on July 16, 2019 by
Mr. Perry and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On August 2, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 3787 to the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Management and Accountability.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3787 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On December 18, 2019 the Committee reported H.R. 3787 (H.
Rpt. 116-356) and was placed on the Union Calendar.
On December 27, 2020, H.R. 3787 was enacted into law as
Title VII of Division U of the ``Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX).
115th Congress
H.R. 6438
H.R. 6438 was introduced in the House on July 19, 2018 by
Mr. Perry and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 24, 2018, the Committee considered H.R. 6438 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On August 28, 2018, the Committee reported H.R. 6438 as H.
Rept. 115-908.
On September 4, 2018, H.R. 6438 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by voice
vote.
On September 5, 2018, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 6438 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Brand USA Extension Act
H.R. 3851 (SEE SECTION 801 OF P.L. 116-94)
To extend funding for Brand USA through fiscal year 2027, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Brand USA Extension Act'' (H.R. 3851) extends funding
for Brand USA through fiscal year 2027 and increases the fee on
foreign visitors used to partially fund the program. The
legislation also reduces the percentage of in-kind
contributions from the private sector that can count towards
public matching funds; clarifies the qualifications for the
members on the board of directors for Brand USA; clarifies
additional methods by which Brand USA may carry out its duties;
and adds additional transparency and accountability measures.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3851
H.R. 3851 was introduced in the House on July 18, 2019 by
Mr. Welch and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
and in addition to, the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 22, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Energy and
Commerce referred H.R. 3851 to the Subcommittee on Consumer
Protection and Commerce.
On August 6, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 3851 to the Subcommittee on Border
Security, Facilitation, and Operations of the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On October 24, 2019, the Subcommittee on Consumer
Protection and Commerce held a hearing on H.R. 3851.
On November 14, 2019, the Subcommittee on Consumer
Protection and Commerce forwarded H.R. 3851 to the Full
Committee on Energy and Commerce, as amended, by voice vote.
On November 20, 2019, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
considered H.R. 3851 and ordered it to be reported favorably to
the House, as amended, by voice vote.
On December 20, 2019, H.R. 3851 was enacted into law as
section 801 of the ``Further Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2020'' (P.L. 116-94).
On January 13, 2020, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
reported H.R. 3851 (H. Rpt. 116-376, Part I) and the Committee
on Homeland Security was discharged from further consideration
of H.R. 3851.
On December 20, 2019, H.R. 3851 was enacted into law as
section 801 of ``Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of
2020'' (P.L. 116-94).
115th Congress
S. 2203
S. 2203 was introduced in the Senate on July 23, 2019 by
Mr. Blunt and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation.
On July 24, 2019, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation considered S. 2203 and order the measure to be
reported favorably with amendments.
On October 1, 2020, the Committee, on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation filed a report (S. Rpt. 116-275) and the
measure was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 568).
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Synthetic Opioid Exposure Prevention and Training Act
H.R. 4739 (SEE TITLE III OF DIVISION U OF P.L. 116-XXX (CONSOLIDATED
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021))
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to protect U.S.
Customs and Border Protection officers, agents, other
personnel, and canines against potential synthetic opioid
exposure, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Synthetic Opioid Exposure Prevention and Training
Act'' (H.R. 4739) would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002
to bolster protections for U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) officers, agents, other personnel, and canines who may be
exposed to synthetic opioids in the course of screening
activities.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 4739
H.R. 4739 was introduced in the House on October 18, 2019
by Ms. Clarke of New York and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and
Means.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 4739 and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On December 3, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 4739 to the House (H. Rpt. 116-318, Part I).
On November 21, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Ways
and Means sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Ways and
Means would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 4739. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Ways and Means and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 4739. The letter further agreed to
support the request for conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
On December 9, 2019, the House considered H.R. 4739 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by a 2/3
recorded vote of 393 yeas and 0 nays (Roll No. 656).
On December 10, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4739 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On March 11, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 4739 and reported the
measure favorably to the Senate.
On June 1, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 4739 (S. Rpt. 116-229).
On December 27, 2020, H.R. 4739 was enacted into law as
Title III of Division U of the ``Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX).
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Securing America's Ports Act
H.R. 5273 (SEE SECTION 9007 OF P.L. 116-XXX (NDAA, 2021))
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a plan
to increase to 100 percent the rates of scanning of commercial
and passenger vehicles entering the United States at land ports
of entry along the border using large-scale non-intrusive
inspection systems to enhance border security, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The ``Securing America's Ports Act'' (H.R. 5273) seeks to
improve border security at land ports of entry by increasing
the inspection rate of commercial and passenger vehicles
entering the U.S. with non-intrusive inspection (NII) systems
or similar technology. It requires DHS to develop a plan with
incremental timeframes, cost estimates, and projected impacts
of increasing expeditious scanning rates of vehicles to 100
percent at each land port of entry. The measure also directs
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct research
and development of NII systems and refine their operational use
in furtherance of the plan.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 5273
H.R. 5273 was introduced in the House on November 26, 2019
by Ms. Torres Small of New Mexico and referred to the Committee
on Homeland Security and was further referred to the
Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operation
and the Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and
Accountability.
On January 29, 2020, the Committee considered H.R. 5273 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably, as amended, to
the House by unanimous consent.
On February 6, 2020, the Committee reported H.R. 5273 to
the House (H. Rpt. 116-394, Part I).
On February 10, 2020, the House considered H.R. 5273 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On February 11, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 5273 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On March 11, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 5273 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably, with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute, to the Senate.
On December 7, 2020, the Senate considered H.R. 5273 and
passed the measure, with an amendment and an amendment to the
title, by unanimous consent.
On December 10, 2020, the House agreed to the Senates
amendments to H.R. 5273 without objection.
On January 1, 2021, H.R. 5273 was enacted into law as
section 9007 of the ``National Defense Authorization Act of
2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX) after Congress overrode the President's
veto of this measure.
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Cybersecurity Vulnerability Identification and Notification Act of 2020
H.R. 5680 (SEE SECTION 1716 OF DIVISION A OF P.L. 116-XXX (NDAA, 2021))
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to protect the
United States critical infrastructure by ensuring that the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the
Department of Homeland Security has necessary legal tools to
notify entities at risk of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the
enterprise devices or systems that control critical assets of
the United States, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Cybersecurity Vulnerability Identification and
Notification Act of 2020'' (H.R. 5680) would authorize the
Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency (CISA) to subpoena internet service providers (ISP) for
identifying information of IP address owners to notify them of
cybersecurity vulnerabilities on enterprise devices or systems.
According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency (CISA), existing cybersecurity tools are insufficient to
identify the end-user of vulnerable internet-facing industrial
control systems (ICS), and the Electronics Communications
Privacy Act (ECPA) specifically prohibits ISPs from disclosing
subscriber information absent a compulsory legal process. This
legislation would empower CISA to identify and help mitigate
cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure, while
protecting the privacy of end users. Further provisions extend
ECPA protections to ISPs for compliance with CISA's
administrative subpoenas, require CISA's privacy office to
review its internal administrative subpoena procedures, direct
the DHS Inspector General to produce a report of CISA's use of
the subpoena authority within one year, and require CISA to
issue a public report on its use of the subpoena authority.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 5680
H.R. 5680 was introduced in the House on January 27, 2020
by Mr. Langevin and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On January 29, 2020, the Committee considered H.R. 5680 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House by
unanimous consent.
On January 1, 2021, legislation based on H.R. 5680 was
enacted into law as section 1716 of Division A of the
``National Defense Authorization Act of 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX)
after Congress overrode the President's veto of this measure.
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Safe Communities Act of 2020
H.R. 5780 (SEE SECTION 1717 OF DIVISION A OF P.L. 116-XXX (NDAA, 2021))
To enhance stakeholder outreach to and operational engagement
with owners and operators of critical infrastructure and other
relevant stakeholders by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency to bolster security against acts of terrorism
and other homeland security threats, including by maintaining a
clearinghouse of security guidance, best practices, and other
voluntary content developed by the Agency or aggregated from
trusted sources, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Safe Communities Act of 2020'' (H.R. 5780) requires
the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to
increase outreach and engagement with owners and operators of
critical infrastructure. Specifically, it directs CISA to
maintain a clearinghouse where owners and operators of critical
infrastructure and other stakeholders may access security
guidance, best practices, and other voluntary content developed
by CISA. Additionally, CISA is required to issue a strategy to
foster stakeholder outreach and operational engagement and
establish a pilot program whereby law enforcement agencies and
government officials may be trained by protective security
advisors on carrying out vulnerability and risk assessments of
facilities.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 5780
H.R 5780 was introduced in the House on February 6, 2020 by
Ms. Underwood and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On February 12, 2020, the Committee considered H.R. 5780
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as
amended, with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On August 14, 2020, the Committee reported H.R. 5780 to the
House (H. Rpt. 116-476).
On September 30, 2020, the House considered H.R. 5780 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On October 1, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 5780 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On January 1, 2021, legislation based on H.R. 5680 was
enacted into law as section 1717 of Division A of the
``National Defense Authorization Act of 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX)
after Congress overrode the President's veto of this measure.
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Strengthening the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act
of 2020
H.R. 7588 (SEE SECTION 1745 OF DIVISION A OF P.L. 116-XXX (NDAA, 2021))
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a
review of the ability of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security to
fulfill its current mission requirements, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 7588 mandates a comprehensive review of CISA in an
effort to strengthen its operations, improve coordination, and
increase oversight of the agency. It requires CISA to review
how additional appropriations could be used to support programs
for national risk management, federal information systems
management, and public-private cybersecurity and integration.
It also requires a review of workforce structure and current
facilities and projected needs. It mandates CISA to provide a
report to the House and Senate Homeland Committees within 1-
year of enactment. CISA must also provide a report and
recommendations to GSA on facility needs.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 7588
H.R. 7588 was introduced in the House on July 13, 2020 by
Mr. Katko of New York and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
On January 1, 2021, H.R. 7588 was enacted into law as
section 1745 of Division A of the ``National Defense
Authorization Act of 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX) after Congress
overrode the President's veto of this measure.
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Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director and Assistant
Director Act of 2020
H.R. 7589 (SEE SEC. 9001 OF DIVISION H OF P.L. 116-XXX (NDAA, 2021))
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish term
limits for the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency of Department of Homeland Security, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 7589 improves guidance and long-term strategic
planning by stabilizing the CISA Director and Assistant
Directors positions. It creates a 5-year term for the CISA
Director, with a limit of 2 terms. The term of office for the
current Director begins on date the Director began to serve. In
addition, it elevates the Director to the equivalent of a
Deputy Secretary and Military Service Secretaries and
depoliticizes the Assistant Director positions, appointed by
the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
categorizing them as career public servants.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 7589
H.R. 7589 was introduced in the House on July 13, 2020 by
Mr. Katko of New York and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, and Committee on Oversight and Reform.
As of the date of publication of this report, legislation
based on H.R. 7589 was expected to be enacted into law as
section 9001 of Division H of the ``National Defense
Authorization Act of 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX).
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Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act of 2020
H.R. 7944 (S.4224) (SEE TITLE XI OF DIVISION U OF P.L. 116-XXX
(CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021)
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to assess
technology needs along the Southern border and develop a
strategy for bridging such gaps.
Summary
The ``Southwest Border Security Technology Improvement Act
of 2020'' (H.R. 7944/S. 4224) requires the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) to report to Congress an analysis of
border security technology along the Southwest border. The
report shall identify technology needs to (1) prevent
terrorists from entering the United States, (2) reduce cross-
border criminal activity such as drug smuggling, and (3)
facilitate legal trade flow. The report shall also address
recent technological advancements and assess whether such
advancements can help achieve these goals.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 7944
H.R. 7944 was introduced in the House on August 4, 2020 by
Ms. Torres Small and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On September 24, 2020, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security referred H.R. 7944 to the Subcommittee on
Border Security, Facilitation and Operations.
On December 27, 2020, H.R. 7944 was enacted into law as
Title XI of Division U of the ``Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX).
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To Amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to Extend by One Year
Certain Port of Entry Authority, and for Other Purposes
H.R. 8833 (SEE TITLE III OF DIVISION O OF P.L. 116-XXX (CONSOLIDATED
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021)
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to extend by one
year certain port of entry donation authority, and for other
purposes.
Summary
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to extend
authority for the Customs and Border Protection Commission to
maintain a program for certain port of entry donation authority
for one year, through December 16, 2021.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 8833
H.R. 8833 was introduced in the House on December 2, 2020
by Mr. Cuellar and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means and
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On December 27, 2020, H.R. 8833 was enacted into law as
Title II of Division O of the ``Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX).
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Department of Homeland Security Intelligence and Cybersecurity
Diversity Fellowship Program Act
H.R. 8993 (SEE SECTION 404 OF DIVISION W OF P.L. 116-XXX (CONSOLIDATED
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021)
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the
Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out an intelligence and
cybersecurity diversity fellowship program, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The ``Department of Homeland Security Intelligence and
Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program Act'' (H.R. 8993)
seeks to establish a new Department of Homeland Security
program for students from historically Black college or
university or minority-serving institutions and others to
participate in a paid internship focused on cyber and/or
Intelligence within DHS and, upon successful completion, an
offer of employment.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 8993
H.R. 8993 was introduced in the House on December 16, 2020
by Mr. Thompson and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On December 27, 2020, H.R. 8993 was enacted into law as
Section 404 of Division W of the ``Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021'' (P.L. 116-XXX).
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Department of Homeland Security Clearance Management and Administration
Act
H.R. 424
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve the
management and administration of the security clearance
processes throughout the Department of Homeland Security, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Department of Homeland Security Clearance Management
and Administration Act'' (H.R. 424) amends the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) to require the Secretary of
Homeland Security to conduct a review of the sensitivity level
designations of national security positions within the
Department to ensure employees with security clearances
continue to need access to such sensitive information. The bill
requires the Department to conduct an accounting of workforce
needs to better manage the costs of unnecessary background
investigations and limit the number of positions that may be
vulnerable to insider threats and targeting by foreign
intelligence services.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 424
H.R. 424 was introduced in the House on January 10, 2019 by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On January 29, 2019, H.R. 424 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On January 29, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 424 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 697
H.R. 697 was introduced in the House on January 24, 2017 by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On January 31, 2017, H.R. 697 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On February 1, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 697 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Pathways to Improving Homeland Security at the Local Level Act
H.R. 449
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002, to direct the
Assistant Secretary for State and Local Law Enforcement to
produce and disseminate an annual catalog on Department of
Homeland Security training, publications, programs, and
services for State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies,
and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Pathways to Improving Homeland Security at the Local
Level Act'' (H.R. 449) requires the Department of Homeland
Security Office for State and Local Law Enforcement to produce
and disseminate annually, a catalog of training opportunities,
programs, and other services offered to State, local, and
tribal law enforcement agencies.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 449
H.R. 449 was introduced in the House on January 10, 2019 by
Mrs. Demings and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to, the Committee on the Judiciary.
On January 29, 2019, H.R. 449 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of quired) 412 yeas to 12 nays (Roll No. 57).
On January 29, 2019, H.R. 449 was received in the Senate,
read twice, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 2427
H.R. 2427 was introduced in the House on May 16, 2017 by
Mrs. Demings and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to, the Committee on the Judiciary.
On May 16, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary referred H.R. 2427 to the Subcommittee on Crime,
Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
On May 17, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 2427 to the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
On May 18, 2017, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence considered H.R. 2427 and the Full Committee on
Homeland Security ordered it to be reported favorably to the
House by voice vote.
On September 12, 2017, H.R. 2427 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by
voice vote.
On September 13, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2427 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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FIRST State and Local Law Enforcement Act
H.R. 495
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require an annual
report on the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement.
Summary
The ``FIRST State and Local Law Enforcement Act'' (H.R.
495) amends Section 2006(b) of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (P.L. 107-296) to require the Office for State and Local
Law Enforcement to provide an annual report on their activities
for 5 years. This report must include details of: the efforts
of the office to coordinate with and improve information
sharing with State, local, and tribal law enforcement; a review
of efforts to improve information sharing through the DHS
Homeland Security Information Network; and feedback received
from State, local, and tribal partners.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 495
H.R. 495 was introduced in the House on January 11, 2019 by
Ms. Jackson Lee and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to, the Committee on the Judiciary.
On January 29, 2019, H.R. 495 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On January 29, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 495 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs. On November 6, 2019, the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 495
and ordered it to be reported favorably to the Senate without
an amendment.
On February 4, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 495 (S. Rpt. 116-213) and
the measure was placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 411).
115th Congress
H.R. 2442
H.R. 2442 was introduced in the House on May 16, 2017 by
Ms. Jackson Lee and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to, the Committee on the Judiciary.
On May 16, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary referred H.R. 2442 to the Subcommittee on Crime,
Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
On May 17, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 2442 to the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee.
On May 18, 2017, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence considered H.R. 2442 and the Full Committee on
Homeland Security ordered it to be reported favorably to the
House by voice vote.
On September 5, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security, agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration of H.R. 2442, the Committee on the Judiciary
would waive further consideration of H.R. 2442. The letter
further requested support for the appointment of conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be called.
On September 6, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee
on the Judiciary, acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of
the Committee on the Judiciary and the agreement to waive
further consideration of H.R. 2442. The letter further stated
the support for the appointment of conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
On September 12, 2017, H.R. 2442 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by
voice vote.
On September 13, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2442 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act
H.R. 542
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the
National Urban Security Technology Laboratory, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The ``Supporting Research and Development for First
Responders Act'' (H.R. 542) authorizes the National Urban
Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) within the Department of
Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate. NUSTL
is a one-of-a-kind test and evaluation laboratory for
technology for the first responder community. Additionally,
NUSTL conducts radiological and nuclear research and
development.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 542
H.R. 542 was introduced in the House on January 14, 2019 by
Miss Rice of New York and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On February 4, 2019, H.R. 542 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Innovation.
On May 15, 2019, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation was discharged from
further consideration of H.R. 542.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 542 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On May 28, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 542 (H. Rpt.
116-87).
On June 10, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security, agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 542. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and the agreement to not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 542. The letter further agreed to support the
request for conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called.
On June 10, 2019, H.R. 542 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 395 yeas to 3 nays (Roll No. 242).
On June 11, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 542 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On July 22, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 542 and ordered it to be
reported favorably to the Senate with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute.
On November 9, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 542 (S. Rpt. 116-285) and
the measure was placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders (Calendar No. 577).
115th Congress
H.R. 4991
H.R. 4991 was introduced in the House on February 8, 2018
by Mr. Donovan and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On February 14, 2018, H.R. 4991 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and
Communications.
On June 6, 2018, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response and Communications was discharged.
On June 6, 2018, the Committee considered H.R. 4991 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On June 14, 2018, the Committee reported H.R. 4991 (H. Rpt.
115-756).
On June 14, 2018, the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security, agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 4991. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and the agreement to not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 4991. The letter further agreed to support the
request for conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called.
On June 19, 2018, H.R. 4991 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by voice
vote.
On June 20, 2018, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4991 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2020
H.R. 1140
To enhance the security operations of the Transportation
Security Administration and stability of the transportation
security workforce by applying the personnel system under title
5, United States Code, to employees of the Transportation
Security Administration who provide screening of all passengers
and property, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of
2020'' (H.R. 1140) seeks to recategorize Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) employees by requiring the
Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS Secretary), within 180 days
of enactment of this Act, to convert its workforce from its
current personnel system, to the personnel system under Title 5
of the United States Code. In carrying out the conversion to
the Title 5 Federal pay scale, the DHS Secretary would be
required to ensure that no employee receives a reduction in
pay. Under H.R. 1140, the DHS Secretary would be required to
consult with the labor organization that serves as the
exclusive representative of TSA security screening personnel
within 7 days of enactment of this Act on the formulation of
plans to carry out the conversion.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1140
H.R. 1140 was introduced in the House on February 11, 2019
by Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to, the Committee on
Oversight and Reform.
On March 15, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 1140 to the Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security.
On January 29, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
discharged the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime
Security from further consideration of H.R. 1140.
On January 29, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 1140 and ordered the measure to be reported
favorably to the House, as amended.
On February 21, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 1140 (H. Rpt. 116-398, Part I).
On February 20, 2020, the Chair of the Committee on
Oversight and Reform sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Oversight and Reform would not seek a sequential referral of
H.R. 1140. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Oversight and Reform and the
agreement to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 1140. The
letter further agreed to support the request for conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Committee on Oversight and Reform was discharged on
February 21, 2020 and the Committee on Homeland Security filed
a supplemental report on February 26, 2020. On March 2, 2020,
The Committee on Rules met to consider H.R. 1140 and reported
H. Res 877 to the House. The rule provided for consideration of
H.R. 1140 with one hour of general debate and a motion to
recommit with or without instructions. H. Res 877 passed the
House on March 4, 2020 by the Yeas and Nays: 220 to 192 (Roll
No. 84).
On March 5, 2020, the House considered H.R. 1140 and agreed
to H. Amdt. 804 offered by Mr. Rogers; H. Amdt. 805 offered by
Mr. Rose; H. Amdt. 806 offered by Mr. Peters; H. Amdt. 807
offered by Mr. Brown; H. Amdt. 808 offered by Mr. Kim; and H.
Amdt. 810 offered Ms. Spanberger by voice vote. H. Amdt. 809
offered by Mr. Cisneros was agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 399
to 1 (Roll No. 87). H. Amdt. 811 offered by Ms. Mucarsel-Powell
was agreed to by of the Yeas and Nays: 403 to 0 (Roll No. 88).
Mrs. Lesko moved to recommit H.R. 1140 with instructions to
the Committee on Homeland Security and the motion was agreed to
by a recorded vote of 227 yeas to 175 nays (Roll No. 89).
On March 5, 2020, the House passed H.R. 1140 by a recorded
vote of 230 yeas to 171 nays (Roll No. 90).
On March 5, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1140 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
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Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act
H.R. 1313
To amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act of 2007 to clarify certain allowable uses of
funds for public transportation security assistance grants and
establish periods of performance for such grants, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The ``Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act''
(H.R. 1313) amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53) to adjust the period of
performance for Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
expenditures and provide flexibility to TSGP eligible transit
agencies by allowing grant recipients to use funding for
security training related backfill, consistent with other
homeland security grants.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1313
H.R. 1313 was introduced in the House on February 19, 2019
by Mr. King of New York and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On March 8, 2019, H.R. 1313 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
On May 14, 2019, the House considered H.R. 1313 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On May 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1313 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On July 22, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 1313 and ordered it to be
reported favorably to the Senate with an amendment in the
nature of a substitute.
115th Congress
H.R. 549
H.R. 549 was introduced in the House on January 13, 2017 by
Mr. Donovan and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On January 31, 2017, the House considered H.R. 549 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On February 1, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 549 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Department of Homeland Security Morale Recognition, Learning and
Engagement Act of 2019
H.R. 1433
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve morale
within the Department of Homeland Security workforce by
conferring new responsibilities to the Chief Human Capital
Officer, establishing an employee engagement steering
committee, requiring action plans, and authorizing an annual
employee award program, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Department of Homeland Security Morale Recognition,
Learning, and Engagement Act of 2019'' (H.R. 1433) amends the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve morale, employee
engagement, and communications within the Department of
Homeland Security workforce by conferring new responsibilities
to the Chief Human Capital Officer, establishing an employee
engagement steering committee, requiring action plans,
authorizing an annual employee award program, and directing an
independent, Department-wide review of how discipline is
applied by components.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1433
H.R. 1433 was introduced in the House on February 28, 2019
by Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On March 13, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 1433 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House, as
amended, by unanimous consent.
On March 28, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 1433 (H.
Rpt. 116-26).
On April 1, 2019, the House considered H.R. 1433 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On April 2, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1433 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 2283
H.R. 2283 was introduced in the House on May 2, 2017 by Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On May 3, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 2283 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House, as
amended, by voice vote.
On June 20, 2017, the House considered H.R. 2283 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On June 21, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2283 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Securing Department of Homeland Security Firearms Act of 2019
H.R. 1437
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Under
Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security
to achieve security of sensitive assets among the components of
the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Securing Department of Homeland Security Firearms Act
of 2019'' (H.R. 1437) requires the Under Secretary for
Management of the Department of Homeland Security to
disseminate a Department-wide directive for achieving adequate
security over firearms and other sensitive assets across the
Department. H.R. 1437 requires the Under Secretary for
Management to update and disseminate the Personal Property
Asset Management Program Manual and requires component
personnel to safeguard firearms and other sensitive assets in
accordance with the directive, among other items.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1437
H.R. 1437 was introduced in the House on February 28, 2019
by Mr. Correa and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On March 19, 2019, H.R. 1437 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability.
On May 14, 2019, the House considered H.R. 1437 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On May 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1437 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 4433
H.R. 4433 was introduced in the House on November 16, 2017
by Mr. Correa and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On November 28, 2017, H.R. 4443 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency.
On December 13, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 4433
and ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House,
as amended, by unanimous consent.
On January 9, 2018, the Committee reported H.R. 4433 (H.
Rpt. 115-496).
On January 9, 2018, the House considered H.R. 4433 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On January 10, 2018, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4433 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Historically Black Colleges And Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security
Partnership Act
H.R. 1494
To strengthen partnerships between historically Black colleges
and universities and minority-serving institutions and the
Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Homeland Security Partnerships Act'' (H.R. 1494) would require
the Department of Homeland Security (the Department or DHS) to
issue a strategy with yearly goals for enhancing its
partnerships with HBCUs and minority-serving institutions
(MSIs). The bill also requires DHS to monitor and report on the
implementation of the strategy to ensure the Department's
progress in providing contracting, research and development,
and internship and career opportunities to HBCUs and MSIs and
their students or recent graduates. Additionally, H.R. 1494
requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the
Chief Procurement Officer, to identify how to increase the
participation of HBCUs and MSIs in Department acquisitions,
including identifying existing opportunities for HBCUs and MSIs
to participate in the contracting program of the Small Business
Administration for minorities.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1494
H.R. 1494 was introduced in the House on March 5, 2019 by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to, the Committee on Small
Business.
On March 25, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 1494 to the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Management, and Accountability.
On January 29, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 1494 and ordered the measure to be reported
favorably to the House, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On February 6, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 1494 (H. Rpt. 116-393, Part I).
On January 30, 2020, the Chair of the Committee on Small
Business sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Small
Business would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 1494. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Small Business and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 1494. The letter further agreed to
support the request for conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
On February 10, 2020, the House considered H.R. 1494 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On February 11, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1494 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 6772
H.R. 6772 was introduced in the House on September 12, 2018
by Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to, the Committee on Small
Business.
On September 21, 2018, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security referred H.R. 6772 to the Subcommittee on
Oversight and Management Efficiency.
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CBRN Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2019
H.R. 1589
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear intelligence
and information sharing functions of the Office of Intelligence
and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security and to
require dissemination of information analyzed by the Department
to entities with responsibilities relating to homeland
security, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``CBRN Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of
2019'' (H.R. 1589) requires the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis within the Department of Homeland Security to enhance
intelligence analysis and information sharing on chemical,
biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats and work
to ensure that State and local officials receive actionable
intelligence information.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1589
H.R. 1589 was introduced in the House on March 7, 2019 by
Mr. Walker and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On March 13, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 1589 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House, as
amended, by unanimous consent.
On March 28, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 1589 (H.
Rept. 116-24).
On April 1, 2019, H.R. 1589 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On April 2, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R, 1589 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On November 6, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 1589 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the House with an amendment
in the nature of a substitute.
On March 2, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 1589 (Report No. 116-222).
115th Congress
H.R. 677
H.R. 677 was introduced in the House on January 24, 2017 by
Ms. McSally and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On January 31, 2017, H.R. 677 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On February 1, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 677 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Coordinating and Leveraging Activities for School Security Act (Class
Act of 2019)
H.R. 1593
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a
school security coordinating council, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Coordinating and Leveraging Activities for School
Security Act'' or the ``CLASS Act of 2019'' (H.R. 1593) would
direct DHS to establish a council to coordinate activities,
plans, and policies of the Department of Homeland Security
aimed at bolstering school security against acts of terrorism.
Additionally, the legislation would require the Secretary of
Homeland Security to provide Congress with an annual report of
the council's activities during the preceding year, including
information on any metrics regarding the efficacy of such
activities.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1593
H.R. 1593 was introduced in the House on March 7, 2019 by
Mr. Payne and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On March 13, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 1593 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House by
unanimous consent.
On March 28, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 1593 (H.
Rpt. 116-25).
On April 1, 2019, H.R. 1593 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 384 yeas and 18 nays (Roll No. 137).
On April 2, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1539 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 6919
H.R. 6919 was introduced in the House on September 26, 2018
by Mr. Payne and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On October 4, 2018, H.R. 6919 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and
Communications.
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First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies Act
H.R. 1594
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a
process to review applications for certain grants to purchase
equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed any applicable
national voluntary consensus standards, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies
Act'' (H.R. 1594) authorizes a review process for grantees
seeking to purchase equipment or systems with the Urban Area
Security Initiative or the State Homeland Security Grant
Program funding when no voluntary consensus standard exists for
the equipment or systems or the equipment does not meet
consensus standards.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1594
H.R. 1594 was introduced in the House on March 7, 2019 by
Mr. Payne and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On May 14, 2019, H.R. 1594 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On May 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1594 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 687
H.R. 687 was introduced in the House on January 24, 2017 by
Mr. Payne and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On January 31, 2017, H.R. 687 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On February 1, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 687 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical Corrections Act of 2019
H.R. 1892
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make technical
corrections to the requirement that the Secretary of Homeland
Security submit quadrennial homeland security reviews, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical
Corrections Act of 2019'' (H.R. 1892) revises the requirements
for the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) in the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296) to improve the
quality and timeliness of future reviews.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1892
H.R. 1892 was introduced in the House on March 26, 2019 by
Mrs. Watson Coleman and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On April 8, 2019, H.R. 1892 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability.
On May 14, 2019, H.R. 1892 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 415 yeas and 0 nays (Roll No. 209).
On May 16, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1892 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 1297
H.R. 1297 was introduced in the House on March 1, 2017, by
Mrs. Watson Coleman and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On March 8, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 1297 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House,
without amendment, by voice vote.
On March 16, 2017, the Committee reported H.R. 1297 (H.
Rpt. 115-41).
On March 21, 2017, H.R. 1297 was considered under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by a 2/3
recorded vote of 415 yeas and 0 nays (Roll No. 181).
On March 22, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1297 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2019
H.R. 1912
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for
requirements relating to documentation for major acquisition
programs, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2019''
(H.R. 1912) requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting
through the Under Secretary for Management, to require relevant
DHS components to maintain specific types of acquisition
documentation.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 1912
H.R. 1912 was introduced on March 27, 2019 by Ms. Torres
Small of New Mexico and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On April 8, 2019, H.R. 1912 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability.
On May 14, 2019, H.R. 1912 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On May 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1912 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 347
H.R. 347 was introduced in the House on January 5, 2017, by
Mrs. Watson Coleman and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On January 31, 2017, H.R. 347 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules on January 31, 2017 and passed
the measure by voice vote.
On February 1, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 347 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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DHS Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program Act of 2019
H.R. 2066
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the
Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program in the Department of
Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program Act of
2019'' (H.R. 2066) would require the Chief Human Capital
Officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in
conjunction with the DHS Chief Intelligence Officer, to
establish an intelligence rotational assignment program for
employees in analyst positions within DHS' intelligence
operations.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2066
H.R. 2066 was introduced in the House on April 3, 2019 by
Mr. Gallagher and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On April 23, 2019, H.R. 2066 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
On May 14, 2019, H.R. 2066 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On May 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2066 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On November 6, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 2066 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute.
On June 1, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R 2066 (Report No. 116-228).
115th Congress
H.R. 2453
H.R. 2453 was introduced in the House on June 6, 2017, by
Mr. Gallagher and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On May 17, 2017, H.R. 2453 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
On May 18, 2018, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence considered H.R. 2453 and ordered the measure to be
forwarded to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, without amendment, by voice vote.
On September 12, 2017, the Chair of the House Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence sent a letter dated September
8, 2017, to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration of H.R. 2453
on the House Floor, the Select Committee on Intelligence would
not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 2453. The Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded on September 11, 2017,
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Select
Committee on Intelligence and the agreement to forego a request
for a sequential referral of H.R. 2453. The letter further
agreed to support the request for Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
On September 12, 2017, H.R. 2453 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On September 13, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2453 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Homeland Procurement Reform Act
H.R. 2083 (S. 3377)
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 regarding the
procurement of certain items related to national security
interests for Department of Homeland Security frontline
operational components, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Homeland Procurement Reform Act'' (H.R. 2083) would
reform the way the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
procures uniform and protective equipment for its components.
The bill seeks to ensure that quality uniforms and equipment
are issued to DHS frontline personnel and encourage the
procurement of domestically sourced uniform items. Under the
Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security is required to ensure,
to the maximum extent possible, that at least one-third of the
funds obligated for the procurement of uniforms and protective
equipment be used to purchase goods manufactured or provided by
entities that qualify as a U.S. small business.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2083
H.R. 2083 was introduced in the House on April 4, 2019 by
Mr. Correa and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 2083 and ordered the measure to be reported
favorably to the House, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On May 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 2083 (H. Rpt.
116-90).
On June 10, 2019, H.R. 2083 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On June 11, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2083 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 5574
H.R. 5574 was introduced in the House on April 18, 2018 by
Mr. Taylor of Virginia and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On April 27, 2018, H.R. 5574 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency.
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Homeland Security Improvement Act
H.R. 2203
To increase transparency, accountability, and community
engagement within the Department of Homeland Security, provide
independent oversight of border security activities, improve
training for agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Homeland Security Improvement Act'' (H.R. 2203)
creates an independent ombudsman at the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) to improve oversight as well as provide redress
for harmful conditions in immigration detention facilities and
other related policies carried out by U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2203
H.R. 2203 was introduced in the House on April 10, 2019 by
Ms. Escobar and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and, in addition, the Committee on the Judiciary, and Ways and
Means.
On April 23, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 2203 to the Subcommittee on Border
Security, Facilitation, and Operations.
On July 17, 2019, upon the discharge of H.R. 2203 from the
Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations,
the Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 2203 and
ordered to be reported favorably to the House, as amended, to
the House by a recorded vote of 16 yeas and 13 nays. On July
19, 2019, H.R. 2203 was discharged from further consideration
by the Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means and was
reported by the Committee on Homeland Security (H. Rpt. 116-
163).
On September 24, 2019, the Committee on Rules met to
consider H.R. 2203 and reported H. Res. 577 to the House that
provides for consideration of H.R. 2203 one hour of general
debate and a motion to recommit with or without instructions.
On September 25, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Ways
and Means sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Ways and
Means would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 2203. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Ways and Means and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 2203. The letter further agreed to
support the request for conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
On September 25, 2019, H.R. 2203 was considered in the
House pursuant to H. Res. 577. A motion to recommit with
instructions to the Committee on Homeland Security, offered by
Mr. Green of Tennessee, failed by a recorded vote of 207 yeas
and 216 nays (Roll No. 545) and H.R. 2203 passed the House by a
recorded vote of 230 yeas and 194 nays (Roll No. 546).
On September 26, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2203 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2019
H.R. 2539
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize the
assignment of certain officers and intelligence analysts from
the Transportation Security Administration and the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland
Security to locations with participating State, local, and
regional fusion centers in jurisdictions with a high-risk
surface transportation asset in order to enhance the security
of such assets, including by improving timely sharing of
classified information regarding terrorist and other threats,
and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Strengthening Local Transportation Security
Capabilities Act of 2019'' (H.R. 2539) seeks to increase
information sharing and improve the availability of security
clearances to appropriate stakeholders involved in
transportation security of high-risk surface transportation
systems. The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Homeland
Security to develop a training program for law enforcement
agencies focused on the protection of surface transportation
systems.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2539
H.R. 2539 was introduced in the House on May 7, 2019 by Ms.
Barragan and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 2539 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House by
unanimous consent.
On May 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 2539 (H. Rept.
116-93).
On June 10, 2019, H.R. 2539 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 384 yeas to 13 nays (Roll No. 243).
On June 11, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2539 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 5089
H.R. 5089 was introduced in the House on February 26, 2018
by Ms. Barragan and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On March 1, 2018, the Committee referred H.R. 5089 to the
Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security.
On March 7, 2018, upon the discharge of H.R. 5089 from the
Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security, the
Committee considered H.R. 5089 on ordered the measure to be
reported favorably to the House, without amendment, by
unanimous consent.
On March 19, 2018, the Committee reported H.R. 5089 (H.
Rpt. 115-604) and H.R. 5089 was considered under suspension of
the Rules.
On March 22, 2018, H.R. 5089 was passed in the House by a
2/3 recorded vote of 397 yeas and 1 nay (Roll No. 129). On
March 22, 2018, the Senate received, read twice, and referred
H.R. 5089 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
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Unifying DHS Intelligence Enterprise Act
H.R. 2589
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a
homeland intelligence doctrine for the Department of Homeland
Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Unifying DHS Intelligence Enterprise Act'' (H.R.
2589) requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting
through the Chief Intelligence Officer and in coordination with
other Department of Homeland Security entities, to develop and
disseminate Department-wide guidance regarding the processing,
analysis, production, and dissemination of homeland security
information and terrorism information. The bill also amends the
Homeland Security Act to require that an experience and
qualified staff be provided to the Chief Intelligence Officer.
Legislative History
16th Congress
H.R. 2589
H.R. 2589 was introduced in the House on May 8, 2019 by Mr.
Green of Tennessee and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 2589 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House, as
amended, by unanimous consent.
On May 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 2589 (H. Rpt.
116-94).
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 2589 was considered under
suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2589 the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On March 11, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs ordered H.R. 2589 to be reported favorably
to the Senate with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
115th Congress
H.R. 2468
H.R. 2468 was introduced in the House on May 16, 2017 by
Mr. Perry and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On May 17, 2017, H.R 2468 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
On May 18, 2017, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence considered H.R. 2468 and ordered the measure to be
forwarded favorably to the Full Committee for consideration,
without amendment, by voice vote.
The Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence sent a letter on September 8, 2017, to the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order
to expedite consideration of H.R. 2468 on the House Floor, the
Select Committee on Intelligence would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 2468. The Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security responded on September 11, 2017, acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Select Committee on
Intelligence and the agreement to forego a request for a
sequential referral of H.R. 2468. The letter further agreed to
support the request for Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
On September 12, 2017, the House considered H.R. 2468 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On September 13, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2468 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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DHS Acquisition Review Board Act of 2019
H.R. 2609
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the
Acquisition Review Board in the Department of Homeland
Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Acquisition Review Board Act of 2019'' (H.R.
2609) codifies the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Acquisition Review Board (ARB). The bill authorizes the USM to
lead the Department's acquisition oversight body, the ARB,
which oversees major acquisition programs, as well as establish
acquisition policies to which all Department components shall
comply.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2609
H.R. 2609 was introduced in the House on May 9, 2019 by Mr.
Crenshaw and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On May 15, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 2609 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On May 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 2609 (H. Rpt.
116-96).
On June 10, 2019, H.R. 2609 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 419 yeas to 0 nays (Roll No. 248).
On June 12, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2609 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Homeland Security for Children Act
H.R. 2932
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to ensure that the
needs of children are considered in homeland security planning,
and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Homeland Security for Children Act'' (H.R. 2932)
seeks to ensure that the needs of children are considered in
homeland security planning. Specifically, the bill authorizes a
technical expert at the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) to identify and integrate the needs of children into
preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities.
The bill would also include the consideration of children's
needs into Departmental policy through the Office of Strategy,
Policy, and Plans.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 2932
H.R. 2932 was introduced in the House on May 22, 2019 by
Mr. Payne and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
On May 23, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure referred H.R. 2932 to the
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and
Emergency Management.
On June 11, 2019, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security referred H.R. 2932 to the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
On October 23, 2019, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery was discharged, and the
Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 2932 and ordered
it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous consent.
On January 8, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 2932 (H. Rpt. 116-370, Part I) and the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure was discharged.
On January 7, 2020, the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security, agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 2932. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the agreement to not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 2932. The letter further agreed to support the
request for conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called.
On February 10, 2020, H.R. 2932 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 374 yeas to 11 nays (Roll No. 55).
On February 11, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 2932 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 1372
H.R. 1372 was introduced in the House on March 6, 2017 by
Mr. Payne and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
On March 7, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure referred H.R. 1372 to the
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and
Emergency Management.
On March 8, 2017, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 1372 and ordered it to be reported favorably to
the House, as amended, by voice vote.
On March 10, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security, agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would waive further
consideration of H.R. 1372. On March 16, 2017, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded, acknowledging to the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the agreement to waive further
consideration.
On April 24, 2017, the Committee reported H.R. 1372 (H.
Rpt. 115-92, Part I).
On April 25, 2017, H.R. 1372 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On April 26, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1372 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Traveling Parents Screening Consistency Act of 2019
H.R. 3246
To require GAO review of certain TSA screening protocols, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Traveling Parents Screening Consistency Act of 2019''
(H.R. 3246) seeks to require the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) to review certain Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) screening protocols. This bill requires
GAO to conduct a review of TSA's implementation of the
``Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act'' (P.L.
114-293), as well as TSA's effectiveness in ensuring protocol
clarity and consistency relating to the screening of formula,
breast milk, purified deionized water for infants, and juice.
Lastly, the bill requires GAO to issue recommendations for
improving TSA's overall screening practices for such items.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3246
H.R. 3246 was introduced in the House on June 13, 2019 by
Mr. Taylor and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On June 25, 2019, H.R. 3246 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Subcommittee on Transportation and
Maritime Security was discharged, and the Committee considered
H.R. 3246 and ordered it to be reported favorably to the House
by unanimous consent.
On August 27, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3246 (H.
Rpt. 116-187).
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 3246 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3246 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
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Emerging Transportation Security Threats Act of 2019
H.R. 3318
To require the Transportation Security Administration to
establish a task force to conduct an analysis of emerging and
potential future threats to transportation security, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Emerging Transportation Security Threats Act of
2019'' (H.R. 3318) seeks to require the Transportation Security
Administration to establish a task force to analyze emerging
and potential future threats to transportation security.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3318
H.R. 3318 was introduced in the House on June 18, 2019 by
Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On June 27, 2019, H.R. 3318 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Subcommittee on Transportation and
Maritime Security was discharged, and the Committee considered
H.R. 3318 and ordered it to be reported favorably to the House
by unanimous consent.
On August 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3318 (H.
Rpt. 116-195).
On December 9, 2019, H.R. 3318 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On December 10, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3318 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
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DHS Acquisition Reform Act of 2019
H.R. 3413
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for
certain acquisition authorities for the Under Secretary of
Management of the Department of Homeland Security, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Acquisition Reform Act of 2019'' (H.R. 3413) will
provide certain acquisition authorities for the Under Secretary
of Management (USM) of the Department of Homeland Security.
Specifically, H.R. 3413 designates the USM as the Department's
Chief Acquisition Officer responsible for approving, pausing,
modifying, or canceling major acquisition programs, as needed.
The bill authorizes the USM to lead the Department's
acquisition oversight body, the Acquisition Review Board, which
oversees major acquisition programs, as well as establish
acquisition policies to which all Department components shall
comply.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3413
H.R. 3413 was introduced in the House on June 21, 2019 by
Mr. Crenshaw and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On July 2, 2019, H.R. 3413 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Oversight, Management, and Accountability.
On July 17, 2019, the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Management, and Accountability was discharged and the Committee
considered H.R. 3413 and ordered it to be reported favorably to
the House, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On August 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3413 (H.
Rpt. 116-190).
On February 10, 2020, H.R. 3413 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by a 2/3 recorded vote
of 380 yeas to 4 nays (Roll No. 56).
On February 11, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3413 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 1252
H.R. 1252 was introduced in the House on February 28, 2017
by Mr. Higgins of Louisiana and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On March 8, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 1252 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House, as amended,
by voice vote.
On March 10, 2017, the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security, agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 1252. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded acknowledging the
agreement to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 1252 and
the support for a request for Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
On March 20, 2017, the Committee reported H.R. 1252 (H.
Rpt. 115-47).
On March 20, 2017, H.R. 1252 was considered in the House
and passed, as amended, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 407 yeas to 1
nay (Roll No. 175).
On March 21, 2017, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 1252 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Covert Testing and Risk Mitigation Improvement Act of 2019
H.R. 3469
To direct the Transportation Security Administration to carry
out covert testing and risk mitigation improvement of aviation
security operations, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Covert Testing and Risk Mitigation Improvement Act of
2019'' (H.R. 3469) establishes standards for the covert testing
process that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
uses to evaluate its aviation security operations. The bill
also requires the Administrator of the TSA to develop a system
to address and mitigate vulnerabilities identified through
covert testing.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3469
H.R. 3469 was introduced in the House on June 25, 2019 by
Mr. Cummings and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On July 18, 2019, H.R. 3469 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3469 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On November 19, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3469 (H.
Rpt. 116-298).
On December 9, 2019, H.R. 3469 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On December 10, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3469 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
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U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act
H.R. 3525
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the
Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish
uniform processes for medical screening of individuals
interdicted between ports of entry, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act''
(H.R. 3525) seeks to improve medical screenings performed by
U.S. Border Patrol for migrants encountered along the southwest
border. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) to establish an electronic health records system to
maintain information on all individuals in custody of DHS
components operating along the borders of the United States.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3525
H.R. 3525 was introduced in the House on June 27, 2019 by
Ms. Underwood and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3525 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House, as amended,
by voice vote.
On September 18, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3525 (H.
Rpt. 116-211).
On September 24, 2019, the Committee on Rules met to
consider H.R. 3525 and approved H. Res. 577, which provided for
consideration of H.R. 3525.
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 3525 was considered in the
House under the prevision of H. Res. 577. A motion to recommit
with instructions to the Committee on Homeland Security,
offered by Mr. Green of Tennessee, failed by a recorded vote of
202 yeas to 213 nays (Roll No. 551). H.R. 3525 passed the House
by a recorded vote of 230 yeas to 184 nays (Roll No. 552).
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3525 to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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Counter Terrorist Network Act
H.R. 3526
To authorize certain counter terrorist networks activities of
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Counter Terrorist Network Act'' (H.R. 3526) will
authorize certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
efforts to prevent terrorists and other nefarious actors from
exploiting legitimate avenues of traveling to and entering the
United States by deploying analysts from CBP's National
Targeting Center to participate in overseas global information
sharing partnership operations.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3526
H.R. 3526 was introduced in the House on June 27, 2019 by
Ms. Underwood and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3526 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On August 27, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3526 (H.
Rpt. 116-189).
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 3526 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3526 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
115th Congress
H.R. 4578
H.R. 4578 was introduced in the House on December 6, 2017
by Mr. Vela and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On December 13, 2017, the Committee considered H.R. 4578
and ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by voice
vote.
On January 9, 2018, the Committee reported H.R. 4578 (H.
Rpt. 115-492).
On January 9, 2018, H.R. 4578 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and on January 11, 2018, it was
passed, as amended, by a 2/3 recorded vote of 410 yeas to 2
nays (Roll No. 17).
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Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency
Readiness Act of 2019
H.R. 3669
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a
collective response to a terrorism exercise that includes the
management of cascading effects on critical infrastructure
during times of extreme cold weather, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and
Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2019'' or WINTER Act (H.R.
3669) would direct the Department of Homeland Security to
develop and conduct a terrorism training exercise that
addresses the effects of a successful terrorist attack on
critical infrastructure during an extreme cold weather event.
The exercise will involve a terrorist attack, an extreme cold
weather event, the effects on critical infrastructure, and how
the effects of a successful attack against critical
infrastructure could be mitigated by emergency managers, state
officials, and community stakeholders.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3669
H.R. 3669 was introduced in the House on July 10, 2019 by
Ms. Slotkin and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R 3669 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On November 22, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3669 (H.
Rept. 116-308).
On December 9, 2019, H.R. 3669 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On December 10, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3669 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Short-Term Detention Standards Act
H.R. 3670
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to ensure access to
appropriate temporary shelter, food, and water for individuals
apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Short-Term Detention Standards Act'' (H.R. 3670)
amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the
Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to
establish standards to provide necessities to apprehended
individuals to include access to bathroom and shower
facilities, appropriate nutrition, hygiene, personal grooming
items, and sanitation needs.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3670
H.R. 3670 was introduced in the House on July 10, 2019 by
Ms. Slotkin and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3670 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House, as amended,
by voice vote.
On July 25, 2019, H.R. 3670 was considered in the House
under suspension of the Rules and passed, as amended, by voice
vote.
On July 29, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3670 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Trusted Traveler Reconsideration and Restoration Act of 2019
H.R. 3675
To require a review of Department of Homeland Security trusted
traveler programs, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Trusted Traveler Reconsideration and Restoration Act
of 2019'' (H.R. 3675) would require the Comptroller General to
review the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted
traveler programs to evaluate the process for review and
redress when someone is denied enrollment in a program due to
incorrect information.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3675
H.R. 3675 was introduced in the House on July 10, 2019 by
Mr. Katko and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3675 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On August 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3675 (H.
Rpt. 116-191).
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 3675 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3675 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On March 11, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 3675 and ordered it to be
reported favorably to the Senate, without amendment.
On June 25, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 3675 (S. Rpt. 116-237).
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TRANSLATE Act
H.R. 3691
To require the TSA to develop a plan to ensure that TSA
material disseminated in major airports can be better
understood by more people accessing such airports, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Reaching
Across Nationalities, Societies, and Languages to Advance
Traveler Education Act'' or ``TRANSLATE Act'' (H.R. 3691)
requires the TSA to identify the languages that are primary to
individuals that work at and travel through each major airport
in the United States and to develop a plan to disseminate
materials in major airports to improve communications with
those populations.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3691
H.R. 3691 was introduced in the House on July 10, 2019 by
Ms. Titus and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3691 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On September 11, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3691 (H.
Rpt. 116-201).
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 3691 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3691 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
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Helping Families Fly Act of 2019
H.R. 3694
To require the Transportation Security Administration to
implement training for frontline Administration personnel
regarding the screening of pregnant women and families with
young children at passenger screening checkpoints, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Helping Families Fly Act of 2019'' (H.R. 3694) seeks
to require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to
implement training for frontline personnel regarding the
screening of pregnant women and families with young children at
passenger screening checkpoints.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3694
H.R. 3694 was introduced in the House on July 11, 2019 by
Mrs. Lesko and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3694 and
ordered it to be reported favorably to the House by unanimous
consent.
On August 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3694 (H.
Rept. 116-192).
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 3694 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed by voice vote.
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3694 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
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Cybersecurity Vulnerability Remediation Act
H.R. 3710
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for the
remediation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The ``Cybersecurity Vulnerability Remediation Act'' (H.R.
3710) seeks to improve how the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency (CISA) helps Federal and non-Federal entities manage
known cybersecurity risks. The bill would authorize the CISA
Director to identify, develop, and disseminate actionable
protocols to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities--including
for software or hardware that is no longer supported by the
vendor. Additionally, the bill would authorize the DHS Under
Secretary for Science and Technology to establish an incentive-
based program that allows industry, individuals, academia, and
others to compete in providing remediation solutions for
cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3710
H.R. 3710 was introduced in the House on July 11, 2019 by
Ms. Jackson Lee and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3710 and
ordered the measure to be reported favorably to the House by
unanimous consent.
On August 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3710 (H.
Rpt. 116-193).
On September 26, 2019, H.R. 3710 was considered in the
House under suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by
voice vote.
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3710 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act of 2019
H.R. 3722
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize a Joint
Task Force to enhance integration of the Department of Homeland
Security's border security operations to detect, interdict,
disrupt, and prevent narcotics, such as fentanyl and other
synthetic opioids, from entering the United States, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act of
2019'' (H.R. 3722) provides the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) with authorization to establish a Joint Task Force (JTF)
to enhance the integration of DHS's border security operations
to detect, interdict, disrupt, and prevent narcotics, such as
fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, from entering the United
States.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 3722
H.R. 3722 was introduced on July 11, 2019 by Mr. Langevin
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 17, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 3722 and
ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On August 30, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 3722 ((H.
Rpt. 116-194).
On September 26, 2019, the House considered H.R. 3722 under
suspension of the Rules.
On September 27, 2019, the House passed H.R. 3722 by a 2/3
recorded vote of 403 yeas and 1 nays (Roll No. 554).
On October 15, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 3526 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Inland Waters Security Review Act
H.R. 4402
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct an
inland waters threat analysis, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Inland Waters Security Review Act'' (H.R. 4402)
requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to
Congress an analysis of current and potential terrorism and
criminal threats with respect to inland waters. In doing so,
DHS must take into account technology, personnel, law
enforcement cooperation, public-private partnerships, and
challenges posed by geography.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 4402
H.R. 4402 was introduced on September 19, 2019 by Mrs.
Lesko and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On October 2, 2019, H.R. 4402 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 4402 and
ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On November 19, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 4402 as
H. Rept. 116-299.
On December 9, 2019, the House considered H.R. 4402 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On December 10, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4402 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Drones and Emerging Threats
Act
H.R. 4432
To require the Department of Homeland Security to prepare a
terrorism threat assessment relating to unmanned aircraft
systems, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Drones and
Emerging Threats Act'' (H.R. 4432) requires the Under Secretary
for Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) to partner with other Federal agencies, State
and local governments, and private sector entities to obtain
terrorism threat information relating to unmanned aircraft
systems and other emerging technologies. Additionally, the bill
requires DHS to develop a threat assessment of the amassed
information and create a secure information sharing platform
where the agency can collect and analyze data from its partners
and critical infrastructure owners and operators.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 4432
H.R. 4432 was introduced in the House on September 20, 2019
by Mr. Richmond and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On September 25, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 4432
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation as amended by unanimous consent.
On November 22, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 4432 (H.
Rpt. 116-309).
On February 10, 2020, the House considered H.R. 4432 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On February 11, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4432 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties Authorization Act
H.R. 4713
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make certain
improvements in the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties Authorization Act'' (H.R. 4713)
seeks to strengthen the role of the Office for Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties (CRCL) within the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS or Department) to ensure the protection of
individual rights for those affected by DHS programs and
activities. This bill authorizes CRCL to integrate civil rights
and civil liberties into all Department programs and activities
by reviewing Departmental policies, procedures, and activities;
reviewing, assessing, and investigating complaints and
information indicating possible abuses of civil rights and
civil liberties; conducting civil rights and civil liberties
impact assessments; and providing recommendations and other
technical assistance within DHS, among other functions.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 4713
H.R. 4713 was introduced in the House on October 17, 2019
by Mr. Green of Texas and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 4713 and
ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On November 19, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 4713 (H.
Rpt. 116-300).
On December 9, 2019, the House considered H.R. 4713 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On December 10, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4713 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On March 11, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 4713 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the Senate with an
amendment in the nature of a substitute.
On October 19, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 4713 (S. Rpt. 116-280).
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Department of Homeland Security Mentor Protege Program Act of 2019
H.R. 4727
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a
mentor-protege program, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protege
Program Act of 2019'' (H.R. 4727) seeks to encourage large
business prime contractors to mentor small businesses to help
position them to effectively compete for future federal
government contracts. Mentor firms are encouraged to offer
technical, managerial, and financial assistance to protege
firms through incentives, such as additional credit when being
evaluated for future DHS contracts. To ensure that Congress
monitors the effectiveness of the program, the bill requires
DHS to report annually to Congress on program participation,
including the benefits provided to small business participants.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 4727
H.R. 4727 was introduced in the House on October 17, 2019,
by Mr. McEachin and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 4727 and
ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as amended,
with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On November 22, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 4727 to
the House (H. Rpt. 116-310).
On December 9, 2019, the House considered H.R. 4727 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On December 10, 2019, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4727 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On July 22, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 4727 and ordered the
measure to be reported favorably to the House, as amended.
On November 9, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 4727 (S. Rpt. 116-287).
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Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act
H.R. 4737
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Under
Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of
Homeland Security to research and evaluate existing Federal
research regarding approaches to mitigate climate change on
homeland security to identify areas for further research within
the Department, research and develop approaches to mitigate the
consequences of climate change on homeland security, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Department of Homeland Security Climate Change
Research Act'' (H.R. 4737) would direct the Department of
Homeland Security (the Department or DHS)'s Science and
Technology Directorate to assess current Federal research
regarding the connection between climate change and homeland
security to identify research gaps and, to the extent
practical, conduct additional research to fill identified gaps.
In addition to focusing on how climate change can result in
competition for resources, economic distress, and social
discontent, the research shall consider the degree to which
climate change is reflected in terrorism preparedness, and
whether Federal spending mechanisms are adequately structured
to respond to disasters that are aggravated by climate change.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 4737
H.R. 4737 was introduced in the House on October 18, 2019
by Ms. Clarke of New York and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 4737 and ordered it to be reported to the
House, as amended, with a favorable recommendation by unanimous
consent.
On January 10, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 4737 to the House (H. Rpt. 116-375).
On January 8, 2020, the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 4737. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and the agreement to not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 4737. The letter further agreed to support the
request for conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called.
On February 10, 2020, the House considered H.R. 4737 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On February 11, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4737 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Drone Origin Security Enhancement Act
H.R. 4753
To prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from operating
or procuring foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The ``Drone Origin Security Enhancement Act'' (H.R. 4753)
would prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from
operating, providing financial assistance for, or entering or
renewing a contract for the procurement of certain unmanned
aircraft systems (UAS). Specifically, the prohibition applies
to UAS manufactured in or consisting of parts made in foreign
countries that the Department of Defense defines as ``strategic
competitors'' in its 2018 National Defense Strategy.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 4753
H.R. 4753 was introduced in the House on October 18, 2019
by Mr. Crenshaw and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On October 23, 2019, the Committee considered H.R. 4753 and
ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as amended,
with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On November 19, 2019, the Committee reported H.R. 4753 to
the House (H. Rpt. 116-301).
On February 10, 2020, the House considered H.R. 4753 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
On February 11, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 4753 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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Transnational White Supremacist Extremism Review Act
H.R. 5736
To direct the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis of
the Department of Homeland Security to develop and disseminate
a threat assessment regarding threats to the United States
associated with foreign violent white supremacist extremist
organizations, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``Transnational White Supremacist Extremism Review
Act'' (H.R. 5736) requires the Under Secretary for Intelligence
and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security to conduct
a terrorism threat assessment regarding threats to the United
States associated with foreign violent white supremacist
extremist organizations.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 5736
H.R. 5736 was introduced in the House on January 30, 2020
by Mr. Rose of New York and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security and was further referred to the Subcommittee
on Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
On February 12, 2020, the Committee considered H.R. 5736
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as
amended, with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On September 30, 2020, the House considered H.R. 5736 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On October 1, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 5736 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
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DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act
H.R. 5804
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the Blue
Campaign of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The ``DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act'' (H.R. 5804) seeks
to enhance human trafficking prevention training opportunities
and the development of such trainings and materials. The
legislation requires the Director of the Blue Campaign--the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) coordinated effort to
address human trafficking--to develop and provide online
training videos to individuals, including law enforcement
officers. It also establishes an Advisory Board composed of DHS
components and offices to be consulted by the Director on the
development of training and materials, and awareness campaigns
to prevent human trafficking.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 5804
H.R. 5804 was introduced in the House on February 7, 2020
by Mr. Crenshaw and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary.
On February 12, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 5804 and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House, as amended, with a favorable recommendation by
unanimous consent.
On September 11, 2020, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 5804 to the House as (H. Rpt. 116-498, Part I)
and the Committee on the Judiciary was discharged.
On September 4, 2020, the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security, agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on the
Judiciary would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 5804. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on the Judiciary and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 5804. The letter further agreed to
support the request for conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
On September 30, 2020, the House considered H.R. 5804 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On October 1, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 5804 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
------
TSA Personnel Workplace Improvement Act of 2020
H.R. 5811
To require the Transportation Security Administration to
provide nursing facilities and paid parental leave for
Administration personnel, and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``TSA Personnel Workplace Improvement Act of 2020''
(H.R. 5811) would require the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) to ensure personnel have adequate access
to facilities designated for use by nursing mothers in the
workplace. The bill requires that such facilities be assessed
for cleanliness, safety, and accessibility, provided free of
charge, private and free from intrusion, and available for
personnel to use with a reasonable break time. Additionally,
the bill requires TSA to coordinate with the National
Institutes for Health and the labor organization representing
screening personnel in carrying out such requirements. This
bill also provides all TSA employees at least 12 weeks of paid
parental leave.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 5811
H.R. 5811 was introduced in the House on February 6, 2020
by Mr. Katko and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On February 12, 2020, the Committee considered H.R. 5811
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as
amended, with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On September 30, 2020, the House considered H.R. 5811 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On October 1, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 5811 to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Technology.
------
Homeland Security Acquisition Professional Career Program Act
H.R. 5822
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an
acquisition professional career program, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The ``Homeland Security Acquisition Professional Career
Program Act'' (H.R. 5822) authorizes a Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) program for developing a cadre of acquisition
professionals within DHS. The bill outlines the requirements
for the program, which includes acquisition training, on-the-
job experience, Department-wide rotations, mentoring,
shadowing, and other career development opportunities for
participants. The bill also requires the DHS Secretary to
report annually to Congress through fiscal year 2026 on various
aspects of the program, including the DHS components and
offices that participated, attrition and retention rates, and
DHS' recruitment efforts for the program.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 5822
H.R. 5822 was introduced in the House on February 6, 2020
by Ms. Titus and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On February 12, 2020, the Committee considered H.R. 5822
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as
amended, with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On August 14, 2020, the Committee reported H.R. 5822 to the
House (H. Rpt. 116-475).
On September 30, 2020, the House considered H.R. 5822 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On October 1, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 5822 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
------
State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act
H.R. 5823
To establish a program to make grants to States to address
cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information
systems of State, local, Tribal, or territorial governments,
and for other purposes.
Summary
The ``State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act'' (H.R.
5823) seeks to foster a stronger partnership between the
Federal government and State and local governments to defend
their State and local networks against the cyberattacks from
sophisticated foreign adversaries or cyber criminals. It would
authorize a new $400 million Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) grant program to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities on
State and local government networks. The bill also requires the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to
develop a strategy to improve the cybersecurity of State,
local, Tribal, and territorial governments, set baseline
objectives for State and local cybersecurity efforts, and,
among other things, identify Federal resources that could be
made available to State and local governments for cybersecurity
purposes. CISA would also be required to assess the feasibility
of implementing a short-term rotational program for the detail
of approved State, local, Tribal, and territorial government
employees in cyber workforce positions at CISA. Lastly, the
bill establishes a State and Local Cybersecurity Resiliency
Committee comprised of representatives from State, local,
Tribal, and territorial governments to advise and provide
situational awareness to CISA regarding the cybersecurity needs
of such governments.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 5823
H.R. 5823 was introduced in the House on February 10, 2020
by Mr. Richmond and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On February 12, 2020, the Committee considered H.R. 5823
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as
amended, with a favorable recommendation by unanimous consent.
On August 18, 2020, the Committee reported H.R. 5823 to the
House (H. Rpt. 116-478).
On September 30, 2020, the House considered H.R. 5823 under
suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
On October 1, 2020, the Senate received, read twice, and
referred H.R. 5823 to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
------
To Extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the
Department of Homeland Security
H.R. 6160
To extend the chemical facility anti-terrorism standards
program of the Department of Homeland Security.
Summary
This measure extended the authorization for the Department
of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards Program (CFATS) for a year and a half.
Legislative History
116th Congress
H.R. 6160
H.R. 6160 was introduced in the House on March 9, 2020 by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy
and Commerce.
On March 14, 2020, Mr. Thompson asked unanimous consent
that H.R. 6160 be to discharged from committee and considered
in the House.
On March 14, 2020, H.R. 6160 was considered in the House by
unanimous consent and passed without objection.
On March 16, 2020, H.R. 6160 was received in the Senate.
Oversight Activities of the Full Committee
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Michael T. McCaul, Texas VACANT
John Katko, New York Donald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey
Mark Walker, North Carolina Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Clay Higgins, Louisiana J. Luis Correa, California
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Mark Green, Tennessee Max Rose, New York
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Michael Guest, Mississippi Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Al Green, Texas
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Mike Garcia, California Dina Titus, Nevada
Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Val Butler Demings, Florida
----------
During the 116th Congress, the Committee on Homeland
Security held 26 Full Committee hearings, receiving testimony
from 79 witnesses.
----------
Organizational Meeting of the Committee
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 30, 2019,
for an organizational meeting for the 116th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi.
The Full Committee met pursuant to notice and adopted the
Committee Rules and Committee Resolution No. 1, relating to
staff hiring, by unanimous consent.
----------
BIOMETRICS
On July 10, 2019, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``About Face: Examining the Department of Homeland Security's
Use of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric Technologies.''
Testimony was received from Mr. John Wagner, Deputy Executive
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Austin Gould, Assistant Administrator for
Requirements and Capabilities Analysis, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Joseph R. Di Pietro, Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Secret
Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. Charles
H. Romine, Ph.D., Director of Information Technology
Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
U.S. Department of Commerce.
The Committee held ``About Face: Examining the Department
of Homeland Security's Use of Facial Recognition and Other
Biometric Technologies, Part II,'' on February 6, 2020. The
Committee received testimony from Mr. John Wagner, Deputy
Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Peter Mina, Deputy Officer for Programs and
Compliance, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. Charles H. Romine,
Ph.D., Director of Information Technology Laboratory, National
Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of
Commerce.
BLACK IDENTITY EXTREMISM
On August 3, 2017, the FBI published an assessment
outlining the threat from so-called ``Black Identity
Extremists,'' raising concerns among the civil rights community
that the FBI was seeking to surveil and target African American
activists under a new umbrella term. On December 17, 2019,
Chairman Thompson and Subcommittee Chairman Cedric Richmond
sent a letter to FBI Director Wray requesting the production of
intelligence assessments regarding the FBI's Black Identity
Extremism (BIE) classification by January 31, 2020, in addition
to a briefing on the topic at the beginning of the coming year.
The letter followed up on questioning by Chairman Richmond at
an October 30, 2019 hearing Full Committee hearing entitled
``Global Terrorism: Threats to the Homeland, Part II.''
On May 29, 2020, five months after the due date to produce
documents and six months after the requested briefing, the FBI
responded to the December 17 letter stating that the FBI no
longer uses the BIE terminology and failed to comment on the
document request production or promised briefing. On June 10,
2020, the Committee wrote to Assistant Director for
Congressional Affairs, Jill Tyson, requesting a videoconference
on the FBI's delay for documents pertaining to the BIE
classification. On June 24, 2020, the FBI responded to the June
10, 2020 letter confirmed that they would offer staff an in-
camera review of the 2017 BIE Intelligence Assessment, and
FY18, FY19, and FY20 Consolidated Strategy Guides. On July 9,
2020, FBI personnel provided documents related to BIE in an in
camera review of documents requested by Chairman Thompson and
Rep. Richmond in a December 17, 2019 letter addressed to
Director Wray.
BORDER SECURITY
On January 4, 2019, Chairman Thompson wrote to Secretary
Kirstjen Nielsen requesting the Department provide relevant
documentation and records on the construction of a border wall
system, metering individuals presenting themselves at land
ports of entry, interdiction of families between ports of
entry, and care and treatment of children in CBP custody.
From February 21, 2019, through February 23, 2019, Chairman
Thompson led Members on a visit to El Paso, Texas, and southern
New Mexico to examine CBP processing operations, ports of
entry, and border security technology. Members also met with
local immigrant advocacy groups and borderland stakeholders.
On March 6, 2019, the Committee held a hearing entitled,
``The Way Forward on Border Security.'' The Committee received
testimony from the Honorable Kirstjen Nielsen, Secretary, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. The Committee examined DHS's
border security policy, programs, and activities. Members
questioned the Secretary about the President's border emergency
declaration, construction of barriers along the southern
border, separation of families at the border, and the December
2018 deaths of children in the Department's custody.
On July 3, 2019, Chairman Thompson wrote to Mr. McAleenan
to express concern about the inadequacy of the documents
provided in response to the Committee's January 4, 2019 letter.
On September 3, 2019, the Committee received additional
documents from the Department, but significant omissions
remained. These omissions included but were not limited to
correspondence and other communications between leadership,
staff members, and other personnel at the White House, DHS, and
CBP related to ongoing and planned construction for a border
wall system from January 1, 2017 to January 4, 2019; metering
of individuals at land ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico
border from November 1, 2016 to January 4, 2019; and the deaths
of two migrant children from November 1, 2018 to January 4,
2019.
On October 18, 2019, Chairman Thompson again wrote to Mr.
McAleenan to notify the Department that if it failed to provide
the Committee all remaining documents requested by October 25,
2019, the Committee would exercise its authority to compel
production. The Committee met on November 20, 2019, to the
authorize the issuance of a subpoena for the requested
documents. DHS has not produced all of the documents demanded
by the subpoena, and the documents that have been produced have
had extensive and improper redactions.
On December 12, 2019, Chairman Thompson wrote to Glenn A.
Fine, the Principal Deputy Inspector General of the Department
of Defense, requesting a review of a $400 million contract the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) awarded to Fisher Sand and
Gravel Co. on December 2, 2019, to design and build border
infrastructure in Yuma County, Arizona. Prior to this award,
President Trump had personally repeatedly urged USACE to award
construction contracts to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co., raising
concern about inappropriate influence on the contracting
decision. DOD agreed to investigate this award.
BUDGET
On May 22, 2019, the Committee held a hearing entitled ``A
Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland Security.'' The Committee received
testimony from the Hon. Kevin K. McAleenan, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
On March 3, 2020, the Committee held a hearing entitled ``A
Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland Security.'' The Committee received
testimony from the Hon. Chad Wolf of the Department of Homeland
Security.
CHILDREN IN CBP CUSTODY
In December 2018, two children died in separate incidents
while in the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol, which were the
first deaths of children in Border Patrol custody in more than
a decade. On January 4, 2019, the Committee requested documents
related to these deaths, among other issues. After DHS failed
to produce the requested documents, Chairman Thompson issued a
subpoena with the Committee's authorization on November 20,
2019, for records regarding CBP's treatment of children and
families at the border. DHS has not yet produced all of the
documents demanded by the subpoena and the documents that have
been produced have had extensive and improper redactions.
The DHS OIG conducted reviews of the deaths of the two
children in December 2018 and issued brief public summaries of
its reviews a year later. The Committee identified significant
deficiencies with both reviews. In an effort to understand more
about the circumstances surrounding the children's deaths, the
Committee asked a pediatrician and a pathologist to examine
these children's deaths.
Following the deaths of the two children in 2018, CBP
issued an interim directive in January 2019 establishing new
medical screening and assessment procedures for children taken
into custody. The Committee and Subcommittee on Border
Security, Facilitation, and Operations held hearings during
which Members asked DHS officials about implementation of this
directive. CBP issued a final directive regarding enhanced
medical screening procedures in December 2019. At the
Committee's request, GAO reviewed CBP's compliance with its new
procedures.
In July 2019, at the Administration's request, Congress
authorized an emergency appropriation to provide additional
funding for the care of individuals apprehended by CBP at the
Southwest Border. Funding was authorized under several line
items, including ``consumables and medical care'' and
``establishing and operating migrant care and processing
facilities.'' In a decision released on June 11, 2020, GAO
found ``that CBP violated the purpose statute when it obligated
the line item appropriations in the 2019 Emergency Supplemental
for goods and services that were not within the purpose
availability of such line items.''
On July 15, 2020, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Children in CBP Custody: Examining Deaths, Medical Care
Procedures, and Improper Spending.'' Testimony was heard from
Fiona S. Danaher, MD, MPH, Pediatrician, Chelsea Pediatrics,
Child Protection Team, Massachusetts General Hospital,
Instructor in Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School; Roger A.
Mitchell, Jr., MD, Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner, Washington, D.C., Clinical Professor of
Pathology at The George Washington University, Associate
Professor of Surgery at Howard University; the Honorable Joseph
V. Cuffari, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; and Ms. Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security
and Justice Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
The Committee examined the circumstances surrounding the
deaths of two migrant children while in custody; the conditions
of detention facilities in which migrant children were held in
2019; CBP's implementation of its revised medical screening
procedures; and CBP's improper expenditure of emergency funding
appropriated by Congress for the care of migrants taken into
custody.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO)
identified a media report from the Wuhan Municipal Health
Commission in China regarding dozens of patients in Wuhan,
China, receiving treatment for a ``viral pneumonia'' from an
unknown source. The virus, later referred to as ``severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2'' (SARS-CoV-2), causes
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since the initial cases,
the virus has spread across the globe, including to the United
States, and been designated a pandemic by the WHO.
From January 2020 to the present, President Trump and
Administration officials have frequently used dismissive
rhetoric about the growing threat of COVID-19. Minimizing WHO's
COVID-19 global health emergency declaration on January 30,
2020, and dismissing multiple warnings, the President did not
declare a national emergency concerning COVID-19 until March
13, 2020, and failed to issue social distancing guidelines
until March 16, 2020, close to eight weeks after the first
reported U.S. COVID-19 cases.
Since late January 2020, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) has been coordinating with the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) in responding to the COVID-19
pandemic. FEMA supported HHS with crisis action planning,
situational awareness reporting, interagency coordination,
course of action development, and logistics supply chain
analysis through the Crisis Action Task Force located at the
HHS Secretary's Operation Center.
On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic to be of sufficient severity and magnitude to
warrant an emergency declaration for all states, tribes,
territories, and the District of Columbia pursuant to section
501(b) of the Stafford Act. All 50 states and all territories
are now under a major disaster declaration for the first time
in U.S. history.
On March 19, 2020, Vice President Mike Pence announced that
FEMA was responsible for coordinating the Federal outbreak
response activities. FEMA would coordinate the overall response
as lead Federal agency, and HHS would continue to lead the
medical and public health response to the outbreak. FEMA's
National Response Coordination Center became the new hub of the
Federal response effort under the Unified Coordination Group,
which was co-chaired by FEMA Administrator Peter T. Gaynor and
HHS's Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dr.
Robert Kadlec. Seven task forces were assembled to address key
response priorities, including the Supply Chain Stabilization
Task Force, which was focused on stabilizing the supply chain
for PPE and medical equipment. While states generally welcomed
the transition in leadership from HHS to FEMA, issues like PPE
and testing supply shortages, changing guidance, and the
involvement of outside volunteers in PPE acquisition required
Congressional oversight.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, front line responders
have faced a dire shortage of critical supplies, such as N95
respirators, testing supplies, protective gowns, gloves, and
other types of PPE. Months after the first cases of COVID-19
were reported in the U.S., the demand for PPE and other
critical supplies continued to outpace supply. Through the
Federal response, PPE and other medical equipment were
distributed to states using the Strategic National Stockpile,
Project Airbridge, and new Federal purchases. However, the
absence of a comprehensive national procurement strategy for
PPE and other medical equipment led to confusion and
competition between Federal agencies, states, and other
entities trying to respond to the coronavirus. Additionally,
the Federal government failed to properly vet vendors on
multiple occasions, which led to cancelled orders or receipt of
defective goods, and it did not aggressively use the Defense
Production Act to help address shortages.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the Committee on Homeland
Security has conducted vigorous oversight of the Federal
response, focusing on the Department of Homeland Security's
(DHS) actions and the effects of COVID-19 on the Department and
its workforce. The following is a timeline of selected Full
Committee hearings, briefings, letters, and other activities
during the 116th Congress.
On January 28, 2020, Chairman Bennie G. Thompson and the
other Majority Members of the Committee sent a letter to the
Honorable Chad Wolf of DHS requesting information on the
Department's efforts in addressing the health and homeland
security implications of the coronavirus outbreak.
On February 5, 2020, the Committee held a Member briefing
on DHS's response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including any
actions the Department took to support national outbreak
response efforts, an assessment of such actions, and necessary
oversight. The Committee was briefed by Gary Rasicot, Assistant
Secretary, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office
(CWMD); Alex Zemek, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of
Strategy, Policy, and Plans; Bill Ferrara, Executive Assistant
Commissioner for Operations Support, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP); Stacey Fitzmaurice, Executive Assistant
Administrator for Operations Support, Transportation Security
Administration (TSA); Damon Penn, Assistant Administrator of
Response, and Josh Dozor, Deputy Administrator of Response,
FEMA; and Captain Kailie Benson, Chief, Office of Emergency
Management & Disaster Response, U.S. Coast Guard.
On March 4, 2020, the Committee held a hearing entitled,
``Confronting the Coronavirus: Perspectives on the Response to
a Pandemic Threat,'' to learn about the outbreak of COVID-19
and assess the efficacy of the Federal government's response.
The Committee received testimony from Tom Inglesby, MD,
Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security; Ngozi O.
Ezike, MD, Director, Illinois Department of Public Health; and
Julie Gerberding, MD, Executive Vice President & Chief Patient
Officer, Strategic Communications, Global Public Policy and
Population Health, and former director for the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC).
On March 11, 2020, the Committee held a hearing entitled,
``Confronting the Coronavirus: The Federal Response,'' to
conduct oversight of DHS's role in responding to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee received testimony from
Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, DHS, and Stephen C. Redd, MD (RADM,
USPHS), Deputy Director for Public Health Service and
Implementation Science, CDC.
On March 19, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Committee Majority
Members wrote President Trump requesting the Federal government
not only prioritize resources towards responding to the
national health emergency, but also immediately take additional
specific steps to thwart the spread of the virus.
On March 19, 2020, Chairman Thompson and other Committee
Majority Members wrote to U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) requesting that the component take immediate
steps to prevent, prepare for, and manage the spread of COVID-
19 within its detention facilities. On March 24, 2020, ICE
reported the first positive COVID-19 test of a detainee. On
April 14, 2020, the Committee received a briefing from ICE
Acting Director Matt Albence and other senior leaders about
ICE's response to COVID-19.
On March 19, 2020, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency (CISA) issued the first iteration of its
Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce,
which was intended to help State, local, and industry partners
identify the ``essential workers needed to maintain the
services and functions Americans depend on daily and need to be
able to operate resiliently during the COVID-19 pandemic
response.'' This guidance has been updated numerous times, each
time widening the definition of essential critical
infrastructure workers (ECIWs).
On March 20, 2020, Chairman Thompson, Rep. J. Luis Correa,
and other Committee Democrats wrote TSA Administrator David
Pekoske regarding what actions TSA was taking to support
employees and protect against the spread of the coronavirus.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Committee Members
expressed concerns that TSA employees face significant risks of
contracting the coronavirus due to their intimate interactions
with large numbers of travelers from all over the globe.
Without appropriate protections and cleaning, security
checkpoints may also serve as a location for transmission of
the virus among passengers.
On March 23, 2020, Chairman Thompson sent a letter to the
Honorable Chad Wolf of DHS and Secretary of Health and Human
Services Alex Azar regarding the personal protective equipment
(PPE) and other critical medical equipment and supplies
available in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) that FEMA
was shipping to states. FEMA had been unable to provide any
specific numbers regarding the availability of PPE or the
schedule for distribution of this essential equipment to the
states.
On March 24, 2020, the Committee held a telephonic Member
briefing with TSA Administrator Pekoske regarding the agency's
response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Also on March 24, 2020, Chairman Thompson, along with other
relevant Committee Chairs, sent a letter to President Trump
urging him to eliminate the 25 percent cost share that states
typically are required to bear under emergency and major
disaster declarations given the magnitude of the pandemic
disaster. Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act, which makes Federal funds available
to areas experiencing a disaster, the Federal government is
required to cover at least 75% of eligible costs, with local
and state governments providing matching funds to cover
remaining costs. However, the Federal government has discretion
to decrease the amount of local matching funds, including by
increasing the Federal share of covered costs to 100%.
On March 26, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to CISA Director
Christopher Krebs to learn how the agency, as the lead Federal
coordinator for securing critical infrastructure, planned to
coordinate with its health care sector partners to prepare for
and respond to elevated cyber threats. In response to a
disturbing rise in malicious cyber activity targeting all parts
of the healthcare ecosystem during the COVID-19 pandemic,
Chairman Thompson sought commitments that CISA had mechanisms
to share cyber threat information and mitigation measures,
among other things.
On March 31, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to Director
Krebs to inquire about the process used to develop the ECIW
guidance and the rationale for including, for instance, gun
retailers and shooting ranges as essential workers.
On April 2, 2020, Chairman Thompson, along with other
Committee Members, sent letters to all of the nation's
governors asking them to help the Committee account for medical
supplies and equipment (such as ventilators, masks, etc.)
requested from the Federal government and provided to U.S.
States, territories, and the District of Columbia. The
Committee requested this information from DHS and HHS, but the
Administration had not yet provided it.
Based on this oversight, on April 3, 2020, Chairman
Thompson and Majority Members of the Committee introduced HR
6455, the COVID-19 Commission Act, which would establish an
independent, bipartisan, Congressionally chartered commission
to prepare and release a full and complete accounting of the
nation's efforts to prepare for and respond to the COVID-19
pandemic.
On April 7, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Chairwoman Carolyn
Maloney of the Committee on Oversight and Reform sent a letter
to the FEMA Administrator inquiring about its efforts to
acquire and distribute PPE and other essential medical supplies
and equipment to states after the HHS Office of Inspector
General (OIG) released a report detailing the lack of medical
equipment in hospitals nationwide.
On April 9, 2020, Chairman Thompson joined House Armed
Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith and other Committee
Chairs in sending a letter to President Trump to express their
concern about the lack of a clear, coordinated strategy to
produce and acquire the medical supplies necessary to respond
to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.
Also on April 9, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Chairwoman
Kathleen Rice of the Border Security, Facilitation, and
Operations Subcommittee, wrote to the Department and U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expressing grave concerns
about the treatment of unaccompanied children and the
circumvention of the U.S. government's responsibilities toward
this vulnerable population as required by the Trafficking
Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA). The
letter was in response to CBP's implementation of the CDC's
March 20, 2020 Order Suspending Introduction of Persons From A
Country Where A Communicable Disease Exists.
On April 15, 2020, Chairman Thompson again wrote to CISA
about new reports describing a ``lobbying frenzy'' by industry
special interests seeking to influence CISA's designation
process, and similar efforts at the State and local level.
On April 17, 2020, Chairman Thompson sent a letter to HHS
Secretary Alex Azar and FEMA Administrator Gaynor regarding the
provision of PPE and essential medical supplies and equipment
to long-term care and nursing homes.
Also on April 17, 2020, the Committee was briefed by Peter
T. Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Members asked about topics such as Project Airbridge, testing
supplies, and FEMA's reimbursement cost-share related to the
pandemic.
On April 23, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to CISA Director
Krebs to understand CISA's efforts to secure Federal networks
in response the increase telework associated with the COVID-19
pandemic.
On April 29, 2020, Chairman Thompson and the Majority
Members of the Committee sent a letter requesting the HHS OIG
examine racial, socioeconomic healthcare disparities exposed by
COVID-19. On August 13, 2020, HHS OIG confirmed the initiation
of two new evaluations. The first evaluation is focused on data
the CDC ``collects and maintains that can be used to assess
racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 cases
and outcomes, as well as how CDC uses those data as part of its
activities to address the COVID-19 pandemic.'' The second
evaluation ``will aim to review the locations of hospitals that
received Provider Relief Funds, with particular attention to
hospitals located in communities of color and economically
disadvantaged communities that were disproportionately impacted
by adverse COVID-19 outcomes (i.e., rates of hospitalization or
death).''
Also on April 29, 2020, as outbreaks in detention
facilities continued to occur, Chairman Thompson wrote to four
ICE detention contractors--CoreCivic, the GEO Group, LaSalle
Corrections, and MTC--requesting information on the actions
taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within their
facilities, including information on their compliance with
COVID-19 control measures recommended by CDC. The Committee
also requested information on the number of facility contract
personnel who had tested positive for COVID-19 since ICE failed
to publicly report this information.
On May 6, 2020, Chairman Thompson sent a letter to DHS and
HHS regarding the Federal government's coronavirus pandemic
projections, requesting those projections be provided to the
Committee, and inquiring whether adequate preparations are
being made by the Departments to respond to these projected
trends.
On May 1, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Transportation and
Maritime Security Subcommittee Chairman J. Luis Correa wrote
TSA Administration David Pekoske requesting that TSA require
both employees and passengers to wear masks. Shortly
thereafter, Administrator Pekoske issued a requirement for
employees to wear masks while on duty.
On May 8, 2020, Chairman Thompson; Transportation and
Maritime Security Subcommittee Chairman Correa; Border
Security, Facilitation, and Operations Subcommittee Chairwoman
Kathleen Rice; Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Chairman Peter DeFazio; and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Rick
Larsen wrote the Honorable Chad Wolf and Secretary of
Transportation Elaine Chao calling for a comprehensive
interagency working group to respond to the coronavirus'
effects on the aviation sector.
Also on May 8, 2020, the Committee was briefed by the
Honorable Chad Wolf about the Department's pandemic response
efforts.
In addition, on May 8, 2020, Chairman Thompson joined
Chairman Schiff of the Intelligence Committee and Rep.
Stephanie Murphy, Co-Chair of the House Blue Dog Coalition, in
sending a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader
Kevin McCarthy requesting inclusion of language in upcoming
relief legislation establishing an independent bipartisan
commission to examine the response to the novel coronavirus
pandemic. The Members each proposed a bill to create an
independent, bipartisan commission that would examine the
outbreak and spread of coronavirus, the nation's preparedness
and our government's collective response, and make
recommendations for future pandemics.
On May 14, 2020, the Committee held a briefing for Members
with CISA Director Krebs to discuss the ECIW guidance, along
with other aspects of CISA's COVID-19 response efforts.
On May 19, 2020, the CDC Order Suspending Introduction Of
Persons From A Country Where A Communicable Disease Exists was
extended indefinitely. On June 4, 2020, Chairman Thompson and
Subcommittee Chairwoman Rice once again wrote to the Department
and CBP renewing their concerns about the order and the
Administration's apparent use of the coronavirus pandemic as
cover to pursue anti-immigrant policies.
On May 28, 2020, Chairman Thompson sent letters to DHS and
HHS demanding they provide the documents and information the
Committee had requested regarding the Federal response to the
coronavirus pandemic.
Also on May 28, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Majority
Members of the Committee requested FEMA brief the Committee on
the Agency's plans for responding to natural disasters during
the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, on June 9, 2020, FEMA
provided Committee Members with information and a Member
briefing on the actions taken to prepare for and respond to
natural disasters during the COVID-19. The Committee was
briefed by David Bibo, FEMA Acting Associate Administrator for
Response and Recovery.
On June 2, 2020, Chairman Thompson and other Majority
Committee Members again wrote to ICE about its response to
COVID-19. Members expressed grave concerns about ICE's
continued deportations, detainee transfers between facilities,
and failure to provide detainees with sufficient personal
protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene products. All of these
actions likely contributed to the spread of COVID-19 across
ICE's detention network and around the globe. Members urged ICE
to halt deportations and transfers of detainees as well as
maximize the use of alternatives to detention throughout the
course of the pandemic.
On June 11, 2020, the Committee held a second telephonic
briefing with Administrator Pekoske regarding TSA's response to
the coronavirus pandemic.
On June 16, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote the Honorable
Chad Wolf about concerns regarding reports that DHS was
considering implementing a program for TSA to conduct checks of
passengers' temperatures prior to security screening.
On July 6, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Rep. Correa wrote
Administrator Pekoske again urging him to require airline
passengers to wear masks.
On July 8, 2020, the Committee held a hearing entitled,
``Examining the National Response to the Worsening Coronavirus
Pandemic.'' The Committee examined State and local perspectives
on the impact of COVID-19 and the failures of the Trump
Administration's response to the pandemic on their communities.
The Committee received testimony from the Honorable Jay Robert
``J. B.'' Pritzker, Governor, Illinois; the Honorable Jason
Shelton, Mayor, City of Tupelo, Mississippi; Umair A. Shah,
M.D., M.P.H., Executive Director and Local Health Authority of
Harris County Public Health, Texas; and Colonel (ret.) Brian
Hastings, Director, Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
On July 14, 2020, Chairman Thompson joined Financial
Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters and other Committee
Chairs in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
and Secretary of HHS Alex Azar seeking answers as to why the
Administration had not used funding in the CARES Act for the
Defense Production Act to boost production of critical medical
supplies and equipment needed to combat COVID-19, such as
personal protection equipment and diagnostic testing--both
items the country desperately needed to combat COVID-19.
On July 21, 2020, Chairman Thompson, along with other
relevant Committee Chairs, sent a letter to FEMA Administrator
Gaynor expressing concerns over longstanding senior leadership
vacancies at the Agency during the pandemic. The letter urged
the Administrator to work with the Department of Homeland
Security and the White House to fill these vacancies.
On July 22, 2020, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Examining the National Response to the Worsening Coronavirus
Pandemic: Part II.'' The Committee examined FEMA's role in
responding to the coronavirus outbreak and the various
shortcomings that plagued the Administration's response since
the pandemic's onset. The Committee received testimony from
FEMA Administrator Gaynor.
On August 7, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to Immigration
Centers for America after a major outbreak of COVID-19 occurred
at the contractor's facility in Farmville, VA.
On September 24, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to the
Honorable Chad Wolf requesting documents regarding the
Department's briefings with the CDC in the beginning days of
the coronavirus pandemic to investigate what the Department
knew about the COVID-19 threat and when, if the Department
downplayed the threat, and what measures to stop the spread of
coronavirus were being undertaken by the Department.
On December 18, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to the Hon.
Chad Wolf regarding the concerning rise in the number of DHS
employees with COVID-19 and urged the Department to ensure
access to testing and vaccines as they become available.
In addition to noticed activities, Majority Members of the
Committee participated in a series of virtual roundtables
discussing the coronavirus and its impacts on homeland
security. These roundtables provided an opportunity to discuss
critical issues related to coronavirus response and the
Department of Homeland Security while Congress was unable to
meet Washington, D.C.:
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part One: A
Conversation with Chairman Bennie G. Thompson and Former
Homeland Security Secretary JEH Johnson, April 21, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Two: TSA
Employee Protections and Benefits in Response to COVID-19,
April 30, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Three: A
Conversation with Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, May
1, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Four: A
Conversation with Former White House Ebola Response Coordinator
Ron Klain, May 1, 2020
COronavirus And Homeland Security Part Five: A
Panel Discussion on Health Disparities, May 7, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Six: Long
Term Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on DHS's Mission, May
8, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Seven:
Flattening the Misinformation Curve, May 11, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Eight: The
Role of Immigrants in COVID-19 Response & Recovery, May 13,
2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Nine:
Extremism During the Pandemic, May 20, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Ten:
Perspectives on Response and Recovery, May 21, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Eleven:
Election Security & Integrity During a Pandemic, June 1, 2020
Coronavirus and Homeland Security Part Twelve:
USPS Delivering for America, June 3, 2020
COUNTERINTELLIGENCE
On March 11, 2019, the Committee received a classified
Member briefing from the National Security Agency (NSA) on the
counterintelligence threats when traveling outside the United
States. On November 19, 2019, the Committee received a
classified briefing from the Federal Bureau of Investigation
regarding the targeting of the Committee by a nation-state.
On December 3, 2019, the Committee received a classified
briefing from the NSA regarding counterintelligence threats
when traveling outside the United States.
CYBERSECURITY
On October 16, 2019, the Committee held a hearing on
``Public-Private Initiatives to Secure the Supply Chain.''
Witnesses were: Mr. Robert Kolasky, Assistant Director,
National Risk Management Center, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Robert Mayer, Senior Vice President of
Cybersecurity, USTelecom; and Mr. John Miller, Vice President
of Policy and Senior Counsel, IT Industry Council. Members
received testimony from the Co-Chairs of the Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) Supply Chain Risk Management
(SCRM) Task Force about the Task Force's efforts to address
risks in the supply chain and related third-party risk. The
hearing served as a forum for the Co-Chairs to discuss the Task
Force's Interim Report, support to the Federal Acquisition
Security Council, and the May 2019 Executive Order, Securing
the Information and Communications Technology and Services
Supply Chain (EO 13873).
On December 18, 2020, the Committee received a classified
member briefing on the SolarWinds supply chain breach.
DOMESTIC TERRORISM
On February 14, 2019, Chairman Thompson and Judiciary
Committee Chairman Jerrold L. Nadler sent a letter to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher A.
Wray inquiring as to why the Terrorism publication was
discontinued in 2005 and what, if any, plans the FBI had for
documenting domestic terrorist attacks and threats. The letter
also asked for a briefing no later than March 8, 2019,
regarding the decision to discontinue FBI's Terrorism report.
On March 27, 2019, FBI Assistant Director for the
Counterterrorism Division Michael McGarrity responded stating
that the report was terminated due to resource allocation
issues.
On March 13, 2019, Chairman Thompson wrote to Attorney
General Barr and Director Wray requesting a classified briefing
for the Committee to answer questions regarding the Department
of Justice (DOJ) and FBI's work to address domestic terrorism.
The letter also served as a notice for a future hearing on
domestic terrorism subsequent to the briefing.
On April 4, 2019, the Committee received a classified
Member briefing from the DOJ, FBI, and DHS's, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) on domestic terrorism matters.
The briefing provided Members with background information prior
to a Full Committee hearing with the same entities the
following month.
On May 8, 2019, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Confronting the Rise of Domestic Terrorism in the Homeland.''
The Committee received testimony from Mr. Brad Wiegmann; Deputy
Assistant Attorney General for National Security, U.S.
Department of Justice; Mr. Michael McGarity, Assistant Director
for the Counterterrorism Division, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice; and Mr. Brian
Murphy, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. The Committee examined the growing nature of the
domestic terrorist threat, acknowledged the lethality of the
threat from Racially Motivated Violent Extremists, the role of
the internet in recruiting and radicalizing domestic
terrorists, and the increasingly global connections possessed
by domestic terrorists.
Since 2011, Committee Democrats asked the then-Republican
Majority for hearings on domestic terrorism eight times. Five
requests were outright denied, and three requests went
unanswered. This long-overdue hearing examined how the Federal
government tracks and counters domestic terrorism. The hearing
also helped to inform legislation that Chairman Thompson
developed to require regular reporting of government data on
domestic terrorism. On June 5, 2019 Chairman Thompson
introduced H.R. 3106, the Domestic Terrorism Documentation and
Analysis of Threats in America Act, or the Domestic Terrorism
DATA Act, to foster transparency surrounding domestic terrorism
data and increase research on the issue. H.R. 3106 passed the
House, amended, on September 26, 2019. A version of the
Domestic Terrorism DATA Act was included in the Fiscal Year
2020 National Defense Authorization Act and was signed into law
on December 20, 2019.
On July 10, 2020, the Committee held a Member briefing with
representatives from DHS on protest-related violence. The
summer of 2020 saw a significant uptick in First Amendment-
protected protests following the killing of George Floyd by a
police officer in Minnesota, in addition to other incidents of
police-involved incidents in American cities. The briefing
focused on providing the latest intelligence that DHS providing
to State and local law enforcement in addition to outlining DHS
operational plans immediately following the July 4th holiday.
DHS VACANCIES
On May 1, 2019, the Committee held a hearing entitled,
``Trouble at the Top: Are Vacancies at the Department of
Homeland Security Undermining the Mission?'' The Committee
received testimony from the Hon. Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller
General, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO); and Hon.
John Roth, Former Inspector General, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. The hearing focused on the void at DHS
created by vacancies in permanent leadership and the resulting
impact on the Department's ability to carry out its critical
mission.
On November 15, 2019, Chairman Thompson, with Committee on
Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, requested that
GAO conduct an emergency review of the legality of Trump
Administration actions to install Chad Wolf as Acting Secretary
of Homeland Security and Kenneth T. Cuccinelli as the Senior
Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security. GAO issued a legal decision on August 14,
2020, concluding that President Donald Trump's appointments to
senior leadership positions at the Department of Homeland
Security were invalid and circumvented both the Federal Vacancy
Reform Act and the Homeland Security Act.
ELECTION SECURITY
On February 13, 2019, the Committee held a hearing
entitled, ``Defending our Democracy: Building Partnerships to
Protect America's Elections.'' The Committee received testimony
from the Hon. Christopher C. Krebs, Director, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Hon. Thomas Hicks, Commissioner, U.S. Election
Assistance Commission (EAC); Hon. Alex Padilla, Secretary of
State, California; Mr. Noah Praetz, Former Director of
Election, Cook County, Illinois; Mr. Jake Braun, Executive
Director, Cyber Policy Initiative; and Hon. John Merrill,
Secretary of State, Alabama. Following the hearing, Chairman
Thompson introduced H.R. 2660, the Election Security Act of
2019, to provide grants to State and local election officials
over the next ten years to invest in and maintain secure
election infrastructure and implement risk limiting audits.
On July 25, 2019, Chairman Thompson and Rep. Debbie
Wasserman Schulz wrote to President Trump to express
frustration regarding election security.
On October 15, 2019, the Committee held a field hearing in
Gurnee, Illinois, entitled ``Preparing for 2020: How Illinois
is Securing Elections.'' As a case study, the Committee
examined the full scope of the threat to Illinois elections
systems, which were breached by Russian agents in 2016. Members
learned about efforts made by the State of Illinois to secure
their election infrastructure for the 2018 and 2020 elections
and evaluated Federal resources to support those efforts,
challenges related to securing election infrastructure, and
policy recommendations to improve the cybersecurity posture on
election systems. Witnesses were: Mr. Matt Masterson, Senior
Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Steve Sandvoss, Executive
Director, Illinois Board of Elections; Ms. Robin O'Connor,
Clerk, Lake County, Illinois; and Ms. Elizabeth Howard,
Counsel, Brennan Center's Democracy Program.
On November 26, 2019, Chairman Thompson and Vice Chairwoman
Underwood wrote to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Facebook CEO Mark
Zuckerberg, and LinkedIn CEO Jack Weiner to urge strong
policies regarding user reporting of suspected user
interference on Twitter and ask a series of questions regarding
how Twitter would defend its platform from foreign influence
campaigns.
On March 2, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to CISA Director
Krebs about how CISA is combatting misinformation related to
voting specifically related to the COVID-19 virus.
On April 14, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to Twitter CEO
Jack Dorsey to express concern about an Oxford University study
that found the platform did not expeditiously remove COVID-19-
related misinformation. In addition to asking questions about
COVID-19-specific misinformation, Chairman Thompson urged that
Twitter aggressively flag misinformation from politicians who
might use the platform to spread bad information for political
purposes.
On April 22, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to CISA Director
Krebs and EAC Chair Hovland to understand how CISA and EAC are
helping State and local elections officials administer safe,
secure, and auditable elections during the COVID-19 global
pandemic. The letter followed several months of inquiries and
unsatisfactory answers to Committee oversight.
On June 6, 2020, Chairman Thompson, along with several
Committee Members, wrote to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to
condemn the Facebook platform's refusal to appropriately
moderate inflammatory content posted by the President in an
attempt to sow discord and spread false information--in
particular about the security of vote by mail.
On June 26, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote the National
Association of Secretaries of State and the National
Association of State Election Directors to understand how CISA
and EAC can better assist states prepare to administer the
November 2020 elections and to understand how the Senate's
failure to enact the House-passed election funding in H.R. 6800
would impede election administration.
On June 26, 2020, Chairman Thompson wrote to CISA Director
Krebs and EAC Chair Hovland to understand how the agencies
would use lessons learned from the primaries and develop
strategies to address challenges associated with vote-by-mail
and insufficient numbers of polling locations, among other
issues. The letter also sought clarification to answers
provided in a letter received from CISA-EAC on June 15, 2020,
responding to Chairman Thompson's April 22, 2020 letter.
On August 28, 2020, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Protecting America's Democracy: Ensuring Every Vote Counts.''
The Committee received testimony from the Honorable Jocelyn
Benson, Secretary of State, Michigan; Ms. Tammy Patrick, Senior
Advisor of Elections, Democracy Fund; Mr. Mark Dimondstein,
President, American Postal Workers Union, AFL CIO; and the
Honorable Michael Adams, Secretary of State, Commonwealth of
Kentucky. Members asked witnesses about how to refute President
Trump's rhetoric seeking to undermine public confidence in
vote-by-mail, ensure public confidence in election results, and
understand the impact of the President's politically motivated
assault on the Postal Service to restrict vote by mail.
FEMA DISASTER READINESS
On June 12, 2019, the Committee held a hearing entitled,
``Assessing FEMA's Readiness for Future Disasters.'' The
Committee received testimony from Mr. Peter Gaynor, Acting
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security and Mr. Chris P. Currie,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S. Government
Accountability Office. The hearing examined FEMA' readiness to
respond to disaster, focusing on workforce challenges and the
particular demands of addressing multiple disasters
simultaneously.
GLOBAL TERRORISM
On September 10, 2019, the Committee held the first of a
two-part hearing on global terrorism entitled, ``Global
Terrorism: Threats to the Homeland, Part I.'' Testimony was
heard from Mr. Peter Bergen, Vice President, Global Studies &
Fellows, New America; Mr. Ali Soufan, Founder, The Soufan
Center; Mr. Brian Levin, Director, Center for the Study of Hate
and Extremism, Department of Criminal Justice, California State
University, San Bernardino; and Mr. Thomas Joscelyn, Senior
Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Witnesses
underscored the persistent and pervasive threat from violent
white supremacist extremists. They also discussed the
transnational nature of the white supremacist threat as well as
how ISIS and other foreign groups are able to radicalize
vulnerable American's via digital propaganda and other online
tools.
Part II of the hearing was held on October 30, 2019. The
Committee received testimony from the Hon. Kevin K. McAleenan,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Hon. Christopher Wray,
Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of
Justice; Mr. Russell Travers, Acting Director, National
Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National
Intelligence; and Hon. David J. Glawe, Under Secretary, Office
of Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
Witnesses discussed how the threat to the United States had
evolved since the 9/11 attacks. Mr. McAleenan took a broad view
of how the threat had developed from foreign terrorist
organizations, but also in the cyber realm, in the illicit
movement of goods and people across our borders, in domestic
terrorism and from the threat of foreign espionage. Acting
Director Travers focused on how a steady counterterrorism
campaign had degraded significant elements of the foreign
terrorist threat, but also warned of the potential revival or
expansion of similar threats in the near future in the Middle
East and Europe if pressure and cooperation do not continue.
Director Wray painted a similar picture of a growing threat of
radicalization in the United States and proclaimed that this
radicalization pressed by foreign groups is the most proximate
threat America faces.
On September 17, 2020, the Committee held a hearing
entitled, ``Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.'' The Committee
received testimony from Hon. Christopher A. Wray, Director,
Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Hon. Christopher Miller,
Director, National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the
Director of National Intelligence. Hon. Chad Wolf, representing
the Department of Homeland Security, was invited to testify but
declined. Subsequently, the Committee issued a subpoena to
compel Mr. Wolf's testimony, which he defied. The Committee's
annual worldwide threats hearing allowed Members to question
government witnesses about terrorism threats and how the
Federal government is addressing those threats to protect the
homeland. Members focused mainly on the threat from violent
domestic extremists, including recent shootings inspired by or
related to militias, conspiracy theorists, or violent
extremists with transnational links to violent white
supremacist groups. Members also heard from witnesses about
international terrorism threats, including the threats to the
homeland resulting from the resurgence of ISIS in Syria, as
well as election security and cyber threats.
Director Wray described the serious threat that racially
motivated violent extremists, including white supremacists,
pose, and confirmed that Russia continues to meddle in United
States elections. Mr. Miller confirmed that ISIS is resurgent,
and that ISIS and Al Qaeda still seek to harm the U.S. even in
their decentralized operational model. The hearing provided
critical information for the public and for members at a time
when the Administration is trying to obfuscate the effects and
severity of Russia meddling in our elections and the rise of
right-wing, racially motivated extremists.
On September 24, 2020, the Committee received a classified
briefing on worldwide threats to the homeland, with briefers
from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and the National Counterterrorism Center. The
briefing offered members the opportunity to follow up on
subjects raised in the September 17, 2020, hearing in a
classified session.
IMMIGRATION DETENTION
In August 2019, Chairman Thompson directed Committee staff
to review the conditions of confinement at ICE detention
facilities. Over the course of the ensuing year, Committee
staff visited eight ICE detention centers and spoke with more
than 400 individuals in ICE's custody. The ensuing report,
``ICE Detention Facilities: Failing to Meet Basic Standards of
Care,'' found that ICE failed to conduct proper oversight of
migrant detention facilities, leaving deficiencies unidentified
and uncorrected, and that ICE facilities frequently failed to
meet basic standards of care. Specifically, inspections were
too broad, too infrequent, and preannounced; and DHS rarely
used the few mechanisms it had to force facilities to correct
problems. Identified problems included deficient medical,
dental, and mental health care; misuse and abuse of solitary
confinement as a form of retaliation; challenges accessing
legal and translation services; and unsanitary conditions.
In conjunction with the release of the report on September
21, 2020, the Committee held a virtual forum to discuss these
issues with: Dr. Scott Allen, Expert Medical Advisor,
Physicians for Human Rights; Dr. Dora Schriro, Former Senior
Advisor to DHS Secretary Napolitano on ICE Detention and
Removal; and Ms. Laura Rivera, Attorney, Southern Poverty Law
Center Action Center.
MISSISSIPPI IMMIGRATION RAIDS
On November 7, 2019, the Committee held a field hearing in
Tougaloo, Mississippi entitled, ``Immigration Raids: Impacts
and Aftermath on Mississippi Communities'' and examined the
ramifications of the largest single-state immigration raid in
U.S. history conducted on August 7, 2019. U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 680 undocumented workers in
this operation and failed to adequately coordinate with local
authorities to care for an unknown number of children separated
from their parents in the aftermath of the raid.
Testimony was provided by Mr. Cliff Johnson, Director,
MacArthur Justice Center, University of Mississippi, School of
Law; Father Odel Medina, Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Church,
Carthage Mississippi; the Honorable Constance Slaughter-Harvey,
President of the Board, Legacy Education and Community
Empowerment foundation Inc; Ms. Lorena Quiroz-Lewis, Lead
Organizer, Working Together Mississippi, Mississippi Immigrant
Coalition; Mr. Jere Miles, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland
Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; the
Honorable Mike Lee, Sheriff, Scott County, Mississippi; and the
Honorable William Truly, Mayor, Canton, Mississippi.
The Committee heard firsthand accounts of how the August
2019 immigration raids impacted communities across Mississippi;
local attorneys, advocates, and leaders testified about how
they assisted affected families after the raids; and Members
questioned ICE about the apparent lack of preparation and
communication with the community and its leaders.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
The DHS OIG was established to promote efficiency and
effectiveness and to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse
within the Department. Congress frequently depends on the work
of the OIG to gain insight into the activities of the
Department. Unfortunately, OIG leadership has shown a lack of
commitment to its founding principles and has released reports
at a slower pace and of decreased quality. For example,
following an investigation into the deaths of children in CBP
custody, the OIG released two one-page summaries that included
false and misleading information. The OIG has also declined to
take up an August 2020 GAO referral to review who should be
properly serving as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and
the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary,
and whether there were any consequences of the actions taken by
the individuals improperly filling those roles. Further, OIG
officials informed Committee staff in September 2020 that the
agency was contemplating releasing fewer reports to Congress
and the public thereby reducing transparency.
Accordingly, the Committee has conducted necessary
oversight to urge the Inspector General to uphold the
principles of the Office. For example, in December 2019, the
Chairman requested that GAO launch a broad review to explore
the root causes of challenges facing the OIG. Following the
release of the OIG's summaries of its investigations into the
deaths of children in CBP custody, the Committee wrote the
Inspector General on March 26, 2020, calling out some of the
inaccuracies, compelling the OIG to amend the document it had
released. In response to the OIG's plans to amend its
publication policies, on September 29, 2020, the Committee
wrote the IG to urge him to reconsider such changes in the name
of transparency and to establish an open and standing request
to produce reports that substantiate whistleblower retaliation
and misconduct among senior DHS officials.
SECURING OUR NATION'S CHEMICAL FACILITIES
On February 27, 2019, the Committee held a hearing
entitled, ``Securing Our Nation's Chemical Facilities: Building
on the Progress of the CFATS Program.'' The Committee received
testimony from Mr. David Wulf, Director, Infrastructure
Security Compliance Division, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure
Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Mr.
Nathan Anderson, Acting Director, Homeland Security and
Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office. The
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Innovation held a hearing on the topic with private
stakeholders in March 2019. Input from these hearings informed
H.R. 3256, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from
Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND EXTREMISM
On March 18, 2019, Chairman Thompson wrote to the founding
companies of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism
(GIFCT) requesting a briefing on their responses to the
dissemination of the video of the Christchurch, New Zealand
terrorist attacks on their platforms and how their companies
intend to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
On March 27, 2019, the Committee held a Member briefing
with representatives from Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and
Microsoft representing the GIFCT. Members examined these
technology companies' efforts to counter and combat terrorist
content on their platforms in the wake of the Christchurch, New
Zealand terrorist attacks.
On June 21, 2019, the Committee held a Member briefing with
non-governmental stakeholders from the Alliance for Securing
Democracy and Technology, the Center for Democracy and
Technology, the Change the Terms Coalition, the Counter
Extremism Project. The briefing examined how bad actors exploit
social media platforms to disseminate terror content and
misinformation. Stakeholders also discussed best practices for
addressing this issue. This briefing helped to inform an
Intelligence and Counterterrorism Subcommittee hearing and Full
Committee hearing the following week.
On June 26, 2019, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Examining Social Media Companies' Efforts to Counter Online
Terror Content and Misinformation.'' Testimony was heard from
Ms. Monika Bickert, Head of Global Policy Management, Facebook;
Mr. Nick Pickles, Global Senior Strategist, Public Policy,
Twitter; Mr. Derek Slater, Global Director of Information
Policy, Google; and Ms. Nadine Strossen, John Marshall Harlan
II Professor of Law, New York Law School. Witnesses
acknowledged the ability for terrorists and others to use
social media platforms to spread a call to violence and that
addressing the problem must include a combination of new
technological tools and human review. Witnesses from industry
also spoke of the GIFCT and its coordinated steps to help solve
this problem. Ms. Strossen emphasized that censorship is not
the answer, but rather companies should better use their
technological tools like algorithms so they do not
inadvertently proliferate the hate speech.
Following several white supremacist extremist attacks in
March, April, and August 2019 linked to the anonymous forum-
based website 8chan, Chairman Thompson subpoenaed Mr. James
Watkins, the owner of 8chan, to appear before the Committee and
testify about 8chan's efforts to investigate and mitigate the
proliferation of extremist content, including white supremacist
extremist content, on 8chan. The subpoena, dated August 14,
2019, followed an August 6th letter sent by Chairman Thompson
and Ranking Member Rogers to Mr. Watkins requesting his
presence to provide testimony.
On September 5, the Committee deposed Mr. Watkins in the
Capitol with questions from the Majority and Minority. On
September 25, the Committee received supplementary materials
from Jim Watkins related to questions from the deposition.
The Committee was able to learn critical information about
8chan's operations in order to better understand the
proliferation of extremist content online, including 8chan's
jurisdiction and organizational structure, the number of staff
and volunteers, the number of users, content moderation
policies, interaction with law enforcement, interaction with
other technology companies, and 8chan's response to the violent
incidents linked to content on the website.
THREAT BRIEFINGS
As a matter of regular bipartisan practice for a decade,
the Committee has convened monthly classified threat briefings
for Committee and Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Members with
briefers from DHS, the FBI, and the National Counterterrorism
Center (NCTC). However, FBI and NCTC declined to participate in
regular monthly briefings for the Committee at the start of the
116th Congress.
On February 28, 2019, Chairman Thompson sent a letter to
FBI Director Wray, Director of National Intelligence Daniel R.
Coats, and NCTC Director Joseph Maguire regarding obstruction
to the decade-long practice of monthly classified briefings on
threats to the homeland.
TSA PROFILING
On June 4, 2019, the Committee held a hearing entitled,
``Perspectives on TSA's Policies to Prevent Unlawful
Profiling.'' The Committee received testimony from Mr. W.
William Russell, Acting Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Mr. Sim J. Singh,
Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy, The Sikh Coalition; and
Ms. Janai Nelson, Associate Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal
Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. The Committee examined the
extent to which TSA's policies, technologies, and screening
processes result in disproportionate impacts on certain
passenger populations, including religious and racial
minorities, transgender people, and people with disabilities
and medical conditions. Members discussed the need for TSA to
improve technologies and procedures and ensure civil rights,
civil liberties, and passenger privacy are prioritized
throughout the screening process.
U.S.-IRAN TENSIONS
On January 7, 2020, the Hon. Chad Wolf provided Committee
members a classified briefing on the implications for homeland
security following the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian
General Qassem Soleimani on January 2, 2020.
On January 15, 2020, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``U.S.-Iran Tensions: Implications for Homeland Security.''
Testimony was heard from the Honorable Barbara A. Leaf, Ruth
and Sid Lapidus Fellow, and the Director of Geduld Program on
Arab Politics, Washington Institute; Lieutenant General (Ret.)
Vincent R. Stewart, Special Advisor and Chairman, Board of
Advisors, Middle East Media Research Institute; Mr. Thomas S.
Warrick, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council; and Brig.
General (Ret.) Anthony J. Tata, CEO and President, Tata
Leadership Group.
At the beginning of 2020, U.S.-Iran tensions had heightened
significantly. This hearing focused on the homeland security
implications of the terrorism-related activities of Iran and
its proxies in the region and around the world, and the
homeland security implications of the recent escalation in
tensions. The hearing also examined whether U.S. interests are
safer today in light of actions taken by the Trump
Administration, including stepping away from the multi-lateral
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear agreement. Testimony
focused on the nature of Iran's use of proxies, how they may
retaliate for the killing of Gen. Soleimani and their
capabilities in both the cyber realm and the physical world.
On January 15, 2020, the FBI provided a classified briefing
for the Committee on potential threats related to U.S.-Iran
tensions following the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian
General Qassem Soleimani on January 2, 2020.
----------
Committee Hearings Held
``Defending Our Democracy: Building Partnerships to Protect
America's Elections.'' February 13, 2019. (Serial no.
116-1)
``Securing Our Nation's Chemical Facilities: Building on the
Progress of the CFATS Program.'' February 27, 2019.
(Serial No. 116-3)
``The Way Forward on Border Security.'' March 6, 2019. (Serial
No. 116-4)
``Trouble at the Top: Are Vacancies at the Department of
Homeland Security Undermining the Mission?'' May 1,
2019. (Serial No. 116-15)
``Confronting the Rise of Domestic Terrorism in the Homeland.''
May 8, 2019. (Serial No. 116-17)
``A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland Security.'' May 22, 2019.
(Serial No. 116-23)
``Perspectives on TSA's Policies to Prevent Unlawful
Profiling.'' June 4, 2019. (Serial Number 116-24)
``Assessing FEMA's Readiness for Future Disasters.'' June 12,
2019. (Serial No. 116-26)
``Examining Social Media Companies'' Efforts to Counter Online
Terror Content and Misinformation.'' June 26, 2019.
(Serial No. 116-30)
``About Face: Examining the Department of Homeland Security's
Use of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric
Technologies.'' July 10, 2019. (Serial No. 116-31)
``Global Terrorism: Threats to the Homeland, Part I.''
September 10, 2019. (Serial No. 116-35)
``Preparing for 2020: How Illinois is Securing Elections.''
October 15, 2019. (Serial No. 116-40)
``Public-Private Initiatives to Secure the Supply Chain.''
October 16, 2019. (Serial No. 116-41)
``Global Terrorism: Threats to the Homeland, Part II'' Oct. 30,
2019. (Serial No. 116-47)
``Member Day Hearing'' October 31, 2019. (Serial No. 116-48)
``Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on Mississippi
Communities.'' November 7, 2019. (Serial No. 116-49)
``U.S.-Iran Tensions: Implications for Homeland Security.''
January 15, 2020. (Serial No. 116-57)
``About Face: Examining the Department of Homeland Security's
Use of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric
Technologies, Part II.'' February 6, 2020. (Serial No.
116-60)
``A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland Security.'' March 3, 2020.
(Serial No. 116-64)
``Confronting the Coronavirus: Perspectives on the Response to
a Pandemic Threat.'' March 4, 2020. (Serial No. 116-65)
``Confronting the Coronavirus: The Federal Response.'' March
11, 2020. (Serial No. 116-69)
``Examining the National Response to the Worsening Coronavirus
Pandemic.'' July 8, 2020. (Serial No. 116-73)
``Children in CBP Custody: Examining Deaths, Medical Care
Procedures, and Improper Spending.'' July 15, 2020.
(Serial No. 116-77)
``Examining the National Response to the Worsening Coronavirus
Pandemic: Part II.'' July 22, 2020. (Serial No. 116-80)
``Protecting America's Democracy: Ensuring Every Vote Counts.''
August 28, 2020. (Serial No. 116-82)
``Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.'' September 17, 2020.
(Serial No. 116-83)
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee on Border Security,
Facilitation, and Operations
Kathleen Rice, New York,
Chairwoman
Clay Higgins, Louisiana, Ranking Membernald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey
Debbie Lesko, Arizona J. Luis Correa, California
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
During the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee on held 11
hearings, receiving testimony from 37 witnesses.
The Subcommittee sought to hold the Trump Administration
accountable for its border security policies and use of
resources. Since the 116th Congress, Democratic members sought
more transparency from leaders at the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) and the components responsible for carrying out
border security and immigration-related missions at DHS--U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS). The politization of border security and
immigration facilitation operations under the Trump
Administration led to the mismanagement of departmental and
component resources. At its worst, this mismanagement
contributed to the deaths of children in CBP custody,
exacerbated a humanitarian and operational crisis that unfolded
on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2019, and allowed for the
unchecked spread of COVID-19 in immigration detention
facilities. The Subcommittee also examined the broader
implications of the Trump Administration border security
policies and priorities not only on border communities, private
and tribal landowners, and other stakeholders, but also on
operations aimed at preventing terrorist travel and the
interdiction of illegal narcotics.
FAMILY SEPARATION AT THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER
DHS conducted a family separation pilot in El Paso, Texas
from July 2017 until November 2017. A leaked Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and
Families memo from July 2017 described family separation as
part of DHS's two-prong approach to deter families from
migrating to the United States. The New York Times estimated
over 700 children were separated from parents during the five-
month pilot in 2017, but an internal DHS memo estimated the
number was closer to 280. A January 2019 report from the HHS
Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that family separation
actually began as early as Spring 2017, potentially affecting
thousands of additional children and their families.
Five months after the end of the family separation pilot,
then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo on April 6,
2018 directing federal prosecutors to adopt a ``zero tolerance
policy'' at the U.S.- Mexico border. Secretary Nielsen
officially required compliance with the former Attorney
General's memorandum on May 4, 2018. Under the policy, adults
entering the country between ports of entry without
authorization would be criminally prosecuted for illegal entry
or illegal reentry. Since children cannot be held in criminal
custody with adults, they were separated from their parents,
deemed to be unaccompanied minors, and transferred to the
custody of HHS' Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Under immense public pressure, on June 20, 2018, President
Trump signed an Executive Order directing DHS to instead detain
family units together through their immigration proceedings,
except in cases where it would be detrimental to the child's
welfare versus separation. Implementation of ``zero tolerance''
resulted in the separation of at least 2,816 children.
On March 26, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``The Department of Homeland Security's Family
Separation Policy: Perspectives from the Border.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Ms. Jennifer Podkul,
Director of Policy, Kids in Need of Defense; Ms. Michelle
Brane, Director for Migrant Rights and Justice, Women's Refugee
Commission; Dr. Julie M. Linton, Co-Chair, Immigrant Health
Special Interest Group, American Academy of Pediatrics; and Mr.
Tim Ballard, Founder and CEO, Operation Underground Railroad.
The Committee reviewed the Department's handling of
increasing numbers of families and children at the border,
particularly the separation of children from their parents and
the treatment of migrant families in DHS custody. Members heard
from legal and medical experts and examined policy
recommendations on the treatment of migrant families and
children in custody, the troubling continuation of family
separations, the status of family reunification efforts, and
the Administration's lack of accountability for tracking of
children separated from adult family members. Members also
examined the health consequences of detaining families and the
importance of following specific laws and guidance to
preventing further harm to children.
CONDITIONS IN U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION CUSTODY
In Fiscal Year 2019, more family units and unaccompanied
children began crossing the border, with apprehensions of
unaccompanied children reaching their highest level. From late
2018 to mid-2019, CBP was consistently holding unaccompanied
children and family units for more than the 72 hours maximum
allowed under the Trafficking Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act of 2008.
In December of 2018, Jakelin Caal Maquin (seven years old
from Guatemala), and Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, (eight years old from
Guatemala), passed away while in the custody of the U.S. Border
Patrol. Following their deaths, CBP announced new, interim
medical screening procedures for children who are detained and
placed in CBP custody. Despite these new procedures, four more
migrant children passed away while in or shortly after being
released from Federal custody. No child had died in CBP custody
for the entire decade preceding 2018.
On July 19, 2019, Representative Kathleen Rice, Chairwoman
of the Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations
Subcommittee led a site visit to McAllen, Texas to examine
operations and conditions at CBP detention facilities, where
there reports of over-capacity facilities raised concerns about
conditions in custody. Members also visited a Department of
Health and Human Services-contracted shelter housing
unaccompanied children taken into custody at the border and a
non-profit humanitarian respite center for families released
from CBP custody.
On January 14, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Assessing the Adequacy of DHS Efforts to Prevent
Child Deaths in Custody.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr. Brian S. Hastings, Chief, Law Enforcement Operations
Directorate, U.S. Border Patrol, CBP, DHS; and Alexander L.
Eastman, MD, MPH, FACS, FAEMS, Senior Medical Officer--
Operations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The
Subcommittee reviewed the deaths of children in the
Department's custody, the conditions in holding facilities for
children and other vulnerable populations, and the adequacy of
the steps being taken to prevent additional child deaths.
BORDER COMMUNITIES
From April 4 through April 8, 2019, Chairwoman Rice led a
site visit to El Paso, McAllen, and Brownsville, Texas to
examine CBP's policies and operations along the southern border
and how they affect surrounding communities. Members also
examined the use of border security technology to enhance
situational awareness and reviewed the infrastructure,
technology, and personnel needs at ports of entry. Members also
toured ICE detention facilities to observe conditions
firsthand.
On April 30, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``The Impacts of Trump Policies on Border
Communities.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Jon
Barela, Chief Executive Officer, The Borderplex Alliance; Mr.
Efren Olivares, Racial and Economic Justice Director, Texas
Civil Rights Project; Bishop Mark Seitz, Most Reverend Bishop,
Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Texas, U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops; and Sheriff Mark Napier, Pima County, Arizona,
testifying on behalf of the Southwestern Border Sheriff's
Coalition.
The Subcommittee received testimony from border
stakeholders affected by President Trump's border security and
immigration policies, such the construction of the wall along
the southern border and changes to port of entry operations.
Members examined the impact of these policies on people living
in southern border communities.
On February 27, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Examining the Effect of the Border Wall on Private
and Tribal Landowners.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from the Honorable Ned Norris Jr., Chairman, the Tohono O'odham
Nation; Mr. Rey Anzaldua, a private landowner from Granjeno,
Texas; Ms. Nayda Alvarez, a private landowner from La Rosita,
Texas; and Mr. Jim Chilton, a private landowner from Arivaca,
Arizona. The witnesses testified about their experiences and
interactions with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S.
Customs and Border Protection about their property. The
Subcommittee examined the Administration's efforts to build
additional barriers along the southern border and received
testimony from private landowners directly impacted by border
wall construction.
BUDGET
Since 2017, the Trump Administration's proposed DHS budgets
have focused on an enforcement-only approach to border security
and immigration to the detriment of many other missions of CBP
and ICE. The FY 2020 budgets for CBP, ICE, and USCIS
disproportionately prioritized the construction of a wall along
the U.S.-Mexico border, expanded immigrant detention capacity,
and extreme vetting procedures above other critical operational
and facilitation activities.
On May 9, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``A Review of the FY 2020 Budget Request for U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Robert E. Perez,
Deputy Commissioner, CBP; Mr. Matthew T. Albence, Acting
Director, ICE; and Ms. Tracy Renaud, Acting Deputy Director,
USCIS.
The Subcommittee examined the proposed FY 2020 budget for
CBP, ICE, and USCIS--the three components of the Department
tasked with carrying out border security and immigration-
related missions. Members also questioned the witnesses about
the Department's emergency supplemental budget request the
Department submitted to Congress to respond to the humanitarian
crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border.
PREVENTING TERRORIST TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and in
the wake of the attempted attack on Northwest Flight 253 on
Christmas Day 2009, the United States' visa and passenger
vetting processes have been completely revamped and
strengthened to ensure that foreign nationals entering the
United States do not pose a threat to the homeland, with an
individualized threat assessment for each visa-based traveler
to the U.S. that includes screening against all government
holdings, biometrics capture, and an interview. These measures
include stationing CBP officers abroad to conduct screening in
certain foreign airports and the introduction of the Electronic
System for Travel Authorization, which allows CBP to vet U.S.-
bound travelers against databases before they ever board a
plane. In addition, DHS continues to vet travelers after a visa
is issued or an individual is approved to travel under the Visa
Waiver Program--from when they apply to when they arrive at a
U.S. port of entry.
On April 2, 2019, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism
entitled ``Supporting a Fact-Based Approach to Preventing
Terrorist Travel to the United States.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Donald Conroy, Director, National
Targeting Center--Passenger Operations, Office of Field
Operations, CBP; Mr. Monte B. Hawkins, Director, National
Vetting Center, Department of Homeland Security; and Ms.
Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S.
Government Accountability Office. This hearing followed a March
7, 2019 classified briefing from the Government Accountability
Office on federal efforts to prevent terrorist travel.
The Subcommittees examined how the Federal government
enhances the security of America's borders by preventing
terrorists from traveling to and entering the United States.
Witnesses provided a fact-based overview of the threat
landscape and debunked common misconceptions of relevant
processes and programs. Witnesses also answered questions
regarding the processes by which CBP's National Targeting
Center and the newly formed National Vetting Center screen and
vet travelers seeking to enter the United States.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PRESENCE ON THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER
On April 4, 2018, President Trump issued a memorandum
directing the Secretary of Defense to support the Department of
Homeland Security in securing the border by taking any action
needed to halt the flow of drugs, gang members, and illegal
aliens entering the country and authorizing deployment of
National Guard troops to at the U.S.-Mexico border. On April 6,
2018, Secretary of Defense James Mattis approved the deployment
of 4,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border under
Title 32 authority, which has since been reauthorized through
September 30, 2021. On October 26, 2018, Secretary Mattis,
approved a request for assistance from DHS to provide aviation
support, medical teams, temporary housing for CBP personnel,
riot gear, and the deployment of approximately 5,900 active
duty troops to the southern border.
On June 20, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``Examining the Department of Defense's Deployment to the U.S.-
Mexico Border.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Chief
Carla Provost, U.S. Border Patrol, CBP, DHS; Mr. Robert G.
Salesses, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland
Defense Integration and Defense Support of Civil Authorities,
Department of Defense; Major General Michael T. McGuire,
Adjutant General for Arizona, Director, Arizona Department of
Emergency and Military Affairs. This hearing examined the use
of military resources along the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as
the impacts of ongoing and the Administration's future plans.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF DHS' REMAIN IN MEXICO POLICY
During the fall of 2018, large groups of migrants began
presenting themselves at and between ports of entry on the
U.S.-Mexico border. In response, in December 2018 DHS
unilaterally announced the intent to deter people from filing
asylum claims. On January 28, 2019, CBP began implementing the
policy Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) at the San Ysidro
Port (CA) of Entry. The policy, which is also commonly known as
``Remain in Mexico,'' allows CBP to send asylum applicants back
to Mexican cities while their asylum claim is adjudicated. On
September 27, 2019, the Department announced that MPP would be
implemented across all CBP field offices and sectors along the
southern border.
In September 2019, the Trump Administration established
temporary immigration courts at two ports of entry in the Rio
Grande Valley in Texas for Remain in Mexico proceedings. These
``port courts'' greatly hinder migrants' ability to present
their asylum claims effectively due to limited due process
protections and severely restricted public access.
On, November 19, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Examining the Human Rights and Legal Implications
of DHS' `Remain in Mexico' Policy.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from: Ms. Laura Pena, Pro Bono Counsel, American Bar
Association Commission on Immigration; Ms. Erin Thorn Vela,
Staff Attorney, Racial and Economic Justice Program, Texas
Civil Rights Project; Dr. Todd Schneberk, Asylum Network
Clinician, Physicians for Human Rights; Mr. Michael Knowles,
Special Representative, National Citizenship and Immigration
Services Council 119; and Mr. Thomas Homan, Former Acting
Director, ICE, DHS.
Members received testimony from legal experts and asylum
practitioners about the effects of the Remain in Mexico policy
as it was then operating in Texas's Rio Grande Valley and other
areas along the southern border. Witnesses testified to the
various ways the Trump Administration acted to limit the asylum
system and pursue legally questionable practices to deter
people from seeking asylum in the first place. Specific to the
Remain in Mexico policy, witnesses testified to the danger
facing migrants trapped in Mexico, and the serious issues
raised by the operation of the temporary immigration hearing
facilities in Laredo and Brownsville. The Committee received
testimony on the human impact of the policy, with a particular
emphasis on the suffering of children and other vulnerable
populations.
IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT AND COVID-19
On March 24, 2020, ICE reported a detainee at the Bergen
County Jail in Hackensack, New Jersey, had tested positive for
COVID-19. This was the first positive test in an ICE detention
facility.
On April 29, 2020, as outbreaks in detention facilities
continued to occur, Chairman Thompson wrote to four of ICE's
facility contractors--CoreCivic, the GEO Group, LaSalle
Corrections, and Management and Training Corporation (MTC)--
requesting information on the actions taken to prevent the
spread of COVID-19 within their immigration detention
facilities, including information on their compliance with
COVID-19 control measures recommended by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Committee also
requested information on the number of facility contract
personnel who had tested positive for COVID-19 since ICE failed
to publicly report this information. Based on a review of the
documents provided, each company was only partially responsive
and showed gaps in implementing the COVID-19 guidance issued by
both the CDC and ICE.
On July 13, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``Oversight of ICE Detention Facilities: Examining ICE
Contractors'' Response to COVID-19.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Damon T. Hininger, President and CEO,
CoreCivic; Mr. George C. Zoley, Chairman and CEO, The GEO
Group; Mr. Scott Marquardt, President and CEO MTC; Mr. Rodney
Cooper, Executive Director, LaSalle Corrections.
The Subcommittee questioned ICE contractors about actions
to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in their immigration
detention facilities, among contract personnel, and in
surrounding communities, based upon the contractors' responses
to the Chairman's April 29, 2020 letter. Members also discussed
the contractors' view of ICE's response to COVID-19 and any
future plans to modify operations.
TRUSTED TRAVELERS PROGRAMS
CBP's four Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs) allow expedited
clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers to the United
States.
On June 17, 2019, the State of New York enacted the
Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, more commonly known as
the ``Green Light Law.'' Among other provisions, the Green
Light Law prohibited New York Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV) officials from disclosing information to any agency that
primarily enforces immigration law unless a judge orders them
to do so or a warrant is provided. Following enactment of this
law, in December 2019 New York halted DMV database access for
CBP and other DHS agencies.
On February 5, 2020, Mr. Wolf wrote to officials with the
New York State DMV claiming that New York's Green Light Law
``compromises CBP's ability to confirm whether an individual
applying for TTP membership meets program eligibility
requirements'' and expelling all New York residents from the
TTPs.
Subsequently, in two separate hearings convened by the Full
Committee, senior DHS officials testified about why New York
residents were prohibited from enrolling or re-enrolling in
TTPs. This testimony was later shown to be inaccurate and/or
misleading. Officials claimed that New York was the only
jurisdiction to limit DHS access to DMV data, an assertion that
DHS later admitted to being incorrect in subsequent court
filings. On February 7, 2020, Chairman Thompson, Subcommittee
Chairwoman Kathleen Rice, and other Majority Members of the
Committee wrote to DHS expressing their strong opposition to
the decision to exclude New York residents from the TTPs and
urging that ``this senseless, retaliatory decision should be
immediately reversed.'' The Members also requested four
categories of documents regarding the decision to exclude New
York residents.
On July 23, 2020, DHS lifted the ban on enrolling New York
residents into TTPs, claiming it was lifted due to New York's
amendment of the Green Light Law. On that same day, DOJ
submitted a letter to the District Court admitting that it had
made inaccurate statements regarding its justifications for
implementing the ban. On July 25, 2020, the Committee launched
an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding
the inaccurate and misleading testimony given to the Committee
by the two senior DHS officials. That day, the Committee wrote
to the Department requesting that all documents and
communications regarding the decision to bar New York residents
from the TTPs be produced by August 21, 2020. The Committee
also requested that four Department employees be made available
to complete transcribed interviews with the Committee by
September 4, 2020
On August 11, 2020, DHS replied to the Committee's letter
and admitted that the claims made in testimony provided by its
two officials were inaccurate but dismissed the Committee's
request for documents and information. claiming that the
Committee did not have a ``legitimate legislative purpose'' for
the investigation and was engaging in ``law enforcement.'' On
August 17, 2020, the Committee responded to the Department's
letter and reiterated its expectation that the Department would
comply with the Committee's requests for documents,
communications, and transcribed interviews.
On September 3, 2020, the Committee held a transcribed
interview with Mr. John Wagner, the former Deputy Executive
Assistant Commissioner of CBP's Office of Field Operations who
testified before the Committee in February 2020. The purpose of
the transcribed interview was to allow the Committee to gather
additional information on the Department's decision to bar New
York residents from the TTPs.
On September 18, 2020, the Committee offered the Department
a final opportunity to comply with its renewed its document
requests and asked that all documents be provided by September
25, 2020.
On September 30, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Examining DHS' Management of Trusted Traveler
Programs'' to investigate the decisions made by DHS regarding
the expulsion of New York residents from the TTPs and received
testimony from Robert Perez, Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection. The Subcommittee also sought additional
information from DHS officials regarding the facts and
circumstances surrounding the inaccurate and misleading
testimony provided to the Committee. The Subcommittee
questioned the witnesses about DHS' apparent mis-management of
the TTPs, including what Departmental officials did and did not
know about the availability of DMV data from U.S. jurisdictions
and how such data were used to vet TTP applicants.
On October 9, 2020, following the Department's failure to
provide the requested documents and information, the Committee
issued a subpoena for documents and communications regarding
the Department's decision to bar New York residents from the
TTPs. The subpoena also demanded documents related to
inaccurate or misleading information that the Administration
provided to the Committee and the federal court.
On November 24, 2020, CBP provided the Subcommittee with a
corrected version of the Deputy Commissioner's written
testimony for the September 2020 hearing after discovering that
two more U.S. jurisdictions limited CBP access to DMV data, in
addition to the 11 other states and U.S. jurisdictions found to
have data limits in place.
CHANGES TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES' MISSION
USCIS is responsible for facilitating legal immigration
into the United States. U.S. businesses, the healthcare
industry, the tech industry, and the agricultural industry,
among others, depend on talented immigrants to complement
domestic operations. As such, USCIS has a crucial role to play
in the U.S. economy. USCIS is also responsible for processing
refugee and asylum claims. Since 2017, the Trump Administration
has taken significant steps to change the mission of the USCIS.
The Administration has steadily limited the programs focused on
facilitating legal immigration and simultaneously increased
enforcement-adjacent actions, such as initiating deportation
actions against individuals denied visas. The result at USCIS
has been a growth in backlogs and processing times and
dramatically increased denials of certain visas, such as H-1B
worker visas. USCIS also narrowly avoided a financial collapse
during the summer of 2020 that would have necessitated
furloughs of 70% of its workforce.
On September 19, 2019, the Subcommittee held a briefing on
``The Changing Mission of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Service under the Trump Administration.'' The Subcommittee
heard from experts on immigration and USCIS and examined the
consequences of the Trump Administration's policy changes: Mr.
Jason Boyd, Policy Counsel, American Immigration Lawyers
Association (AILA); Mr. Jon Baselice, Executive Director,
Immigration Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and Ms. Jean
Bruggeman, Executive Director, Freedom Network USA. The purpose
of this briefing was for Members to learn about the numerous
steps taken by the Trump Administration to alter the
fundamental mission of USCIS. The panelists informed Members
about the economic and humanitarian impact of administrative
policy and operational processing changes, focusing in
particular on the increased uncertainty facing businesses and
the immigrant community.
On August 21, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Chairwoman Rice
sent a letter to USCIS demanding that it cancel the planned
furloughs of 70 percent of its workforce. The following week
USCIS cancelled all furloughs.
OPIOIDS INTERDICTION
In 2017, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids
(including prescription opioids and illegal opioids like heroin
and illicitly manufactured fentanyl) was six times higher than
in 1999. Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention show that, from August 2017 through August 2018,
more than 48,000 people in the United States died from an
opioid overdose, with synthetic opioids contributing to a
record 31,900 overdose deaths.
CBP has a key role to play in stopping the crisis due to
the overseas origins of synthetic opioids. China is the world's
largest producer of illicit fentanyl, and fentanyl analogues,
while Mexico is the primary overland transit point. From China,
fentanyl and its analogues are shipped primarily by cargo ship,
international mail, or shipped directly to transnational
criminal organizations, often in Mexico. Some officials have
estimated that China was responsible for over 90 percent of the
illicit fentanyl found in the U.S. during 2019. CBP personnel
play a crucial role in interdicting these shipments, as they
are tasked with screening packages, parcels, and other cargo
before contents can be disbursed within the United States,
forming the frontline of defense against the importation of
synthetic opioids.
On July 25, 2019, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism
entitled ``Homeland Security Implications of the Opioid
Crisis,'' to discuss the role that DHS plays in fighting the
Opioids Crisis. The Subcommittee heard testimony from: Ms.
Sondra McCauley, Assistant Inspector General for Audits, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Bridget G. Brennan,
Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York; Dr.
Bryce Pardo, Associate Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation; and
Mr. James Edward Hinson Jr., Deputy Chief, Investigative Bureau
Commander, Greensboro, NC Police Department.
The Subcommittee examined the homeland security
implications of the unprecedented opioid overdose epidemic
fostered in recent years by regional contamination of the
heroin supply with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and its
analogues. Witnesses highlighted the flow of illicit fentanyl
into the United States, the role of the Department in fighting
the importation of synthetic opioids, and how to best mitigate
the epidemic.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``The Department of Homeland Security's Family Separation
Policy: Perspectives from the Border.'' March 26, 2019.
(Serial No. 116-8)
``Supporting a Fact-Based Approach to Preventing Terrorist
Travel to the United States.'' Joint Hearing with the
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
April 2, 2019. (Serial No. 116-9)
``The Impacts of Trump Policies on Border Communities.'' April
30, 2019. (Serial No. 116-13)
``A Review of the FY 2020 Budget Request for U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services.'' May 9, 2019. (Serial No. 116-19)
``Examining the Department of Defense's Deployment to the U.S.-
Mexico Border.'' June 20, 2019. (Serial No. 116-27)
Joint Hearing with the Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism. ``Homeland Security Implications of
the Opioid Crisis.'' July 25, 2019. (Serial No. 116-34)
``Examining the Human Rights and Legal Implications of DHS'
`Remain in Mexico' Policy.'' November 19, 2019. (Serial
No. 116-50)
``Assessing the Adequacy of DHS Efforts to Prevent Child Deaths
in Custody.'' January 14, 2020. (Serial No. 116-55)
``Examining the Effect of the Border Wall on Private and Tribal
Landowners.'' February 27, 2020. (Serial No. 116-62)
``Oversight of ICE Detention Facilities: Examining ICE
Contractors'' Response to COVID-19.'' July 13, 2020.
(Serial No. 116-75)
``Examining DHS' Management of Trusted Traveler Programs.''
September 30, 2020. (Serial No. 116-84)
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation
Lauren Underwood, Illinois,
Chairwoman
John Katko, New York, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Mark Walker, North Carolina James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Mark Green, Tennessee Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation held 10 hearings,
receiving testimony from 42 witnesses.
The Subcommittee sought to hold the Administration to
account for its role in protecting the public from some of the
most urgent threats facing the nation, including cyber attacks
against State and local governments and critical
infrastructure, physical attacks against soft targets, and
efforts to undermine confidence in U.S. elections and
democratic institutions. Toward that end, the Subcommittee has
worked to ensure that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency (CISA), which became an operational component
of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the end of the
115th Congress, is positioned to carry out its responsibilities
to government and private sector stakeholders through ongoing
oversight of its organizational structure, resources, and
authorities. Similarly, the Subcommittee has sought to ensure
that the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is putting
cutting edge technologies into the hands of the DHS workforce
and State and local first responders through careful oversight
of its internal organizational structure, budget, and
engagement with the private sector.
CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY
As CISA has transitioned into an operational component, the
Subcommittee has sought to clarify and reinforce the agency's
role as the Federal government's primary civilian interface for
cybersecurity. Additionally, the Committee has worked to equip
CISA with the authorities it needs to secure Federal networks.
As threats to the .gov domain and critical infrastructure have
grown, so too have the expectations of CISA. CISA's budget
requests, however, have remained relatively stagnant. The
President's FY 2020 and FY 2021 budget requests were
exceptions. Recognizing that CISA requires sufficient funding
to perform the activities for which it has had to account, on
April 10, 2019, Members of the Committee sent a bipartisan
letter to appropriators seeking additional resources for CISA's
cybersecurity mission in the Homeland Security 302(b)
allocation and were successful in securing a $350 million
increase in CISA's funding for FY 2020.
Additionally, on April 30, 2019, the Subcommittee held a
hearing entitled, ``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity and
Innovation Missions: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
Request for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency and the Science and Technology Directorate.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from The Honorable Christopher
C. Krebs, Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. William
Bryan, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under
Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security.
On March 11, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity and Innovation
Missions: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request for
the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the
Science and Technology Directorate.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from The Honorable Christopher Krebs, Director,
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; and The Honorable Andre Hentz,
Deputy Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Science and
Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In March 2020, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission issued
its report related to how the Federal government should
organize itself and engage the private sector to best defend
Federal networks and critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.
Several recommendations pertained to the strong role CISA
should play in defending government and critical infrastructure
networks from cyber attack and how to position CISA to carry
out that role.
To review the Solarium Commission's recommendations, on
July 17, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``Defending Against Future Cyberattacks: Evaluating the
Cyberspace Solarium Commission Recommendations.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from the Honorable Angus King,
Co-Chair, Cybersecurity Solarium Commission; the Honorable
Suzanne Spaulding, Commissioner, Cyberspace Solarium
Commission, Center for Strategic and International Studies; and
Ms. Samantha Ravich, Commissioner, Cyberspace Solarium
Commission, Chair of FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology
Innovation. Ultimately, several Members of the panel engaged in
legislative efforts to implement many of the recommendations in
law.
CYBERSECURITY FOR FEDERAL NETWORKS AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The Subcommittee has continued its oversight of the
implementation of PPD 21, which was signed by President Obama
in 2013 to serve as the seminal directive on the ``national
policy on critical infrastructure security and resilience'' and
help to ``refine and clarify the critical infrastructure-
related functions, roles, and responsibilities across the
Federal Government.
Toward that end, on February 26, 2019, the Subcommittee
partnered with the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime
Security to hold a joint Subcommittee hearing titled,
``Securing U.S. Surface Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
Members received testimony from Ms. Sonya Proctor, Director for
the Surface Division, Office of Security Policy and Industry
Engagement (OSPIE), Transportation Security Administration
(TSA), Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Bob Kolasky,
Director of National Risk Management Center, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. James Lewis, Senior Vice President and Director,
Technology Policy Program, Center for Strategic & International
Studies; Ms. Rebecca Gagliostro, Director of Security,
Reliability and Resilience, Interstate Natural Gas Association
of America; Mr. Erik Robert Olson, Vice President, Rail
Security Alliance; and Mr. John Hultquist, Director of
Intelligence Analysis, FireEye. In addition to examining the
state of cybersecurity within the surface transportation
sector, Members received testimony on how CISA coordinates with
sector specific agencies to secure critical infrastructure
networks.
On June 14, 2019, the Subcommittee sponsored a briefing for
Congressional staff entitled, ``Building Critical
Infrastructure Resiliency Through Physical and Cyber Security
via Public/Private Partnerships.'' Panelists included: Josh
Poster, Auto ISAC; Joe Viens, Communication ISAC; Jim Linn,
Downstream Natural Gas ISAC; John Carlson, Financial Services
ISAC; Sarah Baker, Healthcare Ready; Scott Algeier, Information
Technology ISAC; Tom Duffy, Multi-State ISAC; Clifton E.
``Chip'' Rodgers, Jr., Real Estate ISAC; Kim Milford, Research
and Education Networks ISAC; Carlos Kizzee, Retail &
Hospitality ISAC; and John O'Connor, National Coordinating
Center for Communications.
On July 25, 2019, the Subcommittee held a Member briefing
on DHS' authority to issue and enforce Binding Operational
Directives (BODs). Ms. Jeanette Manfra, Assistant Director,
Cybersecurity Division, DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency, briefed Members. Assistant Director Manfra
described the process CISA employs to issue, implement, and
enforce compliance with BODs across Federal agencies.
Additionally, Assistant Director Manfra described CISA's
decision to begin publicizing BODs, describing how BODs can
improve private sector cybersecurity.
On December 5, 2019, the Subcommittee held a classified
Member briefing on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency's request for Administrative Subpoena
Authority, which would allow CISA, under certain circumstances,
to subpoena limited contact information about IP address owners
from internet service providers to alert IP address owners to
enterprise vulnerabilities observed on their networks. The
following briefers participated: Mr. Richard Driggers, Deputy
Assistant Director, Cybersecurity Division, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency; Mr. Mark Bristow, Branch Chief,
Threat Hunting, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency; Mr. Gabriel Taran, Deputy Chief Counsel for
Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency; and Mr. James Burd, Acting Director of Privacy,
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Following the briefing, in late January, Subcommittee
Member Rep. Langevin introduced H.R. 5680, Cybersecurity
Vulnerability Identification and Notification Act of 2020,
legislation to authorize administrative subpoena authority and
later offered a modified version as an amendment to H.R. 6395,
the National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2021.
On December 19, 2019, the Subcommittee held a Member
briefing on the activities of the National Risk Management
Center. Mr. Bob Kolasky, Assistant Director, National Risk
Management Center (NRMC), DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency (CISA) briefed Members on the mission,
structure, and objectives of the National Risk Management
Center, which serves as a center for planning, analysis, and
collaboration for identifying significant risks to the nation's
critical infrastructure. In particular, Members examined the
NRMC's work related to: Information Communications and
Technology Supply Chain Risk Management; 5G Security and
Resilience; National Critical Functions; Election Security; and
Pipeline Cybersecurity.
On January 28, 2020, the Subcommittee held a Member
briefing with stakeholders from a range of critical
infrastructure stakeholder communities to understand how the
private sector engages with CISA and sector specific agencies
on security matters. Participants included Joe R. Viens, Vice
Chair of the Communications ISAC and Secretary for the National
Council of Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISAC);
Scott C. Algeier, Executive Director, IT-ISAC; John Carlson,
Chief of Staff, FS-ISAC; Mandy Misko, Americas Intelligence
Officer, Public Private Partnerships, FS ISAC; Michael
Arceneaux, Managing Director, Water ISAC; and Greg Garcia,
Executive Director, Cyber Security, Health Sector Coordinating
Council.
On February 11, 2020, the Subcommittee held a briefing with
CISA Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Bryan Ware to discuss
priorities for the Cybersecurity Division in 2020. Members
discussed the CISA reorganization, Federal network security,
and cybersecurity support for privately owned critical
infrastructure. Additionally, Members discussed cyber talent
recruitment and retention challenges at CISA.
CYBERSECURITY FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
State and local government agencies are facing a growing
array of cyber threats, stemming from greater reliance on new
technologies, shared services, and the move toward `smart
cities.' DHS offers cybersecurity assistance to critical
infrastructure owners and operators, including state and local
governments, but some officials have been reluctant to take
advantage of these services in the absence of a pre-existing
trusted relationships with the Department. And recent research
suggests that ``underserved'' populations face higher-than-
average risk of falling victim to online scams and cyberattacks
and are also less likely to know they have been victimized or
what recourse to take. For too long, the Federal government has
not been proactive enough in helping state and local
governments build robust cybersecurity defenses, and cities
from Albany to Atlanta have paid the price.
On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation held a
hearing entitled: ``Cybersecurity Challenges for State and
Local Governments: Assessing How the Federal Government Can
Help.'' The following witnesses testified: Hon. Keisha Lance
Bottoms, Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia; Mr. Thomas Duffy, Senior
Vice President of Operations, Center for Internet Security, and
Chair of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis
Center (MS-ISAC); Mr. Ahmad Sultan, Associate Director, Anti-
Defamation League Center for Technology and Society, and former
Fellow at the Center for Long Term Cybersecurity, University of
California Berkeley; Mr. Frank J. Cilluffo, Director, McCrary
Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure, Auburn
University.
Witnesses testified about how cyberattacks impact
communities how to best deploy Federal resources to build
capacity and promote strong network defenses. Additionally,
Members asked witnesses about the increase in municipal
ransomware attacks, challenges related to funding cybersecurity
initiatives, the difficulty of hiring and retaining staff
within under-resourced state and local IT departments, and how
underserved communities may ultimately pay a higher price--
directly or indirectly--for poor security and low digital
literacy.
Following the hearing, Chairman Richmond introduced H.R.
5823, The State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act. The
bipartisan legislation seeks to foster a stronger partnership
between the Federal government and State and local governments
to defend their State and local networks against the
cyberattacks from sophisticated foreign adversaries or cyber
criminals, including by establishing a $400 million grant
program. The bill passed the House on October 1, 2020.
Additionally, on April 13, 2020, Subcommittee Chairman
Richmond and Full Committee Chairman Thompson led a letter to
House leadership seeking funding for State and local
cybersecurity in future COVID-19 relief packages.
CYBERSECURITY IN THE FUTURE
The Subcommittee has also done extensive oversight to
ensure that the Federal government and the private sector are
prepared for the cyber threats of the future, both by
facilitating a strong cyber talent pipeline and evaluating
future cyber threats.
On May 21, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled
``Growing and Diversifying the Cyber Talent Pipeline.'' The
following witnesses testified: Mr. Wesley Simpson, Chief
Operating Officer, International Information System Security
Certification Consortium ((ISC)2); Mr. Richard ``Rick'' Gallot,
President, Grambling State University; Dr. Amelia Estwick,
National Cybersecurity Institute, Excelsior College; and Ms.
Candace Worley, Vice President and Chief Technical Strategist,
McAfee. Witnesses testified about the current shortage of
skilled cybersecurity professionals, the lack of diversity in
the field, and academic initiatives to address workforce
challenges. Members asked witnesses about how the Federal
government, including the Department, can support efforts to
grow and diversify the cyber talent and leverage these talent
streams to recruit and retain cyber experts in civil service.
On October 22, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Preparing for the Future: An Assessment of Emerging
Cyber Threats.'' The following witnesses testified: Mr. Ken
Durbin, Senior Strategist, Symantec Corporation; Mr. Robert
Knake, Senior Research Scientist, Global Resilience Institute,
Northeastern University and Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign
Relations; Ms. Niloofar Razi Howe, Senior Fellow, New America
Cybersecurity Initiative; and Dr. Ben Buchanan, Senior Faculty
Fellow, Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Mortara
Center, Assistant Teaching Professor, Georgetown University.
Witnesses testified about next generation of cyber threats and
how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum
computing, and other technologies will both enable and
undermine national security, introduce new vulnerabilities, and
change the overall threat landscape.
INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY
The Subcommittee performed legislative and oversight
activities around the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security's (CISA) efforts to promote strong physical security
for U.S. critical infrastructure. For example, the Subcommittee
held hearings and marked up legislation to reauthorize the
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, a
regulatory program to secure high-risk chemical facilities
against terrorist threats. This vital national security program
was set to expire in January 2019. However, at the beginning of
the Congress, the Subcommittee led efforts to extend the
program for a period of 15 months to allow additional time for
the House and Senate to negotiate the text of a long-term
reauthorization bill. This short-term extension was signed into
law on January 18, 2019.
On March 12, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Securing Our Nation's Chemical Facilities:
Stakeholder Perspectives on Improving the CFATS Program.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. John Morawetz, Health
and Safety Representative, International Chemical Workers Union
Council; Dr. Mike Wilson, Ph.D., MPH, National Director,
Occupational and Environmental Health Program, BlueGreen
Alliance; Ms. Pamela Nixon, President, People Concerned About
Chemical Safety; and Ms. Kirsten Meskill, Director, Corporate
Security, BASF. Witnesses expressed support for CFATS while
also suggesting ways to improve the existing program by, for
instance, strengthening cooperation with first responders,
promoting best practices for chemical security, and empowering
chemical facility workers to participate in security planning.
Following that oversight, on June 13, 2019, Subcommittee
Chairman Richmond introduced H.R. 3256, the Protecting and
Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of
2019, which was marked up and passed by the Full Committee on
June 19, 2019. Consistent with the recommendations from expert
witnesses, the legislation included provisions that would have
boosted coordination with first responders, empowered facility
workers, and protected vulnerable frontline communities, among
other security improvements. Ultimately, negotiations on the
long-term reauthorization stalled in the Senate, and the
program was again extended until July 23, 2020, and then for a
period of three years by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
Further, the Subcommittee conducted rigorous oversight of
CISA's efforts to secure ammonium nitrate (AN) and other so-
called ``precursor chemicals'' commonly used to make Improvised
Explosive Devices (IEDs). Since 2007, the Department has
neglected its statutory responsibility to issue a final rule
``[regulating] the sale and transfer of [AN] . . . to prevent
the misappropriation or use of [AN] in an act of terrorism.''
Unfortunately, DHS never stood up this regulatory program.
Instead, DHS approached Congress nearly ten years later to
request funding for a study on potential frameworks to control
access to multiple IED precursor chemicals. In an effort to
make some progress on this important national security issue,
Congress appropriated funding for such a study on December 18,
2015. In November 2017, the National Academies of Sciences
issued its final report with recommendations for various
voluntary and regulatory frameworks to control illicit access
to IED precursor chemicals. Despite the release of the report,
the Department has failed to propose a path forward,
legislatively or otherwise.
The Subcommittee has initiated numerous letters to the
Department urging them to rectify this important security gap.
Specifically, Chairman Thompson wrote to the Department on
August 27, 2019, to inquire about the status of the
Department's proposal to secure IED precursor chemicals.
Chairman Thompson again wrote to Mr. Wolf on April 20, 2020,
the anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, asking why DHS
has yet to release a comprehensive strategy to control the
misuse of AN and other precursors. Most recently, the Chairman
wrote to the Department on August 5, 2020, following the tragic
explosions in Beirut that leveled parts of the city and killed
hundreds of civilians as a result of unsecured and improperly
stored AN.
In addition to chemical security, the Subcommittee has also
performed oversight of CISA's efforts to secure schools, houses
of worship, and other ``soft targets'' from domestic terrorists
and other threats. The Protective Security Advisor (PSA)
program is a vital component of CISA's overall outreach and
engagement with these nontraditional critical infrastructure
owners and operators. However, CISA has historically struggled
to deploy its limited cadre of PSAs strategically, and ensure
they are able to engage with owners and operators evenly across
all sectors. In response, the Subcommittee has encouraged CISA
to take a more strategic approach to PSA outreach and, where
possible, help make PSA resources available at scale.
For instance, on February 6, 2020, the Subcommittee
partnered with the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Resiliency to hold a joint briefing for Members
to learn more about SchoolSafety.gov, a clearinghouse of school
security resources developed by CISA and interagency partners
that offers security assessment tools, guided security
planning, and other resources tailored to protect classrooms
from active shooters and other threats. That month, the
Committee marked up H.R. 5780, the Safe Communities Act of
2020, directing CISA to develop a similar clearinghouse for
cross-sector security resources, as well as develop and
implement a strategy for PSA outreach and engagement. H.R. 5780
passed the House on September 30, 2020. Further, the
Subcommittee initiated a letter to CISA from the Chairman
Thompson, then-Subcommittee Chairman Richmond, and Chairwoman
Underwood, regarding a recent DHS Office of Inspector General
report which found a number of flaws in how CISA managed PSA
outreach to the Commercial Facilities sector, a broad sector
that encompasses many ``soft targets'' that have recently been
under heightened threats from active shooters and domestic
terrorists.
ELECTION SECURITY
Russian interference in the 2016 election was a direct,
deliberate on our democracy. In September of 2019, then-Acting
Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire told Congress
that ``the greatest challenge that we do have is to make sure
that we maintain the integrity of our election system. We know
right now that there are foreign powers that are trying to get
us to question the validity on whether or not . . . our
elections are valid.'' Recognizing that secure elections are
the bedrock of U.S. democracy, the Subcommittee worked to
ensure the integrity and resilience of our election
infrastructure and that the full range of Federal capabilities
are brought to bear to support State and local election
officials in the shared responsibility of election security.
Foreign threats to election infrastructure are well
documented. But officials across the intelligence community
have recognized that foreign influence operations are among the
most concerning threats to the integrity of elections, often
taking the form of coordinated disinformation campaigns or
hacking and releasing material about candidates. To explore the
full range of threats to election infrastructure, on November
19, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, ``The Road
to 2020: Defending Against Election Interference.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Retired General Frank
Taylor, Former Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Board Member, US
CyberDome; the Honorable Richard Stengel, Former Under
Secretary of State, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S.
State Department; Matt Blaze, PhD, McDevitt Chair of Computer
Science and Law, Georgetown University; and Ms. Ginny Badanes,
Director, Strategic Projects, Defending Democracy Program,
Microsoft. Members engaged witnesses on vulnerabilities to
election infrastructure, online influence and disinformation
campaigns, and protecting political and national campaigns from
cyber-attacks.
In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated
the secure administration of elections. To adhere to the public
health community's social distancing recommendations, State and
local election officials rapidly expanded vote-by-mail
opportunities, drop box voting, and early voting, among other
things. Regrettably, adversaries seized upon public confusion
related to the expansion of voting opportunities to sow doubt
into the integrity of expanded vote by mail and suppress voter
turnout, and the President amplified that messaging. Moreover,
the President made a series of statements suggesting he would
deprive the United States Postal Service of much needed funding
to restrict the ability of Americans to vote by mail. At the
same time, the Postmaster General of the United States Postal
Service implemented changes--which have since been suspended--
that threatened the timely delivery of ballots.
To ensure that voters would not have to choose between
protecting their health and casting a vote, on August 4, 2020
the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, ``Secure, Safe, and
Auditable: Protecting the Integrity of the 2020 Elections.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. David Levine,
Elections Integrity Fellow, Alliance for Securing Democracy,
German Marshall Fund of the United States; Ms. Sylvia Albert,
Director of Voting and Elections, Common Cause; Ms. Amber
McReynolds, Chief Executive Officer, National Vote at Home
Institute; and Mr. John Gilligan, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Center for Internet Security, Inc. Members solicited
testimony on the security of vote by mail and the need for
additional Federal funding for election administration before
the 2020 election.
In October, with early voting already underway, Chairwoman
Underwood raised concerns to both CISA and social media
companies regarding the targeting of African American voters
with election-related disinformation. On October 2, 2020,
Chairwoman Underwood wrote to the Chief Executive Officers of
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to request information on the
platforms' efforts to address disinformation campaigns aimed at
intimidating, suppressing, or otherwise interfering with Black
voter turnout.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE
The Subcommittee continued its oversight of S&T by
evaluating both its budget requests and its record leveraging
the capability of the private sector, particularly small
businesses. For example, on April 2, 2019, the Subcommittee
held a roundtable briefing on the Science and Technology
Directorate's use of the Small Business Innovation Research
program to develop solutions to homeland security challenges
associated with spoofed phone calls. The following briefers
presented: Mr. Andre Hentz, Deputy Under Secretary (Acting),
Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Richard Shockey, Chair, SIP (Session Initiation
Protocol) Forum, Shockey Consulting LLC; Mr. Mark D. Collier,
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Securelogix Corporation; Mr.
Milind Borkar, Founder & CEO of Illuma Labs, Inc.; and Mr. Dani
Charles, AnaVation, LLC.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Securing U.S. Surface Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
Joint with Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime
Security. February 26, 2019. (Serial No. 116-2)
``Securing Our Nation's Chemical Facilities: Stakeholders
Perspectives on Improving the CFATS Program.'' March
12, 2019. (Serial No. 116-6)
``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity and Innovation Missions: A
Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request for the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and
the Science and Technology Directorate.'' April 30,
2019. (Serial No. 116-14)
``Growing and Diversifying the Cyber Talent Pipeline.'' May 21,
2019. (Serial No. 116-22)
``Cybersecurity Challenges for State and Local Governments:
Assessing How the Federal Government Can Help.'' June
25, 2019. (Serial No. 116-29)
``Preparing for the Future: An Assessment of Emerging Cyber
Threat.'' October 22, 2019. (Serial No. 116-44)
``The Road to 2020: Defending Against Election Interference.''
November 19, 2019. (Serial No. 116-51)
``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity and Innovation Missions: A
Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request for the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and
the Science and Technology Directorate.'' March 11,
2020. (Serial No. 116-68)
``Defending Against Future Cyberattacks: Evaluating the
Cyberspace Solarium Commission Recommendations.'' July
17, 2020. (Serial No. 116-79)
``Secure, Safe, and Auditable: Protecting the Integrity of the
2020 Elections.'' August 4, 2020. (Serial No. 116-81)
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Recovery
Donald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey,
Chairman
Peter T. King, New York, Ranking Memberx Rose, New York
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) VACANT
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery held 11 hearings,
receiving testimony from 41 witnesses.
COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
On March 10, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Community Perspectives on Coronavirus Preparedness
and Response,'' to hear state and local health perspectives on
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Ron Klain, Former White House Ebola Response
Coordinator (2014 2015); J. Nadine Gracia, MD, MSCE, Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Trust for America's
Health; Christopher Neuwirth, MA, MEP, CBCP, CEM, Assistant
Commissioner, Division of Public Health Infrastructure,
Laboratories, and Emergency Preparedness, New Jersey Department
of Health; and Thomas Dobbs, MD, MPH, State Health Officer,
Mississippi State Department of Health.
On April 16, 2020, Chairman Donald M. Payne, Jr. led a
letter from Subcommittee Members to FEMA Administrator Peter T.
Gaynor asking for an update on whether FEMA has the workforce
to handle other natural disasters as well as a potential long-
term coronavirus threat. The letter asked about current FEMA
staff and how many reservists could be called up in case there
are other events that require federal assistance, such as a
major hurricane or flood, given the forecasts that were
published at the time accurately predicting a very intense
disaster year.
On June 26, 2020, Subcommittee Chairman Payne joined
Chairwoman Torres Small of the Oversight, Management, and
Accountability Subcommittee in sending a letter to the FEMA
Administrator after reports that the Agency was coordinating
the shipment of defective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
to nursing homes around the country to protect against the
spread of COVID-19. The letter asked for information on the
amount of PPE shipped to nursing homes and what FEMA was doing
to rectify any defective shipments reported by nursing homes.
On July 10, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``Pandemic Response: Confronting the Unequal Impacts of COVID-
19,'' to learn more about health disparities and the COVID-19
pandemic. The Subcommittee received testimony from Georges C.
Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health
Association; Leana Wen, MD, Visiting Professor of Health Policy
and Management, George Washington University Milken Institute
School of Public Health; and Chauncia Willis, Co-Founder and
Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Diversity and Inclusion
in Emergency Management.
On July 14, 2020, the Subcommittees on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and Oversight, Management,
and Accountability held a hearing entitled ``Federal and State
Pandemic Supply Preparedness and Response'' to examine how the
Federal government's contracting actions affected the COVID-19
response on the front lines. The Subcommittees received
testimony from the Honorable Craig Fugate, Senior Advisor, Blue
Dot Strategies and Former Administrator, Federal Emergency
Management Agency; Mr. Mark Ghilarducci, Director, Office of
Emergency Services, Governor's Office, California; and Mr.
Chris Currie, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S.
Government Accountability Office.
On August 25, 2020, Subcommittee Chairman Donald M. Payne,
Jr. and other Members of the Subcommittee sent a letter to FEMA
Administrator Peter T. Gaynor regarding the White House
Memorandum ``Authorizing the Other Needs Assistance Program for
Major Disaster Declarations Related to Coronavirus Disease
2019'' issued August 8, 2020. This memorandum directed ``up to
$44 billion from the DRF [Disaster Relief Fund] at the
statutorily mandated 75 percent Federal cost share be made
available for lost wages assistance to eligible claimants, to
supplement State expenditures in providing these payments.''
The letter requested information for the Subcommittee to
conduct oversight of this new unemployment assistance program
including what type of technical assistance would be offered to
states, how the program would be administered, and how the
expenditures for the new program would affect FEMA's fund
balance for other disaster response operations.
STATE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Today's threat environment is more diverse than ever, with
hurricanes, wildfires, school shootings, vehicular attacks, and
other events occurring more often, requiring a coordinated
approach through all levels of government and outside groups.
However, preparedness has not risen to match current risk. The
Subcommittee examined the state of emergency management and how
to improve preparedness to the threats facing the homeland.
On March 13, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Improving the Federal Response: Perspectives on the State of
Emergency Management'' to hear about the state of emergency
management from witnesses representing state and local
stakeholders and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
workforce. The Subcommittee received testimony from Major Louis
V. Bucchere, Commanding Officer, Emergency Management Section,
New Jersey State Police; Steve Reaves, FEMA Local 4060
President, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE);
Martin ``Marty'' Senterfitt, Fire Deputy Chief & Director of
Emergency Management, Monroe County, Florida; and James Waters,
Chief, Counterterrorism, NYPD.
On May 16, 2019, the Subcommittee held a briefing with
private sector companies on their roles in disaster response.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Bob Loeper, Vice
President of Operations Support and Business Continuity/
Disaster Response, Fresenius Kidney Care; Stephanie Tennyson,
Government Affairs Lead, One Concern; Jason Jackson, Senior
Director of Emergency Management, Walmart; Mike Goss, General
Manager-Social Innovation, Toyota; Allison Hiltz, Director for
Evidence Based Practice, Geospiza; Penny Neferis, Director of
Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Emergency Response,
JetBlue Airways; Carrie Johnson, Director of Strategy & Policy-
FirstNet Program, with Jamie M. (``Mike'') Tan, Federal
Regulatory and External Affairs, AT&T and Jeff Partin,
Director of Corporate Security, The Home Depot.
On December 4, 2019, the Subcommittee held a briefing on
diversity in the emergency management workforce. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Walter English, Deputy
Emergency Management Coordinator and Planner, City of Fairfax,
Virginia, and Director of Training and Education, Institute for
Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management; Bryan Koon,
Vice President of Homeland Security and Emergency Management,
IEM; Angelyn Spaulding Flowers, J.D., Ph.D., Professor and
Program Coordinator, School of Urban Affairs, Social Science,
and Social Work, University of the District of Columbia; Blythe
Joy Patenaude, ABD, MBA, 1st VP/Acting Treasurer, International
Network of Women in Emergency Management; and Charles D. Sharp,
Cornell University Climate Fellow, Chairman Emeritus/CEO, Black
Emergency Managers Association International.
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Both domestic and international assessments have supported
the science that greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans are
accumulating in the atmosphere and increasing the acidity of
the oceans. In 2018, the U.S. Global Change Research Program, a
Federal program mandated by Congress to coordinate Federal
climate research, published the second volume of the Fourth
National Climate Assessment (NCA4). The NCA4 found that it is
extremely likely that ``human activities, especially emissions
of greenhouse gases, are the dominant cause of the observed
warming since the mid-20th century. While record temperatures
are one of the clearest results from climate change, scientists
have also drawn connections to other weather events. The U.S.
Global Change Research Program found that heavy precipitation
events have been on the rise in most parts of the country since
1901. Researchers from University of California-Berkley found
that ``[d]roughts and famines, floods, wildfires, and other
events caused at least in part by climate change lead to
instability that extremist groups can take advantage of to
create conflict.'' Parts of the world are already starting to
see this dynamic play out, with implications for homeland
security.
On April 9, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Assessing the Homeland Security Impacts of a Changing
Climate'' to hear about the effects of climate change and
resulting extreme weather events on homeland security.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Astrid Caldas,
Ph.D., Senior Climate Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists;
Timothy Manning, Former Deputy Administrator for Protection and
National Preparedness, FEMA; Senior Advisor, Pacific Disaster
Center; President and CEO, Berglind-Manning L.C.; Kristie
Trousdale, MPH, Deputy Director, Children's Environmental
Health Network; and Dan Eggleston, EFO, CFO, CMO, President and
Chairman of the Board, International Association of Fire
Chiefs.
CONTRACTING OVERSIGHT
The 2017 hurricane season was unprecedented in terms of the
magnitude and cost of the storms. All told, 25.8 million
people--nearly one in every 10 Americans--were affected by
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, which struck Texas,
Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands over a four-
week period in August and September 2017. FEMA experienced
problems with all contracts during the initial response to and
recovery from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Multiple
contracts were canceled or delayed, jeopardizing survivors'
access to critical goods and services.
On May 9, 2019, the Subcommittees on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and Oversight, Management,
and Accountability held a hearing entitled ``FEMA Contracting:
Reviewing Lessons Learned from Past Disasters to Improve
Preparedness'' to examine past contracting failures and assess
remaining challenges as FEMA prepares for future hurricane
seasons. The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Brian
Kamoie, Associate Administrator for Mission Support, Federal
Emergency Management Agency; Ms. Marie Mak, Director,
Contracting and National Security Acquisitions, Government
Accountability Office; and Ms. Katherine Trimble, Deputy
Assistant Inspector General for Audits, Department of Homeland
Security Office of Inspector General.
HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA OVERSIGHT
The catastrophic 2017 hurricane season resulted in record-
setting destruction and damage throughout Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). FEMA's response in the face of the
2017's destruction was inadequate. In its initial review of
FEMA's performance in the 2017 hurricanes, GAO identified
challenges the Agency had while conducting response activities
in Puerto Rico and USVI, which included: a lack of Federal and
state preparedness coordination; FEMA being unprepared to
respond to a major disaster in a remote location; and FEMA
struggling with workforce capacity.
In addition to external criticism, FEMA also conducted an
assessment of its response, ``2017 Hurricane Season FEMA After-
Action Report'' (AAR), which identified a number of
shortcomings, including having inadequate staffing at FEMA for
handling natural disasters, failing to understand the extent of
the damage from Hurricane Maria, and a lack of commodity
management to help disaster survivors.
On June 19, 2019, the Subcommittee held a briefing on the
use and application of FEMA's Public Assistance Alternative
Procedures to give Members an opportunity to assess how the
program is being used in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. The Subcommittee was briefed by Keith Turi, Assistant
Administrator, Recovery Directorate, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
On July 11, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Road to Recovery: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
after Hurricanes Irma and Maria'' to examine the ongoing
recovery in Puerto Rico and the USVI following the damage
caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Omar J. Marrero, Esq., Executive Director,
Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resilience
(COR3), Puerto Rico; Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director,
Office of Disaster Recovery, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Chris P.
Currie, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO.
PROTECTING VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Natural disasters exacerbate the struggles of vulnerable
populations. In a study conducted by George Washington
University to determine the number of deaths from Hurricane
Maria, the researchers found that of the 2,975 residents who
died in Puerto Rico, the clear majority were those living in
poverty and seniors--many of whom were likely residents with
disabilities who faced deadly mobility barriers to safety.
On July 23, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency Preparedness
for Underserved Populations'' for Members to hear from
researchers, emergency responders, and community groups
regarding efforts to ensure the needs of underserved
populations are planned for and met in emergency settings.
During Panel I, the Subcommittee received testimony from Major
Louis V. Bucchere, Commanding Officer, Emergency Management
Section, New Jersey State Police; Kelly Boyd, Access and
Functional Needs Planner, New Jersey Office of Emergency
Management; Elizabeth Curda, Director, Education, Workforce and
Income Security, U.S. Government Accountability Office; and
Marcie Roth, Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for Inclusive
Disaster Strategies. For Panel II, the Subcommittee received
testimony from Dorian Herrell, Director, Office of Emergency
Management and Homeland Security, City of Newark, New Jersey;
Luke Koppisch, Deputy Director, Alliance Center for
Independence (ACI); and Laurence Flint, MD, New Jersey Chapter
Representative, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Disaster
Preparedness Committee.
SCHOOL SECURITY
Soft targets like schools and universities have long been a
security concern and addressing whether educational
institutions are adequately prepared to respond to and
effectively manage large-scale emergencies continues to be a
challenge for communities. Although Federal, state, and local
preparedness efforts have improved in recent years, in 2016 the
GAO found that while about half of school districts surveyed
practiced emergency exercises with law enforcement every year,
schools struggle to fund security priorities.
In 2018, after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida,
the Federal government launched an effort to create a Federal
school safety clearinghouse to help school staff, students, and
teachers find the most up to date and relevant information when
it comes to school safety--something advocates have said was
difficult for schools to do in the past. The clearinghouse is
housed at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
and is a joint effort between DHS, the Department of Health and
Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Department
of Justice. Content covers the entire preparedness spectrum,
from mitigation to recovery and includes topics such as school
climate, mental health, physical security, and more.
On September 26, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Engaging the Community: Perspectives on School
Security'' to hear from state and stakeholder witnesses about
school security and preparedness. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Lauren Hogg, Co-Founder, March for Our Lives;
Parkland shooting survivor; Jared Maples, Director, New Jersey
Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Kathy Martinez-
Prather, Director, Texas School Safety Center, Texas State
University; and Max Schachter, Founder and CEO, Safe Schools
for Alex.
On February 6, 2020, before the clearinghouse website went
public, the Department of Homeland Security briefed the
Subcommittee and provided a demonstration of the website. The
Committee was briefed by Lina Alathari, Ph.D., Chief, National
Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), U.S. Secret Service; Brian
Harrell, Assistant Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security; and Trent
Frazier, Executive Director, Office of Academic Engagement,
Department of Homeland Security.
BIOLOGICAL WEAPON PREPAREDNESS
DHS is responsible for protecting Americans from threats
posed by terrorist use of chemical, biological, radiological,
and nuclear weapons. In December 2018, Congress passed the
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-
387), which authorized the merger of the Domestic Nuclear
Detection Office (DNDO) and the Office of Health Affairs (OHA)
to form DHS's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD)
Office. Examining the progress of the newly formed CWMD Office
is a priority for the Subcommittee.
On March 27, 2019, the Subcommittee held a briefing on the
CWMD Office. The Subcommittee received testimony from James
``Jim'' McDonnell, Assistant Secretary, Office of Countering
Weapons of Mass Destruction, Department of Homeland Security.
On October 17, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Defending the Homeland from Bioterrorism: Are We
Prepared?'' to hear from stakeholders about countering
biological terrorism, the nation's level of preparedness, and
the effectiveness of the CWMD Office. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Asha George, DrPH, Executive Director of the
Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense; Jennifer Rakeman, PhD,
Assistant Commissioner and Director, Public Health Laboratory,
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY; and
Umair Shah, MD, MPH, Executive Director of Harris County Public
Health, TX; Past-President of the National Association of
County and City Health Officials.
DHS PREPAREDNESS GRANTS
President Trump has consistently proposed significant
funding cuts to DHS preparedness grant programs, including $900
million in FY 2018 and FY 2019 respectively, and nearly $700
million in FY 2020. If these funding cuts were enacted, it
would threaten the effectiveness of important grant programs
like the Department's premier suite of grant programs, the
Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). HSGP is comprised of
the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), the Urban
Area Security Initiative (UASI), and Operation Stonegarden, all
primarily relied upon by states and jurisdictions to build and
maintain the capabilities used to make and keep this country
safe. HSGP also includes the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
(NSGP), a carveout of both SHSP and UASI that is reserved for
nonprofit organizations at risk of terrorist attacks. Without
robust, dedicated funding, already tight state and
jurisdictional budgets will not be able to adequately fund
efforts necessary to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or
mitigate against ever-evolving homeland security threats.
To examine this issue, on January 9, 2020, the Subcommittee
held a hearing entitled, ``Understanding the Importance of DHS
Preparedness Grants: Perspectives from the Field.'' The
Subcommittee heard from stakeholders about how the
Administration's proposed funding cuts to DHS preparedness
grant programs would impact state and jurisdictional homeland
security postures, assess state and jurisdictional use of DHS
preparedness grants, and gauge the challenges associated with
the Department's administration of DHS preparedness grant
programs. The Subcommittee received testimony from W. Greg
Kierce, Director, Jersey City Office of Emergency Management
and Homeland Security; Michael Sprayberry, Director, North
Carolina Emergency Management, Office of Recovery and
Resiliency; Michael G. Masters, National Director and CEO,
Secure Communities Network; and John J. Miller, Deputy
Commissioner, Intelligence and Counterterrorism, New York City
Police Department.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Improving the Federal Response: Perspectives on the State of
Emergency Management.'' March 13, 2019. (Serial No.
116-7)
``Assessing the Homeland Security Impacts of a Changing
Climate.'' April 9, 2019. (Serial No. 116-12)
``FEMA Contracting: Reviewing Lessons Learned from Past
Disasters to Improve Preparedness.'' May 9, 2019.
(Serial No. 116-18)
``Road to Recovery: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.'' July 11, 2019.
(Serial No. 116-32)
``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency Preparedness
for Underserved Populations.'' July 23, 2019. (Serial
No. 116-33)
``Engaging the Community: Perspectives on School Security.''
September 26, 2019. (Serial No. 116-38)
``Defending the Homeland from Bioterrorism: Are We Prepared?''
October 17, 2019 (Serial No. 116-42)
``Understanding the Importance of DHS Preparedness Grants:
Perspectives from the Field.'' January 9, 2020. (Serial
No. 116-54)
``Community Perspectives on Coronavirus Preparedness and
Response.'' March 10, 2020. (Serial No. 116-66)
``Pandemic Response: Confronting the Unequal Impacts of COVID-
19.'' July 10, 2020. (Serial No. 116-74)
``Reviewing Federal and State Pandemic Supply Preparedness and
Response.'' July 14, 2020 (Serial No. 116-76)
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism
Max Rose, New York, Chairman
Mark Walker, North Carolina, Ranking Member Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Mark Green, Tennessee Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee on held 10
hearings, receiving testimony from 36 witnesses.
The Subcommittee focused on several critical nationwide and
global counterterrorism and intelligence issues, including
oversight of the nexus between social media and violent
extremism; the rise in domestic terrorism; the growth of
transnational white supremacist extremism; and oversight of the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence &
Analysis (I&A).
SOCIAL MEDIA AND HOMELAND SECURITY
Throughout the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Intelligence and Counterterrorism focused on the exploitation
of social media by terrorists and other violent extremists. The
Subcommittee conducted hearings, held briefings, and convened
meetings to gather information on current and emerging threats
associated with this topic.
On April 10, 2019, after a Full Committee briefing from
founding members of the Global Internet Forum to Counter
Terrorism (GIFCT) in which representatives failed to answer
questions about resourcing and personnel dedicated to
countering terrorism on their respective platforms,
Subcommittee Chairman Max Rose led a letter with Majority
Subcommittee Members Sheila Jackson Lee, James Langevin, and
Elissa Slotkin, requesting additional information on the
companies' annual budgets for counterterrorism programs and
staffing for such programs in order to determine the founding
GIFCT members' commitment to containing and combatting
terrorists and associated content online.
In the following months, Chairman Rose met with
representatives from Microsoft, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube
to discuss their responses to the April 10, 2019 letter as well
as each company's counterterrorism efforts and collaboration
with other industry partners and the GIFCT.
On June 25, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Artificial Intelligence and Counterterrorism: Possibilities
and Limitations.'' The Subcommittee heard testimony from Dr.
Ben Buchanan, Assistant Teaching Professor, Georgetown
University, Senior Faculty Fellow, Center for Security and
Emerging Technology, Mortara Center; Mr. Alex Stamos, Adjunct
Professor, Freeman Spogli Institute, Program Director, Stanford
Internet Observatory, Encina Hall; and Mr. Julian Sanchez,
Senior Fellow, Cato Institute. This hearing provided the
technical foundation for a Full Committee Hearing the following
day on social media companies' efforts to counter online
terrorist content and misinformation.
On July 24, 2019, at Chairman Rose's direction, Committee
Majority staff traveled to Menlo Park, California, to attend
the annual meeting of the GIFCT. Staff were able to meet with
counterterrorism policy leadership from Facebook, Twitter,
Google, and other companies to learn more about these
companies' efforts and to share Chairman Rose's priorities
regarding combatting terrorist exploitation of social media
platforms.
On September 23, 2019, representatives of the GIFCT
announced their intentions for the Forum to become an
independent organization. On December 11, 2019, the GIFCT
formally registered as an independent 501(c)(3). These
developments came on the heels of months of pressure by
Chairman Rose regarding the need for the GIFCT founding
companies to take their counterterrorism efforts more seriously
by adequately funding GIFCT efforts and designating full-time
staff to the organization.
Based on this oversight, on November 21, 2019, Chairman
Rose introduced H.R. 5209, the ``Raising the Bar Act.'' H.R.
5209 establishes an exercise program in which online terrorist
content is flagged for social media companies to help test the
efficacy of companies' practices to address such content on
their platforms within 24 hours. Social media companies are
then rated on their performance in each exercise by an
independent institution, selected by the Department of Homeland
Security.
On March 4, 2020, Chairman Rose met with Facebook's Policy
Director on Counterterrorism and Dangerous Organizations, Brian
Fishman to discuss edits to the Raising the Bar Act in addition
to updates regarding the status of the GIFCT's hiring of an
Executive Director and next steps for the organization to be
successful.
On March 11, 2020, Chairman Rose met with representatives
from the founding members of the GIFCT to discuss edits to the
Raising the Bar Act in addition to updates regarding the status
of the GIFCT's hiring of an Executive Director and next steps
for the organization to be successful.
On June 23, 2020, Chairman Rose sent a letter to the newly
announced GIFCT Executive Director, Nicholas Rasmussen,
congratulating him on his new endeavor, in addition to next
steps for the organization to be successful--including
prioritizing the creation of an exercise program such as that
detailed in the Raising the Bar Act.
On September 21, 2020, Chairman Rose met with GIFCT
Executive Director, Nicholas Rasmussen, on issues detailed in
the Chairman's June 23 letter. Mr. Rasmussen provided the
Chairman with updates regarding the GIFCT.
On October 16, 2020, Chairman Rose set a letter to the
GIFCT Operating Board reiterating his priorities for the growth
and strengthening of the GIFCT.
COUNTERTERRORISM
Throughout the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Intelligence and Counterterrorism focused on counterterrorism
efforts including the rise of anti-Semitic domestic terrorism,
emerging threats such as militia extremists and anti-government
movements, international terrorism, and the rising threat from
violent transnational white supremacy. Members and staff
conducted hearings and briefings to gather information on
current and future threats associated with domestic extremist
movements and foreign terrorist organizations.
Anti-Semitic Domestic Terrorism
On January 9, 2020, following a series of antisemitic
attacks in New York and New Jersey, the Members of the
Subcommittee received a briefing about the rise in domestic
terrorism motivated by anti-Semitism. The Members were briefed
by major Jewish organizations including Anti-Defamation League
(ADL); American Jewish Committee (AJC); Secure Community
Network; and the Wiesenthal Center. Briefers highlighted the
need for an expanded Foreign Terrorist Organization list to
include global white supremacist extremist groups, the
importance of sufficient funding for Non-Profit Security
Grants, increased intelligence sharing with State, Local,
Territorial and Tribal law enforcement on these threats, and
political will to tackle the problem. In addition to the policy
recommendations, this briefing provided Members with additional
background on the scope of the threat in advance of a two-part
hearing to better understand what more the federal government
can do to help counter acts of anti-Semitism in communities
across the country.
On January 15, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-Semitic Domestic
Terrorism.'' The Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. Jonathan
Greenblatt, CEO, ADL; Mr. Nathan Diament, Executive Director,
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America; Mr. Eugene
Kontorovich, Professor of Law, Antonin Scalia Law School,
George Mason University; Mr. Clifford D. May, Founder and
President, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies; Mr. John
Miller, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence &
Counterterrorism, New York City Police Department; General John
R. Allen, USMC, Ret., Co-Chair, HSAC Subcommittee for the
Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith-Based
Organizations, President, Brookings Institution; and Mr. Paul
Goldenberg, Co-Chair, HSAC Subcommittee for the Prevention of
Targeted Violence Against Faith-Based Organizations, Chairman
and President, Cardinal Point Strategies.
On February 26, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-Semitic Domestic
Terrorism, Part II.'' The Subcommittee heard testimony from Ms.
Elizabeth Neumann, Assistant Secretary, Threat Prevention and
Security Policy, Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Brian Harrell, Assistant
Director, Infrastructure Security, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Ms. Jill Sanborn, Assistant Director,
Counterterrorism Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
During the first hearing, witnesses and Members highlighted
the duty of the Federal government to respond to the rise in
anti-Semitic domestic terrorism and the broader rise of white
supremacist extremist violence. Stakeholder groups and experts
spoke to how anti-Semitic violence in the United States is
often linked to transnational networks of terror and hate,
including global networks of white supremacist extremists in
Europe and elsewhere. The hearing addressed how anti-Semitic
violence is often linked to vitriolic discourse online.
During the second hearing, government witnesses were
encouraged to create meaningful and respectful partnerships
with Jewish community organizations. Mindful of limitations
established by the First Amendment, Members encouraged
government witnesses to pressure social media companies to
prioritize the removal of terrorist content, including violent
anti-Semitic content and white supremacist extremist content,
in order to help prevent online hate from metastasizing into
real-life violence.
During both hearings, Members emphasized that the federal
government must prioritize understanding these domestic and
international networks to more effectively prevent violence
linked to such extremists in the Homeland.
The two-part hearing series demonstrated that Congress has
an important role to play in raising awareness about and
encouraging federal agencies to respond comprehensively to
domestic terrorism, including that inspired by anti-Semitism.
It also underscored that addressing the rise in anti-Semitic
domestic terrorism requires a whole-of-society approach.
Emerging Domestic Terrorism Threats
During the spring of 2020, media reporting and intelligence
bulletins started identifying threats and acts of violence from
a range of violent anti-government actors, movements, and
organizations, highlighting violent militia extremists and
accelerationists, including the Boogaloo movement.
On July 16, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Assessing the Threat from Accelerationists and Militia
Extremists.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms. JJ
MacNab, Fellow, Program on Extremism, The George Washington
University; Heidi Beirich, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Executive Vice
President, Global Project Against Hate and Extremism; and Mr.
John Donohue, Fellow, Miller Center for Community Protection
and Resiliency, Rutgers University, Former Chief of Strategic
Initiatives at New York City Police Department.
Throughout the hearing, witnesses underscored that some of
these extremist movements stem from ideologies that are decades
old, whereas others are relatively new. They also explained how
the threats themselves range from decentralized and leaderless
networks to more structured groups. Witnesses made clear that
anti-government extremism was one of the most prominent threads
of the groups and movements. Dr. Beirich highlighted the
overlap with anti-immigrant, anti-Semitic, anti-Black, anti-
Muslim ideologies as well, often bringing extremists into
common cause with white supremacists. Witnesses identified the
challenges facing law enforcement due to the decentralized
structure of these extremist movements and their use of digital
tools. Witnesses made clear that given the emphasis these
groups and movements place on their online interactions, this
problem can only be solved by coordinating with and additional
action from social media platforms.
Transnational Violent White Supremacist Extremists
During the 116th Congress, Subcommittee Chairman Rose
spearheaded oversight and legislative efforts concerning
transnational white supremacist extremists. This
oversightcontributed to the U.S. Department of State's
designation of the Russian Imperial Movement and three of its
leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorist entities--the
first such designation of a white supremacist group.
On September 18, 2019, the Subcommittee held a joint
hearing with the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa,
and International Terrorism of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
entitled ``Meeting the Challenge of White Nationalist Terrorism
at Home and Abroad.'' The Subcommittee heard testimony from
Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Ph.D., Director, International Training
and Education Program, School of Education, American
University; Mr. Christian Picciolini, Founder, Free Radicals
Project, Author; and Sharon Nazarian, Ph.D., Senior Vice
President, International Affairs, ADL.
The hearing highlighted the international dynamics of the
white nationalist terrorist movement and the threats its
adherents in the United States pose to the homeland at a time
when these threats are growing, exemplified by terrorist
attacks in El Paso, TX, Christchurch, New Zealand, and Poway,
CA. The terrorists identified as responsible for these attacks
drew inspiration from one another and from other white
nationalist attacks in the United States and abroad. The
hearing explored the connections between the domestic and
international white nationalist terrorist networks and
discussed the ideology, motivations, uses of technology, as
well as radicalization and de-radicalization processes of white
nationalist terrorists to better inform future policy.
On November 13, 2019, the Subcommittee held a briefing on
violent white supremacist extremist groups by representatives
of the Soufan Center. This briefing was a follow-up from
testimony by Mr. Soufan at the Full Committee hearing entitled
``Global Terrorism: Threats to the Homeland, Part I.'' During
the briefing, Members explored the granular threats from
violent white supremacist extremists in the U.S. and abroad as
well as how these terrorists draw inspiration from one another.
The Soufan Center representatives focused on the transnational
networks of white supremacist extremists showcasing ties
between groups or organizations identified as violent white
supremacist extremists and domestic individuals and groups.
They also discussed specific acts of violence committed by such
individuals/groups and cases in which U.S. nationals that have
traveled to Ukraine in furtherance of such movements. The
briefing underscored the similarities between transnational
white supremacist movements and jihadist groups and the need to
apply existing counterterrorism policies or practices to
counter such groups, including by expanding the Foreign
Terrorist Organization (FTO) list to include white supremacist
groups.
Based on previous oversight and other activities, on
January 30, 2019 Chairman Rose introduced H.R. 5736, the
``Transnational White Supremacist Extremism Review Act.''
Through the Chairman's oversight, a common theme that emerged
was the need for law enforcement officials at all levels to be
better informed of the transnational white supremacist threat.
H.R. 5736 requires the Department of Homeland Security Office
of Intelligence & Analysis to conduct an assessment on threats
posed by foreign violent white supremacist extremist groups.
The bill also authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to
share these materials with online platforms, upon request, in
order to help platforms identify content--such as symbols,
flags, and references--used by foreign white supremacist
extremist groups. Importantly, the bill builds in strong
protections for civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy,
including a blanket prohibition of the release of the personal
information of any person or group engaged in constitutionally
protected conduct in the United States. This bill was endorsed
by ADL and Blue Dog Coalition. The legislation, as amended,
advanced out of Committee by voice vote on February 12, 2020,
and passed the House of Representatives on September 30, 2020.
Preventing Terrorist Travel to the U.S.
On March 7, 2019, the Subcommittee on Intelligence and
Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Border Security,
Facilitation, and Operations hosted a Classified Member-only
briefing with representatives from the U.S. Government
Accountability Office on preventing terrorist travel to the
U.S.
Following the briefing, on April 2, 2019, the Subcommittee
held a joint hearing with the Subcommittee on Border Security,
Facilitation, and Operations, entitled ``Supporting a Fact-
Based Approach to Preventing Terrorist Travel to the United
States.'' The Subcommittees received testimony from Mr. Donald
Conroy, Director, National Targeting Center--Passenger
Operations, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection; Mr. Monte B. Hawkins, Director, National Vetting
Center, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Ms. Rebecca
Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S.
Government Accountability Office. The hearing provided Members
a fact-based overview of the threat landscape and debunked
common misconceptions about the relevant processes and programs
concerning preventing terrorist travel.
Local Efforts to Counter Terrorism
On May 6, 2019, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
New York entitled, ``Local Efforts to Counter the Terror Threat
in New York City: A Retrospective and a Roadmap.'' Testimony
was heard from Mr. John J. Miller, Deputy Commissioner,
Intelligence & Counterterrorism, New York City Police
Department; Mr. Thomas Currao, Chief of Counterterrorism, Fire
Department of the City of New York; and Mr. Edward T. Cetnar,
Superintendent of Police, Director of Public Safety, Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey. In advance of the 20th
anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, this
hearing examined the holistic threats faced by New York City
and local agencies' efforts to counter them.
After the release of several intelligence assessments on
the threat of ghost guns by criminal actors and terrorists, on
June 10, 2019, Chairman Rose introduced H.R. 2621, the
``Homeland Security Assessment of Terrorists'' Use of Ghost
Guns Act.'' H.R. 2621 requires the Department of Homeland
Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to develop
and disseminate an annual terrorism threat assessment regarding
the availability of ghost guns in furtherance of an act of
terrorism and share this assessment with state, local, and
tribal law enforcement officials. H.R.2621 passed Committee by
voice vote on May 15, 2019. Underscoring the bipartisan
interest and seriousness of the threat, a version of H.R. 2621
was included in the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act as
Section 5716 and signed into law on December 20, 2019. DHS
disseminated the assessment on October 16, 2020.
ISIS and Al Qaeda
On June 24, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Examining the Threat from ISIS and Al Qaeda.'' The
Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. Michael Morell, Private
Citizen, Former Acting & Deputy Director, Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA); Former Ambassador Tina Kaidanow, Former Acting
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs,
Former Coordinator for Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of
State; and Mr. Thomas Joscelyn, Senior Fellow, Foundation for
Defense of Democracies.
While ISIS and Al Qaeda (AQ) have been dealt significant
battlefield losses over the last ten years, the witnesses
described how the groups still have a desire to carry out and
inspire violence across the globe, including in the United
States. The witnesses cited several examples of the groups'
branches that operate in regions across the globe in addition
to a Saudi soldier who was in contact with an AQ affiliate in
Yemen prior to carrying out an attack that killed three people
at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. The witnesses also
discussed the threat posed by the emergence of the Taliban as a
political party in Afghanistan and the peace deal currently
being negotiated between the Taliban and the Afghan government.
INTELLIGENCE OVERSIGHT
On October 15, 2020, Chairman Rose toured DHS' National
Operations Coordination (NOC) and meet with Office of
Operations Coordination (OPS) Director Christopher Tomney.
During the Coronavirus outbreak, the Subcommittee continued
its work to ensure that DHS programs for sharing intelligence
were not disrupted during the coronavirus pandemic. Through its
oversight, the Subcommittee found that State actors like China
concealed essential information related to coronavirus and
actively spread disinformation.
On March 18, 2020, Chairman Max Rose wrote to DHS' I&A and
Office of Operations Coordination to urge the Department to
ensure that information sharing programs would not be disrupted
by the pandemic.
On March 24, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Chairman Rose
wrote to DHS requesting details of the Department's plans to
prevent extremists from exploiting the pandemic to spread
disinformation and commit acts of violence.
On April 29, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Chairman Rose
wrote to DHS seeking documents and information explaining
whether and how DHS utilized and disseminated pandemic-related
intelligence in late 2019 and early 2020 to inform operational
changes intended to prepare for the possible consequences of
the spread of coronavirus.
On May 13, 2020, Chairman Rose and Ranking Member Mark
Walker wrote to DHS I&A seeking information on ongoing efforts
to combat disruptive and harmful actions by China intended to
exploit the pandemic.
Over the course of 2020, DHS engaged in law enforcement and
intelligence operations in several cities that negatively
impacted Americans' ability to engage in constitutionally
protected protest activity. DHS' execution of these operations
has undermined the Department's reputation as a partner to
state and local law enforcement. Based on previous oversight
and other activities, on August 3, 2020, Chairman Thompson and
Chairman Rose introduced H.R. 7984, the Strengthening Oversight
of DHS Intelligence Act, to bolster privacy, civil liberties,
and civil rights protections with respect to the activities of
DHS' I&A arm. Press reporting and whistleblower complaints
alleged serious misconduct within I&A regarding the violation
of Americans' civil rights, civil liberties, and constitutional
rights. H.R. 7984 requires DHS I&A products to be vetted by the
DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) to ensure
they do not violate constitutional and other legal protections.
The legislation also codifies a requirement for CRCL to provide
training to senior DHS intelligence personnel on civil rights
and civil liberties protections.
OPIOID CRISIS
On July 25, 2019, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and
Operations entitled ``Homeland Security Implications of the
Opioid Crisis.'' The Subcommittee heard testimony from Ms.
Sondra McCauley, Assistant Inspector General for Audits, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General;
Ms. Bridget G. Brennan, Special Narcotics Prosecutor, City of
New York, Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor; Bryce
Pardo, Ph.D., Associate Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation;
and Mr. James Edward Hinson, Jr., Deputy Chief, Greensboro
Police Department, Investigative Bureau Commander.
On August 27, 2019, the Chairman Rose toured the John F.
Kennedy Airport International Mail Facility with bipartisan
Committee Members. The Chairman received updates on the status
of recommendations provided by the Office of Inspector General
to Customs and Border Protection concerning a recent audit of
the facility, a topic of concern at the July 25, 2019 hearing.
On May 29, 2020, Chairman Rose and Border Security,
Facilitation, and Operations Chairwoman Rice sent a letter to
the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), The Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey, the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, and the U.S. Postal Service, concerned by
the prolonged timeline for construction of the new laboratory
at the John F. Kennedy International Mail Facility.
ADDRESSING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
On October 28, 2019, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in Greensboro, North Carolina entitled ``Tackling Human
Trafficking: Assessing Federal, State and Local Information
Sharing Efforts.'' The Subcommittee heard from Ms. Christine
Shaw Long, Executive Director, North Carolina Human Trafficking
Commission, North Carolina Judicial Branch; Mr. Ronnie A.
Martinez, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security
Investigations, Charlotte Field Office, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Carl
L. Wall, II, Special Agent in Charge, Human Trafficking Unit,
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; and Ms. Aundrea
Azelton, Chief Deputy, Sheriff Office, Randolph County, North
Carolina. Witnesses focused on information sharing efforts and
collaboration between several entities at the Federal, State,
and local levels to combat human trafficking.
COUNTERINTELLIGENCE
On March 12, 2020, the Subcommittee was briefed by DHS
regarding the Department's counterintelligence work to secure
U.S. academic and scientific communities. According to the
Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), ``U.S. academic and
scientific communities have increasingly become common targets
of hostile foreign government efforts to undermine our national
security. Foreign intelligence agents and non-traditional
collectors are taking advantage of our open and collaborative
academic environment.'' Information provided led to follow-on
briefings with the academic community and discussions with U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement on their work to combat the
problem.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Supporting a Fact-Based Approach to Preventing Terrorist
Travel to the United States.'' April 2, 2019. Joint
with the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation,
and Operations. (Serial No. 116-9)
``Local Efforts to Counter the Terror Threat in New York City:
A Retrospective and a Roadmap.'' May 6, 2019. (Serial
No. 116-16)
``Artificial Intelligence and Counterterrorism: Possibilities
and Limitations.'' June 25, 2019. (Serial No. 116-28)
``Homeland Security Implications of the Opioid Crisis.'' July
25, 2019. Joint with the Subcommittee on Border
Security, Facilitation, and Operations. (Serial No.
116-34)
``Meeting the Challenge of White Nationalist Terrorism at Home
and Abroad.'' Joint with the Subcommittee on Middle
East, North Africa, and International Terrorism of the
Committee on Foreign Affairs. September 18, 2019.
(Serial No. 116-36)
``Tackling Human Trafficking: Assessing Federal, State and
Local Information Sharing Efforts.'' October 28, 2019.
(Serial No. 116-45)
``Confronting the Rise in Anti-Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
January 15, 2020. (Serial No. 116-58)
``Confronting the Rise in Anti-Semitic Domestic Terrorism, Part
II.'' February 26, 2020. (Serial No. 116-61)
``Examining the Threat from ISIS and Al Qaeda.'' June 24, 2020.
(Serial No. 116-72)
``Assessing the Threat from Accelerationists and Militia
Extremists.'' July 16, 2020. (Serial No. 116-78)
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and
Accountability
Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico,
Chairwoman
Dan Crenshaw, Texas, Ranking Member Dina Titus, Nevada
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Management, and Accountability held 12 hearings, receiving
testimony from 38 witnesses.
The Subcommittee conducted oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security's (DHS) functions essential to the Department
effectively and efficiently fulfilling its critical missions
while supporting the men and women who execute those missions.
Accordingly, the Subcommittee focused on the foundation upon
which all of DHS's missions rest, a workforce of over 240,000
employees, by identifying solutions to challenges with
recruitment and retention, low morale, and lack of diversity.
In addition to addressing issues that directly affected the DHS
workforce, the Subcommittee examined vital DHS headquarters
functions, including oversight of major acquisition programs
and procurement and contracting practices; policy development
and coordination across the Department; and inclusion of
privacy and civil rights and civil liberties considerations
when implementing new programs.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
DHS is the third largest Department in the Federal
government with over 240,000 employees. The Department requires
an adequate, prepared, and well-equipped workforce to carry out
its critical mission. However, DHS has struggled to hire and
retain personnel and has suffered from persistently low
employee morale.
On March 7, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``CBP Workforce Challenges: Exploring Solutions to Address
Recruitment and Retention.'' The Subcommittee examined the
challenges U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) faces with
recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified law enforcement
personnel. The hearing highlighted a contract CBP awarded to
assist in the recruitment and hiring of new agents and officers
that resulted in a minimal number of new hires. CBP terminated
the contract the following month.
On January 14, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Seventeen Years Later: Why is Morale at DHS Still
Low.'' Members discussed why morale at the Department has
remained low since its inception in 2003, the actions taken to
improve employee morale, and further efforts needed to address
low morale.
On February 27, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce to Meet
the Homeland Security Mission.'' Subcommittee Members
acknowledged the progress DHS has made increasing the
representation of minorities and women across the Department
but discussed the challenges with increasing such
representation among the Department's senior leaders.
On June 16, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``Business as Usual? Assessing How DHS Can Resume Operations
Safely.'' The Subcommittee examined how DHS adjusted its
operations in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the
steps the Department and its components needed to take to
resume operations in a way that protected the health and safety
of its employees and the public.
During a Subcommittee Member Briefing with the Director of
the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) on July 6,
2020, Members discussed the impact of a three-month suspension
of in-person trainings in response to the coronavirus and
FLETC's plans to protect the health and safety of its students,
teachers, and staff when it resumed trainings.
ACQUISITION, PROCUREMENT, AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
DHS spends hundreds of billions of dollars each year to
obtain goods and services to support the various mission sets
across the Department. The goods and services obtained allow,
for example, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to
deploy relief supplies to disaster areas. However, FEMA has had
longstanding contracting challenges, including inadequate use
of advance contracts, and insufficient oversight of contracts
awarded by state and local governments. These challenges were
accentuated during the unprecedented and devastating 2017
hurricane season.
In response, on May 9, 2019, the Subcommittee held a joint
hearing with the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Recovery entitled, ``FEMA Contracting: Reviewing
Lessons Learned from Past Disasters to Improve Preparedness.''
The Subcommittees examined past contracting failures and
assessed remaining challenges to better prepare the nation to
respond to future natural disasters. FEMA continued to
experience contracting challenges when it was appointed lead of
the federal response effort to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
On July 14, 2020, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery entitled, ``Reviewing Federal and State Pandemic
Supply Preparedness and Response.'' The Subcommittee discussed
the difficulties FEMA faced in procuring personal protective
equipment and other supplies from reliable sources and
distributing supplies to states to address critical shortages.
CBP operates 110 land Ports of Entry (POEs), consisting of
a total of 167 land border crossings--120 along the northern
border and 47 along the southern border. As part of its capital
planning process, CBP is responsible for identifying land POE
infrastructure needs and prioritizing projects. In order to
learn more about the practical implications of CBP's needs at
the border, the Subcommittee conducted a Member site visit to
the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on
December 2, 2019. During the visit, Members witnessed how a
malfunctioning scanner machine slowed vehicle traffic as the
vehicle inspections had to be conducted by K-9 units. Members
also learned about how the construction of a larger lane would
be critical to facilitating international commerce by making it
easier for trucks carrying wind power blades to pass through.
Immediately following the site visit, the Subcommittee held
a field hearing, entitled ``Promoting Safe and Efficient Travel
and Trade at America's Land Ports of Entry,'' during which
Members heard testimony from government and business officials
about how technologies that speed up the border crossing
process impact the local and regional economy.
SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION AND INTEGRATION
Since 2003, when DHS was established by the merging of 22
different agencies, the Department has struggled to modernize
and integrate its systems, including financial management and
human capital systems. Several projects pursued by the
Department since its inception have a history of delays and
cost overruns and failed to deliver the intended capability.
For example, DHS wasted tens of millions of dollars on various
iterations of its Financial Systems Modernization (FSM) program
and has yet to modernize most of its financial systems.
Additionally, DHS initiated the Human Resources Information
Technology (HRIT) investment to consolidate, integrate, and
modernize the Department's human resources information
technology infrastructure. However, both the Office of
Inspector General and Government Accountability Office found
limited progress had been made. On April 3, 2019, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Ensuring Effective and
Efficient Operations: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 DHS
Management Directorate Budget Request'' to question DHS's
budget request for these programs.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATION
The policies and strategies implemented by the DHS are
integral to its ability to successfully carry out its varying
mission sets. DHS is also responsible for developing and
coordinating policies for key issues across the Federal
government. For example, DHS is the lead for ensuring
continuity of operations preparedness across the Executive
Branch. Continuity of operations is a Federal initiative,
required by presidential directive, to ensure agencies are able
to continue performing their essential functions during any and
all hazards, including public health emergencies such as
pandemics. To enable the Committee to understand the extent to
which DHS was prepared to continue its essential functions in
response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Subcommittee
sent letters to DHS on April 16, 2020 and June 1, 2020
requesting copies of continuity of operations plans and other
related information for the Department and its components. To
date, DHS has failed to provide all of the requested documents.
DEPARTMENTAL WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, AND MISMANAGEMENT
DHS's mission to secure the nation from many threats
requires it to operate in a dynamic environment, which can
increase the risk of waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement of
Federal funds. On January 13, 2019, the Subcommittee requested
that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review DHS's
use of non-competitive contracts due to an unusual and
compelling urgency, which has increased over fivefold from $52
million in 2014 to $349 million in 2018. While use of these
types of contracts may be critical to helping DHS accomplish
certain missions related to responding to natural disasters or
immigration needs, the lack of competition presents risks that
the Department may not be getting the best return on its
investment.
In response to a surge of migrants attempting to enter the
U.S. at the southern border in spring 2019, Congress enacted
the In response to a surge of migrants attempting to enter the
U.S. at the southern border in spring 2019, Congress enacted
the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian
Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019. This
bill became law on July 1, 2019 and provided DHS an additional
$1.3 billion to address the humanitarian crisis and provide
migrant care at the southwest border. On July 24, 2019, the
Subcommittee held a Member Briefing with officials from DHS,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency to discuss how the Department would use the additional
funding in the most effective and efficient manner possible to
care for migrants in its custody.
PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
When DHS implements its wide range of policies and
strategies, it must abide by certain privacy and disclosure
laws and rules. DHS's Office of Privacy is tasked with
enforcing privacy protections and transparency in all
Department activities. The Chief Privacy Officer also serves as
the Department's Chief Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Officer, providing guidance on FOIA policy throughout the
Department. On October 17, 2019, the Subcommittee held a
hearing entitled, ``The Public's Right to Know: FOIA at the
Department of Homeland Security.'' The Subcommittee examined
the FOIA backlog at the Department. Members also heard about
some of the specific challenges facing DHS when processing
these requests, like decentralized processes leading to
duplicative and inefficient reviews.
IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACILITY OVERSIGHT
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is
responsible for the detention of more than 50,000 migrants.
When ICE contracts for facilities to house its detainees, it
stipulates the conditions under which the detainees must be
held. During a September 26, 2019 hearing entitled, ``Oversight
of ICE Detention Facilities: Is DHS Doing Enough?''
Subcommittee Members heard testimony about the tools available
to DHS to ensure that those conditions are met. The hearing
included questions by Members regarding whether ICE inspection
processes are ineffective and whether ICE's contract inspector,
The Nakamoto Group, is adequately staffed to complete the work.
Following the hearing, the Subcommittee submitted a letter to
ICE encouraging it to update its Statement of Work for its
inspection contract.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``CBP Workforce Challenges: Exploring Solutions to Address
Recruitment and Retention.'' March 7, 2019. (Serial No.
116-5)
``Ensuring Effective and Efficient Operations: A Review of the
Fiscal Year 2020 DHS Management Directorate Budget
Request.'' April 3, 2019. (Serial No. 116-10)
``FEMA Contracting: Reviewing Lessons Learned from Past
Disasters to Improve Preparedness.'' Joint with the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery. May 9, 2019. (Serial No. 116-18)
``Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers: Preparing America's
Law Enforcement to Protect the Homeland.'' May 16,
2019. (Serial No. 116-20)
``Federal Protective Service: Ensuring the Mission Is Not Lost
in Transition.'' June 11, 2019. (Serial No. 116-25)
``Oversight of ICE Detention Facilities: Is DHS Doing Enough?''
September 26, 2019. (Serial No. 116-39)
``The Public's Right to Know: FOIA at the Department of
Homeland Security.'' October 17, 2019. (Serial No. 116-
43)
``Promoting Safe and Efficient Travel and Trade at America's
Land Ports of Entry.'' December 2, 2019. (Serial No.
116-52)
``Seventeen Years Later: Why is Morale at DHS Still Low.''
January 14, 2020. (Serial No. 116-56)
``Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce to Meet the
Homeland Security Mission.'' February 27, 2020. (Serial
No. 116-63)
``Business as Usual? Assessing How DHS Can Resume Operations
Safely.'' June 16, 2020. (Serial No. 116-70)
``Reviewing Federal and State Pandemic Supply Preparedness and
Response.'' Joint with the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. July 14, 2020.
(Serial No. 116-76)
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime
Security
J. Luis Correa, California,
Chairman
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
John Katko, New York Dina Titus, Nevada
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Val Butler Demings, Florida
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee on held 9
hearings, receiving testimony from 30 witnesses.
Throughout the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security conducted oversight of the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast
Guard (USCG). Created in the aftermath of the September 11,
2001 terrorist attacks, TSA is responsible for securing all
modes of transportation. The USCG is a branch of the Armed
Forces housed within the Department of Homeland Security during
peacetime, with multiple statutorily directed homeland security
missions including ports, waterways, and coastal security; drug
and migrant interdiction; defense readiness; and other law
enforcement. Both agencies face increasingly complex security
threats as well as significant challenges with large workforces
and limited resources.
THREATS TO THE TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECTORS
The transportation and maritime sectors are critical to the
United States economy and the daily lives of the American
people. International terrorist groups continue to target
transportation, with a primary goal of taking a plane out of
the sky over U.S. soil. Additionally, airports and surface
transportation systems face threats from active shooters given
their open infrastructure. In order to understand threats
facing the transportation and maritime sectors, on March 14,
2019, the Subcommittee held a classified briefing with
representatives from the TSA and the USCG. Agency
representatives provided Members an overview of pertinent
groups and threat streams, which informed Members' interests
and activities throughout the remainder of the Congress.
TSA AND USCG BUDGET REQUESTS
To review the President's budget request for the TSA for
Fiscal Year 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing on April 9,
2019, entitled, ``Securing America's Transportation and
Maritime Systems: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
Requests for the Transportation Security Administration and the
U.S. Coast Guard.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
the Honorable David Pekoske, Administrator, TSA, and Admiral
Karl Schultz, Commandant, USCG. Nearly a year later, to review
the President's budget request for the TSA for Fiscal Year
2021, on March 11, 2020, the Subcommittee held a follow-up
hearing entitled, ``Securing America's Transportation and
Maritime Systems: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget
Requests for the Transportation Security Administration and the
U.S. Coast Guard.'' The Subcommittee again received testimony
from the Honorable David Pekoske, Administrator, TSA, and
Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant, USCG.
At each of these hearings, Members expressed concerns with
the Administration's budget requests for the TSA and the USCG.
Both budget requests called for cuts to critical TSA programs
such as the Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response Program,
the Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program, and the
Federal Flight Deck Officer Program which support Federal,
State, and local law enforcement agencies' efforts to secure
critical transportation systems. Members also questioned the
Administration's decision to cut health care benefits for part-
time TSA employees who were beginning to face increased health
risks due to the spread of COVID-19. Members also expressed
praise towards increases in budgetary resources for new Coast
Guard cutter assets and cybersecurity efforts.
TSA MODERNIZATION ACT IMPLEMENTATION
In October 2018, Congress passed the TSA Modernization Act,
a significant bill with extensive provisions intended to
reauthorize and reform TSA and drive improvements to
transportation security. Throughout the 116th Congress, the
Subcommittee conducted oversight of the TSA's efforts to
implement provisions of the Act. On October 29, 2019, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``One Year Later:
Implementation of the TSA Modernization Act.'' The Subcommittee
heard testimony from Ms. Patricia Cogswell, Acting Deputy
Administrator, TSA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and
Mr. William Russell, Director, Homeland Security and Justice,
Government Accountability Office on a number of actions TSA had
taken to enhance transportation security as a result of the TSA
Modernization Act, such as improvements to air cargo security,
security technology, acquisition processes, and personnel
management reforms. Members questioned the witnesses regarding
ongoing challenges on these topics and the need for further
reforms.
TSA WORKFORCE
TSA struggles with low morale and high attrition among its
workforce. Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) are among
the lowest-paid Federal workers, and they lack basic civil
service protections afforded to most other Federal employees.
The 116th Congress began amid an extended lapse of
appropriations that left TSOs and other TSA employees working
without pay, and it concluded amid an extended public health
crisis that has put TSA's workforce in harm's way without
hazard pay or other necessary protections.
On January 7, 2019, Chairman Thompson wrote TSA
Administrator David Pekoske regarding the effects of the
government shutdown on the TSA workforce as well as TSA's
efforts to ensure staffing shortages would not impact
transportation security. On May 2, 2019, Chairman Thompson,
Rep. J. Luis Correa, and Committee Democrats wrote
Administrator Pekoske regarding his refusal to commit to
continuing to allow union activities among the TSA workforce,
urging him to immediately commit to continued collective
bargaining at TSA. Administrator Pekoske subsequently agreed to
work towards a new collective bargaining agreement.
To discuss the challenges faced by the TSA workforce and
the agency's efforts to address them, on May 21, 2019, the
Subcommittee held a hearing titled, ``The TSA Workforce Crisis:
A Homeland Security Risk.'' Members heard testimony from Mr.
John V. Kelly, Acting Inspector General, DHS; Mr. J. David Cox,
National President, American Federation of Government
Employees, AFL-CIO; Mr. Lance Lyttle, Managing Director,
Aviation Division, Port of Seattle; and Mr. Jeffrey Neal,
Senior Vice President, ICF. The Subcommittee examined the
causes of low morale and high attrition among the TSA workforce
as well as their impacts on transportation security. Members
questioned the witnesses regarding proposed solutions to TSA's
workforce challenges, including proposals to transition TSA's
workforce from the current personnel management system
developed and maintained by TSA to the system used by most
other Federal agencies under Title 5 of the U.S. Code.
On September 30, 2020, Chairman Thompson and Subcommittee
Chairman Correa wrote TSA Administrator David Pekoske regarding
the ratification process for a new collective bargaining
agreement, urging him to suspend ratification activities until
worker safety could be ensured amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Administrator Pekoske subsequently worked with the Chairmen to
implement additional safety measures to proceed with the
ratification vote.
AVIATION SECURITY
Terrorist groups and lone actors continue to target the
aviation system, posing complex and evolving threats to TSA's
security mission. TSA works to counter such threats through
training and deployment of personnel, developing and procuring
advanced screening technologies, and coordinating with airport
authorities, air carriers, foreign governments and
international partners, and other aviation industry
stakeholders. During the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee
conducted stringent oversight of TSA's efforts on a variety of
topics related to aviation security.
On April 4, 2019, the Subcommittee hosted a Member briefing
with representatives from the TSA regarding the agency's
initiatives to assist the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in creating
an air marshal program. Members examined the appropriateness of
TSA's international training efforts and agreements allowing
foreign agents to fly armed on flights inbound to the United
States.
On May 10, 2019, the Subcommittee conducted a site visit to
the TSA Systems Integration Facility (TSIF) at the Ronald
Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.
Members examined TSA's technology testing protocols and viewed
demonstrations of technologies installed at the facility.
On June 5, 2019, the Subcommittee held a classified Member
briefing on the security of international airports serving as
last points of departure to the United States. TSA works with
foreign governments, airport authorities, and air carriers to
ensure the security of international inbound flights to the
United States, including through the issuance of emergency
amendments and security directives to air carriers that carry
the full force of regulatory rulemakings. TSA briefed Members
on its efforts to enhance security in locations where foreign
governments struggle to meet international security standards.
On November 13, 2019, the Subcommittee held a Member
briefing with aviation industry stakeholders to discuss the
state of aviation security ahead of expected record-breaking
travel volumes during the holiday season. Members were briefed
by representatives of the American Federation of Government
Employees, AFL-CIO; the American Association of Airport
Executives; Airports Council International-North America;
Airlines for America; and the U.S. Travel Association. Members
examined concerns regarding TSA's staffing levels, coordination
and information sharing, and DHS's plans to require air
passengers to REAL ID-compliant identification to enter TSA
security checkpoints.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Since the onset of the coronavirus, Subcommittee Members
have worked to examine TSA's response to the pandemic. On April
1, 2020, Subcommittee Chairman Correa and Subcommittee
Democrats wrote TSA Administrator David Pekoske regarding
changes TSA had made to reduce the government's cost share of
health care insurance premiums for part-time employees.
Administrator Pekoske subsequently restored the government's
contributions to their previous levels.
On June 18, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
``Climbing Again: Stakeholder Views on Resuming Air Travel in
the COVID-19 Era.'' The Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr.
Kevin M. Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airports
Council International-North America; Ms. Sara Nelson,
International President, Association of Flight Attendants-
Communication Workers of America; Ms. Neema Singh Guliani,
Senior Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union; and
Ms. Victoria Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President for
Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association. The
Subcommittee examined challenges facing the aviation industry
in general and aviation security in particular during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Surface transportation systems, including mass transit,
passenger and freight rail, buses and highways, and pipelines,
are vulnerable to attacks due to their open and accessible
nature. TSA works to secure these systems through close
collaboration and cooperation with State, local, and private
sector partners. TSA dedicates only a small fraction of its
resources to securing surface transportation security, however,
and the agency has struggled to finalize rulemakings that were
due by law more than a decade ago. The Subcommittee continues
to push TSA to ensure surface transportation systems are secure
from ongoing and emerging threats, including active shooter and
cyber threats.
On February 26, 2019, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Innovation entitled, ``Securing U.S. Surface
Transportation from Cyber Attacks.'' Members heard testimony
from Ms. Sonya Proctor, Director for the Surface Division,
Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement, TSA; Mr. Bob
Kolasky, Director of National Risk Management Center,
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA); Mr.
James Lewis, Senior Vice President and Director, Technology
Policy Program, Center for Strategic & International Studies;
Ms. Rebecca Gagliostro, Director of Security, Reliability and
Resilience, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America; Mr.
Erik Robert Olson, Vice President, Rail Security Alliance; and
Mr. John Hultquist, Director of Intelligence Analysis, FireEye.
Members questioned TSA and CISA officials as well as
stakeholders about the state of cybersecurity within the
Nation's surface transportation systems including mass transit,
freight and passenger rail, highways, and pipelines.
MARITIME SECURITY IN THE ARCTIC
The USCG works to secure the maritime sector at ports,
waterways, and coasts through a range of activities, including
by interdicting illegal drugs and migrants and protecting the
sovereignty of U.S. territorial waters. In the 116th Congress,
the Subcommittee identified U.S. maritime security interests in
the Arctic as a topic posing exceptional and concerning
challenges to the USCG. Melting ice coverage has led to
increased commercial and military activity in the region, and
the USCG's inadequate and aging fleet of icebreakers has left
the service without the necessary capabilities to respond to
emerging threats. The strategic importance of the Arctic
continues to increase as the United States and other countries,
including China and Russia, recognize the military significance
of the region and explore possibilities for power projection
from the Arctic.
The Subcommittee held two classified briefings and two
hearings to examine homeland security priorities in the Arctic
region, including the USCG's role and strategy in the region.
On July 12, 2019, and again on February 5, 2020, the
Subcommittee received a classified briefing from the USCG on
securing the interests of the United States in the Arctic. On
September 19, 2019, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``The Northern Northern Border: Homeland Security Priorities in
the Arctic, Part I.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Dr. Michael Sfraga, Director, of Global Risk and Resilience
Program and Director of Polar Institute at the Wilson Center;
Dr. Abbie Tingstad, Senior Physical Scientist at Rand
Corporation; Dr. Victoria Herrmann, President and Managing
Director of The Arctic Institute; and Mr. Luke Coffey, Director
of the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy,
Heritage Foundation.
On February 5, 2020, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``The Northern Northern Border: Homeland Security
Priorities in the Arctic, Part II.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Admiral Charles Ray, Vice Commandant, USCG; Mr.
Michael Murphy, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and
Eurasian Affairs, Department of State; and Ms. Marie Mak,
Director for Contracting and National Security Acquisitions,
Government Accountability Office. These hearings provided
opportunities for Subcommittee Members to question policy
experts about the Federal government's Arctic Strategy and how
the United States should be situated in an area that is
changing rapidly.
ALLEGATIONS OF HARASSMENT, BULLYING, AND RETALIATION AT THE USCG
In the 116th Congress, the Committee on Homeland Security,
through its Subcommittees on Transportation and Maritime
Security and on Oversight, Management, and Accountability and
in collaboration with the Committee on Oversight and Reform,
continued an investigation that began in the 115th Congress
into allegations of harassment, bullying, and retaliation at
the USCG. The investigation began in response to a Coast Guard
Academy faculty member's allegations of harassment and bullying
due to her race, gender, and sexual orientation, and
retaliation due to her allegations. The Committees examined the
processes by which the USCG investigated--or in many ways,
failed to investigate--this whistleblower's allegations, using
her experiences as a case study of the service's policies and
processes. The Committees also examined additional allegations
of harassment and bullying contributing to cultural problems at
the Coast Guard Academy. The Committees requested and reviewed
thousands of pages of documents and conducted several briefings
and transcribed interviews of officials involved in the USCG's
response to the allegations.
On December 11, 2019, the Committees released a joint
Majority staff report titled Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard
Must Improve its Processes for Addressing Harassment, Bullying,
and Retaliation. The report outlined deficiencies in USCG
investigative policies and processes and made several
recommendations for improvements.
Also on December 11, 2019, the Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security, jointly with the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, held a hearing titled,
``Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard Must Improve its Processes
for Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation.'' The
Subcommittees invited Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant, USCG,
to testify, but he declined. The Subcommittees heard testimony
from Vice Admiral Michael McAllister, Deputy Commandant for
Mission Support, USCG; Mr. Jackson Eaton, Deputy Assistant
Inspector General for Special Reviews and Evaluations, Office
of Inspector General, DHS; and the whistleblower who made the
initial allegations, Lieutenant Commander Kimberly Young-
McLear, Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff, U.S. Coast Guard
Academy. The hearing examined the findings of the Committees'
investigation. Following the release of the staff report and
the hearing, the USCG accepted and implemented all of the
recommendations put forth in the staff report. The Committees
continue to examine additional allegations of harassment,
bullying, and retaliation within the USCG.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Securing U.S. Surface Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
February 26, 2019. (Serial No. 116-2)
``Securing America's Transportation and Maritime Systems: A
Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Requests for the
Transportation Security Administration and the U.S.
Coast Guard.'' April 9, 2019. (Serial No. 116-11)
``The TSA Workforce Crisis: A Homeland Security Risk.'' May 21,
2019. (Serial No. 116-21)
``The Northern Northern Border: Homeland Security Priorities in
the Artic, Part I.'' September 19, 2019. (Serial No.
116-37)
``One Year Later: Implementation of the TSA Modernization
Act.'' October 29, 2019. (Serial No. 116-46)
``Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard Must Improve its Processes
for Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation.''
Joint with Committee on Oversight and Reform
Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
December 11, 2019. (Serial No. 116-53)
``The Northern Northern Border: Homeland Security Priorities in
the Arctic, Part II.'' February 5, 2020. (Serial No.
116-59)
``Securing America's Transportation and Maritime Systems: A
Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Requests for the
Transportation Security Administration and the U.S.
Coast Guard.'' March 11, 2020. (Serial No. 116-67)
``Climbing Again: Stakeholder Views on Resuming Air Travel in
the COVID-19 Era.'' June 18, 2020. (Serial No. 116-71)
Oversight Plan of Committee on Homeland Security for the 116th Congress
Clause 2(d), Rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives for the 116th Congress requires each standing
Committee to adopt an oversight plan for the two-year period of
the Congress and to submit the plan to the Committees on
Oversight and Reform and House Administration not later than
March 1 of the first session of the Congress. Rule XI, clause
1(d)(1) requires each Committee to submit to the House of
Representatives not later than January 2 of each odd-numbered
year a report on the activities of that during the Congress.
Clause 1(d)(2) of Rule XI also requires that such report
include a summary of the action taken and recommendations made
with respect to each such plan, a summary of any additional
oversight activities undertaken by the Committee, and any
recommendations made or actions taken thereon.
Part A of this section contains the Committee on Homeland
Security Oversight Plan for the 116th Congress. Part B of this
section contains a summary of the actions taken by the
Committee on Homeland Security to implement the Oversight Plan
for the 116th Congress and the recommendations made with
respect to this plan. Part B also contains a summary of the
additional oversight activities undertaken by the Committee and
the recommendations made or actions taken thereon.
----------
PART A--COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY OVERSIGHT PLAN
OVERSIGHT PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
116TH CONGRESS
Pursuant to Rule X, Clause 2(d) of the Rules of the House
of Representatives for the 116th Congress, each standing
Committee of the House of Representatives is required to submit
an oversight plan to the Committee on Oversight and Reform and
the Committee on House Administration by March 1 of the first
session of the Congress. This is the oversight plan of the
Committee on Homeland Security for the 116th Congress. The
oversight plan includes the areas in which the Committee
expects to conduct oversight this Congress but does not
preclude oversight or investigation of additional matters.
OVERSIGHT, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
During the 116th Congress, the Committee will conduct
oversight of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS)
activities relating to human capital recruitment and retention,
acquisitions, systems modernizations and other departmental
functions essential to the Department effectively and
efficiently fulfilling its critical missions. The Committee
will also examine the Department's ongoing efforts to
consolidate its headquarters at St. Elizabeths. Additionally,
the Committee plans to conduct oversight of the Department's
capstone strategy document, the Quadrennial Homeland Security
Review (QHSR), which was required by law to be published in
December 2017 but has not yet been released. Finally, the
Committee will investigate homeland security programs and
practices, as warranted.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Committee will monitor the Department's efforts to plan
and implement strategic human capital management programs that
address current and emerging human capital challenges,
including persistent low morale among the Department's
workforce and ongoing problems with retention and hiring at
U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as other components
within the department. Additionally, the Committee will examine
the authorities and activities of the Chief Human Capital
Officer (CHCO) and the coordination of policy between and among
the Department's CHCOs.
ACQUISITION, PROCUREMENT, AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
The Committee will review the Department's major
acquisition programs and procurement and contracting practices
to promote efficiency and effectiveness and prevent waste,
fraud, and abuse. The Committee will also examine the
Department's oversight of acquisitions and procurement,
including components' compliance with policy and guidance.
Further, the Committee will review the activities and
authorities of the Under Secretary for Management and the Chief
Procurement Officer to ensure the effective management of these
key functions.
SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION AND INTEGRATION
The Committee will examine the Department's efforts to
modernize and integrate its systems, including information
technology and financial management systems. The Committee will
monitor the development, implementation, and integration of new
systems across components as well as management of the
Department-wide portfolio of systems. Additionally, the
Committee will review the authorities and activities of the
Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the coordination of
information technology policy among the Department's CIOs.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATION
The Committee will monitor the efforts of the Department's
Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans to ensure coordination
and integration of policy among components. The Committee will
review the Department's efforts to establish clearer roles and
responsibilities for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans
to enhance its ability to promote consistency and strengthen
Departmental unity of effort. Additionally, the Committee will
examine the Department's efforts to take a longer-term,
strategic view of threats and hazards to the homeland,
including through the publication of the QHSR.
DEPARTMENTAL WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, AND MISMANAGEMENT
Pursuant to Rule X, clause 2(n)(1) of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee will work to identify
waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement in the Department's
programs that may undermine its vital missions.
PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
The Committee will continue to monitor the Department's
efforts under Section 222 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(Pub. L. 107-296), which created a Privacy Officer for the
Department of Homeland Security, and Section 705 of the Act
which established an Officer for Civil Rights and Liberties.
BORDER SECURITY, FACILITATION, AND OPERATIONS
In the 116th Congress, the Committee will examine how the
Department can continue to enhance the security of America's
borders by preventing the entry of terrorists and their
weapons, stemming the flow of illegal drugs, and addressing
unauthorized entries while also facilitating legitimate trade
and travel to this country. Additionally, the Committee will
review the Department's handling increasing numbers of families
and children at the border, particularly the separation of
children from their parents, conditions in holding facilities
for children and other vulnerable populations, and the deaths
of children in the Department's custody.
BORDER SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE, TECHNOLOGY, AND PERSONNEL
The Committee will examine the Administration's efforts to
deploy additional barriers along the southern border, including
the President's national emergency declaration, the
Department's Border Security Improvement Plan, metrics to
assess effectiveness, costs to the taxpayers, the use of
eminent domain to acquire private property, impacts on affected
communities. The Committee will also examine the use of border
security technology to enhance situational awareness.
Furthermore, the Committee will review the infrastructure,
technology and personnel needs at ports of entry, which
currently limit the Department's ability to detect illegal
narcotics and contraband entering the country and may slow the
processing of individuals and goods.
BORDER SCREENING PROGRAMS
The Committee intends to review efforts to assist border
and consular officials in identifying, intercepting, and
disrupting terrorists attempting to enter the United States.
The Committee will examine the continued integration, security,
and reliability of criminal, immigration, and terrorist
databases used to screen persons seeking to enter this country,
as well as operations at the Department's National Vetting
Center. The Committee will also monitor the Department's
progress toward completing a biometric entry and exit system at
ports of entry.
TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
During the 116th Congress, the Committee plans to examine
the Department's efforts to develop and implement strategies to
address terrorist threats in varied transportation
environments, including both air and surface transportation.
The Committee will review the effectiveness of the
Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) passenger,
baggage, and cargo screening programs and operations. The
Committee will also examine the challenges facing the TSA
workforce, including limited protections for TSA agents and
persistent low morale. Additionally, the Committee will examine
the use of transportation security grants to better secure
America's transportation system.
AVIATION SECURITY
The Committee intends to review TSA's progress in
developing and deploying passenger and baggage screening
technologies, including the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of
such technologies. The Committee will examine TSA's use of
explosives detection canines to ensure that canine teams are
utilized effectively. The Committee will also look at
management of the agency's Screening Partnership Program.
Additionally, the Committee also will review TSA's passenger
search policies and practices, passenger pre-screening programs
including the use of no-fly and selectee lists, and protocols
for ensuring that passengers designated high-risk are receiving
enhanced screening at the checkpoint. The Committee will assess
whether there are additional ways for TSA to enhance security
and improve risk-based strategies throughout the aviation
system.
As part of this oversight, the Committee plans to examine
TSA's staffing needs and related matters affecting the TSA
workforce, such as continued low morale and high attrition
among transportation security officers. The Committee will also
examine privacy and civil rights protections for the traveling
public. Additionally, the Committee will examine the threats to
aviation and other targets posed by unmanned aircraft or
``drones.''
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
The Committee will review TSA's efforts to secure surface
transit systems, including the highest-risk mass transit and
rail systems. The Committee's oversight will include a review
of the Transit Security Grant Program to determine if it is
supporting surface transportation security adequately. The
Committee will also review the extent to which TSA effectively
coordinates with its Federal, State, local, and private sector
partners to secure our Nation's transportation systems.
Additionally, the Committee will also assess the effectiveness
of TSA's efforts to secure the Nation's pipeline systems
through TSA's oversight and inspection activities.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Committee will help ensure that TSA works appropriately
with transportation sector stakeholders and labor through the
Aviation Security Advisory Committee, the Surface
Transportation Security Advisory Committee, collective
bargaining, or other means. The Committee will also encourage
TSA to find new ways to leverage private sector expertise,
innovation, and technologies, including from small businesses,
in its mission to secure the Nation's critical transportation
systems in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
MARITIME SECURITY
The Committee will examine various aspects of maritime
security, including the security of port facilities and the
screening of vessels, passengers, cargo, and crew, for
potential terrorists, terrorist weapons, and contraband. The
Committee plans to review the Coast Guard's statutorily defined
homeland security missions, to include ports, waterways, and
coastal security; drug interdiction; migrant interdiction; law
enforcement; and defense readiness. The Committee will also
review resource and asset needs within the Coast Guard to
determine whether the service is operationally ready to address
the varied threats to America's ports and waterways while
pursuing a long-term sustainable path of fleet
recapitalization. Additionally, the Committee will analyze and
conduct oversight on the statutorily required security
assessment of the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential (TWIC) program.
INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM
During the 116th Congress, the Committee will examine the
capabilities and efforts of the Department, along with its
Federal, state, and local partners, to identify, prevent,
deter, and respond to threats to the homeland. The Committee
will examine worldwide threats to the homeland from foreign
terrorist groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
(ISIS), al Qaeda, and other groups that seek to carry out
attacks against the U.S. and its interests. The Committee will
also examine the threats from homegrown violent extremists and
terrorist networks in this country. Additionally, the Committee
will review the growing threats to the U.S. from domestic
terrorism movements.
HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE
The Committee will conduct oversight of the Department's
Intelligence Enterprise, including intelligence activities
throughout the Department and component agencies. This will
include a focus on the coordination and collaboration across
intelligence offices and personnel within the Headquarters and
component agencies. Additionally, the Committee will review
efforts to build the intelligence, analytical, and assessment
capabilities of the Department and to ensure its full
participation in the Intelligence Community as part of its
homeland security mission. The Committee will also examine the
Department's role in managing, distributing, and using
terrorist intelligence and threat information in furtherance of
its homeland security mission. Furthermore, the Committee will
monitor the extent to which DHS effectively coordinates and
collaborates with other Federal, State, and local agencies to
mitigate threats to the homeland. The Committee will also
review how DHS agencies collect and share information,
including through vital security vetting programs.
The Committee will continue to assess the development of
DHS counterintelligence and insider threat programs, including
Departmental organizational changes, resources, monitoring
programs, and training initiatives. DHS's counterintelligence
efforts are intended to prevent adversaries from penetrating
the Department to exploit sensitive information, operations,
programs, personnel, and resources.
INFORMATION SHARING
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 mandated routine sharing
of homeland security-related information between and among
Federal, State and local officials to assess the nature and
scope of terrorist threats to the United States and to evaluate
and act on that information. The Committee will examine
information sharing among Federal, State and local governments,
law enforcement entities, first responders, and emergency
management personnel. The Committee will also examine the
Department's initiatives to coordinate information sharing to
and from state and local fusion centers throughout the country
and will continue to evaluate the National Network of Fusion
Centers to determine their impact on securing the homeland. The
Committee will review coordination and information sharing
procedures between state and local fusion centers and Joint
Terrorism Task Forces as well. Additionally, the Committee will
review U.S. counterterrorism cooperation with foreign partners,
with the goal of improving the effectiveness of international
information sharing, training and best practices, and
coordination.
PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
During the 116th Congress, the Committee will monitor the
Department's efforts to ensure appropriate privacy and civil
liberties protections in its intelligence and information
sharing programs and activities.
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
The Committee will examine the homeland security operations
of the United States Secret Service, including protecting the
President of the United States and other Executive branch
officials and investigating financial and cybercrime, and
review the agency's staffing model to determine whether it has
adequate resources to meet its current and projected needs. The
Committee will also examine the Secret Service's lead role in
planning and executing security operations for National Special
Security Events. Additionally, the Committee will conduct
oversight into whether the agency is taking steps to address
persistent concerns about hiring practices, promotion policies,
and morale.
CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND INNOVATION
During the 116th Congress, the Committee will conduct
oversight of the cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and
science and technology activities of the Department.
CYBERSECURITY
The Committee will examine implementation of H.R. 3359, the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act, which
operationalized the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency (CISA). The Committee will also conduct oversight of
activities related to Executive Order 13800, Strengthening the
Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure,
Presidential Policy Directive 41 (PPD-41), United States Cyber
Incident Coordination, and implementation of the National Cyber
Strategy. Toward that end, the Committee will continue to its
oversight of CISA's EINSTEIN and Continuous Diagnostics and
Mitigation (CDM) programs for securing Federal networks, as
well as strategic initiatives carried out by the new National
Risk Management Center to identify interdependencies and
mitigate vulnerabilities across critical infrastructure
sectors. The Committee will also examine ways to further build
the Department's cybersecurity capability and capacity to
implement its cyber statutory authorities.
Additionally, the Committee will continue its work
examining the implementation of cybersecurity legislation,
including the National Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014,
(Pub. L. 113-282) (authorizing the National Cybersecurity
Communications and Integration Center, or NCCIC); the Federal
Information Security Modernization Act of 2014, (Pub. L. 113-
283 (authorizing DHS to carry out Federal information security
activities); the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014, (Pub.
L. 113-274) (providing for improvements to cybersecurity
through public-private partnerships, education, awareness, and
development of standards and best practices); and the
Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act, (Pub. L. 113-246)
(calling for a comprehensive cyber workforce strategy with
workforce assessments every three years). The Committee will
also examine CISA's election security activities.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
The Committee will examine CISA's programs to protect
critical infrastructure, with key focus on internal
coordination mechanisms to ensure that expertise can be
leveraged efficiently and effectively and encourage CISA to
proactively respond to new and emerging threats, such as the
threat of unmanned aerial vehicles detected in sensitive
airspace. The Committee will also review how DHS, through CISA,
works with the various critical infrastructure sectors pursuant
to Presidential Policy Directive 21, Critical Infrastructure
Security and Resilience (PPD-21). During the 116th Congress the
Committee will examine and work to reauthorize the Chemical
Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS) program, which
requires high risk chemical facility owners and operators to
report chemical holdings, perform vulnerability assessments,
and adopt risk-based security measures to protect against the
threat of a terrorist attack. Further, the Committee will
continue to monitor the Department's efforts to establish a
program to secure the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate, as
required by the Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of
2008, and potentially develop new access controls to prevent
the illicit flow of other precursor chemicals commonly used in
Improved Explosive Devices (IEDs).
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
The Committee will continue to monitor the security of
Federal buildings and facilities, including the role and
effectiveness of the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and will
review the Secretary's recommendation regarding the appropriate
placement for FPS pursuant to H.R. 3359. The Committee will
also continue to examine the general management of FPS,
including its personnel policies, training program, and
oversight and management of Federal facility contract guard
personnel.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE
The Committee will conduct oversight of the coordination of
homeland security-related research, development, testing, and
evaluation (RDT&E) within the Department and the adequacy of
mission support provided by the Directorate to operational
elements of the Department, state and local authorities, and
the private sector. The Committee will also review the
Department's efforts to attract the Nation's most talented
scientists and build partnerships with the academic community
through its Homeland Security Centers of Excellence and
University Programs.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
In the 116th Congress, the Committee will continue to
conduct oversight of the Department's efforts to prevent,
prepare for, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism,
natural disasters, and other major emergencies.
PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
The Committee will examine the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's (FEMA) response and recovery efforts for declared
disasters to ensure capabilities incorporate lessons learned
and Federal resources are used appropriately. Focus will
include lessons learned from the 2017 disaster season,
including Hurricanes Maria, Irma, and Harvey, ongoing recovery
efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, addressing
the needs of underserved and vulnerable populations, and the
impact of global warming on disasters. The Committee will also
review the Department's training and exercise programs,
including awareness of these resources among first responders
and state and local governments. Further, the Committee will
monitor the extent to which FEMA is incorporating information
from national exercises into future training, planning, and
response, recovery, and mitigation activities. Additionally,
the Committee will conduct oversight of the Department's
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office efforts to
counter threats from chemical, biological, radiological, and
nuclear weapons.
ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND FIRST RESPONDERS
The Committee will examine FEMA's allocation and
administration of grants to enhance the ability of state and
local governments and emergency response providers to prevent,
prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from a terrorist
attack or other disaster. The Committee will review the
coordination of grant programs within the Department in
developing guidance and administering grants; the ability of
state and local governments to access, obligate, and expend
funds; the strength of regional partnerships developed through
grants; and the risk-based distribution and expenditure of such
grants at the state and local levels. Additionally, the
Committee will examine the Department's work with state and
local partners to support school safety and security and
preparedness.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
The Committee will examine the coordination of various
communications programs and offices within the Department,
including the achievement and maintenance of interoperable
communications capabilities among the Department's components,
as required by the Department of Homeland Security
Interoperable Communications Act (Pub. Law 114--29). The
Committee will monitor activities of the First Responder
Network Authority (FirstNet) and the development of the public
safety interoperable wireless broadband network. In addition,
the Committee will review the Department's Integrated Public
Alert and Warning System to ensure timely and effective alerts
and warnings are provided to the public in the event of an
emergency.
PART B--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY OVERSIGHT
PLAN FOR THE 116TH CONGRESS
Part B of this section contains a summary of the actions
taken by the Committee on Homeland Security to implement the
Oversight Plan for the 116th Congress and the recommendations
made with respect to this plan. Part B also contains a summary
of the additional oversight activities undertaken by the
Committee, and the recommendations made or actions taken
thereon.
OVERSIGHT, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Committee organized several hearings and briefings to
examine DHS's human capital challenges. Through these
activities, the Committee conducted oversight of the ongoing
difficulties with recruitment, retention, and hiring of
critical positions; persistently low employee morale; need for
greater diversity; and protecting the DHS workforce during the
coronavirus pandemic. The Committee passed legislation to
improve the Department's ability to hire in rural and remote
areas, enhance employee morale, and increase diversity.
ACQUISITION, PROCUREMENT, AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
The Committee reviewed the Department's major acquisition
programs and procurement and contracting practices to help
promote efficiency and effectiveness. For example, the
Committee held hearings on FEMA's troubled contracting
practices to obtain good and services to respond to hurricanes
and the coronavirus pandemic. The Committee also examined the
Department's oversight of acquisitions and procurements,
including components' compliance with policy and guidance.
Specifically, the Committee expressed concerns in letters to
DHS leadership about programs lacking long-term strategies,
including the border wall and cargo scanning technologies.
Further, the Committee reviewed the activities and authorities
of the Under Secretary for Management and the Chief Procurement
Officer and passed legislation to enhance the management of
these key functions.
SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION AND INTEGRATION
The Committee closely monitored DHS's efforts to modernize
and integrate its systems, including information technology and
financial management systems. Specifically, the Committee
obtained regular briefings on such systems the Department has
historically struggled to implement, notably Financial Systems
Modernization (FSM) and the Human Resources Information
Technology (HRIT) investment. Further, the Committee closely
scrutinized the Department's budget requests for these systems
and questioned those requests at budget hearings.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATION
The Committee intended to examine the Department's efforts
to take a longer-term, strategic view of threats and hazards to
the homeland, including through the publication of the QHSR
required every four years. After DHS failed to provide Congress
with the 2018 QHSR due by December 31, 2017, the Committee lead
two bipartisan, bicameral letters to DHS leadership emphasizing
the importance of the QHSR and expressed disappointment at the
significant delay. The Committee also organized briefings on
the Department's Strategic Framework for Countering Terrorism
and Targeted Violence to monitor's the Department's
implementation of the goals in the strategic framework.
DEPARTMENTAL WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, AND MISMANAGEMENT
Pursuant to Rule X, clause 2(n)(1) of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee worked to identify
waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement in the Department's
programs that may undermine its vital missions. The Committee
held a Member Briefing with officials across DHS to discuss how
the Department would use the additional $1.3 billion in funding
provided through the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for
Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border
Act, 2019 in the most effective and efficient manner possible
to care for migrants in its custody. The Committee also
requested that GAO review how U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) was spending the supplemental funds, which
resulted in GAO finding that CBP violated the law when it
didn't spend the money as Congress intended.
PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
The Committee reviewed the Department's efforts to consider
privacy and civil right and liberties concerns when developing
and implementing programs and activities, such as DHS's
biometrics programs. The Committee passed legislation to assign
new responsibilities and functions to the Chief Privacy Officer
of the Department and to strengthen the Office for Civil Rights
and Civil Liberties by enhancing its authority. The Committee
also monitored the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) backlog at
the Department and through a hearing addressed challenges
facing DHS when processing these requests, like decentralized
processes leading to duplicative and inefficient reviews.
BORDER SECURITY, FACILITATION, AND OPERATIONS
In the 116th Congress, the Committee exercised rigorous
oversight of the Department's handling of a record number of
families and children in its custody at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Committee reviewed the Department's policies that led to
the separation of children from their parents and contributed
to overcrowded conditions in holding facilities that threatened
the health and safety of children and other vulnerable
populations as well as Department personnel. The Committee also
investigated the deaths of children in the Department's
custody. Additionally, the Committee reviewed through hearings
and reinforced in bipartisan legislation the Department's
efforts to enhance the security of America's borders by
preventing the entry of terrorists and stemming the flow of
illegal drugs.
BORDER SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE, TECHNOLOGY, AND PERSONNEL
The Committee conducted oversight of the Administration's
efforts to deploy additional barriers along the southern
border, including the President's national emergency
declaration; the Department's Border Security Improvement Plan;
costs to the taxpayers; the use of eminent domain to acquire
private property; and impacts on affected communities. The
Committee also examined the Department's years-long reliance on
Department of Defense resources and personnel to facilitate
border barrier construction and to maintain operational control
and situational awareness along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Furthermore, the Committee examined how U.S. Customs and Border
Protection used significant appropriated funds to enhance its
large-scale Non-Intrusive Inspection capabilities at ports of
entry, which are intended to improve the Department's ability
to detect illegal narcotics and contraband entering the
country. The Committee also pursued in a bipartisan manner
legislation to enhance the Department's capabilities and
operations to detect synthetic opioids as well as prevent
personnel's accidental exposure to these life-threatening
chemicals.
BORDER SCREENING PROGRAMS
The Committee examined the continued integration, security,
and reliability of law enforcement and intelligence-based
databases used to screen persons seeking to enter this country,
as well as operations at the Department's National Vetting
Center. The Committee also held hearings on the Department's
progress toward completing a biometric entry and exit system at
ports of entry. Additionally, the Committee examined the human
rights and legal implications of the Department's
implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols both as part
of Member field visits and in hearings. Lastly, the Committee
sought information on the decision-making process and
management of the Department's Trusted Travel Programs after
the Administration excluded residents from the State of New
York.
IMMIGRATION DETENTION
The Committee investigated the policies that govern and
contribute to deficiencies in the conditions in immigration
detention facilities managed by Immigration and Customs
Enforcement and its private contractors. The management of
these facilities became of greater concern to the Committee in
light the COVID-19 pandemic and how quickly outbreaks spread
throughout the Department's immigration detention network. The
Committee produced a report that was informed by document
requests, hearings, as well as staff and Member site visits to
various facilities across the country. The report's findings
may be used for future proposed reforms to the Department's
management of these facilities and other related programs.
TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
During the 116th Congress, the Committee conducted
oversight of the Department's efforts to secure the
transportation and maritime sectors.
AVIATION SECURITY
The Committee reviewed the activities of the TSA to secure
aviation, including its screening of passengers and property.
The Committee held hearings on annual budget requests and
assessed their effectiveness in addressing the TSA's needs for
developing and deploying passenger and baggage screening
technologies, as well as its staffing needs. The Committee also
conducted oversight related to the TSA's implementation of the
TSA Modernization Act, including its provisions driving
improvements to air cargo security, security technology
acquisition processes, passenger vetting, and personnel
management. Additionally, the Committee conducted oversight of
the Department's counterdrone security activities, and it
assessed the impacts of TSA's screening policies and processes
on passenger populations to address concerns related to civil
rights and privacy. Finally, the Committee held several
hearings and briefings to address challenges facing the TSA
workforce, including those presented by government shutdowns
and the COVID-19 pandemic.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
The Committee reviewed TSA's efforts to secure surface
transit systems, including the highest-risk mass transit and
rail systems. The Committee held a hearing on the cybersecurity
of surface transportation systems, including pipeline systems.
The Committee also conducted oversight of TSA's implementation
of provisions of the TSA Modernization Act related to surface
transportation security, including assessments of the security
challenges facing State, local, and private sector
stakeholders.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Committee held several hearings and briefings with
transportation sector stakeholders to examine TSA's activities,
including its efforts to address security challenges with
partners in a collaborative manner. The Committee examined
TSA's efforts to work with partners and stakeholders to respond
to the COVID-19 pandemic, address workforce challenges, plan
for enforcement of the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005,
and address inequitable impacts of screening procedures. The
Committee also assessed TSA's work with private sector
companies and civil rights and privacy groups to develop facial
recognition and other biometric screening technologies.
MARITIME SECURITY
The Committee conducted oversight of the Department's
efforts to secure the maritime environment, including ensuring
the security of port facilities and the screening of vessels,
passengers, cargo, and crew. The Committee held hearings on the
President's annual budget requests and assessed their
effectiveness in addressing the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG)
requirements for carrying out its homeland security missions.
The Committee held two hearings and two classified briefings to
review the USCG's capabilities and readiness in addressing
security threats in the Arctic region, including reviewing its
plans to acquire increased heavy icebreaking capabilities.
COAST GUARD HARASSMENT POLICIES
The Committee examined the USCG's processes for
investigating allegations of harassment, bullying, and
retaliation in order to ensure the service operates fairly and
equitably for service members and effectively for the security
of our Nation.
INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM
During the 116th Congress, the Committee examined the
capabilities and efforts of the Department, along with its
Federal, state, and local partners, to identify, prevent,
deter, and respond to threats to the homeland. The Committee
convened several hearings and received several briefings
examining worldwide threats to the homeland from foreign
terrorist groups, including the ISIS, al Qaeda, and other
groups that seek to carry out attacks against the U.S. and its
interests. The Committee also examined threats from homegrown
violent extremists and terrorist networks in this country. The
Committee also held several hearings and briefings reviewing
the growing threats to the U.S. from domestic terrorist
movements and, in certain instances, their links abroad.
HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE
The Committee conducted oversight of the Department's
Intelligence Enterprise, including intelligence activities
throughout the Department and component agencies. The Committee
also examined the Department's role in managing, distributing,
and using terrorist intelligence and threat information in
furtherance of its homeland security mission. Furthermore, the
Committee will monitor the extent to which DHS effectively
coordinates and collaborates with other Federal, State, and
local agencies to mitigate threats to the homeland. The
Committee will also review how DHS agencies collect and share
information, including through vital security vetting programs.
In particular, the Committee held several briefings and
hearings examining the following: security vetting programs
intended to prevent terrorist travel; the Federal response to
domestic terrorism, including anti-Semitic extremism, militia
extremism, and transnational white supremacist extremism; and
the Federal response to jihadist extremism, including Al Qaeda
and ISIS.
The Committee also continued to assess the development of
DHS counterintelligence and insider threat programs, including
Departmental organizational changes, resources, monitoring
programs, and training initiatives. In particular, the
Committee received briefings on DHS counterintelligence and
insider threat programs.
INFORMATION SHARING
The Committee examined information sharing among Federal,
State, and local governments, law enforcement entities, first
responders, and emergency management personnel. In particular,
the Committee held several hearings examining information
sharing with regard to human trafficking, opioid trafficking,
and local efforts to counter terrorist threats in New York
City.
PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
During the 116th Congress, the Committee monitored the
Department's efforts to ensure appropriate privacy and civil
liberties protections in its intelligence and information
sharing programs and activities. The Committee received
briefings from the Department regarding intelligence and
information sharing activities and programs related to
constitutionally protected protest activity in Washington,
D.C., Portland, Oregon, and other cities across the country in
the summer of 2020. Based on the Committee's oversight of
allegations of serious misconduct within I&A regarding the
violation of Americans' civil rights, civil liberties, and
constitutional rights, Mr. Rose and Mr. Thompson introduced
H.R. 7984, the Strengthening Oversight of DHS Intelligence Act,
intended to bolster privacy, civil liberties, and civil rights
protections with respect to the activities of DHS's
Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) arm.
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
The Committee examined the homeland security operations of
the United States Secret Service and reviewed the agency's
staffing model to determine whether it has adequate resources
to meet its current and projected needs. The Committee also
examined the Secret Service's lead role in planning and
executing security operations for National Special Security
Events, including the examining preparations for the 2019
United Nations General Assembly. Additionally, the Committee
conducted oversight into whether the agency is taking steps to
address persistent concerns about hiring practices, promotion
policies, and morale. In particular, the Committee examined and
opposed the proposed transfer of the Secret Service to the
Department of the Treasury based on concerns regarding the
potential undermining of homeland security operations. In
addition, the Committee examined the Secret Service's role in
responding to constitutionally protected protest activity in
Washington, D.C., in the summer of 2020. Finally, the Committee
attempted to examine the costs incurred by the Secret Service
to protect President Trump and his family members, but the
Department failed to provide documents requested by the
Committee.
EXTREMIST EXPLOITATION OF ONLINE PLATFORMS
The Committee examined extremist content on online
platforms. In particular, the Committee examined the links
between the website 8chan and acts of right-wing extremist
violence; the role of artificial intelligence in conducting
moderation of online extremist content; the efforts of large
technology companies, including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter,
in moderating online extremist content on their platforms; and
the growth and maturation of the Global Internet Forum to
Counter Terrorism, an organization focused on combating online
extremist content. In addition, Mr. Thompson introduced H.R.
4782, the National Commission on Online Platforms and Homeland
Security Act, to address the proliferation of terrorist content
on social media and other online platforms; and Mr. Rose
introduced H.R. 5209, the Raising the Bar Act, to help hold
social media companies accountable and stop the spread of
terrorist content online.
CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND INNOVATION
During the 116th Congress, the Committee conducted
oversight of the cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and
science and technology activities of the Department.
CYBERSECURITY
Throughout the 116th Congress, the Subcommittee held a
series of hearings and briefings to assess CISA's maturation
into an operational component, as authorized the Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency Act (P.L. 115-278), and to
examine the cybersecurity support CISA provides to both Federal
agencies, State and local governments, and private sector
critical infrastructure owners and operators. Notably,
Committee Members worked in a bipartisan manner to secure a
significant funding increase for CISA in FY2020, which marked
an important step forward in right-sizing CISA's budget and
supported increased deployment of the Continuous Diagnostics
and Mitigation program, among other things. Additionally, the
Committee held official activities on the cybersecurity of the
transportation sector, emerging cyber threats, supply chain
security, cyber workforce challenges, the cybersecurity posture
of State and local governments, and the recommendations issued
by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Committee Members worked
in a bipartisan manner to enact into law many Cyberspace
Solarium Commission recommendations and to advocate for
additional resources to support State and local cybersecurity
efforts. The Committee held a series of hearings on election
integrity.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
During the 116th Congress, the Committee considered
multiple pieces of legislation and conducted rigorous oversight
of CISA's efforts to protect critical infrastructure. In
particular, the Committee held hearings on and extended the
authorization of the Chemical Facility Antiterrorism Standards
Program and sent numerous oversight letters pushing CISA to
address the threats posed by precursor chemicals, as required
by law. Additionally, the Committee held official activity to
assess CISA's efforts to secure soft targets, including
schools, and passed legislation to help CISA effectively
leverage its Protective Security Advisors to secure critical
infrastructure.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
The Committee reviewed the Secretary of Homeland Security's
determination regarding the appropriate placement for the FPS
pursuant to H.R. 3359. The Committee held a hearing to discuss
DHS's plans to transition FPS from CISA to the Management
Directorate of the Department. In addition, the Committee
requested two GAO reviews to examine the general management of
FPS, including its personnel policies, training program, and
oversight and management of Federal facility contract guard
personnel.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE
The Committee conducted oversight of the coordination of
homeland RDT&E within the Department and the adequacy of
mission support provided by the Directorate to operational
elements of the Department, state and local authorities, and
the private sector. In particular, the Committee evaluated the
Science and Technology Directorate's ability to identify and
leverage small business capabilities to address homeland
security and emergency response challenges, such as Telephoy
Denial of Service attacks.
In the 116th Congress, the Committee conducted oversight of
the Department's efforts to prevent, prepare for, respond to,
and recover from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and
other major emergencies. In particular, the Committee focused
on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic national emergency.
PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
The Committee held hearings on FEMA's response and recovery
efforts for declared disasters, including lessons learned from
Hurricanes Maria, Irma, and Harvey, recovery efforts in Puerto
Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, effects on minority and
underserved populations, and the impact of global warming on
disasters. The Committee also reviewed first responders and
state and local governments. The Committee also held hearings
and sent oversight letters on the state of emergency management
and improving FEMA's ability to respond to multiple disasters
simultaneously, as well as giving scrutiny to FEMA's disaster
preparedness and response contracting in the wake of
significant issues in past disasters. Additionally, the
Committee conducted oversight of the Department's Countering
Weapons of Mass Destruction Office's efforts through briefings
and letters.
ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND FIRST RESPONDERS
The Committee held hearings examining issues facing first
responders, including FEMA's allocation and administration of
grants to enhance the ability of state and local governments
and emergency response providers to prevent, prepare for,
respond to, mitigate, and recover from a terrorist attack or
other disaster. The Committee continues to advocate for
coordination of grant programs, facilitating state and local
access to and obligation of funds, and ensuring appropriate
distribution of grants at the state and local levels. Finally,
the Committee received testimony and briefings on the
Department's work with partners to support school safety.
COVID-19
The Committee conducted extensive oversight of the Federal
response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the role of
FEMA in responding to the disaster and the effect of the
outbreak on Department operations. Oversight occurred at Full
Committee and Subcommittee, with 10 hearings, 11 Member
briefings, and dozens of oversight letters. The Committee held
some of the first congressional hearings on the matter and
continued to conduct oversight as outlined in this report even
while Congress unable to meet in person and ongoing to the
present day.
DIVERSITY
In implementing the Oversight Plan, the Committee
consistently examined how DHS' policies, programs, and actions
affect diverse communities and people of varied backgrounds
across our Nation. For example, the Committee examined the
adequacy of Federal disaster programs for underserved
communities; the effects of border wall construction on
communities along the U.S.-Mexico border; TSA's treatment of
transgendered individuals; the disparate outcomes of facial
recognition technology on people of color; targeted violence
against certain religious, racial, and ethnic groups; and the
disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on people of color and
economically disadvantaged individuals.
Understanding that homeland security affects all Americans,
the Committee also endeavored to receive testimony from a
diverse array of stakeholders in its oversight. Hearing from
witnesses of various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic
backgrounds brings new perspectives to the Committee too often
not heard in Washington, DC and is essential to the Committee's
oversight of DHS and the Department's impacts on every
American.
ADMINISTRATION REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT
It should be noted that the Committee fulfilled its
oversight plan despite DHS repeatedly and willfully failing to
comply with the Committee's requests and subpoenas, which
impeded legitimate, Constitutionally mandated congressional
oversight. In a letter dated December 21, 2019, Mr. Chad Wolf,
who purportedly served as Acting Secretary of the Department
for the last year of the Trump Administration, wrote to the
Committee that he was committed ``to be fully cooperative, open
and transparent'' with the Committee on Homeland Security.
Unfortunately, throughout the 116th Congress, including during
the entirety of Mr. Wolf's purported tenure, DHS was anything
but cooperative, open, transparent, or responsive.
Instead, the Department repeatedly failed to comply with
Committee subpoenas, and ignored the Committee's document
requests, including requests for documents related to the
coronavirus pandemic. In fact, Mr. Wolf failed to comply with a
subpoena issued for his testimony to discuss worldwide threats
facing the homeland.
In the absence of the information requested by the
Committee, the Committee and indeed the Congress have little
insight into the many troubling and apparently improper actions
taken by the Department, both during Mr. Wolf's tenure and
during that of prior Trump Administration officials. Key
unanswered subpoenas and document requests are discussed in
brief below.
Failure to Comply with Committee Subpoena for Documents Regarding
Family Separations and Child Deaths
On November 20, 2019, following the Department's failure to
produce all documents the Committee had first requested almost
a year earlier, the Committee issued a subpoena requiring the
production by noon on December 11, 2019, of documents
pertaining to the separation of children from their parents and
the care of children in the custody of CBP, including the
treatment of two children who died in CBP custody.
During the 116th Congress, the Department failed to produce
all documents responsive to this subpoena. The Committee's many
questions about the Department's immoral family separation
policies--among other issues--were left unanswered,
particularly those surrounding the status of all separated
children.
On March 3, 2020, the DHS Inspector General issued a report
finding that ``DHS estimated that Border Patrol agents
separated 3,014 children from their families while the policy
was in place,'' and ``DHS also estimated it had completed 2,155
reunifications''' among this group of children--meaning that at
the time the Inspector General's report was issued, 859
children had not been reunified with their parents.
Regarding DHS's estimate of the number of children
separated from their parents by the Border Patrol, the
Inspector General's report states: ``We tried, but could not
confirm the accuracy of Border Patrol's reported estimate that
3,014 children were separated during the policy period.'' After
conducting its own review, the Inspector General found an
additional 1,369 children ``with potential family relationships
that were not accurately recorded by CBP, which could result in
unrecorded family separations.''
During a hearing at which Mr. Wolf appeared on March 3,
2020, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman asked numerous
questions about the status of both the 859 children who
remained separated from their families at the time the
Inspector General's report was issued, as well as the
additional 1,369 children that the Inspector General indicated
may have been separated from their families. Although Mr. Wolf
asserted that, ``The Department has not lost any children,''
Mr. Wolf was unable to indicate the number of children from
among either the group of 859 or the group of 1,369 who had not
been reunified with their families, including the number who
could not be reunified due to health and safety concerns.
Following the March 3 hearing, the Committee wrote to the
Department seeking a status update on each child whose location
was uncertain, but the Department never provided the
information the Committee sought. Instead, the Department sent
a letter in which it asserted that ``the Committee's request
for unique written updates of 859 children allegedly not
reunited at the time of the Office of Inspector General's (OIG)
report as well as another 1,369 children who were `potentially
separated from their families' cannot be accommodated at this
time.'' The Department's letter further asserted that ``even
assuming the OIG's estimates were accurate, it would be
unreasonable to expect DHS to be able to provide up to 2,228
unique current updates so expeditiously.''
Failure to Comply with Subpoena for Documents Related to Exclusion of
New York Residents from Trusted Traveler Programs
On October 9, 2020, the Committee issued a subpoena for
documents pertaining to the inaccurate and misleading testimony
that Department officials gave to the Committee regarding the
Department's arbitrary, capricious, and politically motivated
decision to bar New York residents from the Trusted Traveler
programs. The subpoena required the production of all
responsive documents by October 23, 2020, but the Department
did not comply this subpoena--even though it was obvious from
court filings that numerous documents responsive to this
subpoena were in the Department's possession.
Requests for Documents Regarding Coronavirus Pandemic Were Ignored
During the 116th Congress, the United States faced an
unprecedented global pandemic that killed hundreds of thousands
of Americans. Recognizing that the pandemic severely strained
Federal resources, the Committee sought only the most essential
information regarding our nation's response--including state
requests for and Federal distributions of personal protective
equipment (PPE) and testing supplies--and yet the Committee
received only cursory information and a handful of documents
from DHS in reply to its correspondence.
For example, on March 23, 2020, the Committee sent a letter
requesting basic information on the supplies and distribution
of PPE, including copies of solicitations and contracts for
masks and other forms of PPE, medical supplies, and equipment.
On April 28, the Committee received a letter from the
Administrator of the FEMA that conveyed only nine contracts.
This letter admitted that these contracts ``do not represent
the entirety of contracts that FEMA has issued for PPE.'' In
fact, publicly available databases indicate that FEMA had
issued nearly 200 contracts by April 27 that are coded as being
related to COVID-19. Many of these contracts would presumably
have been responsive to the Committee's request.
Separately, the Committee did not receive the documents
requested in a letter sent jointly by the Chairman and
Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, on April 7,
2020, to Administrator Gaynor. This letter sought documents
regarding requests from U.S. states, territories, and the
District of Columbia for PPE, the distribution by the Federal
government of PPE, and the role of Senior Advisor to the
President Jared Kushner in FEMA's supply acquisition and
distribution processes. The Committees wrote again on May 8 to
renew the request that FEMA provide responsive documents by May
12. No documents were provided.
Additional Document Requests Were Ignored
Among other requests, the Department failed to provide
documents requested by the Committee to enable Committee
Members to conduct oversight of the:
construction at the expense of U.S. taxpayers of
an ineffective wall along the Southwest border;
creation and deployment of the ``Protecting
American Communities Task Force'' and the Department's true
understanding of extremist involvement in protest activity;
deployment of DHS personnel to Portland, Oregon;
issuance by CBP of contracts for the construction
of segments of wall along the Southwest border;
the alleged abuse of detainees at the Irwin County
Detention Center; and
costs incurred by the Secret Service to protect
President Trump and his family members.
Mr. Wolf Failed to Comply with Subpoena for His Testimony
In September 2020, the Committee issued a subpoena for Mr.
Wolf's testimony at the Committee on Homeland Security's annual
worldwide threats hearing after he reneged on his commitment to
testify. It has been the long-standing practice of the
Committee to convene this hearing, meant to inform Members
about global terrorism threats to the homeland. Past
Secretaries of Homeland Security, regardless of political party
affiliation, have regularly participated in this hearing. The
Committee also hoped to question Mr. Wolf about many of the
outstanding document requests enumerated in this report.
However, in an unprecedented rejection of the Committee's
legitimate oversight, Mr. Wolf defied the Committee's subpoena
and failed to appear at the hearing.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX I
COMMITTEE RULES COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
116TH CONGRESS
RULE I.--GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(A) Applicability of the Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives.--The Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives (the ``House'') are the rules of the Committee
on Homeland Security (the ``Committee'') and its subcommittees
insofar as applicable.
(B) Applicability to Subcommittees.--Except where the terms
``Full Committee'' and ``subcommittee'' are specifically
mentioned, the following rules shall apply to the Committee's
subcommittees and their respective Chairmen and Ranking
Minority Members to the same extent as they apply to the Full
Committee and its Chairman and Ranking Minority Member.
(C) Appointments by the Chairman.--Clause 2(d) of Rule XI
of the House shall govern the designation of a Vice Chairman of
the Full Committee.
(D) Conferences.--The Chairman is authorized to offer a
motion under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House
whenever the Chairman considers it appropriate.
(E) Committee Website.--The Chairman shall maintain an
official Committee web site for the purposes of furthering the
Committee's legislative and oversight responsibilities,
including communicating information about the Committee's
activities to Committee Members, other Members, and the public
at large. The Ranking Minority Member may maintain a similar
web site for the same purposes. The official Committee web site
shall display a link on its home page to the web site
maintained by the Ranking Minority Member.
(F) Activity Report.-- The Committee shall submit a report
to the House on the activities of the Committee in accordance
with House rule XI 1(d).
RULE II.--SUBCOMMITTEES.
(A) Generally.--The Full Committee shall be organized into
the following six standing subcommittees and each shall have
specific responsibility for such measures or matters as the
Chairman refers to it:
(1) Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and
Operations
(2) Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Innovation
(3) Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
(4) Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism
(5) Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and
Accountability
(6) Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security
(B) Selection and Ratio of Subcommittee Members.--The
Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Full Committee
shall select their respective Members of each subcommittee. The
ratio of Majority to Minority Members shall be comparable to
the Full Committee, consistent with the party ratios
established by the Majority party, except that each
subcommittee shall have at least two more Majority Members than
Minority Members.
(C) Ex Officio Members.--The Chairman and Ranking Minority
Member of the Full Committee shall be ex officio members of
each subcommittee but are not authorized to vote on matters
that arise before each subcommittee. The Chairman and Ranking
Minority Member of the Full Committee shall only be counted to
satisfy the quorum requirement for the purpose of taking
testimony and receiving evidence.
(D) Powers and Duties of Subcommittees.--Except as
otherwise directed by the Chairman of the Full Committee, each
subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, receive
testimony, mark up legislation, and report to the Full
Committee on all matters within its purview. Subcommittee
Chairmen shall set hearing and meeting dates only with the
approval of the Chairman of the Full Committee. To the greatest
extent practicable, no more than one meeting and hearing should
be scheduled for a given time.
RULE III.-- SPECIAL COMMITTEE PANELS.
(A) Designation.--The Chairman of the Full Committee may
designate a special panel of the Committee consisting of
Members of the Committee to inquire into and take testimony on
a matter or matters that warrant enhanced consideration, and to
report to the Committee.
(B) Party Ratios and Appointment.--The chairman of a
special panel shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Full
Committee. The Ranking Minority Member of the Full Committee
may select a ranking minority member for a special panel and
may appoint additional minority members, consistent with the
ratio of the full committee. The Chairman and Ranking Minority
Member may serve as ex officio members.
(C) Duration.--No special panel shall continue in existence
for more than six months.
(D) Jurisdiction.--No panel shall have legislative
jurisdiction.
RULE IV.--REGULAR MEETINGS.
(A) Regular Meeting Date.--The regular meeting date and
time for the transaction of business of the Full Committee
shall be at 10:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday that the House is
in Session each month, unless otherwise directed by the
Chairman.
(B) Additional Meetings.--At the discretion of the
Chairman, additional meetings of the Committee may be scheduled
for the consideration of any legislation or other matters
pending before the Committee, or to conduct other Committee
business. The Committee shall meet for such purposes pursuant
to the call of the Chairman.
(C) Consideration.--Except in the case of a special meeting
held under clause 2(c)(2) of House Rule XI, the determination
of the business to be considered at each meeting of the
Committee shall be made by the Chairman.
RULE V.--NOTICE AND PUBLICATION.
(A) Notice.--
(1) Hearings.--
(a) Pursuant to clause 2(g)(3) of rule XI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Committee
shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject
matter of any hearing before the Full Committee or
subcommittee, which may not commence earlier than one week
after such notice.
(b) However, a hearing may begin sooner than specified in
(a) if the Chairman of the Committee, with the concurrence of
the Ranking Minority Member, determines that there is good
cause to begin such hearing sooner, or if the Committee so
determines by majority vote, a quorum being present for the
transaction of business. If such a determination is made, the
Chairman shall make the announcement required under (a) at the
earliest possible date. To the extent practicable, the names of
all witnesses scheduled to appear at such hearing shall be
provided to Members no later than 48 hours prior to the
commencement of such hearing.
(2) Meetings.--
(a) The Chair shall announce the date, time, place and
subject matter of any meeting, which may not commence earlier
than the third calendar day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or
legal holidays except when the House is in session on such a
day) on which Members have notice thereof except in the case of
a special meeting called under clause 2(c)(2) of House Rule XI.
These notice requirements may be waived if the Chairman with
the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, determines that
there is good cause to begin the meeting sooner or if the
Committee so determines by majority vote, a quorum being
present for the transaction of business.
(b) At least 48 hours prior to the commencement of a
meeting for the markup of legislation, or at the time of
announcement of the meeting, if less than 48 hours under Rule
V(A)(2), the text of such legislation to be marked up shall be
provided to the Members, made publicly available in electronic
form, and posted on the official Committee web site.
(c) Not later than 24 hours after concluding a meeting to
consider legislation, the text of such legislation as ordered
forwarded or reported, including any amendments adopted or
defeated, shall be made publicly available in electronic form
and posted on the official Committee web site.
(3) Briefings.--The Chairman shall provide notice of the
date, time, place, and subject matter of a Member briefing. To
the extent practicable, a Member briefing shall not commence
earlier than the third day on which Members have notice
thereof.
(B) Publication.--House Rule XI 2(g)(3)(C) is hereby
incorporated by reference.
RULE VI.--OPEN MEETINGS AND HEARINGS; BROADCASTING.
(A) Open Meetings.--
(1) All meetings and hearings of the Committee shall be
open to the public including to radio, television, and still
photography coverage, except as provided by Rule XI of the
Rules of the House or when the Committee, in open session and
with a majority present, determines by recorded vote that all
or part of the remainder of that hearing on that day shall be
closed to the public because disclosure of testimony, evidence,
or other matters to be considered would endanger the national
security, compromise sensitive law enforcement information,
tend to defame, degrade or incriminate a witness, or violate
any law or rule of the House of Representatives.
(2) The Committee or Subcommittee may meet in executive
session for up to five additional consecutive days of hearings
if agreed to by the same procedure.
(B) Broadcasting.--Whenever any hearing or meeting
conducted by the Committee is open to the public, the Committee
shall permit that hearing or meeting to be covered by
television broadcast, internet broadcast, print media, and
still photography, or by any of such methods of coverage, in
accordance with the provisions of clause 4 of Rule XI of the
Rules of the House. Operation and use of any Committee operated
broadcast system shall be fair and nonpartisan and in
accordance with clause 4(b) of Rule XI and all other applicable
rules of the Committee and the House. Priority shall be given
by the Committee to members of the Press Galleries. Pursuant to
clause 2(e) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, the Committee shall, to the greatest extent
practicable, provide audio and video coverage of each hearing
or meeting in a manner that allows the public to easily listen
to and view the proceedings and shall maintain the recordings
of such coverage in a manner that is easily accessible to the
public.
(C) Transcripts.--A transcript shall be made of the
testimony of each witness appearing before the Committee during
a Committee hearing. All transcripts of meetings or hearings
that are open to the public shall be made available.
RULE VII.--PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS AND HEARINGS.
(A) Opening Statements.--At any meeting of the Committee,
the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member shall be entitled to
present oral opening statements of five minutes each. Other
Members may submit written opening statements for the record.
The Chairman presiding over the meeting may permit additional
opening statements by other Members of the Full Committee or of
that subcommittee, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority
Member.
(B) The Five-Minute Rule.--The time any one Member may
address the Committee on any bill, motion, or other matter
under consideration by the Committee shall not exceed five
minutes, and then only when the Member has been recognized by
the Chairman, except that this time limit may be extended when
permitted by unanimous consent.
(C) Postponement of Vote.--The Chairman may postpone
further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on the
question of approving any measure or matter or adopting an
amendment and may resume proceedings on a postponed vote at any
time after reasonable notice to Members by the Clerk or other
designee of the Chairman. When proceedings resume on a
postponed question, notwithstanding any intervening order for
the previous question, an underlying proposition shall remain
subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as
when the question was postponed.
(D) Record.--Members may have 10 business days to submit to
the Chief Clerk of the Committee their statements for the
record, and, in the case of a hearing, additional questions for
the hearing record to be directed towards a witness at the
hearing.
RULE VIII.--WITNESSES.
(A) Questioning of Witnesses.--
(1) Questioning of witnesses by Members will be conducted
under the five-minute rule unless the Committee adopts a motion
permitted by clause 2(j)(2) of House Rule XI.
(2) In questioning witnesses under the five-minute rule,
the Chairman and the Ranking Minority Member shall first be
recognized. In a subcommittee meeting or hearing, the Chairman
and Ranking Minority Member of the Full Committee are then
recognized. All other Members who are present before the
commencement of the meeting or hearing will be recognized in
the order of seniority on the Committee, alternating between
Majority and Minority Members. Committee Members arriving after
the commencement of the hearing shall be recognized in order of
appearance, alternating between Majority and Minority Members,
after all Members present at the beginning of the hearing have
been recognized. To the extent practicable, each Member shall
be recognized at least once before any Member is given a second
opportunity to question a witness.
(3) The Chairman, in consultation with the Ranking Minority
Member, or the Committee by motion, may permit a specified
number of Members to question a witness for a period longer
than five minutes, but the time allotted must be equally
apportioned to the Majority party and the Minority and may not
exceed one hour in the aggregate.
(4) The Chairman, in consultation with the Ranking Minority
Member, or the Committee by motion, may permit Committee staff
of the Majority and Minority to question a witness for a
specified period of time, but the time allotted must be equally
apportioned to the Majority and Minority staff and may not
exceed one hour in the aggregate.
(B) Minority Witnesses.--House Rule XI 2 (j)(1) is hereby
incorporated by reference.
(C) Oath or Affirmation.--The Chairman of the Committee or
any Member designated by the Chairman, may administer an oath
to any witness.
(D) Statements by Witnesses.--
(1) Consistent with the notice given, and to the greatest
extent practicable, each witness shall submit a prepared or
written statement for the record of the proceedings (including,
where practicable, an electronic copy) with the Clerk of the
Committee no less than 48 hours in advance of the witness's
appearance before the Committee.
(2) In the case of a witness appearing in a non-
governmental capacity, a written statement of proposed
testimony shall include a curriculum vita and a disclosure of
any Federal grants or contracts, or contracts or payments
originating with a foreign government, received during the
current calendar year or either of the two preceding calendar
years by the witness or by an entity represented by the witness
and related to the subject matter of the hearing. Such
disclosures shall include the amount and source of each Federal
grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract (or subcontract
thereof) related to the subject matter of the hearing, and the
amount and country of origin of any payment or contract related
to the subject matter jurisdiction of the hearing originating
with a foreign government. Such statements, with the
appropriate redactions to protect the privacy or security of
the witness, shall be made publicly available in electronic
form not later than one day after the witness appears.
RULE IX.--QUORUM.
Quorum Requirements.--Two Members shall constitute a quorum
for purposes of taking testimony and receiving evidence. One-
third of the Members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum
for conducting business, except for (1) reporting a measure or
recommendation; (2) closing Committee meetings to the public,
pursuant to Committee Rule IV; (3) any other action for which
an actual majority quorum is required by any rule of the House
of Representatives or by law. The Chairman's staff shall
consult with the Ranking Minority Member's staff when
scheduling meetings and hearings, to ensure that a quorum for
any purpose will include at least one Minority Member of the
Committee.
RULE X.--DECORUM.
(A) Breaches of Decorum.--The Chairman may punish breaches
of order and decorum, by censure and exclusion from a hearing
or meeting; and the Committee may cite the offender to the
House for contempt.
(B) Access to Dais.--Access to the dais before, during, and
after a hearing, markup, or other meeting of the Committee
shall be limited to Members and staff of the Committee. Subject
to availability of space on the dais, Committee Members'
personal staff may be present on the dais during a hearing if
their employing Member is seated on the dais and during a
markup or other meeting if their employing Member is the author
of a measure or amendment under consideration by the Committee,
but only during the time that the measure or amendment is under
active consideration by the Committee, or otherwise at the
discretion of the Chairman, or of the Ranking Minority Member
for personal staff employed by a Minority Member.
(C) Wireless Communications Use Prohibited.--During a
hearing, mark-up, or other meeting of the Committee, ringing or
audible sounds or conversational use of cellular telephones or
other electronic devices is prohibited in the Committee room.
RULE XI.--REFERRALS TO SUBCOMMITTEES.
Referral of Bills and Other Matters by Chairman.--Except
for bills and other matters retained by the Chairman for Full
Committee consideration, each bill or other matter referred to
the Full Committee shall be referred by the Chairman to one or
more subcommittees within two weeks of receipt by the
Committee. In referring any measure or matter to a
subcommittee, the Chair may specify a date by which the
subcommittee shall report thereon to the Full Committee. Bills
or other matters referred to subcommittees may be reassigned or
discharged by the Chairman.
RULE XII.--SUBPOENAS; COUNSEL.
(A) Authorization.--The power to authorize and issue
subpoenas is delegated to the Chairman of the Full Committee,
as provided for under clause 2(m)(3)(A)(i) of Rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives. The Chairman shall
notify the Ranking Minority Member prior to issuing any
subpoena under such authority. To the extent practicable, the
Chairman shall consult with the Ranking Minority Member at
least 24 hours in advance of a subpoena being issued under such
authority, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.
The Chairman of the Full Committee shall notify Members of the
Committee of the authorization and issuance of a subpoena under
this rule as soon as practicable, but in no event later than
one week after service of such subpoena.
(B) Disclosure.--Provisions may be included in a subpoena
with the concurrence of the Chairman and the Ranking Minority
Member of the Full Committee, or by the Committee, to prevent
the disclosure of the Full Committee's demands for information
when deemed necessary for the security of information or the
progress of an investigation, including but not limited to
prohibiting the revelation by witnesses and their counsel of
Full Committee's inquiries.
(C) Subpoena duces tecum.--A subpoena duces tecum may be
issued whose return to the Committee Clerk shall occur at a
time and place other than that of a regularly scheduled
meeting.
(D) Counsel.--When representing a witness or entity before
the Committee in response to a document request, request for
transcribed interview, or subpoena from the Committee, or in
connection with testimony before the Committee at a hearing,
counsel for the witness or entity must promptly submit to the
Committee a notice of appearance specifying the following: (a)
counsel's name, firm or organization, and contact information;
and (b) each client represented by the counsel in connection
with the proceeding. Submission of a notice of appearance
constitutes acknowledgement that counsel is authorized to
accept service of process by the Committee on behalf of such
client(s), and that counsel is bound by and agrees to comply
with all applicable House and Committee rules and regulations.
(E) Deposition Authority.--Section 103 of H. Res 6 is
hereby incorporated by reference.
RULE XIII.--COMMITTEE STAFF.
(A) Generally.--Committee staff members are subject to the
provisions of clause 9 of House Rule X and must be eligible to
be considered for routine access to classified information.
(B) Staff Assignments.--For purposes of these rules,
Committee staff means the employees of the Committee,
detailees, fellows, interns, or any other person engaged by
contract or otherwise to perform services for, or at the
request of, the Committee. All such persons shall be either
Majority, Minority, or shared staff. The Chairman shall
appoint, supervise, where applicable determine remuneration of,
and may remove Majority staff. The Ranking Minority Member
shall appoint, supervise, where applicable determine
remuneration of, and may remove Minority staff. In consultation
with the Ranking Minority Member, the Chairman may appoint,
supervise, determine remuneration of and may remove shared
staff that is assigned to service of the Committee. The
Chairman shall certify Committee staff appointments, including
appointments by the Ranking Minority Member, as required.
(C) Divulgence of Information.--Prior to the public
acknowledgement by the Chairman or the Committee of a decision
to initiate an investigation of a particular person, entity, or
subject, no member of the Committee staff shall knowingly
divulge to any person any information, including non-classified
information, which comes into his or her possession by virtue
of his or her status as a member of the Committee staff, if the
member of the Committee staff has a reasonable expectation that
such information may alert the subject of a Committee
investigation to the existence, nature, or substance of such
investigation, unless authorized to do so by the Chairman or
the Committee.
RULE XIV.--CLASSIFIED AND CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION.
(A) Security Precautions.--Committee staff offices,
including Majority and Minority offices, shall operate under
strict security precautions administered by the Security
Officer of the Committee. A security officer shall be on duty
at all times during normal office hours. Classified documents
and controlled unclassified information (CUI)--formerly known
as sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information--may be
destroyed, discussed, examined, handled, reviewed, stored,
transported and used only in an appropriately secure manner in
accordance with all applicable laws, executive orders, and
other governing authorities. Such documents may be removed from
the Committee's offices only in furtherance of official
Committee business. Appropriate security procedures, as
determined by the Chairman in consultation with the Ranking
Minority Member, shall govern the handling of such documents
removed from the Committee's offices.
(B) Temporary Custody of Executive Branch Material.--
Executive branch documents or other materials containing
classified information in any form that were not made part of
the record of a Committee hearing, did not originate in the
Committee or the House, and are not otherwise records of the
Committee shall, while in the custody of the Committee, be
segregated and maintained by the Committee in the same manner
as Committee records that are classified. Such documents and
other materials shall be returned to the Executive branch
agency from which they were obtained at the earliest
practicable time.
(C) Access by Committee Staff.--Access to classified
information supplied to the Committee shall be limited to
Committee staff members with appropriate security clearances
and a need-to-know, as determined by the Chairman or Ranking
Minority Member, and under the direction of the Majority or
Minority Staff Directors.
(D) Maintaining Confidentiality.--No Committee Member or
Committee staff shall disclose, in whole or in part or by way
of summary, to any person who is not a Committee Member or
authorized Committee staff for any purpose or in connection
with any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, any testimony given
before the Committee in executive session except for purposes
of obtaining an official classification of such testimony.
Classified information and controlled unclassified information
(CUI) shall be handled in accordance with all applicable laws,
executive orders, and other governing authorities and
consistently with the provisions of these rules and Committee
procedures.
(E) Oath.--Before a Committee Member or Committee staff may
have access to classified information, the following oath (or
affirmation) shall be executed: I do solemnly swear (or affirm)
that I will not disclose any classified information received in
the course of my service on the Committee on Homeland Security,
except as authorized by the Committee or the House of
Representatives or in accordance with the Rules of such
Committee or the Rules of the House. Copies of the executed
oath (or affirmation) shall be retained by the Clerk of the
Committee as part of the records of the Committee.
(F) Disciplinary Action.--The Chairman shall immediately
consider disciplinary action in the event any Committee Member
or Committee staff member fails to conform to the provisions of
these rules governing the disclosure of classified or
unclassified information. Such disciplinary action may include,
but shall not be limited to, immediate dismissal from the
Committee staff, criminal referral to the Justice Department,
and notification of the Speaker of the House. With respect to
Minority staff, the Chairman shall consider such disciplinary
action in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member.
RULE XV.--COMMITTEE RECORDS.
(A) Committee Records.--House Rule XI 2(e) is hereby
incorporated by reference.
(B) Legislative Calendar.--The Clerk of the Committee shall
maintain a printed calendar for the information of each
Committee Member showing any procedural or legislative measures
considered or scheduled to be considered by the Committee, and
the status of such measures and such other matters as the
Committee determines shall be included. The calendar shall be
revised from time to time to show pertinent changes. A copy of
such revisions shall be made available to each Member of the
Committee upon request.
(C) Members Right To Access.--Members of the Committee and
of the House shall have access to all official Committee
Records. Access to Committee files shall be limited to
examination within the Committee offices at reasonable times.
Access to Committee Records that contain classified information
shall be provided in a manner consistent with these rules.
(D) Removal of Committee Records.--Files and records of the
Committee are not to be removed from the Committee offices. No
Committee files or records that are not made publicly available
shall be photocopied by any Member.
(E) Executive Session Records.--Evidence or testimony
received by the Committee in executive session shall not be
released or made available to the public unless authorized by
the Committee, a majority being present. Such information may
be made available to appropriate government personnel for
purposes of classification. Members may examine the Committee's
executive session records, but may not make copies of, or take
personal notes from, such records.
(F) Availability of Committee Records.--The Committee shall
keep a complete record of all Committee action including
recorded votes and attendance at hearings and meetings.
Information so available for public inspection shall include a
description of each amendment, motion, order, or other
proposition, including the name of the Member who offered the
amendment, motion, order, or other proposition, and the name of
each Member voting for and each Member voting against each such
amendment, motion, order, or proposition, as well as the names
of those Members present but not voting. Such record shall be
made available to the public at reasonable times within the
Committee offices and also made publicly available in
electronic form and posted on the official Committee web site
within 48 hours of such record vote.
(G) Separate and Distinct.--All Committee records and files
must be kept separate and distinct from the office records of
the Members serving as Chairman and Ranking Minority Member.
Records and files of Members' personal offices shall not be
considered records or files of the Committee.
(H) Disposition of Committee Records.--At the conclusion of
each Congress, non-current records of the Committee shall be
delivered to the Archivist of the United States in accordance
with Rule VII of the Rules of the House.
(I) Archived Records.--The records of the Committee at the
National Archives and Records Administration shall be made
available for public use in accordance with Rule VII of the
Rules of the House. The Chairman shall notify the Ranking
Minority Member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3(b)(3) or
clause 4(b) of the Rule, to withhold a record otherwise
available, and the matter shall be presented to the Committee
for a determination on the written request of any member of the
Committee. The Chairman shall consult with the Ranking Minority
Member on any communication from the Archivist of the United
States or the Clerk of the House concerning the disposition of
noncurrent records pursuant to clause 3(b) of the Rule.
RULE XVI.--COMMITTEE RULES.
(A) Availability of Committee Rules in Electronic Form.--
House Rule XI 2(a) is hereby incorporated by reference.
(B) Changes to Committee Rules.--These rules may be
modified, amended, or repealed by the Full Committee provided
that a notice in writing of the proposed change has been given
to each Member at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at which
action thereon is to be taken and such changes are not
inconsistent with the Rules of the House of Representatives.
APPENDIX II
Membership Changes
On January 4, 2019 Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi was
elected as Chair and Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama as Ranking Member
pursuant to H. Res. 24 and 25, respectively.
Majority Members and Minority Members were elected to the Committee
on January 23, 2019, pursuant to H. Res 67 and Res. 68, respectively.
______
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
John Katko, New York Donald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey
John Ratcliffe, Texas Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Mark Walker, North Carolina J. Luis Correa, California
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Max Rose, New York
Mark Green, Tennessee Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Van Taylor, Texas Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Al Green, Texas
Michael Guest, Mississippi Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Val Butler Demings, Florida
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND
INNOVATION HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Chairman
John Katko, New York, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
John Ratcliffe, Texas James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Mark Walker, North Carolina Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Van Taylor, Texas Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
J. Luis Correa, California,
Chairman
Debbie Lesko, Arizona, Ranking MemberEmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
John Katko, New York Dina Titus, Nevada
John Ratcliffe, Texas Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Mark Green, Tennessee Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Val Butler Demings, Florida
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Donald M. Payne, New Jersey,
Chairman
Peter T. King, New York Ranking Memberedric Richmond, Louisiana
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Max Rose, New York
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico,
Chairwoman
Dan Crenshaw, Texas, Ranking Member Dina Titus, Nevada
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Van Taylor, Texas Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM
Max Rose, New York, Chairman
Mark Walker, North Carolina, Ranking Member Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Mark Greene, Tennessee Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER SECURITY, FACILITATION, AND OPERATIONS
Kathleen Rice, New York,
Chairwoman
Clay Higgins, Louisiana, Ranking Membernald Payne, New Jersey
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Lou Correa, California
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
On September 25, 2019, Mr. John Ratcliffe of Texas resigned as a
Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Mr. Dan Bishop of North
Carolina was elected to the Committee on September 26, 2019, pursuant
to H. Res. 598. The Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
John Katko, New York Donald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey
Mark Walker, North Carolina Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Clay Higgins, Louisiana J. Luis Correa, California
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Mark Green, Tennessee Max Rose, New York
Van Taylor, Texas Lauren Underwood, Illinois
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Val Butler Demings, Florida
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND
INNOVATION HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Chairman
John Katko, New York, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Mark Walker, North Carolina James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Van Taylor, Texas Kathleen M. Rice, New York
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
J. Luis Correa, California,
Chairman
Debbie Lesko, Arizona, Ranking MemberEmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
John Katko, New York Dina Titus, Nevada
Mark Green, Tennessee Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Val Butler Demings, Florida
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Donald M. Payne, New Jersey,
Chairman
Peter T. King, Ranking Member Cedric Richmond, Louisiana
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Max Rose, New York
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico,
Chairwoman
Dan Crenshaw, Texas, Ranking Member Dina Titus, Nevada
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Van Taylor, Texas Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM
Max Rose, New York, Chairman
Mark Walker, North Carolina, Ranking Member Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Mark Greene, Tennessee Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER SECURITY, FACILITATION, AND OPERATIONS
Kathleen Rice, New York,
Chairwoman
Clay Higgins, Louisiana, Ranking Membernald Payne, New Jersey
Debbie Lesko, Arizona J. Lou Correa, California
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
On January 15, 2020, Mr. Van Taylor of Texas resigned as a Member
of the Committee on Homeland Security. Mr. Jefferson Van Drew of New
Jersey was elected to the Committee on January 16, 2020, pursuant to H.
Res. 801. The Membership was as follows:
______
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
John Katko, New York Donald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey
Mark Walker, North Carolina Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Clay Higgins, Louisiana J. Luis Correa, California
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Mark Green, Tennessee Max Rose, New York
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Michael Guest, Mississippi Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Al Green, Texas
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Val Butler Demings, Florida
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND
INNOVATION HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Chairman
John Katko, New York, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Mark Walker, North Carolina James R. Langevin, Rhode
Mark Green, Tennessee Kathleen M. Rice, New York
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
J. Luis Correa, California,
Chairman
Debbie Lesko, Arizona, Ranking MemberEmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
John Katko, New York Dina Titus, Nevada
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Val Butler Demings, Florida
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Donald M. Payne, New Jersey,
Chairman
Peter T. King, Ranking Member Cedric Richmond, Louisiana
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Max Rose, New York
Michael Guest, Mississippi Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico,
Chairwoman
Dan Crenshaw, Texas, Ranking Member Dina Titus, Nevada
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM
Max Rose, New York, Chairman
Mark Walker, North Carolina, Ranking Member Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Mark Greene, Tennessee Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER SECURITY, FACILITATION, AND OPERATIONS
Kathleen Rice, New York,
Chairwoman
Clay Higgins, Louisiana, Ranking Membernald Payne, New Jersey
Debbie Lesko, Arizona J. Lou Correa, California
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
Mr. Mike Garcia of California was elected to the Committee
on July 30, 2020, pursuant to H. Res. 1102. The Membership was
as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
John Katko, New York Donald M. Payne, Jr., New Jersey
Mark Walker, North Carolina Kathleen M. Rice, New York
Clay Higgins, Louisiana J. Luis Correa, California
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Mark Green, Tennessee Max Rose, New York
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Michael Guest, Mississippi Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Al Green, Texas
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Mike Garcia, California Dina Titus, Nevada
Nanette Diaz Barragan, California Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Val Butler Demings, Florida
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND
INNOVATION HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
Lauren Underwood, Illinois,
Chairwoman
John Katko, New York, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Mark Walker, North Carolina James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Mark Green, Tennessee Kathleen M. Rice, New York
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
J. Luis Correa, California,
Chairman
Debbie Lesko, Arizona, Ranking MemberEmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
John Katko, New York Dina Titus, Nevada
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Val Butler Demings, Florida
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Donald M. Payne, New Jersey,
Chairman
Peter T. King, Ranking Member Max Rose, New York
Dan Crenshaw, Texas Lauren Underwood, Illinois
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Dan Bishop, North Carolina Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico,
Chairwoman
Dan Crenshaw, Texas, Ranking Member Dina Titus, Nevada
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey
Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Nanette Diaz Barragan, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM
Max Rose, New York, Chairman
Mark Walker, North Carolina, Ranking Member Jackson Lee, Texas
Peter T. King, New York James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Mark Greene, Tennessee Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER SECURITY, FACILITATION, AND OPERATIONS
Kathleen Rice, New York,
Chairwoman
Clay Higgins, Louisiana, Ranking Membernald Payne, New Jersey
Debbie Lesko, Arizona Lou Correa, California
John Joyce, Pennsylvania Xochitl Torres Small, New Mexico
Michael Guest, Mississippi Al Green, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama (ex officio) Yvette Clarke, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
APPENDIX III
List of Public Laws
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Law Date Approved Bill Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
116-2............................... Jan. 18, 2019.......... H.R. 251..............
To extend by 15 months
the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards
Program of the
Department of Homeland
Security, and for other
purposes.
116-22.............................. June 24, 2019.......... S. 1379...............
Toreauthorize certain
programs under the
Public Health Service
Act and the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act with respect to
public health security
and all-hazards
preparedness and
response, and for other
purposes.
116-64.............................. Oct. 9, 2019........... H.R. 1590.............
To require an exercise
related to terrorist and
foreign fighter travel,
and for other purposes.
116-92.............................. Dec. 20, 2019.......... S. 1790...............
To authorize
appropriations for
fiscal year 2020 for
military activities of
the Department of
Defense, for military
construction, and for
defense activities of
the Department of
Energy, to prescribe
military personnel
strengths for such
fiscal year, and for
other purposes.
116-93.............................. Dec. 20, 2019.......... H.R. 1158.............
Making consolidated
appropriations for the
fiscal year ending
September 30, 2020, and
for other purposes.
116-94.............................. Dec. 20, 2019.......... H.R. 1865.............
Making further
consolidated
appropriations for the
fiscal year ending
September 30, 2020, and
for other purposes.
116-108............................. Jan. 24, 2020.......... H.R. 2476.............
To amend the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 to
provide funding to
secure nonprofit
facilities from
terrorist attacks, and
for other purposes.
116-116............................. Mar. 2, 2020........... H.R. 504..............
To amend the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 to
require the Department
of Homeland Security to
develop an engagement
strategy with fusion
centers, and for other
purposes.
116-122............................. Mar. 3, 2020........... S.2107 (H.R. 4482)....
To increase the number of
CBP Agriculture
Specialists and support
staff in the Office of
Field Operations of U.S.
Customs and Border
Protection, and for
other purposes.
116-150............................. July 22, 2020.......... S.4148................
To extend the Chemical
Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards Program of the
Department of Homeland
Security, and for other
purposes.
116-XXX............................. Dec. 23, 2020.......... H.R. 4761.............
To ensure U.S. Customs
and Border Protection
officers, agents, and
other personnel have
adequate synthetic
opioid detection
equipment, that the
Department of Homeland
Security has a process
to update synthetic
opioid detection
capability, and for
other purposes.
116-XXX............................. Dec. 27, 2020.......... H.R. 133..............
Making consolidated
appropriations for the
fiscal year ending
September 30, 2021,
providing coronavirus
emergency response and
relief, and for other
purposes.
116-XXX............................. Jan. 1, 2021........... H.R. 6395.............
To authorize
appropriations for
fiscal year 2021 for
military activities of
the Department of
Defense, for military
construction, and for
defense activities of
the Department of
Energy, to prescribe
military personnel
strengths for such
fiscal year, and for
other purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX IV
Legislative Reports
H. Rpt. 116-22 U.S. Customs and Border Protection Rural and
H.R. 1598 Remote Hiring and Retention Strategy Act Of
2019
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security
to issue a strategy to improve hiring and
retention of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection personnel in rural or remote areas,
and for other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed March 28, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-23 CBP Workload Staffing Model Act
H.R. 1639 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
improve U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) identification of staffing needs, and
for other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed March 28, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-24 CBRN Intelligence and Information Sharing Act
H.R. 1589 of 2019
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish chemical, biological, radiological,
and nuclear intelligence and information
sharing functions of the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of
Homeland Security and to require dissemination
of information analyzed by the Department to
entities with responsibilities relating to
homeland security, and for other purposes,
with an amendment.
Filed March 28, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-25 Coordinating and Leveraging Activities for
H.R. 1593 School Security Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish a school security coordinating
council, and for other purposes, with an
amendment.
Filed March 28, 2019.
H. Rpt. 116-26 Department of Homeland Security Morale,
H.R. 1433 Recognition, Learning and Engagement Act of
2019
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
improve morale within the Department of
Homeland Security workforce by conferring new
responsibilities to the Chief Human Capital
Officer, establishing an employee engagement
steering committee, requiring action plans,
and authorizing an annual employee award
program, and for other purposes, with an
amendment.
Filed March 28, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-27 Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Exercise
H.R. 1590 Act of 2019
To require an exercise related to terrorist and
foreign fighter travel, and for other
purposes.
Filed March 28, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-45 Rescinding DHS' Waiver Authority for Border
H.R. 1232 Wall Act
To amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and
Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal
certain waiver authority relating to the
construction of new border barriers, and for
other purposes.
Filed May 2, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-87 Supporting Research and Development for First
H.R. 542 Responders Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish the National Urban Security
Technology Laboratory, and for other purposes.
Filed May 28, 2019
H. Rpt. 116 88 Homeland Security Assessment of Terrorists' Use
H.R. 2621 of Ghost Guns Act
To direct the Under Secretary for Intelligence
and Analysis of the Department of Homeland
Security to develop and disseminate a threat
assessment regarding terrorist use of ghost
guns, and for other purposes.
Filed May 28, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-88, Pt. II Homeland Security Assessment of Terrorists' Use
H.R. 2621 of Ghost Guns Act
To direct the Under Secretary for Intelligence
and Analysis of the Department of Homeland
Security to develop and disseminate a threat
assessment regarding terrorist use of ghost
guns, and for other purposes.
Minority Report
Filed June 10, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-89 DHS Cyber Incident Response Teams Act of 2019
H.R. 1158 To authorize cyber incident response teams at
the Department of Homeland Security, and for
other purposes.
Filed May 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-90 Homeland Procurement Reform Act
H.R. 2083 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002
regarding the procurement of certain items
related to national security interests for
Department of Homeland Security frontline
operational components, and for other
purposes, with an amendment.
Filed May 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-91 Secure Communities and Safe Schools Act
H.R. 2383 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
prohibit the expenditure of certain grant
funds to purchase firearms, and for other
purposes.
Filed May 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-92 Securing American Nonprofit Organizations
H.R. 2476 Against Terrorism Act of 2019
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
provide funding to secure nonprofit facilities
from terrorist attacks, and for other
purposes.
Filed May 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-93 Strengthening Local Transportation Security
H.R. 2539 Capabilities Act of 2019
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security
to prioritize the assignment of certain
officers and intelligence analysts from the
Transportation Security Administration and the
Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the
Department of Homeland Security to locations
with participating State, local, and regional
fusion centers in jurisdictions with a high-
risk surface transportation asset in order to
enhance the security of such assets, including
by improving timely sharing of classified
information regarding terrorist and other
threats, and for other purposes.
Filed May 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-94 Unifying DHS Intelligence Enterprise Act
H.R. 2589 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish a homeland intelligence doctrine for
the Department of Homeland Security, and for
other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed May 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-95 DHS Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act of 2019
H.R. 2590 To require a Department of Homeland Security
overseas personnel enhancement plan, and for
other purpose, with an amendment.
Filed May 30, 2019.
H. Rpt. 116-96 DHS Acquisition Review Board Act of 2019
H.R. 2609 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish the Acquisition Review Board in the
Department of Homeland Security, and for other
purposes.
Filed May 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-163, Pt. 1 Homeland Security Improvement Act
H.R. 2203 To increase transparency, accountability, and
community engagement within the Department of
Homeland Security, provide independent
oversight of border security activities,
improve training for agents and officers of
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and for
other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed July 19, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-187 Traveling Parents Screening Consistency Act of
H.R. 3246 2019
To require GAO review of certain TSA screening
protocols, and for other purposes.
Filed August 27, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-188 Securing the Homeland Security Supply Chain Act
H.R. 3320 of 2019
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security
to implement certain requirements for
information relating to supply chain risk, and
for other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed August 27, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-189 Counter Terrorist Network Act
H.R. 3526 To authorize certain counter terrorist networks
activities of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, and for other purposes.
Filed August 27, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-190 DHS Acquisition Reform Act of 2019
H.R. 3413 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
provide for certain acquisition authorities
for the Under Secretary of Management of the
Department of Homeland Security, and for other
purposes, with an amendment.
Filed August 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-191 Trusted Traveler Reconsideration and
H.R. 3675 Restoration Act of 2019
To require a review of Department of Homeland
Security trusted traveler programs, and for
other purposes.
Filed August 30, 2019.
H. Rpt. 116-192 Helping Families Fly Act of 2019
H.R. 3694 To require the Transportation Security
Administration to implement training for
frontline Administration personnel regarding
the screening of pregnant women and families
with young children at passenger screening
checkpoints, and for other purposes.
Filed August 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-193 Cybersecurity Vulnerability Remediation Act
H.R. 3710 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
provide for the remediation of cybersecurity
vulnerabilities, and for other purposes.
Filed August 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-194 Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking
H.R. 3722 Act of 2019
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
authorize a Joint Task Force to enhance
integration of the Department of Homeland
Security's border security operations to
detect, interdict, disrupt, and prevent
narcotics, such as fentanyl and other
synthetic opioids, from entering the United
States, and for other purposes.
Filed August 30, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-195 Emerging Transportation Security Threats Act of
H.R. 3318 2019
To require the Transportation Security
Administration to establish a task force to
conduct an analysis of emerging and potential
future threats to transportation security, and
for other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed August 30, 2019.
H. Rpt. 116-201 TSA Reaching Across Nationalities, Societies,
H.R. 3691 and Languages to Advance Traveler Education
Act
To require the TSA to develop a plan to ensure
that TSA material disseminated in major
airports can be better understood by more
people accessing such airports, and for other
purposes.
Filed September 11, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-203 Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel
H.R. 3356 Act
To provide PreCheck to certain severely injured
or disabled veterans, and for other purposes,
Filed September 12, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-213 Domestic and International Terrorism
H.R. 3016 Documentation and Analysis of Threats in
America Act
To require a joint domestic terrorism report,
establish within the Department of Homeland
Security a National Center for the Study of
Domestic Terrorism, authorize research within
the Department of Homeland Security on current
trends in domestic terrorism, with an
amendment.
Filed September 19, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-211 U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards
H.R. 3525 Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
direct the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection to establish uniform
processes for medical screening of individuals
interdicted between ports of entry, and for
other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed September 28, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-279 Pipelines Security Act
H.R. 3699 To codify the Transportation Security
Administration's responsibility relating to
securing pipelines against cybersecurity
threats, acts of terrorism, and other
nefarious acts that jeopardize the physical
security or cybersecurity of pipelines.
Filed November 12, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-298 Covert Testing and Risk Mitigation Improvement
H.R. 3469 Act of 2019
To direct the Transportation Security
Administration to carry out covert testing and
risk mitigation improvement of aviation
security operations, and for other purposes.
Filed November 19, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-299 Inland Waters Security Review Act
H.R. 4402 To require the Secretary of Homeland Security
to conduct an inland waters threat analysis,
and for other purposes.
Filed November 19, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-300 Department of Homeland Security Office of Civil
H.R. 4713 Rights and Civil Liberties Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
make certain improvements in the Office for
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the
Department of Homeland Security, and for other
purposes, with an amendment.
Filed November 19, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-301 Drone Origin Security Enhancement Act
H.R. 4753 To prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security
from operating or procuring foreign-made
unmanned aircraft systems, and for other
purposes.
Filed November 19, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-308 Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and
H.R. 3669 Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2019
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security
to conduct a collective response to a
terrorism exercise that includes the
management of cascading effects on critical
infrastructure during times of extreme cold
weather, and for other purposes.
Filed November 22, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-309 Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against
H.R. 4432 Drones and Emerging Threats Act
To require the Department of Homeland Security
to prepare a terrorism threat assessment
relating to unmanned aircraft systems, and for
other purposes.
Filed November 22, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-310 Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protege
H.R. 4727 Program Act of 2019
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish a mentor-protege program, and for
other purposes.
Filed November 22, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-318, Pt. I Synthetic Opioid Exposure Prevention and
H.R. 4739 Training Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
protect U.S. Customs and Border Protection
officers, agents, other personnel, and canines
against potential synthetic opioid exposure,
and for other purposes.
Filed December 3, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-319, Pt. I DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019
H.R. 4761 To ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection
officers, agents, and other personnel have
adequate synthetic opioid detection equipment,
that the Department of Homeland Security has a
process to update synthetic opioid detection
capability, and for other purposes.
Filed December 3, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-341, Pt. I Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities
H.R. 3256 from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2019
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
re-authorize and improve the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program, and for
other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed December 12, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-356 DHS Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems
H.R. 3787 Coordinator Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish in the Department of Homeland
Security an Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Coordinator, and for other purposes, with an
amendment.
Filed December 18, 2019
H. Rpt. 116-370 Homeland Security for Children Act
H.R. 2932 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
ensure that the needs of children are
considered in homeland security planning, and
for other purposes.
Filed January 8, 2020.
H. Rpt. 116-375 Department of Homeland Security Climate Change
H.R. 4737 Research Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
require the Under Secretary for Science and
Technology of the Department of Homeland
Security to research and evaluate existing
Federal research regarding approaches to
mitigate climate change on homeland security
to identify areas for further research within
the Department, research and develop
approaches to mitigate the consequences of
climate change on homeland security, and for
other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed January 10, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-393, Pt. I Historically Black Colleges and Universities
H.R. 1494 (HBCUS) Homeland Security Partnerships Act
To strengthen partnerships between historically
Black colleges and universities and minority-
serving institutions and the Department of
Homeland Security, and for other purposes,
with an amendment.
Filed February 6, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-394 Securing America's Ports Act
H.R. 5273 To require the Secretary of Homeland Security
to develop a plan to increase to 100 percent
the rates of scanning of commercial and
passenger vehicles entering the United States
at land ports of entry along the border using
large-scale non-intrusive inspection systems
to enhance border security, and for other
purposes, with an amendment.
Filed February 6, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-398, Pt. I Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act
H.R. 1140 of 2020
To enhance the security operations of the
Transportation Security Administration and
stability of the transportation security
workforce by applying the personnel system
under title 5, United States Code, to
employees of the Transportation Security
Administration who provide screening of all
passengers and property, with an amendment.
Filed February 21, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-398, Pt. II Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act
H.R. 1140 of 2020
This supplemental report shows changes in
existing law made by the bill (H.R. 1140), as
reported, which was not included in part 1 of
the report submitted by the Committee on
Homeland Security on February 21, 2020
Filed February 26, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-471, Part I DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act
H.R. 5828 To support remediation of illicit cross-border
tunnels, and for other purposes, with an
amendment.
Filed August 7, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-475 Homeland Security Acquisition Professional
H.R. 5822 Career Program Act
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish an acquisition professional career
program, and for other purposes, with an
amendment.
Filed August 14, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-476 Safe Communities Act of 2020
H.R. 5780 To enhance stakeholder outreach to and
operational engagement with owners and
operators of critical infrastructure and other
relevant stakeholders by the Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency to bolster
security against acts of terrorism and other
homeland security threats, including by
maintaining a clearinghouse of security
guidance, best practices, and other voluntary
content developed by the Agency or aggregated
from trusted sources, and for other purposes,
with an amendment.
Filed August 14, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-478 State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act
H.R. 5823 To establish a program to make grants to States
to address cybersecurity risks and
cybersecurity threats to information systems
of State, local, Tribal, or territorial
governments, and for other purposes, with an
amendment.
Filed August 18, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-498, Pt. I DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act
H.R. 5804 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
enhance the Blue Campaign of the Department of
Homeland Security, and for other purposes,
with an amendment.
Filed September 11, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-471, Pt. II DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act
H.R. 5828 This supplemental report shows the adopted
legislative text (as amended) with respect to
the bill (H.R.5828), as reported, that was
incorrectly included in part 1 of the report
submitted on August 7, 2020.
Filed December 10, 2020
H. Rpt. 116-683, Pt. I National Commission on Online Platforms and
H.R. 4782 Homeland Security Act
To establish a national commission on online
platforms and homeland security, and for other
purposes.
Filed December 21, 2020
APPENDIX V
Presidential Messages, Executive Communications, Memorials, and
Petitions
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Executive Communication 819
April 29, 2019--Letter from Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's Final Emergency Interim Report
CBP Families and Children Care Panel, April 16, 2019.
Executive Communication 942
May 8, 2019--Letter from Assistant for Legislative Affairs,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting twelve
legislative proposals that support the President's Fiscal Year
2020 Budget request for the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
Executive Communication 1294
June 12, 2019--Letter from Chief, Border Security
Regulations Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Conforming Amendments to the U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card Program Regulations
[CBP Dec. 19-05] (RIN: 1651-AB24) received June 6, 2019,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Pub L. 104-121( 251; (110
Stat. 868).
Executive Communication 1419
June 24, 2019--Letter from Chief, Border Security
Regulations Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Flights to and from Cuba [Docket No.: USCBP-2016-0015]
(RIN: 1651-AB10) received June 20, 2019, pursuant 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); Pub L. 104-121( 251; (110 Stat. 868).
Executive Communication 1467
June 27, 2019--Letter from Officer for Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting
the Department's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties:
Semiannual Report to Congress, Third and Fourth Quarters, FY
2018 (April 1, 2018--September 30, 2018), pursuant to 6 U.S.C.
345(b); and 42 U.S.C. 2000ee-1.
Executive Communication 1512
July 12, 2019--Letter from Assistant for Legislative
Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting draft
legislation to provide the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency with the
authority it needs to identify and mitigate cybersecurity
vulnerabilities within our nation's critical infrastructure.
Executive Communication 1964
August 27, 2019--Letter from Acting Deputy Assistant
Director, Office of Policy and Planning, Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's Major final rule--Apprehension,
Processing, Care, and Custody of Alien Minors and Unaccompanied
Alien Children (RIN: 1653-AA75; 0970-AC42] received August 20,
2019, pursuant 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Pub L. 104-121( 251; (110
Stat. 868).
Executive Communication 2878
November 8, 2019--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Acting, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Department's Privacy Office 2019 Annual Report to Congress,
pursuant to 6 U.S.C. 142(a)(6); Pub. L. 107-296, Sec. 222(a)(6)
(as amended by Pub. L. 108-458,) 8305); (118 Stat. 3868).
Executive Communication 3050
November 20, 2019--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Acting, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Department's Privacy Office 2018 Data Mining Report to
Congress, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 2000ee-3(c)(1); Pub. L. 110-53,
(804(c)(1); (121 Stat. 363).
Executive Communication 3686
February 2, 2020--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Acting, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Department's Privacy Office Fiscal Year 2019 Second Semiannual
Report to Congress for the period April 1, through September
30, 2019.
Executive Communication 4161
March 19, 2020--Letter from Deputy Chief Counsel for
Regulations and Security Standards, Office of the Chief
Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Department's Major final rule--Security Training for Surface
Transportation Employees [Docket No.: TSA-2015-0001] (RIN:
1652-AA55) received March 12, 2020, pursuant 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); Pub L. 104-121( 251; (110 Stat. 868).
Executive Communication 4531
June 18, 2020--Letter from Chief, Trade and Commercial
Regulations Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Announcement of Vessel Manifest Confidentiality
Online Application and Update of Mailing and Email Addresses
for Submission of Vessel Manifest Confidentiality
Certifications (RIN: 1651-AB36) received May 28, 2020, pursuant
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Pub L. 104-121( 251; (110 Stat. 868).
Executive Communication 4615
June 29, 2020--Letter from Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of
the General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Disclosure of
Information in Litigation received June 12, 2020, pursuant 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Pub L. 104-121( 251; (110 Stat. 868).
Executive Communication 5269
September 14, 2020--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer and
Chief FOIA Officer, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's Privacy Office Fiscal Year 2020
Semiannual Report to Congress for the period October 1, through
March 31, 2020.
Executive Communication 5407
October 2, 2020--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer and
Chief FOIA Officer, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's Privacy Office's Social Security
Number Fraud Prevention Act Report to Congress for 2020.
MEMORIALS
Memorial 8
March 14, 2019--Memorial of the General Assembly of the
Commonwealth of Kentucky, relative to House Resolution No. 122,
commending and supporting the President of the United States
and his decision to secure our borders by declaring a national
emergency and commending and thanking the men and women of the
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Memorial 28
April 18, 2019--Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Texas, relative to Senate Resolution No. 535, expressing
dissatisfaction with the United States Congress' inadequate
efforts to fully fund the operational security of the Texas-
Mexico international border.
Memorial 56
May 20, 2019--Memorial of the General Assembly of the State
of Georgia, relative to Senate Resolution 114, urging Congress
to pass funding legislation that will secure the southern
border of the United States.
Memorial 120
July 23, 2019--Memorial of the Legislature of the State of
Utah, relative to House Resolution 3, urging a humane response
to the humanitarian crises at the U.S.-Mexico border.
PETITIONS
Petition 35
August 2, 2019--Petition of Mr. Gregory D. Watson, a
citizen of Austin, TX, relative to urging Congress to enact
legislation that would earmark for the construction and
maintenance of physical barriers between the United States, and
nations with which the United States shares land borders, the
monetary proceeds generated from the disposition of seized or
forfeited assets once used as accessories in the commission of
crimes which were in violation of Federal law.
APPENDIX VI
Committee Staff
MAJORITY STAFF
Hope E. Goins, Staff Director
Melissa Alvarado, Professional Staff Member
Brooke Barker, Digital Director
Moira Bergin, Subcommittee Director and Counsel, Subcommittee
on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Innovation
Lisa Canini, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on Oversight,
Management, and Accountability
Alexandra Carnes, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on Border
Security, Facilitation, and Operations
Brittany Carr, Senior Professional Staff Member
Marcus Clark, Security Director
Rosaline Cohen, Chief Counsel
Kenyatta Collins, Staff Assistant
Adam Comis, Communications Director
Lydia Dennett, Professional Staff Member
Aryn C. Ehlow, Professional Staff Member
Alice Hayes, Research Assistant
Claytrice Henderson, Research Assistant
Leon Horton, IV, Legislative Counsel
Christian M. Hollowell, Legislative and Executive Assistant
Jenna Hopkins, Professional Staff Member
Nzinga Dyson, Legislative Counsel
Naveed Jazayeri, Professional Staff Member
Camisha Johnson, Professional Staff Member
Laura Kupe, Counsel
Andrea Lee, Policy Advisor
Lucinda Lessley, Senior Advisor
Geremiah Lofton, Subcommittee Clerk
Devin Lynch, Professional Staff Member
Alex Marston, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security
Brieana Marticorena, Professional Staff Member
Lauren McClain, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery
Ethan McClelland, Parliamentarian
Earvin Miers, Scheduler
Jessica Myers, Deputy Press Secretary
Alison Northrop, Oversight Director
Jonathan Parnes, Counsel
Sandeep Avinash Prasanna, Subcommittee Director and Counsel,
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism
Charles Shaw, Professional Staff
Alicia Smith, Counsel
Jack Solano, Counsel
Stephen Williams, Professional Staff Member
Matthew Wein, Professional Staff Member
MINORITY STAFF
Chris Vieson, Staff Director
Diana Bergwin, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response and Recovery
Emily Bondi, Staff and Press Assistant
Meagan Devlin, Staff Assistant
Kathleen Crooks Flynn, Deputy General Counsel/Subcommittee
Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Accountability
Geoffrey Gosselin, Deputy Staff Director
Michael Kirlin, Deputy Staff Director
Kyle Klein, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security
Kathleen Loden, Deputy Staff Director
Forrest McConnell, IV, General Counsel
Sarah Moxley, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Innovation
Kyle Noyes, Professional Staff Member
Katherine Pointer, Director of Member Services
Michaela Sundermann, Press Secretary
Emily Trapani, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on Border
Security, Facilitation, and Operations
Sydney White, Counsel
SHARED COMMITTEE STAFF
Natalie Nixon, Chief Administrative Officer
Ashleigh Phillips, Clerk
FORMER MAJORITY STAFF
Charles Carithers, Professional Staff Member
Wendy Clerinx, Professional Staff Member
Ike Hajinazarian, Deputy Press Secretary
Brandon Jones, Professional Staff Member
Taylor Jones, Subcommittee Clerk
Kyle McFarland, Security Director
Amanda Mims, Office Manager
Nicole Tisdale, Subcommittee Director and Counsel, Subcommittee
on Intelligence and Counterterrorism
Emmanuel Vega, Digital Director
Joel Walsh, Professional Staff Member
FORMER MINORITY STAFF
Mandy Bowers, Subcommittee Director, Subcommittee on
Intelligence and Counterterrorism
Nicole Hager, Press Secretary
Colin Meehan, Professional Staff Member
Joshua Ronk, Professional Staff Member
FORMER SHARED COMMITTEE STAFF
Marc Johnson, Clerk
Nick Johnson, Clerk
APPENDIX VII
Witnesses
--A--
Adams, Michael, Secretary of State, Commonwealth of Kentucky.
LFULL, Aug. 28, 2020, ``Protecting America's Democracy:
Ensuring Every Vote Counts.''
Albence, Matthew T., Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LBSFO, May 9, 2019, ``A Review of the FY 2020 Budget
Request for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services.''
Albert, Sylvia, Director of Voting and Elections, Common Cause.
LCIPI, Aug. 4, 2020, ``Secure, Safe, and Auditable:
Protecting the Integrity of the 2020 Elections.''
Allen, John R., General (USMC-Ret.), Sub-Chair, Subcommittee on
the Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith-based
Communities, Homeland Security Advisory Council, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LIC, Jan. 15, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
Alvarez, Nayda, Private Landowner, La Rosita, Texas.
LBSFO, Feb. 27, 2020, ``Examining the Effect of the
Border Wall on Private and Tribal Landowners.''
Anderson, Nathan, Acting Director, Homeland Security & Justice,
U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LFULL, Feb. 27, 2019, ``Securing Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities: Building on the Progress of the CFATS Program.''
Anzaldua, Rey, Private Landowner, Granjeno, Texas.
LBSFO, Feb. 27, 2020, ``Examining the Effect of the
Border Wall on Private and Tribal Landowners.''
Azelton, Aundrea, Chief Deputy, Randolph County Sheriff's
Office, Asheboro, North Carolina.
LIC, Oct. 28, 2019, field hearing in Greensboro, North
Carolina, ``Tackling Human Trafficking: Assessing Federal,
State and Local Information Sharing Efforts.''
--B--
Badanes, Ginny, Director, Strategic Projects, Defending
Democracy Program, Microsoft.
LCIPI, Nov. 19, 2019, ``The Road to 2020: Defending
Against Election Interference.''
Bailey, Angela, Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LOMA, Jan. 14, 2020, ``Seventeen Years Later: Why is
Morale at DHS Still Low.''
LOMA, Feb. 27, 2020, ``Building a Diverse and Inclusive
Workforce to Meet the Homeland Security Mission.''
Ballard, Tim, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Operation
Underground Railroad.
LBSFO, Mar. 26, 2019, ``The Department of Homeland
Security's Family Separation Policy: Perspectives from the
Border.''
Barela, John, Chief Executive Officer, The Borderplex Alliance.
LBSFO, Apr. 30, 2019, ``The Impacts of Trump Policies on
Border Communities.''
Barnes, Victoria Emerson, Executive Vice President for Public
Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association.
LTMS, Jun. 18, 2020, ``Climbing Again: Stakeholder Views
on Resuming Air Travel in the COVID-19 Era.''
Beirich, Heidi, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Executive Vice President,
Global Project Against Hate and Extremism.
LIC, Jul. 16, 2020, ``Assessing the Threat from
Accelerationists and Militia Extremists.''
Benjamin, Georges C., MD, Executive Director, American Public
Health Association.
LEPRR, Jul. 10, 2020, ``Management Pandemic Response:
Confronting the Unequal Impacts of COVID-19.''
Benson, Jocelyn, Secretary of State, State of Michigan.
LFULL, Aug. 28, 2020, ``Protecting America's Democracy:
Ensuring Every Vote Counts.''
Bergen, Peter, Vice President, Global Strategies & Fellows, New
America.
LFULL, Sep. 10, 2019, ``Global Terrorism: Threats to the
Homeland, Part I.''
Bickert, Monika, Head of Global Policy Management, Facebook.
LFULL, Jun. 26, 2019, ``Examining Social Media
Companies'' Efforts to Counter Online Terror Content and
Misinformation.''
Blaze, Matt, McDevitt Chair of Computer Science and Law,
Georgetown University.
LCIPI, Nov. 19, 2019, ``The Road to 2020: Defending
Against Election Interference.''
Bottoms, Keisha Lance, Mayor, Atlanta, Georgia.
LCIPI, Jun. 25, 2019, ``Cybersecurity Challenges for
State and Local Governments: Assessing How the Federal
Government Can Help.''
Boyd, Kelly, Access and Functional Needs Planner, Preparedness
Bureau/Emergency Management Section, New Jersey Office
of Emergency Management.
LEPRR, Jul. 23, 2019, field hearing in Jersey City, New
Jersey, ``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency
Preparedness for Underserved Populations.''
Brane, Michelle, Director for Migrant Rights and Justice,
Women's Refugee Commission.
LBSFO, Mar. 26, 2019, ``The Department of Homeland
Security's Family Separation Policy: Perspectives from the
Border.''
Braun, Jake, Executive Director, Cyber Policy Initiative.
LFULL, Feb. 13, 2019, ``Defending Our Democracy:
Building Partnerships to Protect America's Elections.''
Brennan, Bridget G., Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Office of
the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, New York, New York.
LIC & BSFO, Jul. 25, 2019, ``Homeland Security
Implications of the Opioid Crisis.''
Bryan, William, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the
Under Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LCIPI, Apr. 30, 2019, ``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity
and Innovation Missions: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020
Budget Request for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency and the Science and Technology Directorate.''
Bucchere, Louis V., Commanding Officer, Emergency Management
Section, New Jersey State Police.
LEPRR, Mar. 13, 2019, ``Improving the Federal Response:
Perspectives on the State of Emergency Management.''
LEPRR, Jul. 23, 2019, field hearing in Jersey City, New
Jersey, ``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency
Preparedness for Underserved Populations.''
Buchanan, Ben, Senior Faculty Fellow, Assistant Teaching
Professor, Center for Security and Emerging Technology,
Mortara Center, Georgetown University.
LI&C, Jun. 25, 2019, ``Artificial Intelligence and
Counterterrorism: Possibilities and Limitations.''
LCIPI, Oct. 22, 2019, ``Preparing for the Future: An
Assessment of Emerging Cyber Threats.''
Burke, Kevin, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airports
Council International-North America.
LTMS, Jun. 18, 2020, ``Climbing Again: Stakeholder Views
on Resuming Air Travel in the COVID-19 Era.''
--C--
Caldas, Astrid, Senior Climate Scientist, Union of Concerned
Scientists.
LEPRR, Apr. 9, 2019, ``Assessing the Homeland Security
Impacts of a Changing Climate.''
Chilton, Jim, Private Landowner, Arivaca, Arizona.
BSFO, Feb. 27, 2020, ``Examining the Effect of the
Border Wall on Private and Tribal Landowners.''
Cillufo, Frank J., Director, McCrary Institute for Cyber and
Critical Infrastructure, Auburn University.
CIPI, Jun. 25, 2019, ``Cybersecurity Challenges for
State and Local Governments: Assessing How the Federal
Government Can Help.''
Coffey, Luke, Director, Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for
Foreign Policy, The Heritage Foundation.
TMS, Sep. 19, 2019, ``The Northern Northern Border:
Homeland Security Priorities in the Arctic, Part I.''
Cogswell, Patricia F.S., Acting Deputy Administrator,
Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security.
TMS, Oct. 29, 2019, ``One Year Later: Implementation of
the TSA Modernization Act.''
Conroy, Donald, Director, National Targeting Center, Passenger
Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
IC & BSFO, Apr. 2, 2020, ``Supporting a Fact-Based
Approach to Preventing Terrorist Travel to the United States.''
Cooper, Rodney, Executive Director, LaSalle Corrections.
BSFO, Jul. 13, 2020, ``Oversight of ICE Detention
Facilities: Examining ICE Contractors' Response to COVID-19.''
Cox, J. David, National President, American Federation of
Government Employees, AFL-CIO.
TMS, May 21, 2019, ``The TSA Workforce Crisis: A
Homeland Security Risk.''
Cuccinelli, Ken, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Mar. 11, 2020, ``Confronting the Coronavirus: The
Federal Response.''
Cuffari, Joseph V., Inspector General, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
FULL, Jul. 15, 2020, ``Children in CBP Custody:
Examining Deaths, Medical Care Procedures, and Improper
Spending.''
Curda, Elizabeth, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income
Security, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
EPRR, Jul. 23, 2019, field hearing in Jersey City, New
Jersey, ``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency
Preparedness for Underserved Populations.''
Currao, Thomas, Chief of Counterterrorism, Fire Department of
the City of New York.
IC, May 6, 2019, field hearing in Staten Island, New
York, ``Local Efforts to Counter the Terror Threat in New York
City: A Retrospective and a Roadmap.''
Currie, Chris, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Team,
Government Accountability Office.
OMA, Apr. 3, 2019, ``Ensuring Effective and Efficient
Operations: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 DHS Management
Directorate Budget Request.''
OMA, Jan. 14, 2020, ``Seventeen Years Later: Why is
Morale at DHS Still Low.''
FULL, Jun. 12, 2019, ``Assessing FEMA's Readiness for
Future Disasters.''
EPRR, Jul. 11, 2019, ``Road to Recovery: Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.''
OMA, Jul. 14, 2020, ``Reviewing Federal and State
Pandemic Supply Preparedness and Response.''
--D--
D'Souza, Vijay, Director, Information Technology and
Cybersecurity, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
OMA, Oct. 17, 2019, ``The Public's Right to Know: FOIA
at the Department of Homeland Security.''
Danaher, Fiona S., MD, MPH, Pediatrician, Massachusetts General
Hospital.
FULL, Jul. 15, 2020, ``Children in CBP Custody:
Examining Deaths, Medical Care Procedures, and Improper
Spending.''
Davis, Greg, Academy Training Coordinator, Texas Department of
Public Safety.
OMA, May 16, 2019, ``Federal Law Enforcement Training
Centers: Preparing America's Law Enforcement to Protect the
Homeland.''
Di Pietro, Joseph R. Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Secret
Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Jul. 10, 2019, ``About Face: Examining the
Department of Homeland Security's Use of Facial Recognition and
Other Biometric Technologies, Part I.''
Diament, Nathan, Executive Director, Union of Orthodox Jewish
Congregations of America.
IC, Jan. 15, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
Dimondstein, Mark, President, American Postal Workers Union.
FULL, Aug. 28, 2020, ``Protecting America's Democracy:
Ensuring Every Vote Counts.''
Dobbs, Thomas, MD, MPH, State Health Officer, Mississippi State
Department of Health.
EPRR, Mar. 10, 2020, ``Community Perspectives on
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response.''
Dodaro, Eugene L., Comptroller General, U.S. Government
Accountability Office.
FULL, May 1, 2019, ``Trouble at the Top: Are Vacancies
at the Department of Homeland Security Undermining the
Mission?''
Donohue, John, Fellow, Miller Center for Community Protection
and Resiliency, Rutgers University.
IC, Jul.16, 2020, ``Assessing the Threat from
Accelerationists and Militia Extremists.''
Duffy, Thomas, Senior Vice President of Operations, Center for
Internet Security.
CIPI, Jun. 25, 2019, ``Cybersecurity Challenges for
State and Local Governments: Assessing How the Federal
Government Can Help.''
Durbin, Ken, Senior Strategist, Symantec Corporation.
CIPI, Oct. 22, 2019, ``Preparing for the Future: An
Assessment of Emerging Cyber Threats.''
--E--
Eastman, Alexander, L., MD, Senior Medical Officer for
Operations, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction
Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
BSFO, Jan. 14, 2020, ``Assessing the Adequacy of DHS
Efforts to Prevent Child Deaths in Custody.''
Eaton, Jackson, Deputy Assistant Inspector General, Office of
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
TMS & the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Dec. 11,
2019, ``Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard Must Improve its
Processes for Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and
Retaliation.''
Eggleston, Dan, President and Chairman of the Board,
International Association of Fire Chiefs.
EPRR, Apr. 9, 2019, ``Assessing the Homeland Security
Impacts of a Changing Climate.''
Estwick, Amelia, Faculty Program Director, Excelsior College.
CIPI, May 21, 2020, ``Growing and Diversifying the
Cyber Talent Pipeline.''
Ezike, Ngozi O., MD, Director, Illinois Department of Public
Health, State of Illinois.
FULL, Mar. 4, 2020, ``Confronting the Coronavirus:
Perspectives on the Response to a Pandemic Threat.''
--F--
Flint, Laurence, MD, New Jersey Chapter Representative,
Disaster Preparedness Committee, American Academy of
Pediatrics.
EPRR, Jul. 23, 2019, field hearing in Jersey City, New
Jersey, ``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency
Preparedness for Underserved Populations.''
Fugate, Craig, Senior Advisor, BlueDot Strategies.
OMA, Jul. 14, 2020, ``Reviewing Federal and State
Pandemic Supply Preparedness and Response.''
Fulghum, Chip, Deputy Under Secretary for Management, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
OMA, April 3, 2019, ``Ensuring Effective and Efficient
Operations: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 DHS Management
Directorate Budget Request.''
--G--
Gagliostro, Rebecca, Director, Security, Reliability, and
Resilience, Interstate Natural Gas Association of
America.
TMS & CIPI, Feb. 26, 2019, ``Securing U.S. Surface
Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
Gallagher, Mike, Co-Chair, Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
CIPI, Jul. 17, 2020, ``Defending Against Future
Cyberattacks: Evaluating the Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Recommendations.''
Gallot, Richard J., President, Grambling State University.
CIPI, May 21, 2020, ``Growing and Diversifying the
Cyber Talent Pipeline.''
Gambler, Rebecca, Director, Homeland Security and Justice,
Government Accountability Office.
OMA, Mar. 7, 2019, ``CBP Workforce Challenges:
Exploring Solutions to Address Recruitment and Retention.''
IC & BSFO, Apr. 2, 2020, ``Supporting a Fact-Based
Approach to Preventing Terrorist Travel to the United States.''
FULL, Jul. 15, 2020, ``Children in CBP Custody:
Examining Deaths, Medical Care Procedures, and Improper
Spending.''
Gaynor, Peter.
Acting Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
OMA, Jan. 14, 2020, ``Seventeen Years Later: Why is
Morale at DHS Still Low.''
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FULL, Jul. 22, 2020, ``Examining the National Response
to the Worsening Coronavirus Pandemic, Part II.''
George, Asha M. , DrPH, Executive Director, Bipartisan
Commission on Biodefense.
EPRR, Oct. 17, 2019, ``Defending the Homeland from
Bioterrorism: Are We Prepared?''
Gerberding, Julie Louise, MD, Co-Chair, Commission on
Strengthening America's Health Security, Center for
Strategic & International Studies.
FULL, Mar. 4, 2020, ``Confronting the Coronavirus:
Perspectives on the Response to a Pandemic Threat.''
Ghilarducci, Mark, Director, Governor's Office of Emergency
Services, State of California.
OMA, Jul. 14, 2020, ``Reviewing Federal and State
Pandemic Supply Preparedness and Response.''
Gilligan, John, President and Chief Executive Officer, Center
for Internet Security, Inc.
CIPI, Aug. 4, 2020, ``Secure, Safe, and Auditable:
Protecting the Integrity of the 2020 Elections.''
Glawe, David J., Under Secretary, Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Oct. 30, 2019, ``Global Terrorism: Threats to the
Homeland, Part II.''
Goldenberg, Paul, Sub-Chair, Subcommittee on the Prevention of
Targeted Violence Against Faith-based Communities,
Homeland Security Advisory Committee, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security.
IC, Jan. 15, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
Goodman, John, Chief Executive, Accenture Federal Services.
OMA, Mar. 7, 2019, ``CBP Workforce Challenges:
Exploring Solutions to Address Recruitment and Retention.''
Gould, Austin, Assistant Administrator, Requirements and
Capabilities Analysis, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Jul. 10, 2019, ``About Face: Examining the
Department of Homeland Security's Use of Facial Recognition and
Other Biometric Technologies, Part I.''
Grajeda, Marco, Director, New Mexico Border Authority, State of
New Mexico.
OMA, Dec. 2, 2019, field hearing in Santa Teresa, New
Mexico, ``Promoting Safe and Efficient Travel and Trade at
America's Land Ports of Entry.''
Gracia, J. Nadine, MD, MSCE, Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer, Trust for America's Health.
EPRR, Mar. 10, 2020, ``Community Perspectives on
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response.''
Greenblatt, Jonathan, Chief Executive Officer, Anti-Defamation
League.
IC, Jan. 15, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
Guliani, Neema Singh, Senior Legislative Counsel, American
Civil Liberties Union.
TMS, Jun. 18, 2020, ``Climbing Again: Stakeholder Views
on Resuming Air Travel in the COVID-19 Era.''
--H--
Harrell, Brian, Assistant Director, Infrastructure Security,
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
IC, Feb. 26, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism, Part II.''
Hastings, Brian, Colonel, (Ret.-USAF), Director, Alabama
Emergency Management Agency, State of Alabama.
FULL, Jul. 8, 2020, ``Examining the National Response
to the Worsening Coronavirus Pandemic.''
Hastings, Brian S., Chief, Law Enforcement Operations
Directorate, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
BSFO, Jan. 14, 2020, ``Assessing the Adequacy of DHS
Efforts to Prevent Child Deaths in Custody.''
Hawkins, Katherine, Senior Legal Analyst, Constitution Project,
Project on Government Oversight.
OMA, Sep. 26, 2019, ``Oversight of ICE Detention
Facilities: Is DHS Doing Enough?''
Hawkins, Monte B., Director, National Vetting Center, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
IC & BSFO, Apr. 2, 2020, ``Supporting a Fact-Based
Approach to Preventing Terrorist Travel to the United States.''
Hentz, Andre, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Science and
Technology, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
CIPI, Mar. 11, 2020, ``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity
and Innovation Missions: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021
Budget Request for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency and the Science and Technology Directorate.''
Herrell, Dorian, Director, Office of Emergency Management and
Homeland Security, Newark, New Jersey.
EPRR, Jul. 23, 2019, field hearing in Jersey City, New
Jersey, ``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency
Preparedness for Underserved Populations.''
Herrmann, Victoria, President and Managing Director, The Arctic
Institute.
TMS, Sep. 19, 2019, ``The Northern Northern Border:
Homeland Security Priorities in the Arctic, Part I.''
Hicks, Thomas, Commissioner, U.S. Election Assistance
Commission.
FULL, Feb. 13, 2019, ``Defending Our Democracy:
Building Partnerships to Protect America's Elections.''
Hininger, Damon, President and CEO, CoreCivic.
BSFO, Jul. 13, 2020, ``Oversight of ICE Detention
Facilities: Examining ICE Contractors'' Response to COVID-19.''
Hinson, James Edward Jr., Deputy Chief, Greensboro Police
Department, Investigative Bureau Commander.
IC & BSFO, Jul. 25, 2019, ``Homeland Security
Implications of the Opioid Crisis.''
Hogg, Lauren, Co-Founder, March for Our Lives.
EPRR, Sep. 26, 2019, ``Engaging the Community:
Perspectives on School Security.''
Holzer, James V.M.L., Deputy Chief Freedom of Information Act
Officer, Privacy Office, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
OMA, Oct. 17, 2019, ``The Public's Right to Know: FOIA
at the Department of Homeland Security.''
Homan, Thomas, Former Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
BSFO, Nov. 19, 2019, ``Examining the Human Rights and
Legal Implications of DHS' `Remain in Mexico' Policy.''
Howard, Elizabeth, Counsel, Democracy Program, Brennan Center
for Justice.
FULL, Oct. 15, 2019, field hearing in Gurnee, Illinois,
``Preparing for 2020: How Illinois is Securing Elections.''
Howe, Niloofar Razi, Senior Fellow, Cybersecurity Initiative,
New America.
CIPI, Oct. 22, 2019, ``Preparing for the Future: An
Assessment of Emerging Cyber Threats.''
Huffman, Benjamine, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner,
Enterprise Services, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
OMA, Mar. 7, 2019, ``CBP Workforce Challenges:
Exploring Solutions to Address Recruitment and Retention.''
Hultquist, John, Director, Intelligence Analysis, FireEye.
TMS & CIPI, Feb. 26, 2019, ``Securing U.S. Surface
Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
--I--
Inglesby, Tom, MD, Director, Center for Health Security,
Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins
University.
FULL, Mar. 4, 2020, ``Confronting the Coronavirus:
Perspectives on the Response to a Pandemic Threat.''
--J--
Johnson, Cliff, Director, MacArthur Justice Center.
FULL, Nov. 7, 2019, field hearing in Tougaloo,
Mississippi, ``Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on
Mississippi Communities.''
Johnson, Tae, Assistant Director, Custody Management,
Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
OMA, Sep. 26, 2019, ``Oversight of ICE Detention
Facilities: Is DHS Doing Enough?''
Jones, Yvonne, Director of Strategic Issues, U.S. Government
Accountability Office.
OMA, Feb. 27, 2020, ``Building a Diverse and Inclusive
Workforce to Meet the Homeland Security Mission.''
Joscelyn, Thomas, Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of
Democracies.
FULL, Sep. 10, 2019, ``Global Terrorism: Threats to the
Homeland, Part I.''
IC, Jun. 24, 2020, ``Examining the Threat from ISIS and
Al Qaeda.''
Judd, Brandon, President, National Border Patrol Council.
OMA, Jun. 16, 2020, ``Business as Usual? Assessing How
DHS Can Resume Operations Safely.''
--K--
Kaidanow, Tina, Ambassador, Former Acting Assistant Secretary
of State for Political-Military Affairs, Former
Coordinator for Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of
State.
IC, Jun. 24, 2020, ``Examining the Threat from ISIS and
Al Qaeda.''
Kamoie, Brian, Associate Administrator for Mission Support,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
OMA, May 9, 2019, ``FEMA Contracting: Reviewing Lessons
Learned from Past Disasters to Improve Preparedness.''
Karisch, Rodolfo, Chief Patrol Agent, Rio Grande Valley Sector,
U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
OMA, Mar. 7, 2019, ``CBP Workforce Challenges:
Exploring Solutions to Address Recruitment and Retention.''
Kelley, Everett, National President, American Federation of
Government Employees.
OMA, Jun. 16, 2020, ``Business as Usual? Assessing How
DHS Can Resume Operations Safely.''
Kelly, John V., Acting Inspector General, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
OMA, May 16, 2019, ``Federal Law Enforcement Training
Centers: Preparing America's Law Enforcement to Protect the
Homeland.''
TMS, May 21, 2019, ``The TSA Workforce Crisis: A
Homeland Security Risk.''
Kierce, W. Greg, Director, Jersey City Office of Emergency
Management and Homeland Security, Jersey City, New
Jersey.
EPRR, Jan. 9, 2020, ``Understanding the Importance of
DHS Preparedness Grants: Perspectives from the Field.''
King, Angus, Co-Chair, Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
CIPI, Jul. 17, 2020, ``Defending Against Future
Cyberattacks: Evaluating the Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Recommendations.''
Klain, Ron, Former White House Ebola Response Coordinator.
EPRR, Mar. 10, 2020, ``Community Perspectives on
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response.''
Klock, Louis P., Deputy Superintendent of Police, Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey.
IC, May 6, 2019, field hearing in Staten Island, New
York, ``Local Efforts to Counter the Terror Threat in New York
City: A Retrospective and a Roadmap.''
Knake, Robert, Senior Fellow, The Council on Foreign Relations.
CIPI, Oct. 22, 2019, ``Preparing for the Future: An
Assessment of Emerging Cyber Threats.''
Knowles, Michael, President, Local 1924, Special
Representative, National Citizenship and Immigration
Services Council 119, American Federation of Government
Employees.
BSFO, Nov. 19, 2019, ``Examining the Human Rights and
Legal Implications of DHS' `Remain in Mexico' Policy.''
Kolasky, Bob, Director, National Risk Management Center,
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
TMS & CIPI, Feb. 26, 2019, ``Securing U.S. Surface
Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
FULL, Oct. 16, 2019, ``Public-Private Initiatives to
Secure the Supply Chain''
Kontorovich, Eugene, Professor of Law, Antonin Scalia Law
School, George Mason University.
IC, Jan. 15, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
Koppisch, Luke, Deputy Director, Alliance Center for
Independence.
EPRR, Jul. 23, 2019, field hearing in Jersey City, New
Jersey, ``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency
Preparedness for Underserved Populations.''
Krebs, Christopher C., Director, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
FULL, Feb. 13, 2019, ``Defending Our Democracy:
Building Partnerships to Protect America's Elections.''
CIPI, Apr. 30, 2019, ``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity
and Innovation Missions: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020
Budget Request for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency and the Science and Technology Directorate.''
CIPI, Mar. 11, 2020, ``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity
and Innovation Missions: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021
Budget Request for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency and the Science and Technology Directorate.''
--L--
Leaf, Barbara A., Ruth and Sid Lapidus Fellow, Director, Geduld
Program on Arab Politics, Washington Institute.
FULL, Jan. 15, 2020, ``U.S.-Iran Tensions: Implications
for Homeland Security.''
Lee, Mike, Sheriff, Scott County, Mississippi.
FULL, Nov. 7, 2019, field hearing in Tougaloo,
Mississippi, ``Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on
Mississippi Communities.''
Levin, Brian, Director, Center for the Study of Hate and
Extremism, California State University, San Bernardino.
FULL, Sep. 10, 2019, ``Global Terrorism: Threats to the
Homeland, Part I.''
Levine, David, Elections Integrity Fellow, Alliance for
Securing Democracy.
CIPI, Aug. 4, 2020, ``Secure, Safe, and Auditable:
Protecting the Integrity of the 2020 Elections.''
Lewis, James A., Senior Vice President, Center for Strategic
and International Studies.
TMS & CIPI, Feb. 26, 2019, ``Securing U.S. Surface
Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
Linton, Julie M., MD, Co-Chair, Immigrant Health Special
Interest Group, American Academy of Pediatrics.
BSFO, Mar. 26, 2019, ``The Department of Homeland
Security's Family Separation Policy: Perspectives from the
Border.''
Long, Christine S., Executive Director, North Carolina Human
Trafficking Commission.
IC, Oct. 28, 2019, field hearing in Greensboro, North
Carolina, ``Tackling Human Trafficking: Assessing Federal,
State and Local Information Sharing Efforts.''
Lyttle, Lance, Managing Director, Aviation Division, Port of
Seattle.
TMS, May 21, 2019, ``The TSA Workforce Crisis: A
Homeland Security Risk.''
--M--
MacNab, J.J., Fellow, Program on Extremism, The George
Washington University.
IC, Jul.16, 2020, ``Assessing the Threat from
Accelerationists and Militia Extremists.''
Mak, Marie, Director for Contracting and National Security
Acquisitions, Government Accountability Office.
OMA, May 9, 2019, ``FEMA Contracting: Reviewing Lessons
Learned from Past Disasters to Improve Preparedness.''
TMS, Feb. 5, 2020, ``The Northern Northern Border:
Homeland Security Priorities in the Arctic, Part II.''
Mancha, Hector A. Jr., Director, El Paso Field Operations, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
OMA, Dec. 2, 2019, field hearing in Santa Teresa, New
Mexico, ``Promoting Safe and Efficient Travel and Trade at
America's Land Ports of Entry.''
Manning, Timothy, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Berglind-Manning L.C.
EPRR, Apr. 9, 2019, ``Assessing the Homeland Security
Impacts of a Changing Climate.''
Maples, Jared, Director, Office of Homeland Security and
Preparedness, State of New Jersey.
EPRR, Sep. 26, 2019, ``Engaging the Community:
Perspectives on School Security.''
Marquardt, Scott, President and CEO, Management & Training
Corporation.
BSFO, Jul. 13, 2020, ``Oversight of ICE Detention
Facilities: Examining ICE Contractors' Response to COVID-19.''
Marrero, Omar J., Executive Director, Central Office for
Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resilience, Puerto Rico.
EPRR, Jul. 11, 2019, ``Road to Recovery: Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.''
Martinez-Prather, Kathy, Director, Texas School Safety Center,
State of Texas.
EPRR, Sep. 26, 2019, ``Engaging the Community:
Perspectives on School Security.''
Martinez, Ronnie A., Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security
Investigations Charlotte, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
IC, Oct. 28, 2019, field hearing in Greensboro, North
Carolina, ``Tackling Human Trafficking: Assessing Federal,
State and Local Information Sharing Efforts.''
Masters, Michael G., National Director and Chief Executive
Officer, Secure Community Network.
EPRR, Jan. 9, 2020, ``Understanding the Importance of
DHS Preparedness Grants: Perspectives from the Field.''
Masterson, Matthew, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
FULL, Oct. 15, 2019, field hearing in Gurnee, Illinois,
``Preparing for 2020: How Illinois is Securing Elections.''
May, Clifford D., Founder and President, Foundation for the
Defense of Democracies.
IC, Jan. 15, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
Mayer, Robert, Senior Vice President, Cybersecurity, United
States Telecom Association.
FULL, Oct. 16, 2019, ``Public-Private Initiatives to
Secure the Supply Chain.''
McAleenan, Kevin K., U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, May 22, 2019, A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020
Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Oct. 30, 2019, ``Global Terrorism: Threats to the
Homeland, Part II.''
McAllister, Michael, Vice Admiral, Deputy Commandant for
Mission Support, U.S. Coast Guard.
TMS & the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Dec. 11,
2019, ``Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard Must Improve its
Processes for Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and
Retaliation.''
McCauley, Sondra, Assistant Inspector General for Audits, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector
General.
IC & BSFO, Jul. 25, 2019, ``Homeland Security
Implications of the Opioid Crisis.''
McGarrity, Michael, Assistant Director for the Counterterrorism
Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S.
Department of Justice.
FULL, May 8, 2019, ``Confronting the Rise of Domestic
Terrorism in the Homeland.''
McGuire, Michael T., Major General (USAF), Adjutant General for
Arizona, Director, Department of Emergency and Military
Affairs, State of Arizona.
BSFO, Jun. 20, 2019, ``Examining the Department of
Defense's Deployment to the U.S.-Mexico Border.''
McReynolds, Amber, Chief Executive Officer, National Vote at
Home Institute.
CIPI, Aug. 4, 2020, ``Secure, Safe, and Auditable:
Protecting the Integrity of the 2020 Elections.''
Meckley, Tammy, Associate Director, Immigration Records and
Identity Services Directorate, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
OMA, Oct. 17, 2019, ``The Public's Right to Know: FOIA
at the Department of Homeland Security.''
Medina, Odel, Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Church, Carthage,
Mississippi.
FULL, Nov. 7, 2019, field hearing in Tougaloo,
Mississippi, ``Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on
Mississippi Communities.''
Merrill, John, Secretary of State, State of Alabama.
FULL, Feb. 13, 2019, ``Defending Our Democracy:
Building Partnerships to Protect America's Elections.''
Meskill, Kirsten, Director, Corporate Security, BASF, on behalf
of American Chemistry Council.
CIPI, Mar. 12, 2019, ``Securing Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities: Stakeholders Perspectives on Improving the CFATS
Program.''
Miles, Jere, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security
Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Nov. 7, 2019, field hearing in Tougaloo,
Mississippi, ``Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on
Mississippi Communities.''
Miller-Idriss, Cynthia, Director, International Training and
Education Program, School of Education, American
University.
IC & the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and
International Terrorism of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Sep. 18, 2019, ``Meeting the Challenge of White Nationalist
Terrorism at Home and Abroad.''
Miller, Christopher, Director, National Counterterrorism
Center.
FULL, Sep. 17, 2020, ``Worldwide Threats to the
Homeland.''
Miller, John J., Deputy Commissioner, Intelligence and
Counterterrorism, New York City Police Department.
IC, May 6, 2019, field hearing in Staten Island, New
York, ``Local Efforts to Counter the Terror Threat in New York
City: A Retrospective and a Roadmap.''
EPRR, Jan. 9, 2020, ``Understanding the Importance of
DHS Preparedness Grants: Perspectives from the Field.''
IC, Jan. 15, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
Miller, John S., Vice President of Policy and Senior Counsel,
Information and Technology Industry Council.
FULL, Oct. 16, 2019, ``Public-Private Initiatives to
Secure the Supply Chain''
Mina, Peter, Deputy Officer for Programs and Compliance, Office
of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security
FULL, Feb. 6, 2020, ``About Face: Examining the
Department of Homeland Security's Use of Facial Recognition and
Other Biometric Technologies, Part II.''
Mitchell, Roger, MD, Chief Medical Examiner, Washington, D.C.
FULL, Jul. 15, 2020, ``Children in CBP Custody:
Examining Deaths, Medical Care Procedures, and Improper
Spending.''
Morawetz, John, Health and Safety Representative, International
Chemical Workers Union Council.
CIPI, Mar. 12, 2019, ``Securing Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities: Stakeholders Perspectives on Improving the CFATS
Program.''
Morell, Michael, Former Acting & Deputy Director, Central
Intelligence Agency.
IC, Jun. 24, 2020, ``Examining the Threat from ISIS and
Al Qaeda.''
Murphy, Brian, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
FULL, May 8, 2019, ``Confronting the Rise of Domestic
Terrorism in the Homeland.''
Murphy, Michael, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and
Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
TMS, Feb. 5, 2020, ``The Northern Northern Border:
Homeland Security Priorities in the Arctic, Part II.''
--N--
Nakamoto, Jenni, Founder and President, The Nakamoto Group,
LLC.
OMA, Sep. 26, 2019, ``Oversight of ICE Detention
Facilities: Is DHS Doing Enough?''
Napier, Mark, Sheriff, Pima County, Arizona on behalf of the
Southwestern Border Sheriff's Coalition.
BSFO, Apr. 30, 2019, ``The Impacts of Trump Policies on
Border Communities.''
Nazarian, Sharon, Senior Vice President, International Affairs,
Anti-Defamation League.
IC & the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and
International Terrorism of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Sep. 18, 2019, ``Meeting the Challenge of White Nationalist
Terrorism at Home and Abroad.''
Neal, Jeffrey, Senior Vice President, ICF.
TMS, May 21, 2019, ``The TSA Workforce Crisis: A
Homeland Security Risk.''
Nelson, Janai, Associate Director and Counsel, NAACP Legal
Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
FULL, Jun. 4, 2019, ``Perspectives on TSA's Policies to
Prevent Unlawful Profiling.''
Nelson, Sara, International President, Association of Flight
Attendants-Communication Workers of America.
TMS, Jun. 18, 2020, ``Climbing Again: Stakeholder Views
on Resuming Air Travel in the COVID-19 Era.''
Neumann, Elizabeth, Assistant Secretary, Threat Prevention and
Security Policy, Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
IC, Feb. 26, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism, Part II.''
Neuwirth, Christopher, Assistant Commissioner, Division of
Public Health Infrastructure, Laboratories, and
Emergency Preparedness, New Jersey Department of
Health, State of New Jersey.
EPRR, Mar. 10, 2020, ``Community Perspectives on
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response.''
Nielsen, Kirstjen, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
FULL, Mar. 6, 2019, ``The Way Forward on Border
Security Committee on Homeland Security.''
Nixon, Pamela, President, People Concerned About Chemical
Safety.
CIPI, Mar. 12, 2019, ``Securing Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities: Stakeholders Perspectives on Improving the CFATS
Program.''
Norris, Ned Jr., Chairman, The Tohono O'odham Nation.
BSFO, Feb. 27, 2020, ``Examining the Effect of the
Border Wall on Private and Tribal Landowners.''
--O--
O'Connor, Robin, Clerk, Office of the County Clerk, Lake
County, Illinois.
FULL, Oct. 15, 2019, field hearing in Gurnee, Illinois,
``Preparing for 2020: How Illinois is Securing Elections.''
Olivares, Efren, Director, Racial and Economic Justice, Texas
Civil Rights Project.
BSFO, Apr. 30, 2019, ``The Impacts of Trump Policies on
Border Communities.''
Olson, Erik Robert, Vice President, Rail Security Alliance.
TMS & CIPI, Feb. 26, 2019, ``Securing U.S. Surface
Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
Otero, Felipe, Logistics Manager, TPI Composites.
OMA, Dec. 2, 2019, field hearing in Santa Teresa, New
Mexico, ``Promoting Safe and Efficient Travel and Trade at
America's Land Ports of Entry.''
--P--
Pacheco, Jerry, President, Border Industrial Association.
OMA, Dec. 2, 2019, field hearing in Santa Teresa, New
Mexico, ``Promoting Safe and Efficient Travel and Trade at
America's Land Ports of Entry.''
Padilla, Alex, Secretary of State, State of California.
FULL, Feb. 13, 2019, ``Defending Our Democracy:
Building Partnerships to Protect America's Elections.''
Pardo, Bryce, Ph.D., Associate Policy Researcher, RAND
Corporation.
IC & BSFO, Jul. 25, 2019, ``Homeland Security
Implications of the Opioid Crisis.''
Patrick, Tammy, Senior Advisor of Elections, Democracy Fund.
FULL, Aug. 28, 2020, ``Protecting America's Democracy:
Ensuring Every Vote Counts.''
Patterson, L. Eric, Director, Federal Protective Service, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
OMA, Jun. 11, 2019, ``Federal Protective Service:
Ensuring the Mission Is Not Lost in Transition.''
Pekoske, David P., Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
TMS, Apr. 9, 2019, ``Securing America's Transportation
and Maritime Systems: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
Requests for the Transportation Security Administration and the
U.S. Coast Guard.''
TMS, Mar. 11, 2020, ``Securing America's Transportation
and Maritime Systems: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget
Requests for the Transportation Security Administration and the
U.S. Coast Guard.''
Pena, Laura, Pro Bono Counsel, Commission on Immigration,
American Bar Association.
BSFO, Nov. 19, 2019, ``Examining the Human Rights and
Legal Implications of DHS' `Remain in Mexico' Policy.''
Perez, Robert E., Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
BSFO, May 9, 2019, ``A Review of the FY 2020 Budget
Request for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services.''
BSFO, Sep. 30, 2020, ``Examining DHS' Management of
Trusted Traveler Programs.''
Picciolini, Christian, Founder, Free Radicals Project.
IC & the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and
International Terrorism of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Sep. 18, 2019, ``Meeting the Challenge of White Nationalist
Terrorism at Home and Abroad.''
Pickles, Nick, Senior Public Policy Strategist, Twitter, Inc.
FULL, Jun. 26, 2019, ``Examining Social Media
Companies' Efforts to Counter Online Terror Content and
Misinformation.''
Podkul, Jennifer, Director of Policy, Kids in Need of Defense.
BSFO, Mar. 26, 2019, ``The Department of Homeland
Security's Family Separation Policy: Perspectives from the
Border.''
Praetz, Noah, Former Director of Elections, Cook County,
Illinois.
FULL, Feb. 13, 2019, ``Defending Our Democracy:
Building Partnerships to Protect America's Elections.''
Pritzker, Jay Robert ``J.B.'', Governor, State of Illinois.
FULL, Jul. 8, 2020, ``Examining the National Response
to the Worsening Coronavirus Pandemic.''
Proctor, Sonya T., Director, Surface Division, Office of
Security Policy and Industry Engagement, Transportation
Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
TMS & CIPI, Feb. 26, 2019, ``Securing U.S. Surface
Transportation from Cyber Attacks.''
Provost, Carla, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
BSFO, Jun. 20, 2019, ``Examining the Department of
Defense's Deployment to the U.S.-Mexico Border.''
--Q--
Quiroz-Lewis, Lorena, Lead Organizer, Working Together
Mississippi, Mississippi Immigration Coalition.
FULL, Nov. 7, 2019, field hearing in Tougaloo,
Mississippi, ``Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on
Mississippi Communities.''
--R--
Rakeman, Jennifer, Ph.D., Assistant Commissioner and Laboratory
Director, New York City Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene.
EPRR, Oct. 17, 2019, ``Defending the Homeland from
Bioterrorism: Are We Prepared?''
Ravich, Samantha, Commissioner, Cyberspace Solarium.
CIPI, Jul. 17, 2020, ``Defending Against Future
Cyberattacks: Evaluating the Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Recommendations.''
Ray, Charles, Admiral, Vice Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.
TMS, Feb. 5, 2020, ``The Northern Northern Border:
Homeland Security Priorities in the Arctic, Part II.''
Reardon, Anthony, National President, National Treasury
Employees Union.
OMA, Mar. 7, 2019, ``CBP Workforce Challenges:
Exploring Solutions to Address Recruitment and Retention.''
OMA, Jun. 16, 2020, ``Business as Usual? Assessing How
DHS Can Resume Operations Safely.''
Reaves, Steve, President, FEMA Local 4060, The American
Federation of Government Employees.
EPRR, Mar. 13, 2019, ``Improving the Federal Response:
Perspectives on the State of Emergency Management.''
Redd, Stephen C., MD, Deputy Director, Public Health Service
and Implementation Science, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.
FULL, Mar. 11, 2020, ``Confronting the Coronavirus: The
Federal Response.''
Rectanus, Lori, Director, Physical Infrastructure Team, U.S.
Government Accountability Office.
OMA, Jun. 11, 2019, ``Federal Protective Service:
Ensuring the Mission Is Not Lost in Transition.''
Renaud, Tracy, Acting Deputy Director, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
BSFO, May 9, 2019, ``A Review of the FY 2020 Budget
Request for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services.''
Romine, Charles H., Ph.D., Director, Information Technology
Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and
Technology.
FULL, Jul. 10, 2019, ``About Face: Examining the
Department of Homeland Security's Use of Facial Recognition and
Other Biometric Technologies, Part I.''
FULL, Feb. 6, 2020, ``About Face: Examining the
Department of Homeland Security's Use of Facial Recognition and
Other Biometric Technologies, Part II.''
Roth, John, Former Inspector General, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
FULL, May 1, 2019, ``Trouble at the Top: Are Vacancies
at the Department of Homeland Security Undermining the
Mission?''
Roth, Marcie, Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for
Inclusive Disaster Strategies.
EPRR, Jul. 23, 2019, field hearing in Jersey City, New
Jersey, ``Protecting Every Citizen: Assessing Emergency
Preparedness for Underserved Populations.''
Russell, W. William, Acting Director, Homeland Security and
Justice Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
FULL, Jun. 4, 2019, ``Perspectives on TSA's Policies to
Prevent Unlawful Profiling.''
Director, Homeland Security & Justice Team, U.S. Government
Accountability Office.
TMS, Oct. 29, 2019, ``One Year Later: Implementation of
the TSA Modernization Act.''
--S--
Salesses, Robert G., Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense,
Homeland Defense Integration and Defense Support of
Civil Authorities, U.S. Department of Defense.
BSFO, Jun. 20, 2019, ``Examining the Department of
Defense's Deployment to the U.S.-Mexico Border.''
Sanborn, Jill, Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division,
Federal Bureau of Investigation.
IC, Feb. 26, 2020, ``Confronting the Rise in Anti-
Semitic Domestic Terrorism, Part II.''
Sanchez, Julian, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute.
IC, Jun. 25, 2019, ``Artificial Intelligence and
Counterterrorism: Possibilities and Limitations.''
Sandvoss, Steve, Executive Director, Illinois Board of
Elections.
FULL, Oct. 15, 2019, field hearing in Gurnee, Illinois,
``Preparing for 2020: How Illinois is Securing Elections.''
Schachter, Max, Founder and CEO, Safe Schools for Alex.
EPRR, Sep. 26, 2019, ``Engaging the Community:
Perspectives on School Security.''
Schneberk, Todd (Dr.) Assistant Professor of Emergency
Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of
Southern California, on behalf of Physicians for Human
Rights.
BSFO, Nov. 19, 2019, ``Examining the Human Rights and
Legal Implications of DHS' `Remain in Mexico' Policy.''
Schultz, Karl L., Admiral, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.
TMS, Apr. 9, 2019, ``Securing America's Transportation
and Maritime Systems: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
Requests for the Transportation Security Administration and the
U.S. Coast Guard.''
TMS, Mar. 11, 2020, ``Securing America's Transportation
and Maritime Systems: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget
Requests for the Transportation Security Administration and the
U.S. Coast Guard.''
Seitz, Mark, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Texas, U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops.
BSFO, Apr. 30, 2019, ``The Impacts of Trump Policies on
Border Communities.''
Semo, Alina M., Director, Office of Government Information
Services, National Archives and Records Administration.
OMA, Oct. 17, 2019, ``The Public's Right to Know: FOIA
at the Department of Homeland Security.''
Senterfitt, Martin, Deputy Fire Chief, Director of Emergency
Management, Monroe County, Florida.
EPRR, Mar. 13, 2019, ``Improving the Federal Response:
Perspectives on the State of Emergency Management.''
Sfraga, Michael, Director, Global Risk and Resilience, Polar
Institute, Wilson Center.
TMS, Sep. 19, 2019, ``The Northern Northern Border:
Homeland Security Priorities in the Arctic, Part I.''
Shah, Umair A., MD, Executive Director, Public Health, Harris
County, Texas.
EPRR, Oct. 17, 2019, ``Defending the Homeland from
Bioterrorism: Are We Prepared?'' on behalf of the National
Association of County and City Health Officials.
FULL, Jul. 8, 2020, ``Examining the National Response
to the Worsening Coronavirus Pandemic.''
Shaw, Diana, Assistant Inspector General, Special Reviews and
Evaluations, Office of Inspector General, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
OMA, Sep. 26, 2019, ``Oversight of ICE Detention
Facilities: Is DHS Doing Enough?''
Shelton, Jason, Mayor, Tupelo, Mississippi.
FULL, Jul. 8, 2020, ``Examining the National Response
to the Worsening Coronavirus Pandemic.''
Simpson, Wesley, Chief Operating Officer, International
Information System Security Certification Consortium,
Inc.
CIPI, May 21, 2020, ``Growing and Diversifying the
Cyber Talent Pipeline.''
Singh, Sim J., Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy, The Sikh
Coalition.
FULL, Jun. 4, 2019, ``Perspectives on TSA's Policies to
Prevent Unlawful Profiling.''
Slater, Derek, Global Director, Information Policy, Google.
FULL, Jun. 26, 2019, ``Examining Social Media
Companies' Efforts to Counter Online Terror Content and
Misinformation.''
Slaughter-Harvey, Constance, President of the Board, Legacy
Education and Community Empowerment Foundation.
FULL, Nov. 7, 2019, field hearing in Tougaloo,
Mississippi, ``Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on
Mississippi Communities.''
Soufan, Ali, Founder, The Soufan Group.
FULL, Sep. 10, 2019, ``Global Terrorism: Threats to the
Homeland, Part I.''
Spaulding, Suzanne, Commissioner, Cyberspace Solarium
Commission.
CIPI, Jul. 17, 2020, ``Defending Against Future
Cyberattacks: Evaluating the Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Recommendations.''
Sprayberry, Michael A., Director, North Carolina Emergency
Management, North Carolina Office of Recovery and
Resiliency, State of North Carolina.
EPRR, Jan. 9, 2020, ``Understanding the Importance of
DHS Preparedness Grants: Perspectives from the Field.''
Stamos, Alex, Adjunct Professor, Freeman Spogli Institute,
Program Director, Stanford Internet Observatory.
IC, Jun. 25, 2019, ``Artificial Intelligence and
Counterterrorism: Possibilities and Limitations.''
Stengel, Richard, Former Under Secretary of State, Public
Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
CIPI, Nov. 19, 2019, ``The Road to 2020: Defending
Against Election Interference.''
Stewart, Vincent, Special Advisor, Middle East Media Research
Institute.
FULL, Jan. 15, 2020, ``U.S.-Iran Tensions: Implications
for Homeland Security.''
Stier, Max, President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service.
OMA, Jan. 14, 2020, ``Seventeen Years Later: Why is
Morale at DHS Still Low.''
Strossen, Nadine, John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law, New
York Law School.
FULL, Jun. 26, 2019, ``Examining Social Media
Companies' Efforts to Counter Online Terror Content and
Misinformation Committee on Homeland Security.''
Sultan, Ahmad, Affiliated Researcher, Center for Long Term
Cybersecurity, School of Information, University of
California, Berkeley.
CIPI, Jun. 25, 2019, ``Cybersecurity Challenges for
State and Local Governments: Assessing How the Federal
Government Can Help.''
--T--
Tata, Anthony J., Brigadier General, (Ret.-USA), Chief
Executive Officer and President, Tata Leadership Group.
FULL, Jan. 15, 2020, ``U.S.-Iran Tensions: Implications
for Homeland Security.''
Taylor, Frank, General, (Ret.-USAF), Board Member, US
CyberDome, Former Under Secretary for Intelligence and
Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
CIPI, Nov. 19, 2019, ``The Road to 2020: Defending
Against Election Interference.''
Tingstad Abbie, Senior Physical Scientist, RAND Corporation.
TMS, Sep. 19, 2019, ``The Northern Northern Border:
Homeland Security Priorities in the Arctic, Part I.''
Travers, Russell, Acting Director, National Counterterrorism
Center, Office of the Director of National
Intelligence.
FULL, Oct. 30, 2019, ``Global Terrorism: Threats to the
Homeland, Part II.''
Trimble, Katherine, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for
Audits, Office of the Inspector General, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
OMA, May 9, 2019, ``FEMA Contracting: Reviewing Lessons
Learned from Past Disasters to Improve Preparedness.''
Trousdale, Kristie, Deputy Director, Children's Environmental
Health Network.
EPRR, Apr. 9, 2019, ``Assessing the Homeland Security
Impacts of a Changing Climate.''
Truly, William, Mayor, Canton, Mississippi.
FULL, Nov. 7, 2019, field hearing in Tougaloo,
Mississippi, ``Immigration Raids: Impacts and Aftermath on
Mississippi Communities.''
--V--
Vela, Erin Thorn, Staff Attorney, Racial and Economic Justice
Program, Texas Civil Rights Project.
BSFO, Nov. 19, 2019, ``Examining the Human Rights and
Legal Implications of DHS' `Remain in Mexico' Policy.''
--W--
Wagner, John, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office
of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Jul. 10, 2019, ``About Face: Examining the
Department of Homeland Security's Use of Facial Recognition and
Other Biometric Technologies, Part I.''
FULL, Feb. 6, 2020, ``About Face: Examining the
Department of Homeland Security's Use of Facial Recognition and
Other Biometric Technologies, Part II.''
Wall, Carl L. II, Special Agent in Charge, Human Trafficking
Unit, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
IC, Oct. 28, 2019, field hearing in Greensboro, North
Carolina, ``Tackling Human Trafficking: Assessing Federal,
State and Local Information Sharing Efforts.''
Walters, Thomas J., Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training
Centers, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
OMA, May 16, 2019, ``Federal Law Enforcement Training
Centers: Preparing America's Law Enforcement to Protect the
Homeland.''
Warrick, Thomas S., Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic
Council.
FULL, Jan. 15, 2020, ``U.S.-Iran Tensions: Implications
for Homeland Security.''
Waters, James R. Chief-Counterterrorism Bureau, New York City
Police Department.
EPRR, Mar. 13, 2019, ``Improving the Federal Response:
Perspectives on the State of Emergency Management.''
Wen, Leana, md, Visiting Professor of Health Policy and
Management, Milken Institute School of Public Health
Management, George Washington University.
EPRR, Jul. 10, 2020, ``Pandemic Response: Confronting
the Unequal Impacts of COVID-19.''
Wiegmann, Brad, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, National
Security, U.S. Department of Justice.
FULL, May 8, 2019, ``Confronting the Rise of Domestic
Terrorism in the Homeland.''
Williams-Octalien, Adrienne L., Director, Office of Disaster
Recovery, Public Finance Authority, U.S. Virgin
Islands.
EPRR, Jul. 11, 2019, ``Road to Recovery: Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.''
Willis, Chauncia, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency
Management.
EPRR, Jul. 10, 2020, ``Pandemic Response: Confronting
the Unequal Impacts of COVID-19.''
Wilson, Mike, PhD, National Director, Occupational and
Environmental Health Program, BlueGreen Alliance.
CIPI, Mar. 12, 2019, ``Securing Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities: Stakeholders Perspectives on Improving the CFATS
Program.''
Wolf, Chad F., U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Mar. 3, 2020, ``A Review of the Fiscal Year 2021
Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security.''
FULL, Sep. 17, 2020, ``Worldwide Threats to the
Homeland.''
Worley, Candace, Vice President, Chief Technical Strategist,
McAfee.
CIPI, May 21, 2020, ``Growing and Diversifying the
Cyber Talent Pipeline.''
Wray, Christopher A., Director, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice.
FULL, Oct. 30, 2019, ``Global Terrorism: Threats to the
Homeland, Part II.''
FULL, Sep. 17, 2020, ``Worldwide Threats to the
Homeland.''
Wulf, David, Director, Infrastructure Security Compliance
Division, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FULL, Feb. 27, 2019, ``Securing Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities: Building on the Progress of the CFATS Program.''
--Y--
Young-McLear, Kimberly, Lieutenant Commander, Permanent
Commissioned Teaching Staff, U.S. Coast Guard.
TMS & the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Dec. 11,
2019, ``Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard Must Improve its
Processes for Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and
Retaliation.''
--Z--
Zoley, George C., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The GEO
Group.
BSFO, Jul. 13, 2020, ``Oversight of ICE Detention
Facilities: Examining ICE Contractors'' Response to COVID-19.''
APPENDIX VIII
Printed Hearings
Number Title Date
116-1 ``Defending Our Democracy: Feb. 13, 2019
Building Partnerships to
Protect America's Elections.''
FULL
116-2 ``Securing U.S. Surface Feb. 26, 2019
Transportation from Cyber
Attack.''
TMS & CIPI
116-3 ``Securing Our Nation's Feb. 27, 2019
Chemical Facilities: Building
on the Progress of the CFATS
Program.''
FULL
116-4 ``The Way Forward on Border Mar. 6, 2019
Security.''
FULL
116-5 ``CBP Workforce Challenges: Mar. 7, 2019
Exploring Solutions to Address
Recruitment and Retention.''
OMA
116-6 ``Securing Our Nation's Mar. 12, 2019
Chemical Facilities:
Stakeholders Perspectives on
Improving the CFATS Program.''
CIPI
116-7 ``Improving the Federal Mar. 13, 2019
Response: Perspectives on the
State of Emergency
Management.''
EPRR
116-8 ``The Department of Homeland Mar. 26, 2019
Security's Family Separation
Policy: Perspectives from the
Border.''
BFSO
116-9 ``Supporting a Fact-Based Apr. 2, 2019
Approach to Preventing
Terrorist Travel to the United
States.''
IC & BSFO
116-10 ``Ensuring Effective and Apr. 3, 2019
Efficient Operations: A Review
of the Fiscal Year 2020 DHS
Management Directorate Budget
Request.''
OMA
116-11 ``Securing America's Apr. 9, 2019
Transportation and Maritime
Systems: A Review of the
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
Requests for the
Transportation Security
Administration and the U.S.
Coast Guard.''
TMS
116-12 ``Assessing the Homeland Apr. 9, 2019
Security Impacts of a Changing
Climate.''
EPRR
116-13 ``The Impacts of Trump Policies Apr. 30, 2019
on Border Communities.''
BFSO
116-14 ``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity Apr. 30, 2019
and Innovation Missions: A
Review of the Fiscal Year 2020
Budget Request for the
Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency
and the Science and Technology
Directorate.''
CIPI
116-15 ``Trouble at the Top: Are May 1, 2019
Vacancies at the Department of
Homeland Security Undermining
the Mission?''
FULL
116-16 ``Local Efforts to Counter the May 6, 2019 Staten
Terror Threat in New York Island, New York
City: A Retrospective and a
Roadmap.''
IC
116-17 ``Confronting the Rise of May 8, 2019
Domestic Terrorism in the
Homeland.''
FULL
116-18 ``FEMA Contracting: Reviewing May 9, 2019
Lessons Learned from Past
Disasters to Improve
Preparedness.''
EPRR & OMA
116-19 ``A Review of the FY 2020 May 9, 2019
Budget Request for U.S.
Customs and Border Protection,
U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, and U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration
Services.''
BFSO
116-20 ``Federal Law Enforcement May 16, 2019
Training Centers: Preparing
America's Law Enforcement to
Protect the Homeland.''
OMA
116-21 ``The TSA Workforce Crisis: A May 21, 2019
Homeland Security Risk.''
TMS
116-22 ``Growing and Diversifying the May 21, 2019
Cyber Talent Pipeline.''
CIPI
116-23 ``A Review of the Fiscal Year May 22, 2019
2020 Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland
Security.''
FULL
116-24 ``Perspectives on TSA's Jun. 4, 2019
Policies to Prevent Unlawful
Profiling.''
FULL
116-25 ``Federal Protective Service: Jun. 11, 2019
Ensuring the Mission Is Not
Lost in Transition.''
OMA
116-26 ``Assessing FEMA's Readiness Jun. 12, 2019
for Future Disasters.''
FULL
116-27 ``Examining the Department of Jun. 20, 2019
Defense's Deployment to the
U.S.-Mexico Border.''
BSFO
116-28 ``Artificial Intelligence and Jun. 25, 2019
Counterterrorism:
Possibilities and
Limitations.''
IC
116-29 ``Cybersecurity Challenges for Jun. 25, 2019
State and Local Governments:
Assessing How the Federal
Government Can Help.''
CIPI
116-30 ``Examining Social Media Jun. 26, 2019
Companies'' Efforts to Counter
Online Terror Content and
Misinformation.''
FULL
116-31 ``About Face: Examining the Jul. 10, 2019
Department of Homeland
Security's Use of Facial
Recognition and Other
Biometric Technologies.''
FULL
116-32 ``Road to Recovery: Puerto Rico Jul. 11, 2019
and the U.S. Virgin Islands
after Hurricanes Irma and
Maria.''
EPRR
116-33 ``Protecting Every Citizen: Jul. 23, 2019
Assessing Emergency Jersey City, New
Preparedness for Underserved Jersey
Populations.''
EPRR
116-34 ``Homeland Security Jul. 25, 2019
Implications of the Opioid
Crisis.''
IC
116-35 ``Global Terrorism: Threats to Sep. 10, 2019
the Homeland, Part I.''
FULL
116-36 ``The Challenge of White Sep. 18, 2019
Nationalist Terrorism at Home
and Abroad.''
FULL & Committee on Foreign
Affairs' Subcommittee on
Middle East, North Africa and
International Terrorism
116-37 ``The Northern Northern Border: Sep. 19, 2019
Homeland Security Priorities
in the Arctic, Part I.''
TMS
116-38 ``Engaging the Community: Sep. 26, 2019
Perspectives on School
Security.''
EPRR
116-39 ``Oversight of ICE Detention Sep. 26, 2019
Facilities: Is DHS Doing
Enough?''
OMA
116-40 ``Preparing for 2020: How Oct. 15, 2019
Illinois is Securing Gurnee, Illinois
Elections.''
FULL
116-41 ``Public-Private Initiatives to Oct. 16, 2019
Secure the Supply Chain.''
FULL
116-42 ``Defending the Homeland from Oct. 17, 2019
Bioterrorism: Are We
Prepared?''
EPRR
116-43 ``The Public's Right to Know: Oct. 17, 2019
FOIA at the Department of
Homeland Security.''
OMA
116-44 ``Preparing for the Future: An Oct. 22, 2019
Assessment of Emerging Cyber
Threats.''
CIPI
116-45 ``Tackling Human Trafficking: Oct. 28, 2019
Assessing Federal, State and Greensboro, North
Local Information Sharing Carolina
Efforts.''
IC
116-46 ``One Year Later: Oct. 29, 2019
Implementation of the TSA
Modernization Act.''
TMS
116-47 ``Global Terrorism: Threats to Oct. 30, 2019
the Homeland, Part II.''
FULL
116-48 Member Day Hearing Oct. 31, 2019
FULL
116-49 ``Immigration Raids: Impacts Nov. 7, 2019
and Aftermath on Mississippi Tougaloo,
Communities.'' Mississippi
FULL
116-50 ``Examining the Human Rights
and Legal Implications of DHS'
``Remain in Mexico'' Policy.''
BSFO, Nov. 19, 2019
116-51 ``The Road to 2020: Defending Nov. 19, 2019
Against Election
Interference.''
CIPI
116-52 ``Promoting Safe and Efficient Dec. 2, 2019 Santa
Travel and Trade at America's Teresa, New Mexico
Land Ports of Entry.''
OMA
116-53 ``Righting the Ship: The Coast Dec. 11, 2019
Guard Must Improve its
Processes for Addressing,
Harassment, Bullying, and
Retaliation.''
TMS & Subcommittee on Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties of
the Committee on Oversight and
Reform
116-54 ``Understanding the Importance Jan. 9, 2020
of DHS Preparedness Grants:
Perspectives from the Field.''
EPRR
116-55 ``Assessing the Adequacy of DHS Jan. 14, 2020
Efforts to Prevent Child
Deaths in Custody.''
BSFO
116-56 ``Seventeen Years Later: Why is Jan. 14, 2020
Morale at DHS Still Low.''
OMA
116-57 ``U.S.-Iran Tensions: Jan. 15, 2020
Implications for Homeland
Security.''
FULL
116-58 ``Confronting the Rise in Anti- Jan. 15, 2020
Semitic Domestic Terrorism.''
IC
116-59 ``The Northern Northern Border: Feb. 5, 2020
Homeland Security Priorities
in the Arctic, Part II.''
TMS
116-60 ``About Face: Examining the Feb. 6, 2020
Department of Homeland
Security's Use of Facial
Recognition and Other
Biometric Technologies, Part
II.''
FULL
116-61 ``Confronting the Rise in Anti- Feb. 26, 2020
Semitic Domestic Terrorism
Part II.''
IC
116-62 ``Examining the Effect of the Feb. 27, 2020
Border Wall on Private and
Tribal Landowners.''
BSFO
116-63 ``Building a Diverse and Feb. 27, 2020
Inclusive Workforce to Meet
the Homeland Security
Mission.''
OMA
116-64 ``A Review of the Fiscal Year Mar. 3, 2020
2021 Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland
Security.''
FULL
116-65 ``Confronting the Coronavirus: Mar. 4, 2020
Perspectives on the Response
to a Pandemic Threat.''
FULL
116-66 ``Community Perspectives on Mar. 10, 2020
Coronavirus Preparedness and
Response.''
EPRR
116-67 ``Securing America's Mar. 11, 2020
Transportation and Maritime
Systems: A Review of the
Fiscal Year 2021 Budget
Requests for the
Transportation Security
Administration and the U.S.
Coast Guard.''
TMS
116-68 ``Resourcing DHS' Cybersecurity Mar. 11, 2020
and Innovation Missions: A
Review of the Fiscal Year 2021
Budget Request for the
Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency
and the Science and Technology
Directorate.''
CIPI
116-69 ``Confronting the Coronavirus: Mar. 11, 2020
The Federal Response.''
FULL
116-70 ``Business as Usual? Assessing Jun. 16, 2020
How DHS Can Resume Operations Remote
Safely.''
OMA
116-71 ``Climbing Again: Stakeholder Jun. 18, 2020
Views on Resuming Air Travel Remote
in the COVID-19 Era.''
TMS
116-72 ``Examining the Threat from Jun. 24, 2020
ISIS and Al Qaeda.'' Remote
IC
116-73 ``Examining the National Jul. 8, 2020 Remote
Response to the Worsening
Coronavirus Pandemic.''
FULL
116-74 ``Pandemic Response: Jul. 10, 2020
Confronting the Unequal Remote
Impacts of COVID-19.''
EPRR
116-75 ``Oversight of ICE Detention Jul. 13, 2020
Facilities: Examining ICE Remote
Contractors'' Response to
COVID-19.''
BFSO
116-76 ``Reviewing Federal and State Jul. 14, 2020
Pandemic Supply Preparedness Remote
and Response.''
OMA
116-77 ``Children in CBP Custody: Jul. 15, 2020
Examining Deaths, Medical Care Remote
Procedures, and Improper
Spending.''
FULL
116-78 ``Assessing the Threat from Jul. 16, 2020
Accelerationists and Militia Remote
Extremists.''
IC
116-79 ``Defending Against Future Jul. 17, 2020
Cyberattacks: Evaluating the Remote
Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Recommendations.''
CIPI
116-80 ``Examining the National Jul. 22, 2020
Response to the Worsening Remotely attended
Coronavirus Pandemic: Part
II.''
FULL
116-81 ``Secure, Safe, and Auditable: Aug. 4, 2020 Remote
Protecting the Integrity of
the 2020 Elections.''
CIPI
116-82 ``Protecting America's Aug. 28, 2020
Democracy: Ensuring Every Vote Remotely attended
Counts.''
FULL
116-83 ``Worldwide Threats to the Sep. 17, 2020
Homeland.'' Remotely attended
FULL
116-84 ``Examining DHS' Management of Sep. 30, 2020
Trusted Traveler Programs.'' Remotely attended
BSFO
APPENDIX IX
Committee Prints
Number Title
116-A Rules of the Committee on Homeland
Security for the 116th Congress.
116-B Compilation of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (Updated through Pub. L. 115-387
(December 21, 2018)).
APPENDIX X
Summary of Committee Activities
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Total Bills Referred to Committee................................ 255
Public Laws...................................................... 13
Measures Signed Into Law......................................... 30
Measures Passed the House........................................ 67
Measures Failed House Passage.................................... 0
Measures Reported to the House...................................
Hearings Held:
Days of Hearings 89
Full Committee............................................... 26
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism............ 10
Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability.... 12
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security......... 9
Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations 11
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Innovation................................................. 10
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery................................................... 11
Witnesses:
Full Committee 79
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism............ 36
Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability.... 38
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security......... 30
Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations 37
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Innovation................................................. 42
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery................................................... 41
Total Persons Testifying..................................... 303
Markups and Business Meetings Held (Days)/Measures Considered:
Full Committee............................................... 10/68
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism............ 0/0
Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability.... 0/0
Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security......... 0/0
Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations 0/0
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Innovation................................................. 0/0
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery................................................... 0/0
[all]