[House Report 112-351]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
112th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 112-351
_______________________________________________________________________
Union Calendar No. 236
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
of the
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
(Pursuant to House Rule XI, 1(d))
December 28, 2011.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC, December 28, 2011.
Hon. Karen L. Haas,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Haas: Pursuant to clause 1(d)(1) of Rule XI and
Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, attached
is a report of the legislative and oversight activities of the
Committee on Homeland Security for the First Session of the
112th Congress.
Sincerely,
Peter T. King,
Chairman.
Union Calendar No. 236
112th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 112-351
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
112TH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION (JANUARY -- DECEMBER 2011)
_______
December 28, 2011.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. King, from the Committee on Homeland Security, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
Overview
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 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.
CONTENTS
Page
Jurisdiction and Legislative History............................. 3
Membership and Organization...................................... 9
Full Committee................................................... 11
Legislative Activities....................................... 12
Oversight Activities......................................... 23
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies.......................................... 35
Legislative Activities....................................... 35
Oversight Activities......................................... 37
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.......................... 53
Legislative Activities....................................... 53
Oversight Activities......................................... 57
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management........ 63
Oversight Activities......................................... 63
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications................................................. 75
Legislative Activities....................................... 75
Oversight Activities......................................... 77
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security..................... 93
Legislative Activities....................................... 93
Oversight Activities......................................... 97
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence................ 109
Legislative Activities....................................... 109
Oversight Activities......................................... 110
Committee Oversight Plan......................................... 119
Part A, Oversight Plan As Agreed to.......................... 119
Part B, Implementation of the Oversight Plan................. 133
Appendices:
Appendix I--Committee Rules.................................. 153
Appendix II--Membership Changes to the Committee............. 167
Appendix III--List of Public Laws............................ 177
Appendix IV--Committee Reports............................... 179
Appendix V--Status of Legislation Referred to the Committee.. 181
Appendix VI--Executive Communications, Memorials, Petitions,
and Presidential Messages............................ 185
Appendix VII--Committee Staff................................ 189
Appendix VIII--Witnesses..................................... 193
Appendix IX--Printed Hearings................................ 215
Appendix X--Committee Prints................................. 221
Appendix XI--Summary of Committee Activities................. 223
Additional Views................................................. 224
Jurisdiction and Legislative History
A provision for the establishment of a Committee on
Homeland Security was included in H. Res. 5, the Rules of the
House of Representatives for the 112th Congress, agreed to on
January 5, 2011. The jurisdiction of the Committee is as
follows:
HOUSE RULE X
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 and administration 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
----------
Legislative History To Accompany Changes to Rule X
(Congressional Record, January 4, 2005, Page H25)
Rule X and the Committee on Homeland Security
Legislative History
Overall homeland security policy--The jurisdiction of the
Committee on Homeland Security over ``overall homeland security
policy'' is to be interpreted on a government-wide or multi-
agency basis similar to the Committee on Government Reform's
jurisdiction over ``overall economy, efficiency, and management
of government operations and activities . . . .'' Surgical
addresses of homeland security policy in sundry areas of
jurisdiction occupied by other committees would not be referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security on the basis of
``overall'' homeland security policy jurisdiction.
For example, the Committee on Homeland Security shall have
jurisdiction over a bill coordinating the homeland security
efforts by all of the critical infrastructure protection
sectors. Jurisdiction over a bill addressing the protection of
a particular sector would lie with the committee otherwise
having jurisdiction over that sector.
Organization and administration of the Department of
Homeland Security--The jurisdiction of the Committee on
Homeland Security would apply only to organizational or
administrative aspects of the Department where another
committee's jurisdiction did not clearly apply. The Committee's
jurisdiction is to be confined to organizational and
administrative efforts and would not apply to programmatic
efforts within the Department of Homeland Security within the
jurisdiction of other committees.
Homeland Security Oversight--This would vest the Committee
on Homeland Security with oversight jurisdiction over the
homeland security community of the United States. Nothing in
this clause shall be construed as prohibiting or otherwise
restricting the authority of any other committee to study and
review homeland security activities to the extent that such
activity directly affects a matter otherwise within the
jurisdiction of that committee.
Individual Committee Concerns
Agriculture--The jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland
Security over ``border and port security'' shall be limited to
agricultural importation and entry inspection activities of the
Department of Homeland Security under section 421 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002. The Committee on Agriculture
shall retain jurisdiction over animal and plant disease policy
including the authority reserved to the Department of
Agriculture to regulate policy under section 421 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002, and the Animal Health Protection
Act, the Plant Protection Act, the Plant Quarantine Act, and
the Agriculture Quarantine Inspection User Fee Account. The
Committee on Agriculture shall retain jurisdiction over the
agricultural research and diagnosis mission at the Plum Island
Animal Disease Center.
Armed Services--The Committee on Armed Services shall
retain jurisdiction over warfighting, the military defense of
the United States, and other military activities, including any
military response to terrorism, pursuant to section 876 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Energy and Commerce--The Committee on Homeland Security
shall have jurisdiction over measures that address the
Department of Homeland Security's activities for domestic
preparedness and collective response to terrorism. The words
``to terrorism'' require a direct relation to terrorism. The
Committee on Homeland Security's jurisdiction over ``collective
response to terrorism'' means that it shall receive referrals
of bills addressing the Department of Homeland Security's
responsibilities for, and assistance to, first responders as a
whole. The Committee on Energy and Commerce (and other relevant
committees) shall retain their jurisdiction over bills
addressing the separate entities that comprise the first
responders. For example, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
shall retain its jurisdiction over a bill directing the
Department of Health and Human Services to train emergency
medical personnel.
Financial Services--The Committee on Financial Services
shall retain jurisdiction over the National Flood Insurance
Program and Emergency Food and Shelter Program of FEMA, and the
Defense Production Act. The Committee on Financial Services
shall retain its jurisdiction over the anti-money laundering,
terrorist financing, and anti-counterfeiting activities within
the Department of the Treasury and the financial regulators.
Government Reform--The Committee on Homeland Security shall
have jurisdiction over ``the organization and administration of
the Department of Homeland Security.'' The Committee on
Government Reform shall retain jurisdiction over federal civil
service, the overall economy, efficiency, and management of
government operations and activities, including Federal
procurement, and federal paperwork reduction. The Committee on
Government Reform shall retain jurisdiction over government-
wide information management efforts including the Federal
Information Security Management Act. The Committee on Homeland
Security shall have jurisdiction over integration, analysis,
and dissemination of homeland security information by the
Department of Homeland Security, and the Committee on
Government Reform shall retain jurisdiction over measures
addressing public information and records generally including
the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act. The
Committee on Government Reform shall have jurisdiction over the
policy coordination responsibilities of the Office of
Counternarcotics Enforcement.
Intelligence--The Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence shall retain jurisdiction over the intelligence
and intelligence-related activities of all departments and
agencies of the Federal Government, including the Office of the
Director of National Intelligence and the National
Counterterrorism Center as defined in the Intelligence Reform
and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
Judiciary--The Committee on the Judiciary shall retain
jurisdiction over immigration policy and non-border enforcement
of the immigration laws. Its jurisdiction over immigration
policy shall include matters such as the immigration and
naturalization process, numbers of aliens (including immigrants
and non-immigrants) allowed, classifications and lengths of
allowable stay, the adjudication of immigration petitions and
the requirements for the same, the domestic adjudication of
immigration petitions and applications submitted to the
Department of Labor or the Department of Homeland Security and
setting policy with regard to visa issuance and acceptance. Its
jurisdiction over non-border enforcement shall be limited to
those aspects of immigration enforcement not associated with
the immediate entry of individuals into the country, including
those aspects of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement. The Committee on Homeland Security shall have
jurisdiction over border and port security including the
immigration responsibilities of inspectors at ports of entry
and the border patrol. As used in the new Rule X(1)(l)(9) and
this legislative history, the word ``immigration'' shall be
construed to include ``naturalization'' and no substantive
change is intended by the new rule's not containing the word
``naturalization.''
Science--The Committee on Science shall retain some
jurisdiction over the research and development activities of
the Department of Homeland Security as such matters are
incidental to the Committee on Science's existing jurisdiction
(except where those activities are in the jurisdiction of
another committee).
Transportation and Infrastructure--The Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure shall retain jurisdiction
over the Coast Guard. However, the Committee on Homeland
Security has jurisdiction over port security, and some Coast
Guard responsibilities in that area will fall within the
jurisdiction of both committees. Jurisdiction over emergency
preparedness will be split between the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland
Security. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
shall retain its jurisdiction under clause 1(r)(2) over
``federal management of emergencies and natural disasters.''
This means that the committee retains its general jurisdiction
over the emergency preparedness and response operations of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Bills addressing
FEMA's general preparation for disaster from any cause shall be
referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Committee on Homeland Security shall have jurisdiction over
the Department of Homeland Security's responsibilities with
regard to emergency preparedness only as they relate to acts of
terrorism. Thus, the Committee on Homeland Security shall have
jurisdiction over the responsibilities of the Office for
Domestic Preparedness, in accordance with section 430 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002.
As indicated earlier, the Committee on Homeland Security's
jurisdiction over ``collective response to terrorism'' means
that it would receive referrals of bills addressing the
Department of Homeland Security's responsibilities for, and
assistance to, first responders as a whole and not over
measures addressing first responder communities individually.
The Committee on Homeland Security shall have jurisdiction
over the functions of the Department of Homeland Security
relating to transportation security, while the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure shall retain its jurisdiction
over transportation safety. In general, the Committee on
Homeland Security would have jurisdiction over bills addressing
the Transportation Security Administration and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would have jurisdiction over
bills addressing the various entities within the Department of
Transportation having responsibility for transportation safety,
such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The jurisdiction of the
Committee on Homeland Security does not include expenditures
from trust funds under the jurisdiction of other committees,
including but not limited to the Highway Trust Fund, the
Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Harbor Maintenance Trust
Fund, the Federal Buildings Fund, and the Inland Waterways
Trust Fund.
Ways and Means--The jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways
and Means over ``customs revenue'' is intended to include those
functions contemplated in section 412(b)(2) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 and includes those functions as carried
out in collection districts and ports of entry and delivery.
Membership and Organization of the Committee on Homeland Security
(19-14)
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Peter T. King, New York, Chairman
Lamar Smith, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Daniel E. Lungren, California Loretta Sanchez, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Henry Cuellar, Texas
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Laura Richardson, California
Candice S.Miller, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tim Walberg, Michigan Brian Higgins, New York
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Ben Quayle, Arizona William R. Keating, Massachusetts
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Billy Long, Missouri Janice Hahn, California
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania
Blake Farenthold, Texas
Robert L. Turner, New York
__________
Appointment of Mr.Peter T. King of New York as Chair, and Mr.Bennie
G. Thompson of Mississippi as Ranking Minority Member on January 5,
2011, pursuant to H. Res. 6 and H. Res. 7, respectively.
The Majority Members of the Committee were elected to the Committee
on January 18, 2011, pursuant to H. Res. 37; and the Minority Members
on January 19, 2011, pursuant to H. Res. 39.
Mr.Blake Farenthold of Texas was elected to the Committee pursuant
to H. Res. 42 on January 19, 2011.
Mr.Mo Brooks of Alabama was elected to the Committee pursuant to H.
Res. 53 on January 25, 2011.
Ms.Jane Harman of California resigned as a Member of the House of
Representatives on February 28, 2011.
Mrs.Donna M. Christensen resigned as a Member of the Committee on
Homeland effective March 7, 2011.
Ms.Kathleen C. Hochul of New York was elected to the Committee
pursuant to H. Res. 293 on June 2, 2011.
Ms.Janice Hahn of California was elected to the Committee pursuant
to H. Res. 377 on July 28, 2011.
Mr.Mo Brooks of Alabama resigned as a Member of the Committee on
Homeland Security on October 4, 2011, and Mr. Robert L. Turner of New
York was elected to the Committee pursuant to H. Res. 420.
__________
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Daniel E. Lungren, California, Chairman
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Tim Walberg, Michigan, Vice Chair Laura Richardson, California
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Billy Long, Missouri William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
__________
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Chairman
Daniel E. Lungren, California Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Tim Walberg, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois, Vice Chair Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Robert L. Turner, New York Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
__________
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT
Michael T. McCaul, Texas, Chairman
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Billy Long, Missouri, Vice Chair Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
__________
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida, Chairman
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Laura Richardson, California
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania, Vice Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Chair Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Blake Farenthold, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Robert L. Turner, New York (Ex Officio)
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
__________
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S.Miller, Michigan, Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Henry Cuellar, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Loretta Sanchez, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona, Vice Chair Brian Higgins, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
__________
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Paul C. Broun, Georgia, Vice Chair Jackie Speier, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Loretta Sanchez, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Henry Cuellar, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona Brian Higgins, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Billy Long, Missouri Janice Hahn, California
Peter T. King, New York Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio) (Ex Officio)
Committee on Homeland Security
Peter T. King, New York, Chairman
Lamar Smith, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Daniel E. Lungren, Loretta Sanchez, California
California Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Mike Rogers, Alabama Henry Cuellar, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida Laura Richardson, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Candice S.Miller, Michigan Brian Higgins, New York
Tim Walberg, Michigan Jackie Speier, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Joe Walsh, Illinois Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Patrick Meehan, William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Pennsylvania Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Ben Quayle, Arizona Janice Hahn, California
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia
Billy Long, Missouri
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania
Blake Farenthold, Texas
Robert L. Turner, New York
----------
During the First Session of the 112th Congress, the
Committee on Homeland Security held 10 hearings, receiving
testimony from 33 witnesses, and considered eight measures.
----------
Organizational Meeting of the Committee
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 Full Committee met pursuant to notice and adopted the
Committee Rules for the 112th Congress by unanimous consent.
The Committee also approved the Committee on Homeland
Security's Oversight Plan for the 112th Congress and Committee
Resolution No. 1, relating to staff hiring, both adopted by
unanimous consent.
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.
FIRST QUARTER ACTIVITY REPORT
On June 22, 2011, the Committee on Homeland Security met
pursuant to notice and adopted a report on the Oversight and
Legislative Activities of the Committee on Homeland Security
for the First Quarter of the 112th Congress. The Committee
ordered the report to be reported to the House, without
amendment, favorably, by voice vote.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Committee
ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION BUSINESS TRAVEL CARDS ACT OF 2011
Pub. Law 112-54 (S.1487 | H.R.2042 | H.R.3312)
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards
Act of 2011 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to
issue, in coordination with the Secretary of State, Asia-
Pacific Economic Cooperation business travel cards (ABT Cards)
to approved individuals. S. 1487 requires the Secretary of
Homeland Security to integrate the ABT Cards with other
Department trusted traveler programs. Additionally, S. 1487
permits the Secretary of Homeland Security to consult with
appropriate private sector entities and, if necessary,
prescribe regulations to issue the ABT Cards. The bill also
authorizes the Secretary to collect and adjust a user fees for
establishing and operating the ABT Card program. The Secretary
may terminate the program if it is in the interest of the
United States.
Legislative History
S.1487 was introduced in the Senate on August 2, 2011, by
Ms.Cantwell, Mr.Akaka, Mr.Inouye, and Mr.Johnson of Wisconsin,
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On October 19, 2011, the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs considered S.1487 and ordered
the measure to be favorably reported to the Senate with an
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 1487 to the Senate on November 3, 2011 with
no written report.
The Senate considered and passed S.1487 on November 3,
2011, by unanimous consent.
On November 4, 2011, the House considered and passed
S.1487, under Suspension of the Rules. Clearing the measure for
the President.
The President signed S.1487 into law on November 12, 2011,
as Public Law 112-54.
H.R.2042, the House companion measure, was introduced in
the House on May 26, 2011, by Mr.Larsen of Washington,
Mr.Herger, Mr.Crowley, Mr.Brady of Texas, and Mr.Daniel E.
Lungren of California and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R.2042 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
On October 25, 2011, the House considered H.R.2042 by
unanimouse consent and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R.2042 was received in the Senate on October 31, 2011,
and on November 3, 2011, was read twice, and placed on the
Senate Legislative Calendar.
H.R.3312 was introduced in the House on November 2, 2011,
by Mr.Brady of Texas and Mr.Larsen of Washington, and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R. 3312 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security. H.R.3312 consisted of the text of S.1487, as
ordered to be reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2011
H.R.901
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify the
requirement that the Secretary of Homeland Security maintain
chemical facility anti-terrorism security regulations.
Summary
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
currently has authority to regulate chemical facilities under
the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) issued
pursuant to section 550 of the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act, 2007 (Pub.L. 109-295). H.R.901 codifies the
Secretary's authority to regulate chemical facility security
within the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and extend this
authority for 7 years to allow the program to be fully
implemented and achieve its objectives of enhancing chemical
facility security and reducing risks of terrorism. The
provisions contained in H.R.901 largely reflect the original
statute, i.e. Section 550, and will enable the Department of
Homeland Security and chemical facilities to continue
implementing CFATS uninterrupted using the existing risk-based,
performance-based approach without imposing additional,
burdensome requirements that could slow or hinder progress
being made by both the Department and the chemical facilities.
H.R.901 is intended to provide long-term certainty to the
Department and chemical facilities regarding the requirement to
improve security at our Nation's chemical facilities while
preserving the ability of American companies to compete, remain
innovative, and create jobs.
Legislative History
H.R.901 was introduced in the House on March 3, 2011, by
Mr.Daniel E. Lungren of California and eight original co-
sponsors and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Within
the Committee, H.R.901 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies.
The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Security Technologies considered H.R.901 on
April 14, 2011, and ordered the measure to be favorably
reported to the Full Committee, without amendment, by a roll
call vote of 6 yeas and 4 nays (Roll Call Vote No. 4).
On June 22, 2011, the Committee on Homeland Security met to
consider H.R.901 and ordered the measure to be reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee filed a report on H.R.901 in the House on
September 26, 2011, as H. Rpt. 112-224, Pt. 1. Referral of the
bill to the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on
September 26, 2011, for a period ending not later than November
11, 2011. Referral of the bill to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on November 11, 2011, for a period ending
not later than January 6, 2012.
JAIME ZAPATA BORDER ENFORCEMENT SECURITY TASK FORCE ACT
H.R.915
To establish a Border Enforcement Security Task Force program
to enhance border security by fostering coordinated efforts
among Federal, State, and local border and law enforcement
officials to protect United States border cities and
communities from trans-national crime, including violence
associated with drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien
trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and
across the international borders of the United States, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force
Act, establishes in United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) a Border Enforcement Security Task Force
(BEST) program to enhance border security by addressing and
reducing border security threats and violence by: (1)
facilitating collaboration among Federal, State, local, tribal,
and foreign law enforcement agencies to execute coordinated
activities in furtherance of border security and homeland
security; and (2) enhancing information-sharing among such
agencies.
H.R.915 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security,
acting through the Assistant Secretary for ICE, to establish
BEST units after considering: (1) whether the area where the
unit would be established is significantly impacted by cross-
border threats; (2) the availability of Federal, State, local,
tribal, and foreign law enforcement resources to participate in
the unit; and (3) the extent to which border security threats
are having a significant harmful impact in the area and in
other jurisdictions. The bill authorizes the Secretary, in
order to provide Federal assistance to the area so designated,
to: (1) obligate such sums as are appropriated for the BEST
program; (2) direct the assignment of Federal personnel to that
program; and (3) take other actions to assist State, local,
tribal, and foreign jurisdictions to participate.
The bill directs the Secretary to report on the
effectiveness of the program in enhancing border security and
reducing the drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien
trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and
across U.S. borders.
Legislative History
111th Congress
H.R.1437, the ``Southern Border Security Task Force Act of
2009,'' was introduced in the House on March 11, 2009, by
Mr.Cuellar and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. Within the
Committee, H.R.1437 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism. No further action
occurred on H.R.1437 in the 111th Congress.
H.R.1437 contains provisions similar to those in H.R.915 in
the 112th Congress.
112th Congress
H.R.915 was introduced by Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security Ranking Member Cuellar on March 3, 2011. ICE
has partnered with Federal, State, local, and foreign law
enforcement counterparts to create the Border Enforcement
Security Task Force (BEST) initiative. The teams are designed
to increase information sharing and collaboration among the
agencies combating this threat on both sides of the border to
bring all relevant stakeholders together under one roof. The
purpose of this bill is to authorize ICE's BEST Teams.
H.R.915 was introduced in the House on March 3, 2011, by
Mr.Cuellar and Mr.McCaul and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R.915 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
On June 2, 2011, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security considered H.R.915 and favorably reported the measure
to the Full Committee for consideration, amended, by voice
vote.
On September 21, 2011, the Committee considered H.R.915,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.915 to the House on November 4,
2011, as H. Rpt. 112-268.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OMBUDSMAN ACT OF 2011
H.R.1165
To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish an
Ombudsman Office within the Transportation Security
Administration for the purpose of enhancing transportation
security by providing confidential, informal, and neutral
assistance to address work-place related problems of
Transportation Security Administration employees, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1165 enhances transportation security by providing
confidential, informal, and neutral assistance to address work-
place related problems of Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) employees by strengthening and refining
the role of the TSA Office of Ombudsman.
Legislative History
H.R.1165 was introduced in the House on March 17, 2011, by
Ms.Jackson Lee of Texas, Ms.Speier, Mr.Thompson of Mississippi,
and Mr.Davis of Illinois, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R.1165 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Subcommittee on Transportation Security considered
H.R.1165 on May 12, 2011, and ordered the measure reported,
favorably, to the Full Committee, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee considered H.R.1165 on September 21, 2011,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
with a favorable recommendation, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.1165 to the House on November 4,
2011, as H. Rpt. 112-270.
SECURE BORDER ACT OF 2011
H.R.1299
To achieve operational control of and improve security at the
international land borders of the United States, and for other
purposes.
Summary
In testimony before Congress, a Government Accountability
Office witness reported that the U.S. Border Patrol has less
than 44 percent of the Southwest border under operational
control and less than 2 percent of the Northern border under
control (GAO-11-374T and GAO-11-508T). H.R. 1299 requires the
Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to gain
operational control, as defined by the Secure Fence Act of 2006
(Pub.L. 109 367), of the U.S. borders within 5 years. In the
event that the Secretary should try to utilize another measure
other than operational control, that measure must be evaluated
by a National Laboratory for suitability in measuring control
of the border. The Secretary must also develop a comprehensive
new measurement system which captures the effectiveness of
security at the ports of entry. Finally, it requires the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection to provide the Committee with its
resource allocation model for the current future year staffing
requirements and detailed port of entry manpower data.
Legislative History
H.R.1299 was introduced in the House on March 31, 2011, by
Mrs.Miller of Michigan and 18 original cosponsors and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R.1299 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security.
On June 2, 2011, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security considered H.R.1299 and favorably reported the measure
to the Full Committee for consideration, amended, by voice
vote.
On September 21, 2011, the Committee considered H.R.1299,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.1299 to the House on November
12, 2011, as H. Rpt. 112-274.
AVIATION SECURITY STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION ACT OF 2011
H.R.1447
To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant
Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security
Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory
Committee, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1447 directs the Assistant Secretary of the
Transportation Security Administration to establish an Aviation
Security Advisory Committee. The Assistant Secretary is
required to consult with the Advisory Committee on aviation
security matters and the development of recommendations to
improve aviation security.
Legislative History
H.R.1447 was introduced in the House on April 8, 2011, by
Mr.Thompson of Mississippi and Ms.Jackson Lee of Texas, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R.1447 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security.
On September 21, 2011, the Chair discharged the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security from further
consideration of H.R.1447. The Committee proceeded to the
consideration of H.R.1447 and ordered the measure to be
reported to the House, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.1447 to the House on November 4,
2011, as H. Rpt. 112-269.
NATIONAL SECURITY AND FEDERAL LANDS PROTECTION ACT
H.R. 1505
To prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture
from taking action on public lands which impede border security
on such lands, and for other purposes.
Summary
To receive operational control of the borders, the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture,
under H.R. 1505, permit the Secretary of Homeland Security to
have access to and conduct activities on public land managed by
the Federal Government along the land and maritime borders of
the Nation.
Legislative History
H.R. 1505 was introduced in the House on April 13, 2011, by
Mr. Bishop of Utah and 54 cosponsors and referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition the Committees
on Agriculture and Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R. 1505 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security.
On October 5, 2011, the Natural Resources Subcommittee on
National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands discharged H.R. 1505.
On October 5, 2011 the Committee on Natural Resources
considered H.R. 1505, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House with a favorable recommendation, amended, by a
recorded vote of 26 yeas and 17 nays.
The Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources sent a
letter on December 14, 2011 to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security requesting that, in order to expedite
consideration of H.R. 1505 by the Full House, the Committee
would discharge H.R. 1505 from any further consideration. The
Chair of the Committee responded on December 14, 2011
acknowledging the request of the Committee on Natural Resources
by discharging H.R. 1505 from further consideration by the
Committee. The response further requested an appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012
H.R.1540 | S.1867
To authorize appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 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 annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is the
primary mechanism by which the United States Congress fulfills
its Constitutional obligation to provide for the common
defense.
The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2012 authorizes $554 billion for
the Defense base budget, and $115.5 billion for overseas
contingency operations. This represents a $19 billion reduction
from fiscal year 2011 and a $24.1 billion reduction from the
President's request.
Although this legislation authorizes programs within the
Department of Defense, the NDAA contains certain War on Terror
detainee provisions that are of great interest to the Committee
on Homeland Security. These include a prohibition on the
transfer or release of detainees housed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
into the United States, and a reaffirmation of the lawful
detention of individuals from al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and
associated forces engaged in an armed conflict with the U.S.
Also of interest to the Committee on Homeland Security are
the requirements for the detection of insider threats, in
response to the dissemination of classified information on the
WikiLeaks.org website, and the authorization of the Department
of Defense's counter narcotics activities on the Southern
border of the United States.
Legislative History
H.R.1540 was introduced in the House on April 14, 2011, by
Mr.McKeon and Mr.Smith of Washington and referred to the
Committee on Armed Services.
The Committee on Armed Services considered H.R.1540 on May
11, 2011, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House,
amended by a recorded vote of 60 yeas and 1 nay.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter on May 4, 2011, to the Chair of the Committee on Armed
Services agreeing, that, in order to expedite consideration of
H.R.1540 by the Full House, the Committee would not seek a
sequential referral of H.R.1540. The letter further requested
an appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. The Chair of the Committee on Armed Services responded
on May 16, 2011, acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of
the Committee on Homeland Security and the agreement to not
seek a sequential referral.
The Committee on Armed Services reported H.R.1540 to the
House on May 17, 2011, as H. Rpt. 112-78. The Committee on
Armed Services filed the supplemental report to H.R.1540 on May
23, 2011 as H. Rpt. 112-78, Part II.
The House considered H.R.1540 on May 24 and 25, 2011. The
House continued consideration of H.R.1540 on June 26, 2011, and
passed H.R.1540 by a recorded vote of 322 yeas and 96 yeas
(Roll No. 375).
H.R.1540 was received in the Senate, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services on June 6,
2011.
On November 15, 2011, the Senate Committee on Armed
Services reported S.1687, the Senate companion measure, to the
Senate, with no written report.
The Senate considered S.1687 on November 17, 18, 28, 29,
and 30, 2011. On November 30, 2011, the Senate invoked cloture
on S.1867 by a recorded vote of 88 yeas and 12 nays (Record
Vote No. 212). The Senate continued consideration on December
1, and passed S.1687 by a recorded vote of 93 yeas and 7 nays
(Record Vote Number: 218.).
On December 1, the Senate Committee on Armed Services was
discharged from further consideration of H.R.1540 by unanimous
consent. The Senate considered H.R.1540 by unanimous consent;
struck all after the enacting clause and substituted the text
of S.1867, amended. The Senate then passed H.R.1540, amended,
by unanimous consent.
The Senate insisted upon its amendment to H.R.1540 on
December 1, 2011, requested a Conference with the House, and
appointed Conferees: Senators Levin; Lieberman; Reed; Akaka;
Nelson of Nebraska; Webb; McCaskill; Udall of Colorado; Hagan;
Begich; Manchin; Shaheen; Gillibrand; Blumenthal; McCain;
Inhofe; Sessions; Chambliss; Wicker; Brown of Massachusetts;
Portman; Ayotte; Collins; Graham; Cornyn; and Vitter. On
December 2, 2011, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Speaker of the House requesting
to have Members of the Committee appointed as Conferees to the
Committee of Conference on H.R. 1540.
The House, on December 7, 2011, by unanimous consent,
agreed to disagree to the Senate amendment, and agreed to a
Conference with the Senate thereon. The House agreed to
instruct House Conferees by a recorded vote of 421 yeas and 2
nays (Roll No. 892).
The Chair appointed Conferees on the part of the House on
December 7, 2011: From the Committee on Armed Services; the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; the Committee on
Education and the Workforce; the Committee on Energy and
Commerce; the Committee on Financial Services; the Committee on
Foreign Affairs; the Committee on Homeland Security; the
Committee on the Judiciary; the Committee on Natural Resources;
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology; the Committee on Small
Business; the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure;
the Committee on Veterans Affairs; and the Committee on Ways
and Means.
Conferees from the Committee on Homeland Security, for
consideration of sec. 1099H of the House bill, and sec.
1092 of the Senate amendment, and modifications
committed to conference: Mr.Daniel E. Lungren of
California, Mrs.Miller of Michigan and Mr.Thompson of
Mississippi.
Conferees met on December 12, 2011, and agreed to file a
Conference Report to accompany H.R.1540. Conference Report to
accompany H.R.1540 filed in the House as H. Rpt. 112-329. As
reported, the Conference Report struck section 1099H, section
1092 was retained by the Committee of Conference.
The Committee on Rules met on December 13, 2011, and
reported a rule providing for the consideration of the
Conference Report to accompany H.R.1540. The Rule filed in the
House as H. Res. 493 (H. Rpt. 112-330).On December 14, 2011,
the House considered the Conference Report to accompany
H.R.1540 under the provisions of H. Res. 493, after agreeing to
the Rule by a recorded vote of 245 ayes and 169 noes, (Roll No.
926).
On December 14, 2011, a motion to recommit the conference
report to the Committee of Conference with instructions to the
managers on the part of the House, was not agreed to by a
recorded vote of 183 ayes and 234 noes, (Roll No. 931).
The House agreed to the Conference Report to accompany
H.R.1540 on December 14, 2011, by a recorded vote of 283 yeas
to 136 nays (Roll No. 932). The House subsequently agreed to H.
Con. Res. 92, to direct the Clerk of the House of
Representatives to correct the enrollment of the bill H.R.1540.
The Senate considered the Conference Report to accompany
H.R. 1540 on December 15, 2011, and agreed to the Conference
Report by a recorded vote of 86 yeas and 13 nays. (Record Vote
No. 230.) The Senate subsequently agreed to H.Con. Res. 92 by
unanimous consent. Clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 1540 was presented to the President on December 21,
2011.
RISK-BASED SECURITY SCREENING FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ACT
H.R.1801
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited
security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.
Summary
This legislation directs the Transportation Security
Administration to develop and implement a plan to provide
expedited screening for any member of the U.S. Armed Forces--
and any accompanying family member-when that individual is
traveling on official orders through a primary airport.
Legislative History
H.R.1801 was introduced in the House on May 10, 2011, by
Mr.Cravaack, Mr.Bachus, and Mr.Rogers of Alabama, and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R.1801 was referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security.
The Subcommittee on Transportation Security considered
H.R.1801 on May 12, 2011, and ordered the measure reported,
favorably, to the Full Committee, without amendment, by voice
vote.
The Committee considered H.R.1801 on September 21, 2011,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
with a favorable recommendation, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.1801 to the House on November 4,
2011, as H. Rpt. 112-271.
The House considered H.R.1801 under Suspension of the
Rules, and passed the measure by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 404
yeas and none voting ``nay''.
H.R.1801 was received in the Senate on November 30, 2011,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation was discharged from further consideration by
unanimous consent on December 12, 2011. The Senate subsequently
passed H.R.1801, amended, by voice vote.
The House debated a motion to agreed to concur in the
Senate amendment to H.R. 1801 on December 19, 2011. On December
20, 2011, the House agreed to Suspend the Rules and concurred
in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801 by voice vote. Clearing
the measure for the President.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012
H.R.3116
To authorize certain programs of the Department of Homeland
Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3116 authorizes several existing components and
positions of the Department and provide metrics for programs
operated by the Department. In addition, H.R. 3116 clarifies
authorities among various operating officers and policy offices
in order to promote greater coordination among DHS programs.
H.R. 3116 also proposes several measures designed to bring
about greater fiscal discipline within the Department. For
example, H.R. 3116 requires Department-wide cost and efficiency
reviews for existing expenditures, independent valuations for
major acquisitions, and intra-Department consultation for
acquisitions. H.R. 3116 provides extensive direction and
metrics carried out in the fields of border security,
information sharing, preparedness and response to terrorist
attacks and natural disasters and science and technology
research and development. Moreover, H.R. 3116 authorizes
pragmatic improvements for security, including providing
liability protections for citizens who make good faith reports
of suspected terrorist activity and establishing a commission
to reevaluate the causes of the attacks of September 11, 2001,
and the Federal Government's ability to carry out the resulting
recommendations.
Legislative History
H.R.3116 was introduced in the House on October 6, 2011, by
Mr.King of New York and 12 original co-sponsors and referred to
the Committee on Homeland Security.
On October 12 and 13, 2011, the Committee considered
H.R.3116 and ordered the measure to be reported to the House,
amended, by a recorded vote of 20 yeas and 12 nays (Roll Call
Vote No. 37).
On October 20, 2011 the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Speaker of the House
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 3116. On November 21,
2011, the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Speaker of the House
requesting a sequential referral of H.R.3116. On December 14,
2011, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources
requesting the waiving of a request to seek a referral of
H.R.3116. The Chair of the Committee on Committee on Natural
Resources agreed to not insist on a sequential referral of
H.R.3116. On December 15, 2011, the Chair of the Committee on
Energy and Commerce sent a letter to the Speaker of the House
requesting a referral of H.R. 3116.
SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING THE 2007 PASSENGER NAME
RECORD AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
H. Res. 255
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that
effective sharing of passenger information from inbound
international flight manifests is a crucial component of our
national security and that the Department of Homeland Security
must maintain the information sharing standards required under
the 2007 Passenger Name Record Agreement between the United
States and the European Union.
Summary
H. Res. 255 expresses the sense of the House of
Representatives that effective sharing of passenger information
from inbound international flight manifests is a crucial
component of our National security and that the Department of
Homeland Security must maintain the information sharing
standards required under the 2007 Passenger Name Record
Agreement (PNR) between the United States and the European
Union. H. Res. 255 calls for the Department to refute any
attempt to modify the current PNR regime if the modifications
imposed new limitations that materially reduced the U.S. access
to PNR data. In May 2011, the Senate passed a companion
resolution, S. Res. 174.
Legislative History
H. Res. 255 was introduced in the House on May 10, 2011, by
Mr.King of New York, and nine original cosponsors and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.
Res. 255 was retained at the Full Committee.
On September 21, 2011, the Committee considered H.Res. 255
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, without
amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H. Res. 255 to the House on November
4, 2011, as H. Rpt. 112-272.
SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001,
10TH ANNIVERSARY
H. Res. 391
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding
the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on
September 11, 2001, on the 10th anniversary of that date.
Summary
Through H. Res. 391, the House of Representatives
recognizes September 11th as a day of solemn commemoration and
extends its deepest sympathies to the innocent victims of the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and their families,
friends, and loved ones.
The resolution further commends the military and
intelligence personnel involved in the removal of Osama bin
Laden and reasserts the commitment to opposing violent
extremism against American interests and to providing the U.S.
military, intelligence, and law enforcement communities with
the resources and support to achieve this.
Legislative History
H. Res. 391 was introduced in the House on September 7,
2011, by Mr.Cantor and Ms.Pelosi and referred to the Committee
on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on the
Judiciary, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
On September 9, 2011, the House agreed to discharge the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on the
Judiciary, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and agreed to H.
Res. 391 by voice vote.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Committee
CURRENT TERRORIST THREATS
Since September 11, 2001, there have been over 40 plots and
terrorist attacks against the Homeland; two of them successful
in killing innocent Americans. Additionally, law enforcement
officers have arrested dozens of individuals plotting attacks
against the Homeland and our allies. On December 21, 2010, the
Attorney General stated that in the last 2 years there have
been 126 people indicted on terrorism charges, including 50
U.S. citizens. The threat from al-Qaeda and its affiliates
continues to remain extremely high.
On January 24, 2011, the Committee conducted a Member site
visit to the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) to educate
Members on the NCTC and receive a threat briefing from the NCTC
Director. The NCTC was established in August 2004 by Executive
Order 13354, and codified by the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Pub.L. 108-458). The NCTC
serves as the primary organization within the United States
Government for integrating and analyzing all terrorism-related
intelligence that has a foreign nexus.
On February 9, 2011, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Understanding the Homeland Threat Landscape Considerations
for the 112th Congress.'' The Committee received testimony from
Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security; and Hon. Michael E. Leiter, Director, National
Counterterrorism Center.
Throughout the First Session, Members of the Committee
received regular monthly classified briefings from NCTC, the
Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation to stay current on the latest intelligence and
threats to the Homeland. The Committee intends to hold regular,
monthly briefings with the Intelligence Community.
On February 18, March 18, June 17, July 22, September 16,
October 22, and November 18, 2011, Committee staff received
classified intelligence briefings from the Department on
threats to the Nation's borders.
On May 25, 2011, the Full Committee held a hearing entitled
``Threats to the American Homeland After Killing Bin Laden: An
Assessment.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon. Lee
Hamilton, Bipartisan Policy Center; Ms.Frances F. Townsend,
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Government, Legal, and
Business Affairs, MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, Inc; Mr.Peter
Bergen, Director, National Security Studies Program, New
America Foundation; and Mr.Evan F. Kohlmann, Flashpoint Global
Partners.
On September 8, 2011, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``The Attacks of September 11th: Where are We Today.'' The
Committee received testimony from Hon. Lee Hamilton, Former
Vice-Chairman, The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks
Upon the United States; Hon. Tom J. Ridge, Former Secretary of
Homeland Security; and Hon. Eugene L. Dodaro, Comptroller
General of the United States.
On October 11, 2011, Members of the Committee conducted a
site visit of the NCTC and the Office of the Director of
National Intelligence.
FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET REQUEST
As part of the Committee's oversight responsibilities,
Committee staff reviewed the President's budget request for the
Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 2012, and on
March 3, 2011, the Committee held a hearing entitled ``The
President's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Request for the Department
of Homeland Security.'' The Committee received testimony from
Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security. Based on a Committee staff review of the President's
budget request for Fiscal Year 2012 and testimony received, the
Committee completed its Views and Estimates of the President's
budget request and submitted them to the House Budget Committee
for its consideration.
RADICALIZATION
One of the greatest threats facing the Homeland is that of
homegrown violent Islamist terrorists who depart from
mainstream Islam and are radicalized to al-Qaeda's violent
ideology. These individuals often have no contact with known
terrorist networks overseas, making it exponentially difficult
for law enforcement to detect these individuals who may be
actively plotting attacks. Interception often requires
cooperation and a partnership from members of the Muslim
community, who may be a witnesses to an individual's path
toward radicalization. As part of the Committee's oversight of
domestic radicalization, Committee staff held a series of
meetings with representatives of Federal, State, and local law
enforcement, academia, religious organizations, private sector
entities and non-profit organizations. The meetings focused on
discussing the current threat of homegrown terrorism and
violent extremism within the United States and what measures
can be taken to address this problem. Briefers included
representatives of the Ahmaddiyya Group, the World Organization
for Resource Development and Education, the Anti-Defamation
League, a former United States attorney with expertise in this
area, representatives from Johns Hopkins University,
representatives from the New York Department of Corrections,
and representatives from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, among
others.
On March 10, 2011, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community
and That Community's Response.'' The Committee received
testimony from Hon. John D. Dingell, a Representative in
Congress from the 15th District of Michigan; Hon. Keith
Ellison, a Representative in Congress from the 5th District of
Minnesota; Hon. Frank Wolf, a Representative in Congress from
the 10th District of Virginia; Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, President
and Founder, American Islamic Forum for Democracy; Mr.Abdirizak
Bihi, Director, Somali Education and Social Advocacy Center;
Mr.Melvin Bledsoe, Private Citizen; and Sheriff Leroy Baca, Los
Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
One platform for Islamist radicalization is within the U.S.
prison system. In advance of a hearing on radicalization within
the U.S. prison system, Committee staff visited the
Administrative Maximum (ADX) prison in Florence, Colorado in
May 2011. Staff toured the facility and received a briefing on
the ongoing security threats at the prison, which houses a
number of former al-Qaeda members and affiliates.
On June 15, 2011, the Committee held the second in the
series of hearings entitled ``The Threat of Muslim-American
Radicalization in U.S. Prisons.'' The Committee received
testimony from Mr.Patrick T. Dunleavy, Ret. Deputy Inspector
General, Criminal Intelligence Unit, New York State Department
of Correctional Services; Mr.Kevin Smith, Former Assistant
United States Attorney, Central District of California;
Mr.Michael P. Downing, Commanding Officer, Counter-Terrorism
and Special Operations Bureau, Los Angeles Police Department;
and Dr. Bert Useem, Department Head and Professor, Sociology
Department, Purdue University.
On July 27, 2011, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Al Shabaab: Recruitment and Radicalization within the Muslim
American Community and the Threat to the Homeland.'' The
Committee received testimony from Mr.Ahmed Hussen, Canadian
Somali Congress National President; Mr.Thomas Joscelyn, Senior
Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Mr.William
Anders Folk, Former Assistant United States Attorney, District
of Minnesota; and Mr.Thomas E. Smith, Chief of Police, Saint
Paul, Minnesota.
On September 13, 2011, the Full Committee Chair testified
in the United Kingdom before the Home Affairs Committee of the
House of Commons. Chairman King responded to an invitation from
the Home Affairs Committee to appear as the first witness to
testify on the Committee's inquiry into the ``Roots of Violent
Radicalisation.'' Mr. King presented evidence based upon
findings from the series of hearings held this Congress.
On December 7, 2011, the Committee held a joint hearing
with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs entitled ``Homegrown Terrorism: The Threat to Military
Communities Inside the United States.'' This hearing was the
fourth in the Committee's series of hearings on radicalization,
and marked the first-ever joint hearing between the House and
Senate Homeland Security Committees since the inception of the
House Committee on Homeland Security in 2005. The Committees
received testimony from Hon. Paul N. Stockton, Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas'
Security Affairs, Office of Undersecretary of Defense for
Policy, Department of Defense, accompanied by: Mr.Jim
Stuteville, United States Army Senior Advisor,
Counterintelligence Operations and Liaison to the Federal
Bureau of Investigation; LTC Reid L. Sawyer, Director,
Combating Terrorism Center at West Point; and Mr.Daris Long,
Private Citizen.
In addition to the hearing, the Committee also released a
majority investigative report entitled ``Homegrown Terrorism:
The Threat To Military Communities Inside The United States.''
In advance of the hearing, joint House and Senate Committee
staffs held a number of briefings with Government officials and
experts from this field, including: counter-terror expert and
advisor to the Army Counterintelligence Operations; a
prosecutor in the case against Farooque Ahmed; a U.S. Navy
Medical Service Corps Commander, Middle East Foreign Area
Officer; the Deputy Executive Director of the American Muslim
Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs Council; and representatives
from think tanks.
Committee staff also received a number of official
government briefings on the terrorist threat to military
communities in the United States. Briefers included: the
Defense Intelligence Agency's Joint Intelligence Task Force-
Combating Terrorism (JITF-CT); the Naval Criminal Investigative
Service (NCIS); the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS); the Department
of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis
(I&A); and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In addition to the Committee's investigative hearings,
Committee staff have been engaged in oversight of the Federal
Government's efforts to counter radicalization. Committee staff
were briefed by officials from the Department of Homeland
Security, including the Principal Deputy Counterterrorism
Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the Secretary, who has been
directed to serve as the Department's lead on countering
violent extremism (CVE). The Committee's oversight has focused
specifically on the Administration's recently released
strategies, entitled ``Empowering Local Partners to Prevent
Violent Extremism in the United States'' and ``Strategic
Implementation Plan for Empowering Local Partners to Prevent
Violent Extremism in the United States.'' In addition,
Committee staff attended the Department's National Countering
Violent Extremism Workshop in August 2011.
The Committee also included two provisions within H.R.3116,
the ``Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2012'', to address the Administration's efforts to
counter violent extremism. The first provision requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to designate an official of the
Department to coordinate efforts to counter homegrown violent
Islamist extremism. The section requires the Director of the
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to report to the House
and Senate Committees on its counter-violent extremism
training.
OVERSIGHT OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE
One of the Committee's primary oversight responsibilities
is to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are spent wisely by
eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. As a result, the Committee
has made it a priority to identify high-risk programs and
ensure transparency within the Department of Homeland Security.
Committee staff held multiple meetings on the Department's
Transformation and Systems Consolidation (TASC) solicitation.
On May 20, 2011, Committee staff met with the Department's
Chief Financial Officer on the Department's decision to cancel
TASC following the Government Accountability Office's
recommendation to reevaluate the requirements. According to the
Department, the Federal Information Technology (IT) policy
changes, as well as advances in IT, altered the requirements
with regard to the scope of work and the need for an already
integrated finance, acquisition, and asset management solution.
On March 15, 2011, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security held a hearing entitled, ``Strengthening the Border -
Finding the Right Mix of Personnel, Infrastructure, and
Technology.'' The purpose of this hearing was to review
Department of Homeland Security actions related to the purchase
and deployment of border technology along with personnel and
infrastructure resources.
On April 5, 2011, the Chairmen of the Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications and the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies sent a letter to the Secretary of
Homeland Security requesting information on the procurement of
detection systems for biological agents.
On May 4, 2011, the Subcommittee on Transportation Security
held a legislative hearing on ``H.R.1690, the MODERN Security
Credentials Act.'' The purpose of the legislation and the
hearing is to address redundant and burdensome security
background checks conducted by the Transportation Security
Administration for transportation workers. The bill eliminates
a specific redundancy whereby commercial motor vehicle
operators must undergo two security threat assessments to gain
a Hazardous Materials Endorsement and a Transportation Worker
Identification Credential. During the hearing, witnesses
testified about the burden duplicative processes place on
workers, as well as the cost implications.
In addition to the hearings described above, the Committee
engaged in other oversight activities aimed at identifying and
addressing waste, fraud, and abuse within the Department. On
May 4, 2011, the Chair of the Emergency Preparedness, Response,
and Communications Subcommittee and the Chair of the Oversight,
Investigations, and Management Subcommittee sent a letter to
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
regarding processes for vetting employees with access systems
in response to a case of employee embezzlement.
On May 27, 2011, the Chair of the Oversight,
Investigations, and Management Subcommittee and Ranking Member
sent two letters to the Government Accountability Office to
conduct audits of the Department of Homeland Security related
to information technology governance and high-risk information
technology investments. Through this work, the Committee
intends to identify process improvements and potential cost
savings.
Committee Members and staff held a series of meetings with
Federal officials and private sector stakeholders regarding the
Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology
Directorate. The oversight included a review of the how the
Department could improve technology transfer with other Federal
agencies to enhance capability and reduce costs. In-depth staff
briefings continued on a bi-weekly basis to ensure that S&T
Directorate activities are addressing critical priorities. The
Under Secretary has also appeared before the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies to address budget prioritizations going forward.
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATIONS
CODEL Rogers (March 20-27, 2011)
From March 20 through March 27, 2011, the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security Chair led a Congressional Delegation to
the State of Israel to examine critical homeland security
issues including aviation security, counterterrorism,
intelligence and information sharing, and border security.
Members had the opportunity to meet with U.S. State Department
officials stationed in Israel and Israeli government officials,
including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of
Israel. Members examined various topics including, but not
limited to: U.S. relations with Israel; Israel's nuclear
program; Israeli security; counterterrorism; information
sharing; border security; and on-going threats to the region.
Members also visited Ben Gurion International airport, the
largest and busiest airport in Israel, to observe aviation
security measures and discuss cooperation on security.
CODEL McCaul (November 4-11, 2011)
From November 4 through 11, 2011, the Subcommittee on
Overight, Investigations, and Management Chair led a
Congressional Delegation to the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of
Turkey, and the Republic of Iraq. Members on the trip examined
counterterrorism efforts including general threats to the U.S.
Homeland; the Department of Homeland Security overseas
presence, including port security; examine local and regional
threats; and met with foreign officials.
As a result of information garnered during the CODEL, the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management Chair
sent a letter to the National Security Advisor to the
President, requesting the Administration consider several
observations and recommendations from the trip, which would
enhance National security.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, highlighted
the fact that our Nation's first responders lack true
interoperable communications. In the 10 years since the
attacks, billions of dollars have been spent, yet public safety
officers are unable to effectively communicate with one
another.
On February 1, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security's
Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) to receive an update
on OEC's current activities. Staff held a follow-up meeting
with OEC on March 23, 2011 to receive an update on the
completion of Goal 1 of the National Emergency Communications
Plan. From January 3, 2011 to May 13, 2011 Committee staff met
with representatives from various stakeholder organizations and
the private sector, including the Amateur Radio Relay League,
to inform the development and continued discussion of the
Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011 (H.R.607), which was
introduced by the Chair and Ranking Member of the Full
Committee on February 10, 2011.
On March 4, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Department of Homeland Security to receive a briefing
on the National Communication System. On May 13, 2011,
Committee staff attended a briefing provided by various State
and local stakeholder groups on the need for the allocation of
the D Block to public safety.
The Committee held a hearing on March 30, 2011, entitled
``Public Safety Communications: Are the Needs of Our First
Responders Being Met?'' The Committee received testimony from
Mr.William ``Bill'' D. Carrow, President, The Association of
Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International;
Sheriff Paul H. Fitzgerald, First Vice President, National
Sheriffs' Association; Chief John E. ``Jack'' Parow (Ret.),
President and Chairman of the Board, International Association
of Fire Chiefs; and Mr.Gregory L. Simay, At-Large Director, Los
Angeles Regional Interoperable Communication System. This
hearing reviewed the state of public safety communications, and
evaluated the progress that has been made since 9/11. Issues,
such as the need for a National interoperable public safety
wireless broadband network, the need to reallocate the D Block
to public safety uses, and the coordination between Federal,
State, and local partners were discussed.
MASS TRANSIT SECURITY
An attack on our Nation's mass transit systems could have
devastating consequences for innocent passengers, national
infrastructure, and our economy. Each year, the American public
takes over 10 billion trips on public transit systems,
traveling more than 55 billion miles annually.\1\ An attack on
one system could impact not only the immediately affected
system, but disrupt public transit systems throughout the
United States, thereby affecting the way tens of millions of
citizens get to work every day.
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\1\http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/FactBook/
APTA_2010_Fact_Book.pdf.
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Unlike aviation, mass transit relies on an open
infrastructure with multiple access points and a significantly
higher passenger volume. The tactics and techniques used for
passenger screening in aviation are generally not feasible in
the open environment of a mass transit system. Consequently,
these systems can be an attractive terrorist target. On
February 28, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee met with
representatives from Amtrak to discuss their rail security
initiatives and security problems.
The Full Committee held a hearing on May 4, 2011, entitled
``Securing Our Nation's Mass Transit Systems Against a
Terrorist Attack.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon.
John S. Pistole, Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security; Hon. W. Craig
Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Richard Daddario, Deputy
Commissioner for Counterterrorism, New York City Police
Department; Mr.Richard L. Rodriguez, President, Chicago Transit
Authority; and Mr.Daniel O. Hartwig, Deputy Chief-Operations,
BART Police Department, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit
(BART).
As a result of testimony received during the hearing,
Chairman King and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke sent a joint
letter to the Appropriations Committee Homeland Security
Subcommittee on May 6, 2011, requesting $300 million in funding
for the Transit Security Grant Program in Fiscal Year 2012.
SECURING SENSITIVE INFORMATION
In July 2010, WikiLeaks.org posted thousands of sensitive
and classified military documents on a website. This
intentional release of classified information significantly
jeopardized the lives of U.S. military and intelligence
personnel, as well as jeopardizing National Security. The
threat was compounded when WikiLeaks.org, in November 2010,
released another trove of documents which included thousands of
confidential diplomatic cables. As a continuation of the
Committee's oversight from the 111th Congress, the Chair of the
Full Committee sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department
of the Treasury seeking the have WikiLeaks and its founder
designated on the Specially Designated Nationals List.
PROSECUTION OF UNINDICTED CO-CONSPIRATORS
On May 27, 2009, the United Stated District Court in
Northern Texas handed down a decision to sentence the Holy Land
Foundation and its leaders on charges of providing material
support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
On April 15, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee sent a
letter to the Attorney General of the United States to inquire
about the decision to not prosecute the 246 individuals and
organizations named as unindicted co-conspirators in the U.S.
v. Holy Land Foundation. On April 29, 2011, the Committee
received a response.
On May 11, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee sent a
letter to the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff requesting an explanation of news reports
that the Defense Department may allow terrorist detainees held
at Guantanamo Bay to receive visits from wives and other family
members. The Chair of the Full Committee expressed grave
concern with the potential damage to our National security
posed by the prospect of such visits. The Committee received a
response on June 23, 2011, updating the Committee on the
procedures at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba relating to detainees and
their interactions with family members.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
The ``If You See Something, Say Something,'' program
originally implemented by New York City's Metropolitan
Transportation Authority, aims to engage the public and key
frontline employees to identify and report indicators of
terrorism, crime, and other threats to the appropriate
transportation and law enforcement authorities. The Committee
has worked with the Department of Homeland Security, as well as
other Federal, State, local, and private sector entities to
expand the ``If You See Something, Say Something'' campaign. On
January 26, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee, Mr. King,
introduced, H.R.495, the ``See Something Say Something Act of
2011''.
Provisions of H.R. 495 were included in H.R. 3116, the
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2011. For
further discussion, see H.R. 3116 listed above.
ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND FIRST RESPONDERS
On April 12, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee sent a
letter to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
expressing concern over the risk-based and effective allocation
of grant funds for the Urban Area Security Initiative. On April
29, 2011, the Committee received a response.
AVIATION SECURITY
On June 16, 2011, the Full Committee Chair and Ranking
Member sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA requesting
more information regarding a recent report of racial profiling
by Behavior Detection Officers at Newark Liberty International
Airport.
TERROR THREAT FROM IRAN
The Committee began an investigation into the exposure of
Iran's plot to assassinate the ambassador of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia to the United States in Washington, DC. Committee
staff met with a number of experts on this issue, including
representatives from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies
and the American Enterprise Institute. On November 22, 2011,
the Chair of the Full Committee and the Chairs of the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Management, and
the Subcommittee on on Counterterrorism and Intelligence sent a
letter to the President requesting a strong and effective
response to Iran's dangerous provocations.
DOD/CIA INVOLVEMENT IN BIN LADEN MISSION FILM
On August 9, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee sent a
letter to the Inspectors General of the Department of Defense
(DOD) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) expressing
concern regarding ongoing leaks of classified information
concerning sensitive military operations, specifically
allegations that Administration officials may have provided
filmmakers with details of the raid that successfully killed
Osama bin Laden. The Chair further requested an investigation
and classified briefing into this matter from the DOD and the
CIA's Inspectors General. On November 17, 2011, Committee staff
met with the Deputy Inspector General, Office of the Inspector
General for Intelligence and Special Program Assessments,
Department of Defense, to discuss further actions the office
plans to take with regard to this issue.
ANWAR AL-AWLAKI
On May 26, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee sent a
letter to the Attorney General of the United States requesting
documents and case files related to al-Qaeda in the Arabian
Peninsula (AQAP) terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki and his possible
involvement in the planning and execution of the September 11,
2001 terrorist attacks.
On October 25, 2011, the Full Committee Chair sent letters
to the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General of the
United States, and the Secretary of State seeking an
investigation into the roles of Anwar al-Awlaki, Eyad al-
Rababah, and Daoud Chehazeh in facilitating the attacks of
September 11, 2011.
----------
Full Committee Hearings Held
``Understanding the Homeland Threat Landscape-Considerations
for the 112th Congress.'' February 9, 2011. (Serial No.
112-1)
``The President's FY 2012 Budget Request for the Department of
Homeland Security.'' March 3, 2011. (Serial No. 112-6)
``The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community
and That Community's Response.'' March 10, 2011.
(Serial No. 112-9)
``Public Safety Communications: Are the Needs of Our First
Responders Being Met?''March 30, 2011. (Serial No. 112-
13)
``Securing Our Nation's Mass Transit Systems Against a
Terrorist Attack.'' May 4, 2011. (Serial No. 112-22)
``Threats to the American Homeland After Killing Bin Laden: An
Assessment.'' May 25, 2011. (Serial No. 112-9)
``The Threat of Muslim-American Radicalization in U.S.
Prisons.'' June 15, 2011. (Serial No. 112-9)
``Al Shabaab: Recruitment and Radicalization within the Muslim
American Community and the Threat to the Homeland.''
July 27, 2011. (Serial No. 112-9)
``The Attacks of September 11th: Where are We Today.''
September 8, 2011. (Serial No. 112-42)
``Homegrown Terrorism: The Threat to Military Communities
Inside the United States.'' December 7, 2011. Joint
hearing with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs. (Serial No. 112-63)
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies
Daniel E. Lungren, California, Chairman
Tim Walberg, Michigan
Patrick Meehan,
Pennsylvania
Billy Long, Missouri
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex
Officio) Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Laura Richardson, California
Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
----------
During the First Session of the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies held 11 hearings, receiving testimony
from 45 witnesses, and considered two measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2011
H.R.901
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify the
requirement that the Secretary of Homeland Security maintain
chemical facility anti-terrorism security regulations.
Summary
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
currently has authority to regulate chemical facilities under
the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) issued
pursuant to section 550 of the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act, 2007 (Pub.L. 109-295). H.R.901 codifies the
Secretary's authority to regulate chemical facility security
within the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and extend this
authority for 7 years to allow the program to be fully
implemented and achieve its objectives of enhancing chemical
facility security and reducing risks of terrorism. The
provisions contained in H.R.901 largely reflect the original
statute, i.e. Section 550, and will enable the Department of
Homeland Security and chemical facilities to continue
implementing CFATS uninterrupted using the existing risk-based,
performance-based approach without imposing additional,
burdensome requirements that could slow or hinder progress
being made by both the Department and the chemical facilities.
H.R.901 is intended to provide long-term certainty to the
Department and chemical facilities regarding the requirement to
improve security at our Nation's chemical facilities while
preserving the ability of American companies to compete, remain
innovative, and create jobs.
Legislative History
H.R.901 was introduced in the House on March 3, 2011, by
Mr.Daniel E. Lungren of California and eight original co-
sponsors and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Within
the Committee, H.R.901 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies.
The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Security Technologies considered H.R.901 on
April 14, 2011, and ordered the measure to be favorably
reported to the Full Committee, without amendment, by a roll
call vote of 6 yeas and 4 nays (Roll Call Vote No. 4).
On June 22, 2011, the Committee on Homeland Security met to
consider H.R.901 and ordered the measure to be reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee filed a report on H.R.901 in the House on
September 26, 2011, as H. Rpt. 112-224, Pt. 1. Referral of the
bill to the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on
September 26, 2011, for a period ending not later than November
11, 2011. Referral of the bill to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on November 11, 2011, for a period ending
not later than January 6, 2012.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE REFORM AND ENHANCEMENT ACT
H.R.2658
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the
ability of the Federal Protective Service to provide adequate
security for the prevention of terrorist activities and for the
promotion of homeland security, and for other purposes
Summary
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a series
of scathing reports highlighting deficiencies in the ability of
the Federal Protective Service (FPS) to protect Federal
facilities, specifically with regard to ability of FPS to
provide proper oversight over contract guards and provide
sufficient training (GAO-11-705R, GAO-11-554, GAO-11-492, and
GAO-11-813T). H.R. 2658 will improve security at Federal
facilities by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to
establish minimum training standards, improve systems for
verifying guard certifications, and standardize training. The
legislation requires the FPS to provide at least 16 hours of X-
ray and magnetometer training before a guard may stand post. It
also requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a five-year
staffing needs plan designed to addressing GAO's concerns that
FPS is unable to focus on its long-range needs. Further, the
bill authorizes FPS to conduct a covert testing program to test
guard competency and training. The legislation also establishes
baseline standards for contracts for security services,
establish a toll-free hotline to report security violations,
and require the Secretary to establish a standardized list of
items to be prohibited from entering a Federal facility.
Legislative History
H.R.2658 was introduced in the House on July 26, 2011, by
Mr.Daniel E. Lungren of California and referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R.2658 was referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.
On July 28, 2011, the Subcommittee considered H.R.2658 and
ordered the measure reported to the Full Committee for
consideration, with a favorable recommendation, amended, by
voice vote.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
CHEMICAL SECURITY
On February 11, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Preventing Chemical Terrorism: Building a Foundation
of Security at Our Nation's Chemical Facilities.'' This hearing
reviewed the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) risk-based
efforts to strengthen the security of hundreds of chemical
facilities around the Nation; assessed progress of the Chemical
Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) implementation;
examined actions that DHS and chemical facilities have taken to
date under the CFATS regulations and discussed near-term steps
to strengthen the program going forward in order to reach
longer-term goals; and examined whether the Department's
approach is striking an appropriate balance between
strengthening security and enabling growth in this vital sector
of our economy. The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon.
Rand Beers, Under Secretary, National Protection and Programs
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Timothy J.
Scott, Chief Security Officer, The Dow Chemical Company,
testifying on behalf of the American Chemistry Council; Dr. M.
Sam Mannan, PhD, PE, CSP, Regents Professor and Director, Mary
Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center, Texas A&M University
System; and Mr.George S.Hawkins, General Manager, District of
Columbia Water and Sewer Authority.
Committee staff participated in numerous meetings,
including conferences, with CFATS stakeholders. Committee staff
met with various representatives from the private sector in
addition to Federal Government entities impacted, or
prospectively impacted, by CFATS including the DHS National
Protection and Programs Directorate, the U.S. Coast Guard, the
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.
On May 11, 2011, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Speaker of the House requesting a
referral of H.R.908, the CFATS bill referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce, based on the jurisdiction of the
Committee on Homeland Security on CFATS matters.
These oversight activities led to the introduction of
H.R.901, discussed above, and will continue to inform the
Committee's legislative and oversight priorities related to
CFATS implementation, as well as the development of ammonium
nitrate regulations as required by the Secure Handling of
Ammonium Nitrate Act, Section 563 of the Fiscal Year 2008
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act (Pub.L. 110-
161).
NUCLEAR REACTOR FACILITY SECURITY
On March 11, 2011, an earthquake and tsunami struck Japan
causing an on-going nuclear emergency at the Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Station and a global impact on the nuclear
sector. Committee staff examined the integrated effort of
numerous U.S. Government agencies to support Japan's effort to
respond to this event -- as well as take lessons learned and
apply them to U.S. nuclear security activities, and the related
role of Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in order to
better prepare the nuclear sector for extreme events including
terrorist attacks on the homeland.
On March 25, 2011, Committee staff conducted a site visit
to the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant on the Chesapeake Bay
in Lusby, Maryland. This facility is owned by Constellation
Energy and located approximately 50 miles southeast of
Washington, DC. The trip provided staff with an opportunity to
observe nuclear power plant security measures (physical
security, cybersecurity, and personnel security) to determine
how the facility interacts with the Department of Homeland
Security and State and local first responders to address
vulnerabilities and respond to a potential attack or accident
at the facility. The Committee will continue to examine what
steps the Nation's nuclear energy industry is taking to ensure
the safe and secure operation of facilities in light of the
events in Japan.
Committee staff toured the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) Emergency Operations Center on May 6, 2011, and received
briefings on the mission, goals, and functions of the NRC and,
specifically, on the NRC Emergency Preparedness and Response
Program and the NRC's security policy and operations to ensure
NRC-regulated nuclear facilities remain among the Nation's most
secure critical infrastructures. Partnerships between the NRC
and the DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as the
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, the National Protection and
Programs Directorate, and State and local entities were
explored.
On May 12, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Indian Point Energy Center, a nuclear energy plant in
Buchanan, New York, situated along the Hudson River,
approximately 25 miles north of Manhattan. These
representatives provided their perspective on the implications
of the events at Fukushima for the U.S. nuclear energy
industry, as well as a detailed overview of the multiple
barriers and redundant systems in place to prevent and prepare
for such an event whether due to natural causes or potential
terrorist attacks.
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) pose a daunting challenge
to homeland security because of their great potential to cause
catastrophic consequences. Terrorists actively seek to acquire,
build, and use such weapons and technologies. Dangerous
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN)
materials, technology, and knowledge, often dual-use, circulate
with ease in our global economy and are controlled unevenly
around the world, making it difficult to limit their access and
movement and ultimately prevent terrorist acts. The Commission
on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD Commission) has released
several reports in recent years detailing that these agents
remain a threat, and that biological and nuclear weapons in
particular are most concerning. In the 111th Congress, then-
Ranking Member Peter King and former Committee Member Bill
Pascrell introduced bipartisan legislation focused on achieving
success in countering the WMD threat (H.R.5057).
During the 112th Congress, the Committee has continued to
examine efforts across the Federal Government aimed at
expanding and strengthening capabilities to prevent, detect,
protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from such
attacks. Committee staff met with stakeholders involved in
activities across the spectrum of WMD defense to keep Members
informed of advances being made, as well as gaps that persist.
Additionally, Mr. Pascrell, the Chair of the Full Committee,
and 9 current Members of the Committee on Homeland Security
introduced H.R. 2356 on June 24, 2011.
On March 31, 2011, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on
Homeland Security urging continued support for appropriations
for radiological and nuclear transformational research and
development within the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office's
(DNDO) budget, instead of transferring this portfolio to the
Science & Technology Directorate per the President's budget
request, to enable DNDO to continue carrying out its activities
as authorized under the SAFE Port Act of 2006 (Pub.L. 109-347).
On April 5, 2011, the Chair of the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies and the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland
Security requesting responses related to the procurement of
Generation-3 BioWatch detection systems. The response was
deemed inadequate to assure the Committee that the Department's
decisions to-date on the Gen-3 procurement are the product of a
sound acquisition process and based on valid science, and
whether, going forward, the Department has in place the tools,
technical expertise, and acquisition policies and procedures to
effectively support the successful delivery of the needed rapid
biodetection capability. As such, the Subcommittee Chairmen
requested on November 17, 2011, that the Government
Accountability Office investigate further.
On April 7, 2011, Committee staff observed the Securing the
Cities (STC) full-scale exercise in New York City, New York
(NYC). STC is a successful initiative by DNDO to reduce the
risk of a radiological or nuclear attack on the NYC region by
enhancing regional capabilities to detect, identify, and
interdict illicit radioactive materials. STC involves 13
principal partners coordinated through the New York Police
Department (NYPD). The exercise served as a milestone to assess
the effectiveness of the program to-date. Ultimately, DHS
envisions utilizing the detection and interdiction architecture
implemented in NYC as a template for radiological and nuclear
protection of other U.S. cities. During the exercise, Committee
staff toured the Lower Manhattan Security Coordination Center
and learned of the NYC infrastructure being protected by STC;
visited the NYPD Emergency Operations Center to observe
regional cooperation and real-time information sharing among
Federal, State, county, and city agencies in the tri-State
area; and observed the exercise at multiple choke points
including land and sea to view fixed, mobile, maritime, and
human-portable radiation detection systems in use.
In addition to the STC exercise, DNDO conducted an external
assessment of the STC program. On May 5, 2011, Committee staff
received a briefing from the STC Strategic Assessment Team led
by experts from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory, and the University of Tennessee.
The assessment concluded that the STC initiative is a valuable,
worthwhile program that should be completed in the New York
City region and, in parallel, expanded to other cities in a
phased approach.
Since the beginning of the 112th Congress, Committee staff
participated in numerous meetings with DNDO and radiological/
nuclear defense stakeholders to ensure that Members were
informed and in a position to conduct appropriate oversight. In
particular, Committee staff received a briefing from senior
officials on the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture
Strategic Plan delivered in December 2010 and discussed next
steps in developing Implementation Plans.
In addition, representatives from the National Academy of
Sciences (NAS) briefed staff on the Academy's 2011 report,
``Evaluating Testing, Costs, and Benefits of Advanced
Spectroscopic Portals (ASPs).'' DNDO subsequently provided the
Committee with information on how it is addressing the
recommendations from NAS on the ASP program. On July 25, 2011,
DNDO Director Stern notified the Committee of the termination
of the ASP program and on August 9, 2011, DNDO briefed
Committee staff on the plan going forward.
The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Security Technologies, Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications held a
joint classified Member briefing on the present and evolving
threat of WMD terrorism on May 13, 2011. Representatives from
the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, National
Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and the National
Counterproliferation Center (NCPC) briefed Members on terrorist
intent, capability, and plans to develop, acquire, and use CBRN
weapons. This information will provide the foundational
underpinning for the Committee's future legislative and
oversight activities to address shortfalls in National WMD
preparedness.
On June 23, 2011, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications held a joint hearing, prior to introduction, on
H.R.#56, the ``WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011.''
The Subcommittees received testimony from Hon. William J.
Pascrell Jr. a Representative in Congress from the 8th District
of New Jersey; Senator Jim Talent, Vice Chairman, The
Bipartisan WMD Center; Dr. Robert P. Kadlec, Former Special
Assistant to the President for Biodefense; and Mr.Richard H.
Berdnik, Sheriff, Passaic County, New Jersey. Following the
hearing, Mr. Pascrell and 10 current Members of the Committee
on Homeland Security introduced H.R. 2356 on June 24, 2011.
H.R. 2356 was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Between June and December 2011, Committee staff met with
stakeholders, including Federal officials and the private
sector, to examine progress in the development of alternatives
to Helium-3 for radiation detection equipment. On September 23,
2011, DHS officials provided an update to Committee staff on
the recent outcome of tests on alternative neutron detection
technology and plans going into FY 2012. Throughout the 112th
session, Committee staff will continue to assess progress
toward replacement technologies that address the Helium-3
shortage.
Throughout the month of July 2011, Committee staff attended
a seminar series entitled ``Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear
Security: History, Policy, and Outlook'' organized by the
Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy at the
American Association for the Advancement of Science. Through
December 2011, Committee staff also attended seminars offered
to Congressional staff by the Center for Biosecurity at the
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on U.S. preparedness
for biological and nuclear attacks. The insight offered by
nuclear and biological experts improved the Committee awareness
of current gaps in preparedness and will continue to inform the
Committee's oversight of WMD activities.
On July 26, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The Last Line of Defense: Federal, State, and Local Efforts
to Prevent Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism Within the United
States.'' The hearing examined Federal, State, and local
efforts to implement the domestic portion of the Global Nuclear
Detection Architecture (GNDA), with a focus on efforts to build
capability in the interior of the U.S. including through the
Securing the Cities program. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr.Warren M. Stern, Director, Domestic Nuclear
Detection Office, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Carl
Pavetto, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Emergency
Operations, National Nuclear Security Administration,
Department of Energy; Mr.Richard Daddario, Deputy Commissioner
for Counterterrorism, New York City Police Department; Mr.Mark
Perez, Homeland Security Advisor, Florida Department of Law
Enforcement; and Mr.David C. Maurer, Director, Homeland
Security and Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office.
This hearing examined Federal, State, and local efforts to
implement the domestic portion of GNDA, with a focus on efforts
to build capability within the interior of the U.S. The hearing
addressed issues including how the Federal Government works
with State and local stakeholders to build basic detection
architectures and enhance awareness of radiological and nuclear
threats; whether a clear delineation of roles and
responsibilities exists; the extent of integration of efforts
and technology across all levels of government; and cost-
effective approaches to meet the needs of the GNDA.
From August 10-17, 2011, Committee staff traveled to the
United Kingdom and Austria to engage government and
international officials on nuclear security issues of mutual
interest. Staff visited the Ministry of Defence and Aldermaston
Weapons Establishment while in the United Kingdom, and the
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization and the
International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.
AMMONIUM NITRATE
Between June and December 2011, Committee staff met with
stakeholders from the private sector and the Federal Government
to discuss the development of ammonium nitrate regulations as
required by the Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act,
(Section 563 of the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland
Security Appropriations Act (Pub.L. 110-161)). Following the
release of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Department
of Homeland Security officials briefed Committee staff on
August 3, 2011, on the path forward for the ammonium Nitrate
NPRM; however, Department policy restrictions prevented further
discussions with the Committee until after the comment period
closed on December 1, 2011.
Through the ``Department of Homeland Security Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2012,'' H.R.3116, the Committee addressed
initial concerns that the Department is overreaching beyond the
Congressional intent established within the Ammonium Nitrate
Act. The Committee does not intend for the Department to
regulate the entire chain of custody of ammonium nitrate, just
the point of sale. Thus, H.R.3116 includes a provision that
clarifies that transportation providers who are already subject
to a sufficient security program will be exempt from the
ammonium nitrate regulations.
See additional discussion of H.R. 3116, listed above.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
During the 112th Congress, to-date, Committee staff
conducted meetings with Federal officials, academic experts,
the private sector, and other stakeholders on the mission and
operations of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS)
Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate. The S&T Directorate
is the component responsible for research, development,
testing, and evaluation of homeland security technologies. The
Directorate was established upon the creation of the Department
and has experienced considerable growing pains and
Congressional scrutiny during its eight years of existence.
In 2009, the S&T Directorate underwent a structural
realignment, developed a strategic plan, and conducted an
expansive portfolio analysis that informed resource allocation
and Fiscal Year 2012 budget planning. The Subcommittee's
oversight has focused on examining: (1) the linkage between the
S&T's strategic plan and its programs; (2) inadequate
transparency and detail in its budget justifications; (3) the
persistent lack of responsiveness to the needs of its customers
and end-users; (4) S&T's ability to provide scientific and
technical support to components throughout a technology's
acquisition lifecycle; (5) leveraging of the scientific capital
of the Department of Energy National Laboratories, other
Federal Departments and agencies, academia, and the private
sector; and (6) the failure to more rapidly develop and
transition homeland security technologies. The Subcommittee
will continue to monitor the Directorate as it evolves and
assess whether it is achieving the goals and objectives stated
in its strategic plan.
On March 31, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Department's Centers of Excellence (COEs) to learn
about the tools, technologies, and other capabilities being
developed by this network of universities and partners. The
Subcommittee's continued oversight will focus on examining the
linkages between the COEs, the Department, and other customers,
as well as the ability of the COEs to provide enduring, cross-
cutting technology and basic research needs for the Department
and the Nation.
Committee staff attended the DHS S&T Expo on April 28, 2011
in Washington, DC. At the expo, S&T demonstrated and displayed
homeland security technologies that support our Nation,
including first responders, when protecting, responding, and
recovering from hazards and terrorist attacks. Staff interacted
with subject matter experts from the Department, as well as
Department-funded laboratories and other technology developers.
On June 6, 2011, Committee staff held a roundtable
discussion with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology
at the Department. The Under Secretary addressed the shifting
strategy of the Directorate toward rapid fielding of technology
and acquisition support, interagency collaboration on research
priorities, and the implications of proposed research and
development budget cuts on homeland security.
On June 15, 2011, Committee staff attended a discussion at
the S&T Directorate regarding international collaborative
research and development efforts.
On August 3, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
the S&T Directorate on its agriculture security activities.
On August 9, 2011, representatives from the S&T Directorate
briefed Committee staff on approaches to protect against and
mitigate damage to New York City's network of tunnels.
On October 5, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Commonwealth of Australia to discuss
mechanisms for coordinating research and development
internationally and cost-sharing in order to advance national
security and innovation.
Begining on October 18, 2011, Committee staff initiated a
series of Committee staff briefings at which the DHS S&T
provided in-depth discussions of the activities of each of its
divisions on a bi-weekly basis. To-date, representatives from
DHS have briefed staff on the Explosives Division, the Borders
and Maritime Division, the Human Factors Division, the Chemical
and Biological Defense Division, and the Cybersecurity
Division. The S&T briefing series is expected to continue
throughout the remainder of the 112th Congress.
On November 17, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``S&T on a Budget: Finding Smarter Approaches to Spur
Innovation, Impose Discipline, Drive Job Creation and
Strengthen Homeland Security.'' Given the new reality facing
S&T of significant budgetary pressures going forward, the
hearing examined S&T's evolving mission, organization, assets
and activities. Particular emphasis was placed on: (1) the
balance of the directorate's programs (e.g., long-term vs.
near-term R&D, T&E, acquisition support); (2) its priorities
and how they are set; (3) its relationships with other R&D
organizations and the allocation of resources between
government, industry, and academia; (4) its strategic planning
process; (5) stakeholder involvement in setting research
priorities; and other concerns. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Hon. Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary, Science and
Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and
Mr.David C. Maurer, Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
SAFETY ACT IMPLEMENTATION
The Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective
Technologies Act of 2002 (SAFETY Act), (6 U.S.C. 441 et seq.;
Title VIII, Subtitle G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
Pub.L. 107-296) was intended to encourage the development and
deployment of anti-terrorism technologies by limiting the
liability of sellers of the technology and others in the
distribution and supply chain for third-party claims arising
out of acts of terrorism where the technology has been deployed
to prevent, respond to, or recover from such events. Despite
Congressional intent for broad application and use of the
SAFETY Act protections and efforts by the Department to
streamline the SAFETY Act application process, the Department
of Homeland Security continues to experience difficulty
generating interest in the program and developing efficient
internal review processes.
Committee staff met with Department officials to monitor
the program's progress and consulted with various stakeholders
concerned with the pace and requirements of the SAFETY Act
review process. Other aspects of Subcommittee oversight
included the application burden, general program awareness,
options for expedited review, renewal process and rate, and the
SAFETY Act's coordination with procurement.
On March 9, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee and the
Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Department's
Under Secretary for the Science and Technology Directorate
requesting an update on the implementation of the SAFETY Act,
including: annual data on quantity of applications,
designations, and certifications; corresponding data on renewal
applications; processing times; review process and criteria;
use of the pre-qualification process; program metrics; and
program costs. The Committee received a response on May 13,
2011.
On May 26, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Unlocking the SAFETY Act's Potential to Promote Technology
and Combat Terrorism.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr.Paul Benda, Acting Deputy Under Secretary, Science &
Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security;
Mr.Marc Pearl, President and Chief Executive Officer, Homeland
Security and Defense Business Counsel; Mr.Brian Finch, Partner,
Dickstein Shapiro LLP; Mr.Scott Boylan, Vice President and
General Counsel, Morpho Detection, Inc.; and Mr.Craig Harvey,
Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice President, NVision
Solutions, Inc.
On September 14, 2011, Committee staff received their first
quarterly briefing from the Department on the status of SAFETY
Act implementation at the May 26th hearing. Topics discussed
included SAFETY Act progress in terms of numbers of
certifications and designations, addition of new block
designations and certifications, and other accomplishments to-
date as well as challenges.
CYBERSECURITY THREAT
The threat posed by hackers, nation states, terrorists, and
common thieves to the critical infrastructure of the Nation has
only increased in recent years. It is important that the
Subcommittee understand the threat environment and the
implications to the security of the country. Committee staff
participated in multiple briefings and meetings with
stakeholders including officials from the Intelligence
Community and the Department of Homeland Security.
On February 11, 2011, Members of the Subcommittee received
a classified Member-only briefing on an assessment of the
current cybersecurity threat. Representatives from the
Department of Homeland Security and the National Security
Agency were present.
On March 16, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Examining the Cyber Threat to Critical Infrastructure and the
American Economy.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Hon. Phillip Reitinger, Deputy Under Secretary, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr.Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, Information
Security Issues, Government Accountability Office; Dr. Phyllis
Schneck, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, McAfee
Inc.; Mr.James A. Lewis, Director and Senior Fellow, Technology
and Public Policy Program, Center for Strategic and
International Studies; and Ms.Mischel Kwon, President, Mischel
Kwon Associates.
CYBERSECURITY
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the primary
point of contact and coordination for all civilian, non-
intelligence U.S. Government networks as well as privately held
critical infrastructure. Understanding how the Department
currently fulfills that role and how it can improve its
relationship with other Federal agencies as well as with the
private sector is an important function of the Subcommittee.
Committee staff participated in numerous meetings with private
stakeholders as well as the Department to support the Members
of the Subcommittee in their conduct of oversight.
On April 15, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The DHS Cybersecurity Mission: Promoting Innovation and
Securing Critical Infrastructure.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr.Sean McGurk, Director, National Cybersecurity
and Communications Integration Center, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr.Gerry Cauley, President and CEO, North American
Electric Reliability Corporation; Ms.Jane Carlin, Chair,
Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council; and Mr.Edward
Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer,
AT&T.
On June 24, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Examining the Homeland Security Impact of the Obama
Administration's Cybersecurity Proposal.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ms.Melissa Hathaway, President,
Hathaway Global Strategies, LLC; Dr. Greg Shannon, Chief
Scientist for Computer Emergency Readiness Team, Software
Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University; Mr.Leigh
Williams, BITS President, The Financial Services Roundtable;
and Mr.Larry Clinton, President, Internet Security Alliance.
On July 14, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair received a
classified cybersecurity operations briefing from the
Department of Homeland Security's Under Secretary for National
Protection and Programs Directorate.
On August 25, 2011, Committee staff received a classified
briefing on the status of the Einstein 3 program by DHS
National Cyber Security Division.
On September 9, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
from the Department's Acting Assistant Secretary for
Cybersecurity and Communications on cybersecurity training and
educational outreach efforts.
On September 22, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair received a
classified cybersecurity operations briefing from Acting Deputy
Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs
Directorate.
On October 6, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Cloud Computing: What are the Security Implications?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Richard Spires, Chief
Information Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Dr.
David McClure, Associate Administrator, Office of Citizen
Services and Innovative Technologies, General Services
Administration; Mr.Greg Wilshusen, Director of Information
Security Issues, Government Accountability Office; Mr.James W.
Sheaffer, President, North American Public Sector, Computer
Sciences Corporation; Mr.Timothy Brown, Senior Vice President,
and Chief Architect for Security, CA Technologies; Mr.James R.
Bottum, Vice Provost for Computing & Information Technology,
and Chief Information Officer, Clemson University; and Mr.John
Curran, Chief Executive Officer, American Registry of Internet
Numbers.
On October 14, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives from the National Critical Infrastructure
Protection Program.
On November 8, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing on
the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT)
from the acting US-CERT Director.
On November 10, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
on the Office of Federal Network Security from representatives
from the National Cyber Security Division.
On November 16, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair and Ranking
Member received a classified cybersecurity operations briefing
by Acting Deputy Under Secretary National Protection and
Programs Directorate.
On December 6, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Hearing on Draft Legislative Proposal on
Cybersecurity.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Ms.Cheri McGuire, Vice President of Global Government Affairs
and Cybersecurity Policy, Symantec Corporation; Dr. Greg
Shannon, Chief Scientist for Computer Emergency Readiness Team,
Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University;
Mr.Gregory T. Nojeim, Senior Counsel and Director, Project on
Freedom, Security & Technology, Center for Democracy &
Technology; and Mr.Kevin R. Kosar, Analyst in American
Government, Congressional Research Service.
This hearing examined the Directorate's evolving mission,
organization, assets and activities. Particular emphasis was
placed on prioritization of the Directorate's programs, its
relationships with other organizations and the allocation of
resources between government, industry, and academia, its
strategic planning process, and stakeholder involvement in
setting research priorities.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY
Committee staff received multiple briefings from the
Department of Homeland Security'd National Protection and
Programs Directorate (NPPD), specifically with the Office of
Infrastructure Protection on activities conducted by the Risk
Management Analysis, Enhanced Critical Infrastructure Program
(ECIP), Protected Critical Infrastructure Information Program
(PCII), as well as meetings with the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) and the Congressional Research Service regarding
the current state of critical infrastructure protection.
On February 24, 2011, Committee staff visited the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The briefing provided an
overview of FERC's jurisdiction and authorities, a look at the
electricity and natural gas markets, major rulemakings
currently under way, and it provided an opportunity to share
information on electric transmission, smart grid security and
cybersecurity. The visit also included tours of FERC's market
monitoring and reliability monitoring centers.
On April 26, 2011, Committee staff visited the House of
Representatives mail facility in Capitol Heights, Maryland. The
briefing and facility tour focused on security measures and
screening protocols in place for detecting dangerous materials
in the mail system. Staff also received an overview of the
facility's coordination with the United State Postal Service
and private partners FedEx and UPS.
On May 24, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair requested a GAO
study of the Department of Homeland Security's decision to
change its process for assessing Level 1 and Level 2 status to
critical infrastructure.
On May 24, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair requested a GAO
study of the Department of Homeland Security's ability to
identify and resolve cross-sector dependencies. These
dependencies are created by statute or regulation and could
force the outage of two or more sectors (i.e. electric and gas)
simultaneously.
The Full Committee Chair and the Subcommittee Chair sent a
letter to the Under Secretary for NPPD indicating that the
reorganization of the National Programs and Protection
Directorate without notice to Congress would be in violation of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The letter, sent on June 1,
2011 requested an immediate and complete briefing on the matter
before the Full Committee. Committee staff met with the NPPD
Chief of Staff on June 3, 2011 to discus this matter.
From June 7 through 11, 2001, Committee staff joined Senate
and Department representatives on the United States - European
Union Expert Meeting on Critical Infrastructure Protection. The
meeting covered the following topics: information sharing,
international cooperation, interdependencies, the economics of
critical infrastructure protection and the threat of solar
weather on critical infrastructure.
On June 3, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
the Director of the National Space Weather Prediction Center on
the science of space weather predictions. This included an
overview of potential impacts of a heightened solar storm
season on critical infrastructure.
On June 7, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing on
IBM's Global Critical Infrastructure Project from the company's
Vice President. Staff received an overview of IBM's work to
improve government efficiency and information sharing,
particularly in the arenas of cyber security and supply chain
security.
On June 15, 2011, Committee staff briefing with DHS on
special events risk assessment and prioritization process. DHS
experts explained the intra-agency coordination process and the
system for ranking various events based on risk factors.
On June 16, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing on
underwater cable reliability from TE Connectivity. Underwater
cable and cable landings are critical infrastructure within the
spirit of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. Staff
learned of the specific benefits and vulnerabilities of
underwater cable.
On June 16, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
the Office for Bombing Prevention on the status of the
Department's efforts to establish explosives detection canine
standards.
On July 20, 2011, Committee staff received a classified
briefing on DHS Critical Foreign Dependencies Initiative
(CFDI). The CFDI focuses on identifying infrastructure risks
and vulnerabilities across borders. DHS Office of
Infrastructure Protection and Risk Management Analysis staff
provided an overview of the methodology and criteria used in
determining dependencies. Staff assembled a classified
reference binder for Members with locations and specific
information about critical infrastructure.
On July 29, 2011, Committee staff visited The University of
Maryland Center for Critical Infrastructure Sensor Networks.
The campus in College Park, Maryland is a Department of
Homeland Security Center of Excellence focusing on applied
science related to understanding and combating terrorism.
Applications for the sensor network include: disaster response,
critical infrastructure protection, intelligence sharing. The
Center also houses START, the National Consortium for the Study
of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism.
On August 3, 2011, Committee staff met with staff from the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review and
survey design for statutory dependency research project
initiated in May 2011.
On August 30, 2011, Committee staff conducted a site visit
to the Port of Baltimore and toured a cable landing ship and
held a meeting with a private company security director on
critical infrastructure protection and resiliency.
On October 6, 2011, Committee staff attended the
Congressional Solar Weather and Electro Magnetic Pulse
Briefing, hosted by DHS and the National Defense University.
Staff attended subsequent forums where Subcommittee Members
addressed the conference.
On November 3, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing on
the Department's Operation Global Shield, a border security and
counter-proliferation initiative.
On November 9, 2011, Committee staff visited the Department
of Defense (DOD) Cyber Command for overview of activities,
legal authorities and visit to the DOD/National Security Agency
Joint Operations Center.
On December 13, 2011, the Subcommittee held a Member
briefing on the present and evolving threat to dam security.
Representatives from the Dams Sector Branch of the Office of
Infrastructure Protection, National Protection and Programs
Directorate (NPPD) of the Department of Homeland Security
responded to Member concerns.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
The Federal Protective Service (FPS) is a vital component
within the Department of Homeland Security. The FPS's mission
of securing Government buildings and its occupants is critical
to protecting thousands of government employees working in
Federal buildings across the Nation.
On February 25, 2011, Committee staff visited an FPS
facility in Alexandria, Virginia. Staff received an overview of
FPS' mission to secure Federal buildings. The visit included a
brief on the agency's legal authorities, as well as its budget,
recruiting, and training challenges.
On March 8, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent letter to the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review of
FPS' management of its contract guard program. The Subcommittee
Chair sent an additional letter on March 14, 2011, requesting a
comprehensive review of changes in physical security in Federal
facilities since September 11, 2001.
On May 23, 2011, the Deputy Director of FPS provided a
briefing for Committee staff on the corrective actions taken at
the Detroit Federal Building after a bombing attempt.
On May 23, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent letter to GAO
requesting a comprehensive review on FPS future plans following
decision to move away from the Risk Assessment Management
Program.
On July 13, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Securing Federal Facilities: Challenges of the Federal
Protective Service and the Need for Reform.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr.L. Eric Patterson, Director, Federal
Protective Service; Mr.Mark L. Goldstein, Director Physical
Infrastructure, Government Accountability Office; Mr.Steve
Amitay, Legislative Counsel, National Association of Security
Companies; and Mr.David Wright, President, National Federal
Protective Service Union, American Federation of Government
Employees.
This hearing allowed Members to examine several perennial
and reoccurring issues impacting the ability of the FPS to
complete its mission of securing and safeguarding Federal
facilities and their occupants. The hearing also provided the
recently appointed FPS Director an opportunity to explain his
vision for the organization, and provide the Subcommittee an
opportunity to identify areas of concern that may need to be
addressed through further Congressional oversight and
legislative reform.
On September 27, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Federal Protective Service Union to
discuss ongoing concerns.
On November 10, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from GAO to discuss ongoing work done at the
request of the Committee as well as preliminary findings.
On November 16, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter
to GAO requesting an assessment of the adequacy the evacuation
plans of Federal facilities.
On November 16, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter
to GAO requesting an assessment of how facility security risk
assessments are conducted across the Government.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Preventing Chemical Terrorism: Building a Foundation of
Security at Our Nation's Chemical Facilities.''
February 11, 2011. (Serial No. 112-3)
``Examining the Cyber Threat to Critical Infrastructure and the
American Economy.'' March 16, 2011. (Serial No. 112-11)
``The DHS Cybersecurity Mission: Promoting Innovation and
Securing Critical Infrastructure.'' Apr. 15, 2011.
(Serial No. 112-19)
``Unlocking the SAFETY Act's Potential to Promote Technology
and Combat Terrorism.'' May 26, 2011. (Serial No. 112-
26)
``H.R._, the `WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011.'''
June 23, 2011. Joint hearing with the Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications
(Serial No. 112-32)
``Examining the Homeland Security Impact of the Obama
Administration's Cybersecurity Proposal.'' June 24,
2011. (Serial No. 112-33)
``Securing Federal Facilities: Challenges of the Federal
Protective Service and the Need For Reform.'' July 13,
2011 (Serial No. 112-38)
``The Last Line of Defense: Federal, State, and Local Efforts
to Prevent Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism Within
the United States.''July 26, 2011 (Serial No. 112-40)
``Cloud Computing: What are the Security Implications?''
October 6, 2011. (Serial No. 112-50)
``S&T on a Budget: Finding Smarter Approaches to Spur
Innovation, Impose Discipline, Drive Job Creation and
Strengthen Homeland Security.'' November 17, 2011.
(Serial No. 112-57)
``Hearing on Draft Legislative Proposal on Cybersecurity.''
December 6, 2011. (Serial No. 112-61)
Subcommittee on Transportation Security
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Chairman
Daniel E. Lungren, Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
California Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tim Walberg, Michigan Jackie Speier, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Joe Walsh, Illinois, Vice Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Chair (Ex Officio)
Robert L. Turner, New York
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
----------
During the First Session of the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security held 10 hearings,
receiving testimony from 41 witnesses, and considered four
measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OMBUDSMAN ACT OF 2011
H.R.1165
To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish an
Ombudsman Office within the Transportation Security
Administration for the purpose of enhancing transportation
security by providing confidential, informal, and neutral
assistance to address work-place related problems of
Transportation Security Administration employees, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1165 enhances transportation security by providing
confidential, informal, and neutral assistance to address work-
place related problems of Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) employees by strengthening and refining
the role of the TSA Office of Ombudsman.
Legislative History
H.R.1165 was introduced in the House on March 17, 2011, by
Ms.Jackson Lee of Texas, Ms.Speier, Mr.Thompson of Mississippi,
and Mr.Davis of Illinois, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R.1165 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Subcommittee on Transportation Security considered
H.R.1165 on May 12, 2011, and ordered the measure reported,
favorably, to the Full Committee, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee considered H.R.1165 on September 21, 2011,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
with a favorable recommendation, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.1165 to the House on November 4,
2011, as H. Rpt. 112-270.
AVIATION SECURITY STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION ACT OF 2011
H.R.1447
To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant
Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security
Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory
Committee, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1447 directs the Assistant Secretary of the
Transportation Security Administration to establish an Aviation
Security Advisory Committee. The Assistant Secretary is
required to consult with the Advisory Committee on aviation
security matters and the development of recommendations to
improve aviation security.
Legislative History
H.R.1447 was introduced in the House on April 8, 2011, by
Mr.Thompson of Mississippi and Ms.Jackson Lee of Texas, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R.1447 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security.
On September 21, 2011, the Chair discharged the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security from further
consideration of H.R.1447. The Committee proceeded to the
consideration of H.R.1447 and ordered the measure to be
reported to the House, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.1447 to the House on November 4,
2011, as H. Rpt. 112-269.
MODERNIZING OF DOCUMENTATION AND ELIMINATION OF REDUNDANT
IDENTIFICATION AND SECURITY CREDENTIALS ACT
H.R.1690
To amend titles 49 and 46, United States Code, and the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 to provide for certain improvements in
surface transportation security, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1690 requires the Department of Homeland Security to
establish a comprehensive task force with representatives from
industry, labor, and Federal Government agencies to evaluate
the effects of harmonizing the disqualifying offenses and
waiver processes for transportation workers, evaluate potential
fee reductions for transportation workers, and provide its
recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security. The bill
ensures that airport operators continue to manage their own
security credentialing programs. This will give local airports
the flexibility they need to enhance their own security,
provided they meet minimum Federal standards.
This legislation eliminates a redundancy whereby commercial
motor vehicle operators must undergo a Federal security threat
assessment in order to obtain a Hazardous Materials Endorsement
(HME), which is needed to transport hazardous materials, and a
similar assessment to obtain a Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC), which is needed to enter onto
a port facility. Instead, this bill repeals the requirements
for a threat assessment as part of an HME, and requires all
commercial truck drivers who carry security-sensitive cargo to
simply obtain a TWIC. The Secretary of Homeland Security is
required to identify a list of all security-sensitive materials
-- materials that have a security nexus and have potential
links to terrorism.
Legislative History
H.R.1690 was introduced in the House on May 3, 2011, by
Mr.Rogers of Alabama, Mr.McCaul, Mr.Walsh of Illinois, and
Mr.Brooks and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R.1690 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Transportation Security.
On May 4, 2011 the Subcommittee on Transportation Security
held a hearing on ``H.R.1690, the MODERN Security Credentials
Act.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.Stephen
Sadler, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Transportation Threat
Assessment and Credentialing, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Darrell
S.Bowman, Group Leader, Advanced Systems & Applications,
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute; Ms.Jeanne M. Olivier,
A.A.E., Assistant Director, Aviation Security & Technology,
Aviation Department, The Port Authority of New York & New
Jersey (testifying on behalf of the American Association of
Airport Executives); Mr.Martin Rojas, Vice President, Security
& Operations, American Trucking Association; and Mr.Randall H.
Walker, Director of Aviation, Las Vegas McCarran International
Airport, Clark County Department of Aviation (testifying on
behalf of the Airports Council International-North America).
The Subcommittee on Transportation Security considered
H.R.1690 on May 12, 2011, and ordered the measure reported,
favorably, to the Full Committee, amended, by voice vote.
RISK-BASED SECURITY SCREENING FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ACT
H.R.1801
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited
security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.
Summary
This legislation directs the Transportation Security
Administration to develop and implement a plan to provide
expedited screening for any member of the U.S. Armed Forces-and
any accompanying family member-when that individual is
traveling on official orders through a primary airport.
Legislative History
H.R.1801 was introduced in the House on May 10, 2011, by
Mr.Cravaack, Mr.Bachus, and Mr.Rogers of Alabama, and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R.1801 was referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security.
The Subcommittee on Transportation Security considered
H.R.1801 on May 12, 2011, and ordered the measure reported,
favorably, to the Full Committee, without amendment, by voice
vote.
The Committee considered H.R.1801 on September 21, 2011,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
with a favorable recommendation, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.1801 to the House on November 4,
2011, as H. Rpt. 112-271.
The House considered H.R.1801 under Suspension of the
Rules, and passed the measure by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 404
yeas and none voting ``nay''.
H.R.1801 was received in the Senate on November 30, 2011,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation was discharged from further consideration by
unanimous consent on December 12, 2011. The Senate passed
H.R.1801, amended, by voice vote.
The House debated a motion to agreed to concur in the
Senate amendment to H.R. 1801 on December 19, 2011. On December
20, 2011, the House agreed to Suspend the Rules and concurred
in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1801 by voice vote. Clearing
the measure for the President.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2011
H.R. 3011
To authorize the programs of the Transportation Security
Administration relating to the provision of transportation
security, and for other purposes.
Summary
This legislation authorizes funding for Fiscal Years 2012
and 2013 for the Transportation Security Administration to
carry out its mission of securing the Nation's transportation
systems.
Legislative History
Prior to introduction of H.R. 3011, the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security considered a Subcommittee print on
September 14, 2011, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the Full Committee, amended, by voice vote.
H.R.3011 was subsequently introduced in the House on
September 22, 2011, by Mr.Rogers of Alabama, Mr.King of New
York, Mr.Daniel E. Lungren of California, Mr.Walberg,
Mr.Cravaack, and Mr.Brooks and referred the Committee on
Homeland Security and the Committee on the Judiciary.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
THREATS TO AVIATION AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
The Subcommittee conducted oversight activities to assess
the threats to aviation and surface transportation. Committee
staff met with a wide range of representatives from the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the
transportation industry, and other stakeholders to examine
information sharing, coordination among Federal, State, and
local partners, and other security matters. Recent intelligence
collected from bin Laden's compound further emphasizes the
threat to both our aviation and surface transportation systems.
On February 10, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Terrorism and Transportation Security.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. John S. Pistole,
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of this hearing
was to examine the TSA's progress in developing meaningful
security measures, discuss the future of the agency as a nimble
counterterrorism organization, and identify areas for
operational improvements and cost savings in order to
strengthen TSA's effectiveness and efficiency at preventing
terrorism and protecting the traveling public.
On February 16, 2011, the Subcommittee held a classified
Member briefing on current threats to the Nation's aviation and
surface transportation security. Representatives from the
Transportation Security Administration were present to respond
to Member questions.
On February 17, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter
to the Transportation Security Administration Assistant
Administrator requesting more detailed information on TSA's
aviation, pipeline, and surface transportation efforts. On
March 18, 2011, the Subcommittee received a reply.
On September 8, 2011, the Members of the Subcommittee
received a classified briefing from representatives from the
Transportation Security Administration on current threats to
the Nation's aviation and surface transportation security.
On November 15, 2011, the Full Committee and Subcommittee
Chairs sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary of Homeland
Security for the Transportation Security Administration.
On November 16, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair received a
classified briefing on a vital transportation security matter.
On November 18, 2011, the Members of the Subcommittee received
a classified Member-only briefing on this issue.
Representatives from the Transportation Security Administration
and the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector
General responded to Member concerns.
AIR COMMERCE
On August 1, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security met
the mandate in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act (Pub.L. 110-53) to screen 100 percent of air
cargo transported on domestic passenger aircraft flights and
flights departing the United States. The Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) is not currently able to screen
100 percent of all inbound cargo on international passenger
flights and has recently estimated it would not meet the
December 2011 mandate. TSA is continuing to work with other
nations to increase air cargo security standards on passenger
aircraft in an effort to achieve the requirement of 100 percent
of in-bound cargo more expeditiously. The Subcommittee
continues to discuss with private sector stakeholders and the
TSA on methods to improve security while promoting the free
flow of commerce.
On March 9, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Securing Air Commerce From the Threat of Terrorism.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.John Sammon, Assistant
Administrator, Transportation Sector Network Management,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; and Mr.Stephen Lord, Director, Homeland Security &
Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office. The purpose
of this hearing was to examine on-going challenges for securing
inbound cargo on international passenger flights to the United
States; TSA's efforts to develop screening measures in
collaboration with industry and foreign partners; and the
technology available to conduct those screening measures.
TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL
The Subcommittee conducted oversight over the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on transportation
security credentialing programs, including the Transportation
Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) in order to eliminate
inefficiencies and redundancies within the threat assessment
process and reduce costs for card applicants. Committee staff
also met with private sector stakeholders representing
different modes of transportation to examine impacts of the
TWIC on their sectors.
On March 17, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter to
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting to be a
co-requestor of a report entitled ``Transportation Worker
Identification Credential: Internal Control Weaknesses Need to
Be Corrected to Help Achieve Security Objectives.''
On April 6, 2011, the Subcommittee held a Member briefing
on the TWIC Program. Representatives from the Transportation
Security Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard were present
to respond to Member questions.
Committee staff have continued to meet with representatives
from TSA and other relevant government stakeholders, including
GAO, to learn about challenges facing the TWIC program, and
updates on the impending universal rule.
AVIATION SECURITY
The Subcommittee continued to examine passenger and baggage
screening technology and procedures, international cooperation
issues, and Transportation Security Administration's (TSA)
security programs in order to identify where progress has been
made, and where shortfalls remain in strengthening aviation
security.
The Subcommittee Chair and Committee staff met with
representatives from TSA and the Federal Air Marshal Service to
discuss the use of canines for explosives detection. Similarly,
the Subcommittee Chair met with the State of Israel's Deputy
Chief of Mission to discuss international cooperation and
aviation security and counterterrorism efforts.
On March 11, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter to
the Administrator of the TSA expressing concern with inaccurate
contractor reporting concerning test results for X-ray
technologies deployed by TSA in the Nation's airports.
On April 7, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Strengthening International Cooperation on Aviation
Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.John W.
Halinski, Assistant Administrator, Office of Global Strategies,
Transportation Security Administration; Mr.Filip Cornelis, Head
of Unit for Aviation Security, Directorate General for Mobility
and Transport, European Commission; Mr.Rafi Ron, President, New
Age Security Solutions; and Mr.Jim Marriott, Chief, Aviation
Security Branch, International Civil Aviation Organization.
This hearing examined international standards that are designed
to ensure the security of both passenger and all cargo
aircraft; how the United States works with its foreign partners
to ensure screening equipment is up-to-date and adequate for
the volume and type of passengers, baggage, and cargo it needs
to screen; the success of the foreign airport assessments
program; and how TSA shares information on security technology,
passenger name record data, and other vital security protocols
with foreign partners.
On May 25, 2011 the Subcommittee received a Member briefing
on the Transportation Security Administration's authorization
for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. Members were briefed by
representatives from the Transportation Security
Administration.
On June 2, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Authorizing the Transportation Security Administration for
Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Hon. John S. Pistole, Administrator,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security.
On June 14, 2011, Members of the Subcommittee received a
briefing on the TSA's Behavior Detection Officer Screening of
Passengers by Observation Techniques, or the SPOT program.
On June 16, 2011, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Full
Committee sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA requesting
more information regarding a recent report of racial profiling
by Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs) at Newark Liberty
International Airport.
Committee staff has met with various industry stakeholders
from the surface and aviation transportation industries to
solicit their input for the Transportation Security
Administration Authorization bill for Fiscal Years 2012 and
2013.
On July 12, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing the Transportation
Security Administration for FY 2012 and 2013.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.Tom Farmer, Assistant
Vice President, Security Safety & Operations, American
Association of Railroads; Mr.Martin Rojas, Vice President,
Security & Operations, American Trucking Association; Ms.Wanda
Dunham, Chief of Police and Emergency Management, Metropolitan
Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, MARTA Police Headquarters;
Mr.Raymond Reese, Corporate Health, Safety and Security Leader,
Colonial Pipeline Company; Mr.John Risch, Alternate National
Legislative Director, United Transportation Union; Mr.Peter J.
Bunce, President and Chief Executive Officer, General Aviation
Manufacturers Association; Mr.Nicholas E. Calio, President &
Chief Executive Officer, Air Transport Association; Mr.Steve
Alterman, President, Cargo Airline Association; and
Mr.Christopher Witkowski, Director, Air Safety, Health and
Security, Association of Flight Attendants -- CWA. For further
information, see the discussion on H.R. 3011, listed above.
On July 20, 2011, the Subcommittee held a classified
Member-only briefing on covert testing results at
Transportation Security Administration passenger screening
checkpoints. Representatives from the Government Accountability
Office were present to respond to Member concerns.
On October 14, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter
to the Administrator of the TSA expressing concern with a
recent court finding of a potentially flawed bidding process
for private security screeners at one of our Nation's airports.
On November 2, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter
to the DHS Inspector General regarding the recent allegations
of perimeter security breaches at one of the Nation's largest
airports.
On November 30, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair and
Representative Farenthold sent a letter to the Administrator of
the TSA requesting more information about TSA's use of storage
facilities nationwide.
On December 8, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``A Review of Passenger Screening Technology at U.S.
Airports.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. John
S. Pistole, Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security; Ms.Gale D.
Rossides, Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Robin E.
Kane, Assistant Administrator for Security Technology,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; Hon. Caryn Wagner, Under Secretary, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security; Dr.
Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary, Science and Technology
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Dr. Cedric Sims,
Executive Director, Office of Program Accountability and Risk
Management, Management Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr.Charles K. Edwards, Acting Inspector General,
Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security;
Ms.Anne Richards, Assistant Inspector General for Audits,
Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security;
and Mr.Stephen M. Lord, Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, Government Accountability Office.
TECHNOLOGY PROCUREMENT
On September 22, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology
Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ms.Elaine C. Duke, President, Elaine
Duke & Associates, LLC; Mr.Michael P. Jackson, President,
Firebreak Partners, LLC; and Mr.Stephen M. Lord, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government Accountability
Office.
On October 13, 2011, the Subcommittee continued its
hearing, receiving testimony from Mr.Marc A. Pearl, President &
CEO, Homeland Security & Defense Business Council; Mr.Scott
Boylan, Vice President & General Counsel, Safran Morpho
Detection; and Mr.Guy Ben-Ari, Deputy Director, Defense-
Industrial Initiatives Group, Fellow, International Security
Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies.
On November 3, 2011, the Subcommittee continued the hearing
entitled ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology
Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth, Part III.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Nick Nayak, Chief
Procurement Officer, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Robin
E. Kane, Assistant Administrator, Security Technology,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr.Paul Benda, Chief of Staff, Director, Homeland
Security Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department of
Homeland Security, Accompanied by Dr. Susan Hallowell,
Director, Transportation Security Laboratory; and Mr.Charles K.
Edwards, Acting Inspector General, Department of Homeland
Security.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION REORGANIZATION
On December 1, 2011, the Subcommittee Members received a
briefing on the Transportation Security Administration's
internal reorganization from representatives from the
Transportation Security Administration.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Terrorism and Transportation Security.'' February 10, 2011.
(Serial No. 112-2)
``Securing Air Commerce From the Threat of Terrorism.'' March
9, 2011. (Serial No. 112-8)
``Strengthening International Cooperation on Aviation
Security.'' April 7, 2011. (Serial No. 112-17)
``H.R.1690, the `MODERN Security Credentials Act.''' May 4,
2011. (Serial No. 112-23)
``Authorizing the Transportation Security Administration for
Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013.'' June 2, 2011. (Serial No.
112-28)
``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing the Transportation
Security Administration for FY 2012 and 2013.'' July
12, 2011 (Serial No. 112-28)
``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology Procurement
to Stimulate Job Growth.'' September 22, 2011. (Serial
No. 112-46)
``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology Procurement
to Stimulate Job Growth, Part II.'' October 13, 2011.
(Serial No. 112-46)
``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology Procurement
to Stimulate Job Growth, Part III.'' November 3, 2011.
(Serial No. 112-46)
``A Review of Passenger Screening Technology at U.S.
Airports.'' December 8, 2011. (Serial No. 112-64)
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management
Michael T. McCaul, Texas, Chairman
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Billy Long, Texas Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
----------
During the First Session of the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management held
11 hearings, receiving testimony from 55 witnesses.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
WAR AGAINST MEXICAN DRUG CARTELS
The violence in the United States of Mexico's war against
drug trafficking organizations has escalated in recent years.
As a result, the drug-related violence along the Mexican side
of the U.S.-Mexico border has become more brutal and
widespread. Given the increase in violent crime, the
Subcommittee examined the role the Department of Homeland
Security is playing to address Mexican drug-related violence at
and near the border.
On March 31, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The U.S. Homeland Security Role in the Mexican War Against
Drug Cartels.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr.Luis Alvarez, Assistant Director, Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Brian Nichols,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Narcotics and Law
Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Mr.Frank Mora,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Western Hemisphere
Affairs, Department of Defense; Dr. Kristin Finklea, Analyst,
Domestic Social Policy Division, Congressional Research
Service; Mr.Jon Adler, President, Federal Law Enforcement
Officers Association; Dr. David Shirk, Director, Trans-Border
Institute, University of San Diego; Mr.John Bailey, Professor,
Government and Foreign Service, Georgetown University; and Dr.
Ricardo C. Ainslie, Department of Educational Psychology,
College of Education, The University of Texas at Austin. The
purpose of the hearing was to examine U.S. efforts to assist
Mexico, establish the rule of law, and combat drug cartels.
On April 27, 2011, the Chairs of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Secretary of State urging
support for H.R.1270 and requesting the State Department
``develop a comprehensive strategy with the overall goal of
assisting the Mexican Government in their effort to win the war
against the drug cartels.''
During a speech given March 24, 2011, the Secretary of
Homeland Security stated: ``the border is better now than it
ever has been.'' On May 11, 2011, the Subcommittee held a
follow-up hearing entitled ``On the Border and in the Line of
Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and Drug Cartel
Violence,'' to examine current border security efforts and
reports of spill-over violence. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr.Grayling Williams, Director, Office of
Counternarcotics Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security;
Ms.Amy Pope, Deputy Chief of Staff & Counselor, Criminal
Division, Office of Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department
of Justice; Mr.Steven C. McCraw, Director, Texas Department of
Public Safety; Hon. Thomas C. Horne, Attorney General, State of
Arizona; Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez, Zapata County, State of
Texas; and Chief Victor Rodriguez, McAllen Police Department,
State of Texas.
Following the May 11th hearing, the Subcommittee Chair sent
a letter to the Government Accountability Office requesting
among other things an audit of the Merida Initiative.
DHS MANAGEMENT
On March 11, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair met with the
newly confirmed Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary
for Management to discuss his vision and goals as the Under
Secretary.
On March 11, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair met with
representatives of the Government Accountability Office
regarding issues facing the Department. Among the topics
discussed were duplication of Government homeland security
programs, border security, transportation security,
cybersecurity, Fusion Centers, and DHS contracting.
On April 13, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair met with the
Acting Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security
to receive a briefing on what the Office of Inspector General
had in plan for future investigations.
Committee staff also met with several leaders of the
Department. These included the Department's Chief Human Capital
Officer, the Chief Procurement Officer, the Chief Financial
Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Chief
Information Officer to conduct oversight of their priorities.
DHS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Department of Homeland Security (DHA) is the largest
procurer of information technology (IT) systems in the Federal
civilian Government with a Fiscal Year 2011 IT budget of
roughly $6 billion. The Department plans to use these funds to
manage 90 ``major'' IT investments intended to assist the
Department in carrying out its mission of leading the National
effort to secure the Nation against terrorist attacks and other
threats and hazards. Recently the Department reported that over
half of these ``major'' investments encountered or are at risk
of encountering significant cost and schedule shortfalls.
In light of this, on May 27, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair
and Ranking Member sent letters to the Government
Accountability Office (GAO). The first requesting GAO to review
of how well the Department is managing at-risk investments, The
second, to assess the extent to which the Department has
established IT governance and oversight structures, and how
these are being used to manage and oversee IT investments.
DENYING TERRORIST SAFE HAVENS
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004 (Pub. L. 108-458) and the National Defense Authorization
Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-84) require the Administration to
report on U.S. efforts to deny terrorists safe havens. A June
2011 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report titled,
``Combating Terrorism: U.S. Government Should Improve Its
Reporting on Terrorist Safe Havens,'' [GAO-11-561] reviewed the
extent to which the Department of State (DOS) identified and
assessed terrorist safe havens and interagency efforts to deny
terrorists safe havens. GAO found that although DOS does
identify existing terrorist safe havens in its Country Reports
on Terrorism, that report lacks the level of detail required by
Congress. Specifically, the GAO stated that ``the DOS report is
incomplete without including the contributions of its various
interagency partners to address terrorist safe havens.''
Additionally, the GAO notes that the Government has not
developed a list of all U.S. efforts to deny safe haven to
terrorists. DOS has identified only a few efforts that it
funds, but does not include other U.S. Government funding
efforts, including funding by the Department of Defense (DOD).
The Department of Homeland Security currently receives its
funding for programs and activities that deny safe havens from
both the Departments of State and Defense.
Following the release of the GAO report, the Subcommittee
held a hearing to examine the threat of safe havens to the U.S.
and what the Department of Homeland Security -- working in
conjunction with other Federal Government agencies -- is doing
to combat this threat. The Subcommittee will continue to
examine whether further actions are needed by the United States
to deny terrorist safe havens and strengthen at-risk nations.
On June 3, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland Security's Efforts to Counter
Threats from Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ms.Jacquie Williams-Bridgers, Managing
Director, International Affairs and Trade, Government
Accountability Office; Mr.Mark Koumans, Deputy Assistant
Secretary, International Affairs, Department of Homeland
Security; Ms.Shari Villarosa, Deputy Coordinator for Regional
Affairs, Department of State; Mr.James Q. Roberts, Principal
Director for Special Operations & Combating Terrorism, Office
of Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict & Interdependent
Capabilities, Department of Defense; Mr.Steve Coll, President
and CEO, New America Foundation; Prof. Bruce Hoffman, Director,
Center for Peace and Security Studies and Director, Security
Studies Program, Georgetown University; and Prof. Daniel L.
Byman, Security Studies Program, School of Foreign Service at
Georgetown University and Senior Fellow, Saban Center for
Middle East Policy, The Brookings Institution. The purpose of
the hearing was to determine the Department of Homeland
Security's presence in surrounding safe haven countries and the
United States' efforts to contain terrorists in those safe
havens.
DHS ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT
The Department of Homeland Security has been criticized in
the past for, among other things, failing to supervise projects
and allowing the costs of certain contracts to exceed initial
estimates. As a result of this lapse, on May 27, 2011, the
Subcommittee Chair and Ranking Member sent a letter to the
Government Accountability Office requesting a review of the
contracting mechanisms at the Department.
DHS WORKFORCE MORALE
In recent years, the Department of Homeland Security has
ranked as one of the Departments with the lowest morale among
employees within the Federal Government. Understanding why the
Department is considered such a difficult place to work is
imperative. The ``Best Places to Work in the Federal
Government'' rankings -- compiled by the Partnership for Public
Service and American University's Institute for the Study of
Public Policy Implementation -- showed the Department in 28th
place out of 32 agencies in 2010. This is the same ranking as
in 2009. Additionally, in 2010, the Department administered an
internal survey, which returned more than 10,000 completed
responses. The findings of this survey show leading indications
of dissatisfaction ranged from: the Department not dealing with
poor work performers to the way promotions are decided. As a
result, on May 27, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair and Ranking
Member sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office
requesting an investigation into the causes of this,
specifically, to what extent the Department has identified the
root causes that have contributed to low employee morale, and
what progress has made in addressing these issues within the
Department.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AT FEMA
In light of a March 31, 2011, criminal complaint filed
against a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee
for embezzlement, on May 4, 2011, the Chairs of the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management and
the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications Subcommittee, sent a letter to the Administrator
of FEMA requesting information regarding the processes that
exist to vet employees, particularly those with access to
financial systems, and what internal controls are in place
within FEMA's various payroll systems to help identify possible
fraudulent activity.
OVERSIGHT OF ST. ELIZABETHS CONSTRUCTION
The construction of the Department of Homeland Security
Headquarters at the St. Elizabeths facility is the largest
Federal construction project to occur in Washington, DC area
since the construction of The Pentagon. The project will bring
many Department components together under one roof and house
roughly 14,000 employees on the campus. Over $1 billion has
been appropriated for its construction to-date.
On May 31, 2011, Members conducted a site visit to the St.
Elizabeths campus to examine the progress of construction and
plans moving forward. The Subcommittee will continue to closely
monitor this major project.
DHS EFFORTS TO PROTECT AMERICAN JOBS AND SECURE THE HOMELAND
Two Department of Homeland Security components, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP), have broad responsibilities to enforce
laws and regulations that have a significant impact on the
American economy. It is imperative these components work hand-
in-hand with the private sector to effectively enforce the law
and protect the Nation's intellectual property. Given these
challenges, the Subcommittee examined the effectiveness of the
Department's efforts.
On July 7, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Homeland Security Investigations: Examining DHS's Efforts to
Protect American Jobs and Secure the Homeland.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.Brian Toohey,
President, Semiconductor Industry Association; Mr.Michael
Russo, Director of Global Security and Product Protection, Eli
Lilly and Company; Mr.Mario Mancuso, Partner, Fried, Frank,
Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, LLP; and Ms.Jena Baker-McNeill,
Private Citizen.
The Subcommittee Chair, along with Subcommittee Members
Jeff Duncan and Tom Marino, sent a letter to the Secretary of
Homeland Security and the Secretary of the Treasury on July 13,
2011, requesting an explanation of a CBP policy that appears to
deter collaborative efforts and information sharing between CBP
and the private sector as it relates to counterfeit computer
chips entering the U.S. The Commissioner of the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection responded on July 28, 2011. The response
did address all of the concerns of the Subcommittee and on
September 22, 2011, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a follow up letter requesting further
clarification. At this time, no response has been received by
the Committee.
HOMELAND SECURITY CONTRACTING
The Department of Homeland Security continues to face
challenges managing and overseeing its acquisition programs, as
well as effectively leveraging existing and emerging
technologies to accomplish its mission. Additionally, instances
have arisen where the Department spends millions of dollars
developing new technologies only to discover adequate off-the-
shelf technologies exist that can accomplish the same
objectives. Therefore, the Subcommittee examined the
Department's process for seeking out technologies across
components, the Federal Government and the private sector in
order to reduce costs.
On July 15, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Homeland Security Contracting: Does the Department
Effectively Leverage Emerging Technologies?'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr.Charles K. Edwards, Acting Inspector
General, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.David Maurer,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice Team, Government
Accountability Office; Mr.Rafael Borras, Under Secretary for
Management and Chief Acquisition Officer, Department of
Homeland Security; Dr. Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary, Science
and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security;
Mr.Jim Williams, Vice Chair, Homeland Security Committee,
TechAmerica; Mr.Marc Pearl, President and CEO, Homeland
Security & Defense Business Council; and Mr.Scott Amey, General
Counsel, Project On Government Oversight.
ASSESSING SECURITY AT THE PORT OF HOUSTON
In testimony before the Subcommittee, a Government
Accountability Office witness testified: ``Al-Qa'ida and other
groups with malevolent intent continue to target energy tankers
and offshore energy infrastructure because of their importance
to the nation's economy and national security.'' It is because
of this ongoing threat and the Port of Houston's importance to
our Nation's energy, economy, and national security, the
Subcommittee examined security measures implemented at the
Port, possible improvements, and best practices that could
potentially be implemented at other ports.
On August 24, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in Houston, Texas, entitled ``Preventing an Economic Shock
Wave: Securing the Port of Houston from a Terrorist Attack.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.Stephen Caldwell,
Director of Maritime and Coast Guard Issues, Homeland Security
and Justice Team, Government Accountability Office; CAPT James
H. Whitehead, Sector Commander, Sector Houston-Galveston,
United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security;
Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Harris County Sheriff's Office, Texas;
Mr.James T. Edmonds, Chairman, The Port of Houston Authority;
and CAPT (Ret.) William Diehl, President, Greater Houston Port
Bureau.
The Subcommittee Chair sent a letter to the Commandant of
the U.S. Coast Guard, on August 24, 2011, urging the U.S. Coast
Guard to examine the unique public-private partnership
established at the Port of Houston and its possible
applicability at other ports in the United States. No response
has been received at this time.
TEN YEARS AFTER 9/11: ASSESSING AIRPORT SECURITY AT BOSTON LOGAN
Over the last decade, the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) worked to develop systems to secure aviation
transportation to prevent terrorist attacks such as the tragic
events of September 11, 2001. The two main areas of focus were
perimeter security and the new behavior screening system known
as Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT). The
Subcommittee examined how the perimeter and behavior detection
systems developed over the last 10 years, and observed the
perimeter and system at Boston Logan International Airport, one
of the launch sites for the September 11th terrorist attacks.
On September 16, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field
hearing in Boston, Massachusetts entitled ``Ten Years After 9/
11: Assessing Airport Security and Preventing a Future
Terrorist Attack.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr.Stephen M. Lord, Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, Government Accountability Office; Mr.Chris McLaughlin,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Security Operations,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; Admiral (Ret.) George Naccara, Federal Security
Director, Transportation Security Administration, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr.Edward C. Freni, Director of Aviation,
Massachusetts Port Authority; and Major Michael Concannon,
Massachusetts State Police Troop F Headquarters.
The Subcommittee Chair sent a letter to the Secretary of
Homeland Security on December 5, 2011, urging the Department to
consider implementation of the SPOT behavioral screening system
nationwide and to continue close examination of perimeter
security at all aviation sites throughout the United States.
MERIDA INITIATIVE
The Merida Initiative was originally initiated in October
of 2007 as a three year counter drug and anti-crime assistance
package for Mexico and Central America. However, after 4 years
only a third of the appropriations have been directed, and the
program is failing to counter drug operations. The Mexican
cartels cause problems along the US Southern border, murdering
political figures and civilians, terrorizing the citizens of
Mexico and United States. With this in mind, the Subcommittee
participated in the second of two investigations of the
program, reviewing the program's potential benefits, and
effectiveness against the terrorist operations of the cartels.
On October 4, 2011, the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management and the Committee on Foreign
Affairs' Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a joint
hearing entitled ``Is Merida Antiquated? Part Two: Updating
U.S. Policy to Counter Threats of Insurgency and Narco-
Terrorism.'' The Subcommittees received testimony from Hon.
William R. Brownfield, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S.
Department of State; Mr.Rodney G. Benson, Assistant
Administrator, Chief of Intelligence, Drug Enforcement
Administration, U.S. Department of Justice; and Ms.Mariko
Silver, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of International
Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of
the hearing was to examine the U.S.s efforts to assist the
Mexican government and win the war against the Mexican drug
cartels..
Following the hearing, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter
to the Secretary of State on December 9, 2011, urging review of
the entire Merida Initiative and urging making the necessary
changes to the program to address the new terrorist tactics of
the drug cartels.
NARCO-TERRORISM'S THREAT ALONG THE SOUTHERN U.S. BORDER
The U.S. southwestern border, specifically the state of
Texas, has experienced more than 22 murders, 24 assaults, 15
shootings, and 5 kidnappings stemming from cartel activity. The
cartels are exploiting holes in U.S. border security to
infiltrate America's cities as bases for narco-trafficking and
terrorist activities. Retired U.S. Army Generals Scales and
McCaffrey produced a report entitled ``A Call to Action: Narco-
Terrorism's Threat to the Southern U.S. Border,'' which
outlined these threats and sparked the Subcommittee to further
investigate their findings as related to the potential gaps in
homeland security.
On October 14, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``A Call to Action: Narco-Terrorism's Threat to the
Southern U.S. Border.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from General Barry R. McCaffrey (Ret.), President, BR McCaffrey
Associates, LLC; Major General Robert H. Scales (Ret.),
President, COLGEN, LP; Mr.Todd Staples, Commissioner, Texas
Department of Agriculture; and Dr. Michael Vickers, Las Palmas
Veterinary Hospital, Ms. Sylvia Aguilar, Chief Deputy, El Paso
County Sheriff's Office Head Quarters. The purpose of the
hearing was to determine the Nation's effort to counter the
growing violence along the Southern border of the U.S.
As a result of the hearing, the Chair of the Subcommittee
sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security on December
5, 2011, requesting the Department review the McCaffrey-Scales
report and, furthermore, develop a comprehensive strategy with
state authorities to make border security more effective.
BUREAUCRACY, FEMA, AND THE TEXAS WILDFIRES
The summer of 2011 brought to Texas its worst drought in
100 years and record high temperatures. This set the conditions
for fires to spark, and spread to engulf more than 1,400 homes
and thousands of acres. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency's (FEMA) response was delayed and the Federal Government
failed to pre-position assisting aircraft despite all of the
warning signs and potential damage to the region. In an effort
to determine lessons learned from the disaster, the
Subcommittee examined the Federal response to the wildfires,
and the processes by which local and state government had to
initiate in order to receive necessary support from the Federal
Government.
On October 17, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in Austin, Texas entitled ``Texas Wildfire Review: Did
Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely Response?'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr.W. Nim Kidd, Assistant Director,
Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public Safety; Major
General John F. Nichols, Adjutant General, Texas Military
Forces Texas; Mr.Kevin Starbuck, CEM, Emergency Management
Coordinator, Amarillo/Potter/Randall Office of Emergency
Management; Mr.Tony Russell, Region VI Regional Administrator,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security; and Mr.Tom Harbour, Director, Fire and Aviation
Management, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
TERRORIST TRAVEL
On October 11, 2011 United States officials revealed that
two men were charged in New York for allegedly plotting to
assassinate the Saudi Arabian Ambassador in Washington DC, on
behalf of the Government of Iran. One man was a citizen of the
U.S., the other a member of Iran's Qods Force -- a special
operations unit within the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps. Allegedly the men collaborated with a Drug Enforcement
Administration informant who was identified as a member of the
Los Zetas drug cartel. The implications of foreign governments
utilizing cartels to gain access to the United States in an
attempt to assassinate political officials are a threat to
national security and a breach of international law. The
Subcommittee investigated the matter in order to fully assess
the likelihood and capabilities of foreign terrorist
organizations to breach the country's border and terrorize the
homeland.
On October 26, 2011, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism
and Intelligence and the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management held a joint hearing entitled
``Iranian Terror Operations on American Soil.'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from General Jack Keane
(Ret.), United States Army; Mr.Reuel Marc Gerecht, Senior
Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Dr. Matt Levitt,
Director, Stein Program on Counterterrorism & Intelligence, The
Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Dr. Lawrence Korb,
Senior Fellow, Center For American Progress Action Fund; and
Colonel Timothy J. Geraghty (Ret.), United States Marine Corps.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the plot by Iran to
assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States.
As a result of the hearing, the Chairs of the Full
Committee and the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations,
and Management and the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence sent a letter on November 22, 2011, to the
President urging the Administration to enforce sanctions on
Iran's Central Bank, designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard
Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, and conduct all
efforts appropriate to ensure protection of the Homeland.
FORFEITED ASSETS MANAGEMENT
According to the Department of the Treasury, the Department
of Homeland Security received $345.72 million in Treasury
Forfeiture Funds in FY 2010. The Department of the Treasury
states that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection received
$65.343 million, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
received $154.14 million, the Secret Service received $121.724
million, the United States Coast Guard received $4.18 million,
and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center received $0.345
million in FY 2010.
Given the magnitude of the aforementioned funds, the
Subcommittee Chair sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland
Secretary on December 9, 2011, requesting the Department
clarify how the money was used by the Department and its
components. The Committee not received a response at this time.
OVERSIGHT OF MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established an
Efficiency Review Board for the purposes of measuring cost-
savings, effectiveness, and efficiencies within DHS components.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, stated
the efficiency review, ``is designed to make sure we get the
highest and best use out of precious taxpayer dollars.''
Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports indicate that
oversight of the progress of efficiency review boards is
critical to make sure the review is being properly conducted.
To assess the progress of the board, the Subcommittee Chair
sent a letter on December 9, 2011, to the Secretary of Homeland
Security requesting information about the board's composition,
methodologies of assessment, and findings thus far. The
Committee not received a response at this time.
DUPLICATIVE TASKING REQUIREMENTS
Given the constrained fiscal environment, the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) is under increased pressure to find
cost savings and optimize funding. However, Government
Accountability Office (GAO) reports indicate the agency has a
number of duplicative tasking requirements. These duplicative
taskings spike costs and drain vital revenues. In many
instances DHS is repeating efforts of state and local
governments, other agencies, and in some cases within its own
agency.
Given these concerns, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter
to Comptroller General of the United States on December 9,
2011, requesting that GAO investigate and write a report on the
specific instances of duplicative taskings within DHS
components. The Committee has not received a response at this
time.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``The U.S. Homeland Security Role in the Mexican War Against
Drug Cartels.'' March 31, 2011. (Serial No. 112-14)
``On the Border and in the Line of Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement,
Homeland Security and Drug Cartel Violence.'' May 11,
2011. (Serial No. 112-24)
``Denying Terrorist Safe Havens: Homeland Security's Efforts to
Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.''
June 3, 2011. (Serial No. 112-28)
``Homeland Security Investigations: Examining DHS's Efforts to
Protect American Jobs and Secure the Homeland.'' July
7, 2011 (Serial No. 112-34)
``Homeland Security Contracting: Does the Department
Effectively Leverage Emerging Technologies?'' July 15,
2011 (Serial No. 112-39)
``Preventing an Economic Shock Wave: Securing the Port of
Houston from a Terrorist Attack.'' August 24, 2011
(Houston, Texas) (Serial No. 112-41)
``Ten Years After 9/11: Assessing Airport Security and
Preventing a Future Terrorist Attack.'' September 16,
2011. (Boston, Massachusetts) (Serial No. 112-45)
``Is Merida Antiquated? Part Two: Updating U.S. Policy to
Counter Threats of Insurgency and Narco-Terrorism.''
October 4, 2011. Joint with the Committee on Foreign
Affairs' Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.
(Serial No. 112-48)
``A Call to Action: Narco-Terrorism's Threat to the Southern
U.S. Border.'' October 14, 2011. (Serial No. 112-51)
``Texas Wildfire Review: Did Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely
Response?'' October 17, 2011. (Austin, Texas) (Serial
No. 112-52)
``Iranian Terror Operation on American Soil.'' October 26,
2011. Joint hearing with the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence (Serial No. 112-54)
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida, Chairman
Scott Rigell, Virginia Laura Richardson, California
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania, Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Vice Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Chair Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Blake Farenthold, Texas (Ex Officio)
Robert L. Turner, New York
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
----------
During the First Session of the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications held 11 hearings, receiving testimony from 44
witnesses, and considered three measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT
H.R.1129
To prohibit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from
requiring recipients of grants under the State Homeland
Security Grant Program or Urban Area Security Initiative to use
a specific percentage of those funds for a particular use.
Summary
H.R. 1129 prohibits the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from requiring recipients of
funds under the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP)
or the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) to use a specific
percentage of those funds for a particular allowable use,
unless otherwise directed by statute.
The bill further requires the Administrator of FEMA to
study the use of SHSGP and UASI funds for managing and
administering the grants to determine whether the current
statutory percentage is sufficient to ensure proper oversight,
management, and administration of grant awards. H.R. 1129 also
directs the Administrator to study the feasibility, advantages,
and disadvantages of issuing multi-year grant guidance for
SHSGP and UASI. The Administrator is required to report to the
Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee on the findings of both studies
within 180 days of enactment of the bill.
Legislative History
H.R.1129 was introduced in the House on March 16, 2011, by
Ms.Richardson, Ms.Bass of California, and Ms.Hirono, and
referred solely to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within
the Committee, H.R.1129 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications.
The Subcommittee considered H.R.1129 on December 8, 2011,
and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
METROPOLITAN MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM PROGRAM ACT OF 2011
H.R.1411
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to ensure
continuation of the Metropolitan Medical Response System
Program, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1411 authorizes the Metropolitan Medical Response
System Program (MMRS) and directs the Secretary of Homeland
Security to provide grants through the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency to State and local
governments to strengthen medical surge capacity and mass
prophylaxis capabilities, enhance detection capabilities,
develop mass triage plans, support information sharing and
collaboration, conduct training and exercises, and strengthen
decontamination capabilities. Jurisdictions that received
funding in Fiscal Year 2010 are eligible for continued funding.
After Fiscal Year 2012, a jurisdiction shall not be eligible
unless the Secretary determines that the jurisdiction maintains
a sufficient measured degree of capability in accordance with
outlined performance measures. The provision also requires a
review of the program to provide recommendations going forward.
For each of Fiscal Year 2012 through 2016, $41 million is
authorized.
Legislative History
H.R.1411 was introduced in the House on April 7, 2011, by
Mr.Bilirakis and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, and the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R.1411 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.
The Subcommittee considered H.R.1129 on December 8, 2011,
and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2011
H.R.3563
to authorize the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
(IPAWS) to ensure the timely and effective distribution of
alerts and warnings.
Summary
H.R. 3563 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
modernize and implement the national integrated public alert
and warning system through the establishment of common alert
and warning protocols, standards, terminology, and an operating
system. Among other things, H.R. 3563 requires the Secretary to
develop alerting capabilities for diverse modes of
communications, the ability to adapt to future technologies,
mechanisms to protect individual privacy, and the ability to
alert non-resident visitors to an affected area. The bill
further requires that the system be developed to ensure alerts
and warnings are provided to individuals with disabilities and
access and functional needs.
Within one year of system becoming fully functional, and
every six months thereafter, the Secretary is required to
report to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on the
functionality and performance of the system.
H.R. 3563 authorizes $13.4 million for the system for each
of Fiscal Years 2012 through 2016. This amount is equal to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency's budget request for Fiscal
Year 2012, and approximately $5 million less than the
appropriated amount for Fiscal Year 2011.
Legislative History
H.R.3563 was introduced in the House on December 6, 2011,
by Mr.Bilirakis and Ms.Richardson and referred to the Committee
on Homeland Security, and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. Within the Committee, H.R.3563 was referred to
the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Subcommittee considered H.R.3563 on December 8, 2011,
and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
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Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Since the beginning of the 112th Congress, States and
localities have experienced thwarted terror plots, severe
winter storms, tornados, hurricanes, a tsunami, and widespread
flooding. It is imperative that the Federal Government, along
with its partners at the State and local levels and the private
sector, works to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks,
natural disasters, and other emergencies.
On February 4, 2011, Committee staff conducted a site visit
of the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in Virginia to
receive a tour and briefing on the Federal Government's
emergency operation center.
On February 8, 2011, the Subcommittee held a Member site
visit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA)
National Response Coordination Center in Washington, DC. This
visit provided Subcommittee Members with an overview of FEMA's
mission and operations and efforts to work with its State,
local, and private sector partners. Members met with officials
from throughout the agency including the Administrator and
Deputy Administrator of FEMA. Following the briefing, Members
toured the National Response Coordination Center.
As part of the Subcommittee's oversight, on February 24 and
March 22, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives of the
Federal FEMA and the U.S. Marine Corps to receive a briefing on
the prepositioned equipment program.
On March 16, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair met with the
Director of FEMA's Office of Disability Integration and
Coordination to discuss efforts to integrate individuals and
other functional needs into emergency preparedness and response
efforts.
On April 5, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Homeland Security Policy Institute to discuss
resiliency, and on April 21, 2011, staff participated in a tour
of the Department of Health and Human Services' Emergency
Operations Center.
On May 5, 2011, Committee staff attended a briefing on
FEMA's direct housing program. This included a preview of the
agency's hurricane season preparedness and queries on its
housing contracts oversight.
On May 5, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives from the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) on
the Department of Defense's disaster response posture.
On May 6, 2011, Committee staff attended FEMA's quarterly
Response and Recovery briefing at FEMA Headquarters and
received an update on operations in response to tornados and
flooding in FEMA Regions IV and VI.
On May 31, 2011, the Subcommittee held a Member site visit
to the American Red Cross' disaster operations center. The
visit provided information on the Red Cross' role in disaster
response and services it provides through its local chapters.
On June 10, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
Clearwater, Florida entitled ``Weathering the Storm: A State
and Local Perspective on Emergency Management.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.Bryan Koon, Director,
Florida Division of Emergency Management; Ms.Nancy Dragani,
Director, Ohio Emergency Management Agency (testifying on
behalf of the National Emergency Management Association);
Mr.Gerald Smith, Director, Lake County Division of Emergency
Management (testifying on behalf of the Florida Emergency
Preparedness Association); Mr.John ``Rusty'' Russell, Director,
Huntsville _ Madison County (AL) Emergency Management Agency
(testifying on behalf of the International Association of
Emergency Managers); Ms.Chauncia Willis, Emergency Coordinator,
City of Tampa, Florida; and Ms.Linda Carbone, Chief Executive
Officer, Tampa Bay Chapter, American Red Cross.
On June 14, 2011, Committee staff attended a briefing with
representatives from Joplin, Missouri to learn about the impact
of the tornados and receive an update on recovery efforts.
Committee staff visited the National Operations Center
(NOC) on July 18, 2011 to receive a briefing on the NOC's
operations, intelligence, and response missions.
On July 21, 2011, the Subcommittee hosted a Member briefing
for the Members of the Committee on FEMA's recovery assistance
available after a disaster. Representatives from FEMA responded
to Member questions.
On July 29, 2011, Committee staff conducted a site visit to
the University of Maryland College Park Campus to receive
briefings from representatives of the Center for Networking of
Infrastructure Sensors and the National Consortium on Terrorism
and Responses to Terrorism.
On September 3, 2011, Committee staff visited the Tampa Bay
Chapter of the American Red Cross.
On September 13, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair addressed the
FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination's
``Getting Real'' Conference regarding the importance of
integrating individuals with disabilities and access and
functional needs in preparedness and response efforts.
On September 19, 2011, the Subcommittee hosted a National
Preparedness Month briefing. Representatives from FEMA and the
Ready Program attended to provide information and respond to
staff questions.
On September 23, 2011, Committee staff attended a briefing
on the National Disaster Recovery Framework provided by FEMA,
the Department of Commerce, the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, and the Department of the Interior.
On September 27, 2011, Committee staff conducted a site
visit to Virginia Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team 1 in
Fairfax, Virginia. Staff received a briefing from
representatives of FEMA and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue on
the capabilities of USAR teams. Representatives demonstrated
the various equipment and capabilities of USAR Team 1.
On October 20, 2011, Committee staff visited the Nassau
County (New York) Office of Emergency Management's Emergency
Operations Center for a briefing and tour.
On October 25, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Five Years Later: An Assessment of the Post Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Hon. W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
On October 28, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in Detroit, Michigan entitled ``The State of Northern Border
Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and Local
Coordination.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr.Andrew Velasquez, Regional Administrator -- Region V,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security; RADM Michael Parks, Ninth District Commander, U.S.
Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.John Beutlich,
Director of the Northern Region, Office of Air & Marine, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security;
Captain Thomas Sands, Deputy State Director, Emergency
Management & Homeland Security, State of Michigan; Commissioner
Donald Austin, Detroit Fire Department; Mr.R. Daryl Lundy,
Director, Homeland Security & Emergency Management, City of
Detroit; and Mr.James P. Buford P.E.M., Director, Department of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Wayne County,
Michigan.
On November 17, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
on FEMA's disaster housing missions.
On November 28, 2011, Committee staff attended a briefing
conducted by the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments
on its report, Improving Regional Incident Response. Staff were
briefed by representatives from Montgomery County, Maryland;
Fairfax County, Virginia; and Washington, DC
On November 29, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in La Plume, Pennsylvania entitled ``Ensuring Effective
Preparedness and Response: Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene
and Tropical Storm Lee.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Ms.MaryAnn Tierney, Administrator, Region III, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security;
Colonel David Anderson, Commander, Baltimore District, United
States Army Corps of Engineers; Mr.Glenn Cannon, Director,
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; Ms.Marita Wenner,
Volunteer Chair, Pennsylvania State Disaster Committee,
American Red Cross; Mr.James Brozena, Executive Director,
Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority; Mr.James Good,
Owner, Arey Building Supply.
PRESIDENTIAL POLICY DIRECTIVE-8
On May 5, 2011, the Subcommittee Members received a
briefing on Presidential Policy Directive 8-National
Preparedness (PPD-8), which outlines the administration's
vision for strengthening preparedness and resilience. PPD-8
repeals and replaces Homeland Security Presidential Directive
(HSPD) 8-National Preparedness, signed by President George W.
Bush in December 2003. Members were briefed by the Deputy
Administrator for National Preparedness, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, and the Senior Director for Preparedness
Policy, National Security Staff, The White House.
On August 1, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive a
briefing on the implementation of Presidential Policy
Directive-8 (PPD-8).
On November 3, 2011, Committee staff attended FEMA's Office
of Response and Recovery's quarterly briefing and received an
update on Presidential Policy Directive-8.
On December 20, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives of FEMA's Federal Insurance and Mitigation
Administration to discuss mitigation activities and programs
and the development of the mitigation framework pursuant to
PPD-8.
FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AGENCY
The President's Fiscal Year 2012 budget request includes
$10.06 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA), a $283 million reduction from the level in the Fiscal
Year 2011 Continuing Resolution. The request included
reductions in the Management and Administration account, which
were largely attributed to efficiencies and streamlined
business processes. The request also proposed to restructure
homeland security grant programs through the elimination and
consolidation of a number of smaller grant programs into the
larger State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area
Security Initiative funding accounts.
On March 9, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response -- An Assessment
of the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Request for the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Hon. W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
In preparation for the hearing, Committee staff met with
representatives from FEMA on February 16, 2011 to receive a
briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2012 budget request.
MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS
The mission of the Office of Health Affairs (OHA) is to
provide health and medical expertise in support of the
Department of Homeland Security's mission to prepare for,
respond to, and recover from all hazards impacting the Nation's
health security.
As part of the Subcommittee's oversight, staff attended a
number of conferences and met with stakeholders. From January
10 through 11, 2011, Committee staff attended the annual Public
Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise conference
in Washington, DC.
From March 15 though 16, 2011, Committee staff traveled to
New York City, New York, for ``Tales of Our Cities,'' a
conference focused on medical preparedness for a catastrophic
incident.
On March 17, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Ensuring Effective Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for
Events Impacting Health Security.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Dr. Alexander G. Garza, MD, MPH, Assistant
Secretary for Health Affairs, Chief Medical Officer, Department
of Homeland Security. This hearing provided Subcommittee
Members with an opportunity to examine the President's Fiscal
Year 2012 budget request for OHA and OHA's progress in
developing its mission to provide for health security, to
discuss the future of the agency as a nimble and effective
provider in this regard, and to identify areas for improvements
and cost savings.
In preparation for the hearing, Committee staff met with
representatives of the Office of Health Affairs on February 3,
2011 to receive a briefing on its mission and activities. On
February 15, 2011, Committee staff met with OHA representatives
to receive a briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2012
budget request for OHA. Committee staff once again met with
representatives from OHA on March 14, 2011 to receive a
briefing on medical operations and challenges in medical
credentialing for their first responder workforce.
During the hearing, Subcommittee Members expressed concern
about Project BioWatch. Subsequent to the hearing on April 5,
2011, the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, and the
Subcommittee Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies sent a letter to the Secretary of
Homeland Security expressing concern about the Department's
acquisition processes as they relate to Project BioWatch.
On March 29, 2011, Committee staff received an update
briefing from the Director of the Office of Public Health
Preparedness and Response of the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention on that office's activities.
On April 7, 2011, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee introduced H.R.1411, the ``Metropolitan Medical
Response System Program Act,'' which authorizes the activities
of the Metropolitan Medical Response System, including medical
surge capacity and countermeasures distribution. For further
action on H.R. 1411, see the legislative section listed above.
On June 9, 2011, Committee staff visited Tampa General
Hospital in Tampa, Florida to meet with officials about
emergency preparedness efforts and medical surge capacity and
tour the facility.
On June 17, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives from the Department of Health and Human
Services on its Federal Experts Security Advisory Panel report
on reforming laboratory biosecurity.
On June 23, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair met with the
Assistant Secretary of the Office of Health Affairs, to discuss
health security matters.
On September 28, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention on its 2011 state-by-state public health
preparedness report and other matters.
On October 24, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the Department of Health and Human
Services on its work to develop and refine protocols for use of
the smallpox vaccine.
BIOSURVEILLANCE
On February 4, 2011, Committee staff visited the Multi
Agency Collaborative Environment (of the Department of Defense)
in Virginia to receive a briefing on their work with the
National Biosurveillance and Integration Center.
On May 9, 2011, Committee staff participated in a panel
discussion at the Institute of Medicine on ``Discussions on
Future Directions for National Biosurveillance.''
On May 19, 2011, Committee staff attended Biowatch Gen-3
visitor day in Chicago, IL to learn about and observe field
testing of the Generation 3 technology.
On August 3, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives of the Office of Health Affairs and the Office
of the Chief Procurement Officer on plans for re-competing the
support contract for the BioWatch Program.
From August 29 through September 4, 2011, Committee staff
attended the 2011 National BioWatch Workshop in Tampa, Florida.
The Subcommittee Chair addressed a portion of the workshop.
Committee staff received a classified briefing from
representatives of the Office of Health Affairs on the
development of the BioWatch Generation 3 program on October 6,
2011.
On November 17, 2011, the Chairs of the Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications and the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technology sent a letter to the Comptroller General of
the United States requesting an examination of the development
of the Office of Health Affairs' BioWatch Generation 3 system.
OUTREACH TO STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, AND THE PRIVATE
SECTOR
During the First Session of the 112th Congress, Committee
staff met with various Federal agencies and stakeholder groups
representing the first responder and emergency management
community to discuss issues of concern to their membership.
This includes representatives from the Department of Homeland
Security's Office of Policy to discuss the new Tribal Liaison
Officer position; the National Association of Counties; the
National Emergency Managers Association; the Big City Emergency
Managers, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs'
Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee.
On May 12, 2001, the Subcommittee Chair met with the
Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Private
Sector Division to receive a briefing on the Division's
operations and efforts to incorporate the private sector into
emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
On July 25, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from FEMA's Private Sector Division to receive an update on
current activities.
On August 3, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair and Ranking
Member addressed FEMA's national conference, ``Building
Resilience Through Public Private Partnerships,'' held in
Washington, DC.
On October 26, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair addressed the
Congressional Fire Services Institute's National Advisory
Committee.
EXERCISES
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National
Exercise Program works to coordinate preparedness exercises at
the Federal, State, and local level. Each year, FEMA conducts a
National Level Exercise (NLE), which includes participation
from senior leadership in the Federal interagency process along
with State and local partners. National Level Exercise 11, a
functional exercise held from May 16 through 19, 2011,
simulated a catastrophic earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic
Zone.
On April 1, 2011, the Subcommittee held a Member briefing
on preparations for National Exercise 2011, including efforts
to use lessons learned from recent catastrophic earthquakes in
New Zealand and Japan to inform the scenario. Members were
briefed by FEMA's Deputy Administrator for National
Preparedness and the Director of the National Exercise Program.
In preparation for this Member briefing, Committee staff
received several briefings on FEMA's National Exercise Program
and National Level Exercise 2011. On March 2, 2011, Committee
staff received a briefing from FEMA officials on the National
Exercise Program. Committee staff received a briefing on
preparations for NLE 2011 on March 23, 2011. In addition, on
May 16, 2011, Committee staff observed the NLE 2011 functional
exercise. Staff traveled to the Master Control Cell located in
Herndon, Virginia, and the American Red Cross Disaster
Operations Center and received briefings from representatives
of FEMA, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, the American Red Cross, and Voluntary Organizations
Active in Disasters.
On August 18, 2011 Committee staff traveled to Ft. McNair
to receive a briefing on the capabilities and jurisdiction of
the National Capitol Area Command. Subsequent to the briefing,
staff traveled to the Center for National Response in West
Virginia to observe and participate in a join weapons of mass
destruction rescue and recovery exercise with the 911th
Battalian and the Fairfax and Arlington County, Virginia Fire
Departments.
On September 28 -- 29, 2011, Committee staff participated
in a tabletop exercise on recovery and mitigation. Hosted by
FEMA, this exercise was a follow on to NLE 11 and focused on
the necessary recovery and mitigation efforts subsequent to a
catastrophic earthquake.
Committee staff observed the 2011 Capitol Shield Exercise,
a National Capitol Area multi-hazard exercise, on October 19,
2011. Exercise participants included representatives from FEMA,
the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense,
and District of Columbia Emergency Management.
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE TO CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND
NUCLEAR THREATS
Terrorists actively plot and have attempted to use weapons
of mass destruction (WMD) to attack the United States. At a
2010 Committee on Homeland Security hearing with the
Commissioners of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of
Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism (WMD Commission),
the Commissioners noted that ``it is more likely than not that
there will be a weapon of mass destruction used someplace on
earth by a terrorist group before the end of the year 2013 and
that it is more likely that the weapons will be biological
rather than nuclear.'' In the WMD Commission's report card on
U.S. Government efforts to protect the Nation from WMD
terrorism, the Government received a grade of ``F'' on its
efforts to enhance the Nation's capabilities for rapid response
to prevent biological attacks from inflicting mass casualties.
Committee staff participated in a site visit to the Calvert
Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, in Calvert County, Maryland on
March 25, 2011. Staff toured the facility and received a
briefing on the plant's security and disaster preparedness.
On March 29, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Nuclear Energy Institute to discuss the response to
the disaster at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan and
disaster preparedness efforts at nuclear power plants in the
United States.
On April 13, 2011, the Subcommittee began a series of
hearings entitled ``Taking Measure of Countermeasures.'' The
first day of hearings was subtitled ``A Review of Government
and Industry Efforts to Protect the Homeland Through
Accelerated Research, Development, and Acquisition of Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Medical
Countermeasures.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Ms.Cynthia Bascetta, Managing Director, Health Care, Government
Accountability Office; Dr. Segaran P. Pillai, Chief Medical and
Science Advisor, Chemical and Biological Division, Science and
Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Dr.
Richard J. Hatchett, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director,
Strategic Sciences and Management, Department of Health and
Human Services; Dr. Gerald W. Parker, Deputy Assistant to the
Secretary of Defense, Chemical and Biological Defense,
Department of Defense; Ms.Phyllis Arthur, Senior Director,
Vaccines, Immunotherapeutics, and Diagnostics Policy,
Biotechnology Industry Organization; Mr.John M. Clerici,
Principal, Tiber Creek Partners LLC; and Dr. Daniel Fagbuyi,
Medical Director, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency
Management, Children's National Medical Center. This hearing
provided Members with the opportunity to question Federal and
private sector witnesses about the substantial challenges that
remain in the research, development, and acquisition of medical
countermeasures.
Committee staff participated in a site visit to the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission's Emergency Operations Center on May 6,
2011, and received a briefing on its activities.
On May 12, 2011, the Subcommittee convened the second day
of hearings, subtitled ``A Review of Efforts to Protect the
Homeland Through Distribution and Dispensing of CBRN Medical
Countermeasures.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr.
Alexander Garza, Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and
Chief Medical Officer, Office of Health Affairs, Department of
Homeland Security; Rear Admiral Ali Khan, Director, Office of
Public Health Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human
Services; Mr.Mike McHargue, Director of Emergency Operations,
Division of Emergency Medical Operations; Florida Department of
Health; Mr.David Starr, Director, Countermeasures Response
Unit, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;
Chief Lawrence E. Tan, Emergency Medical Services Division, New
Castle County, Delaware (testifying on behalf of the Emergency
Services Sector Coalition on Medical Countermeasures); and Dr.
Jeffrey Levi, Executive Director, Trust for America's Health.
This hearing provided Subcommittee Members with the opportunity
to examine various distribution and dispensing plans and
efforts at the Federal, State, local, and private sector
levels, including an assessment of the challenges faced in
distributing and dispensing countermeasures to large segments
of the population.
In preparation for these hearings, Committee staff held
numerous meetings with representatives from the Department of
Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services,
the Government Accountability Office, the WMD Commission, State
and local governments, and the private sector.
On May 13, 2011, the Subcommittee along with the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies, held a classified Member briefing on the
threat posed by WMD terrorism. Members were briefed by
representatives of the National Counterterrorism Center and the
National Counter-proliferation Center.
On June 23, 2011, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications held a joint hearing, prior to introduction, on
H.R. 2356, the ``WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011.''
The Subcommittees received testimony from Hon. William J.
Pascrell, Jr. a Representative in Congress from the 8th
District of New Jersey; Senator Jim Talent, Vice Chairman, The
Bipartisan WMD Center; Dr. Robert P. Kadlec, Former Special
Assistant to the President for Biodefense; and Mr.Richard H.
Berdnik, Sheriff, Passaic County, New Jersey.
On August 3, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
of the Office of Health Affairs to discuss agricultural
security. Subsequent to that meeting, on August 10, 2011, the
Subcommittee Chair sent a letter to The Honorable Gene Dodaro,
Comptroller General, Government Accountability Office,
requesting an examination of the Nation's agricultural defense
initiatives with regard to surveillance and response.
On September 8, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency's Aspect
Program to receive a briefing on radiation detection
capabilities and program operations.
On October 19, 2011, Committee staff participated in a
panel discussion at the Institute of Medicine's Preparedness
Forum in Washington, DC regarding the WMD Prevention and
Preparedness Act of 2011 (H.R. 2356).
EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS AND INDIVIDUALS
On January 5, 2011 and January 31, 2011, Committee staff
attended briefings by Federal Emergency Management (FEMA)
officials on their plans to recoup up to $643 million in
potentially improper Individual Assistance payments from
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and other subsequent disasters.
Committee staff received a further briefing on FEMA's
recoupment efforts on March 15, 2011.
On January 12, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the Department of Homeland Security's
Office of Inspector General (OIG) to learn about the OIG's
audit of grant programs to ensure efficiency and that funding
is used in compliance with relevant statutory requirements.
On January 24, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the OIG to discuss the results of an audit
of New York's management of State Homeland Security Grant
Program and Urban Area Security Initiative grant funds.
On February 9, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the National Academy of Public
Administration to receive a briefing on their work with the
Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop performance
measures and metrics, pursuant to Pub.L. 111-271, for grants
administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Committee
staff received a further update of this work on May 3, 2011.
On February 11, 2011, Committee staff met with the
Assistant Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's Grant Programs Directorate to discuss various issues
related to homeland security grants.
On March 1, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
of the Government Accountability Office to discuss their
oversight of grants administered by the Department of Homeland
Security under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
On April 7, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and
the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis on the use of
grants to support State and local fusion centers.
On May 18, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard,
the Transportation Security Administration, and the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis to receive a briefing on the
Department's guidance for the Fiscal Year 2011 grant programs.
On May 24, 2011 Committee staff met with representatives
from FEMA's National Preparedness Assessment Division to
receive a briefing on FEMA's efforts to develop performance
measures and metrics for the various grant programs.
On June 8, 2011, Committee staff attended the National
Academy of Public Administration's second panel meeting with
representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
``Developing Performance Measures and Assess the Effectiveness
of FEMA's Homeland Security Grant Programs.''
On June 8, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the City of Tampa Bay, Florida to discuss the Urban Area
Security Initiative (UASI).
On July 15, 2011, Committee staff received a classified
briefing from representatives of FEMA, the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, and the Office of Infrastructure
Protection on the changes to the risk formula used to determine
Homeland Security Grant Program awards.
From June 19 through 22, 2011, Committee staff attended the
National UASI and Homeland Security Conference in San
Francisco, California to participate in workshops on the uses
and effectiveness of the major homeland security grant
programs.
On August 1, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from FEMA and the United States Coast Guard to receive a
briefing on the Port Security Grant Program.
On August 22, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from FEMA, Customs and Border Protection, the
Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration to
receive a briefing on the Fiscal Year 2011 Homeland Security
Grant Program awards.
On November 30, 2011, Committee staff visited FEMA's Grant
Programs Directorate to receive a demonstration and briefing on
the ND Grant System and investment justification application
and review process.
TRAINING
On February 16, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives of the National Domestic Preparedness
Consortium to receive an update on current operations.
Committee staff conducted a site visit to the Center for
Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama on May 18, 2011, to
observe current operations and chemical agent training
capabilities and participate in training.
From May 18 through 19, 2011, Committee staff conducted a
site visit to the National Emergency Response and Rescue
Training Center in College Station, Texas to observe and
participate in first responder training programs.
On June 8, 2011, Committee staff visited the Hillsborough
County Sheriff Department's Practical Training Center to view
the training facility that is used by Federal, State, and local
law enforcement.
On November 9, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
and the National Counterterrorism Center on the Joint
Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
On February 1, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security's
Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) to receive an update
on OEC's current activities.
On March 4, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Department of Homeland Security to receive a briefing
on the National Communication System.
On March 23, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives of the Office of Emergency Communications to
receive an update on the completion of Goal 1 of the National
Emergency Communications Plan.
On March 28, 2011, Committee staff participated in the New
York State Association of Chiefs of Police seminar on emergency
communications.
On April 13 and 26, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from stakeholder organizations on the
cancellation of the Department of Justice's Integrated Wireless
Network program.
On May 11, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Interagency Communications Interoperability System
based in Los Angles to discuss the system and various
communications issues.
On May 13, 2011, Committee staff attended a briefing
provided by various State and local stakeholder groups on the
need for the allocation of the D Block to public safety.
On June 3, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Department of Homeland Security's National Protection
and Programs Directorate to discuss the possible future
reorganization of the Directorate and assess the potential
impact on the Office of Emergency Communications.
On June 16, 2011, Committee staff attended a forum at the
Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the construction of a
national public safety wireless broadband network.
On October 7, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security's
Office of Interoperability and Compatibility to receive a
demonstration of the Virtual USA project.
On November 3, 2011, Committee staff attended a briefing
conducted by representatives of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and Federal Communications Commission on the
planned November 9, 2011 national test of the Emergency Alert
System.
On November 4, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Department of Transportation to
receive a briefing on Emergency 911 issues.
On November 9, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Office of Emergency Communications to
discuss planning and technology updates.
On November 14, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to
receive a briefing on the activities of the Disaster Emergency
Communications Division.
On November 15, 2011, Committee staff participated in a
conference call to receive an update on the National
Communications System.
On November 17, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Ensuring Coordination and Cooperation: A Review of
the Emergency Communications Offices Within the Department of
Homeland Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr.Chris Essid, Director, Office of Emergency Communications,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr.John O'Connor, Manager,
National Coordinating Center for Communications, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr.Damon Penn, Assistant Administrator, National
Continuity Programs, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Eric Edwards, Director,
Disaster Emergency Communications Division, Response
Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of
Homeland Security; and Ms.Linda K. Moore, Specialist in
Telecommunications and Spectrum Policy, Congressional Research
Service.
ALERTS AND WARNINGS
Terrorist attacks and natural disasters can occur at any
time, often with little to no notice. Alerts and warnings
provided in advance on potential threats and hazards can help
to direct the public to get out of harm's way, which will save
lives.
On February 10, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to
receive a briefing on the Integrated Public Alerts and Warnings
System (IPAWS).
On March 3, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Department of Homeland Security on the Emergency Alert
System.
On March 29, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair met with
representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to
receive a briefing on the Integrated Public Alerts and Warnings
System (IPAWS).
On March 31, 2011, Committee staff met with stakeholders to
discuss the Emergency Alert System.
On March 11 and 31, 2011, Committee staff participated in
conference calls to receive information on the new National
Terrorism Advisory System.
On May 17, 2011, Committee staff met with stakeholders
regarding the implementation of the Commercial Mobile Telephone
Alerts (CMAS)/Personalized Localized Alerting Network (PLAN)
system.
On June 22, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to
receive an update on the Integrated Public Alters and Warning
System(IPAWS) program.
On July 8, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Communicating With the Public During Emergencies: An Update
on Federal Alert and Warnings.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr.Damon Penn, Assistant Administrator, National
Continuity Programs, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security; RADM James A. Barnett, Chief,
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission; Mr.Christopher Guttman-McCabe, Vice
President, Regulatory Affairs, CTIA -- The Wireless
Association; Ms.Suzanne D. Goucher, President and CEO, Maine
Association of Broadcasters, testifying on behalf of the
National Alliance of State Broadcasting Associations; and
Mr.Allen W. Kniphfer, Emergency Coordinator, Jefferson County,
Alabama.
On November 9, 2011, Committee staff visited FEMA's
National Response Coordination Center to observe the national
test of the Emergency Alert System and receive a briefing from
FEMA leadership.
As a result of the Subcommittee's oversight of the IPAWS
program, on December 6, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair Ranking
Member introduced the Integrated Public Alert and Warning
System Modernization Act (H.R.3563). (For further action on
H.R.3563 see the legislation section above).
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
On April 15, 2011, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee, the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, and the
Senators Lieberman, Collins, and Akaka sent a letter to the
Comptroller General requesting that the Government
Accountability Office conduct a review of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency's (FEMA) workforce planning and management
efforts.
On May 4, 2011, the Chairs of the Sucbommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications, and the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management sent
a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate regarding the
recent criminal complaint filed against a FEMA employee for
embezzlement and fraud. The letter requested information on
FEMA's efforts to vet its employees and internal controls in
place for various payment systems to monitor waste, fraud, and
abuse.
On July 28, 2011, the Chair of the Subcommittee met with
the Director of International Affairs, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, to receive a briefing on FEMA's
international mission. Prior to this briefing, on July 6, 2011,
Committee staff also met with the Director.
On December 19, 2011, Committee Staff met with
representatives from the FEMA to to receive a briefing on the
FEMA Qualifications System.
NATIONAL SPECIAL SECURITY EVENTS
The Subcommittee held a Member briefing on November 2,
2011, to examine National Special Security Events and security
for the 2012 Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Repsresentatives from the U.S. Secret Service, and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency responded to Member concerns.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response _ An Assessment
of the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Request for the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.'' March 9, 2011. (Serial
No. 112-7)
``Ensuring Effective Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for
Events Impacting Health Security.'' March 17, 2011.
(Serial No. 112-12)
``Taking Measure of Countermeasures: A Review of Government and
Industry Efforts to Protect the Homeland Through
Accelerated Research, Development, and Acquisition of
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Medical
Countermeasures.'' April 13, 2011. (Serial No. 112-18)
``Taking Measure of Countermeasures: A Review of Efforts to
Protect the Homeland Through Distribution and
Dispensing of CBRN Medical Countermeasures.'' May 12,
2011. (Serial No. 112-18)
``Weathering the Storm: A State and Local Perspective on
Emergency Management.'' June 10, 2011 (Clearwater,
Florida). (Serial No. 112-30)
``H.R._, the `WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011.'''
June 23, 2011. Joint hearing with the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies. (Serial No. 112-32)
``Communicating With the Public During Emergencies: An Update
on Federal Alert and Warning Efforts.'' July 8, 2011
(Serial No. 112-36)
``Five Years Later: An Assessment of the Post Katrina Emergency
Management Reform Act.'' October 25, 2011. (Serial No.
112-53)
``The State of Northern Border Preparedness: A Review of
Federal, State, and Local Coordination.'' October 28,
2011 (Detroit, Michigan). (Serial No. 112-55)
``Ensuring Coordination and Cooperation: A Review of the
Emergency Communications Offices Within the Department
of Homeland Security.'' November 17, 2011. (Serial No.
112-58)
``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response: Lessons Learned
from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.'' November
29, 2011. (La Plume, Pennsylvania) (Serial No. 112-59)
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
Candice S.Miller, Michigan, Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Henry Cuellar, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Loretta Sanchez, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona, Vice Brian Higgins, New York
Chair Hansen Clarke, Michigan
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina (Ex Officio)
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
----------
During the First Session of the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security held 9 hearings,
receiving testimony from 27 witnesses, and considered three
measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION BUSINESS TRAVEL CARDS ACT OF 2011
Pub. Law 112-54 (S.1487 | H.R.2042 | H.R.3312)
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards
Act of 2011 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to
issue, in coordination with the Secretary of State, Asia-
Pacific Economic Cooperation business travel cards (ABT Cards)
to approved individuals. S. 1487 requires the Secretary of
Homeland Security to integrate the ABT Cards with other
Department trusted traveler programs. Additionally, S. 1487
permits the Secretary of Homeland Security to consult with
appropriate private sector entities and, if necessary,
prescribe regulations to issue the ABT Cards. The bill also
authorizes the Secretary to collect and adjust a user fees for
establishing and operating the ABT Card program. The Secretary
may terminate the program if it is in the interest of the
United States.
Legislative History
S.1487 was introduced in the Senate on August 2, 2011, by
Ms.Cantwell, Mr.Akaka, Mr.Inouye, and Mr.Johnson of Wisconsin,
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On October 19, 2011, the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs considered S.1487 and ordered
the measure to be favorably reported to the Senate with an
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 1487 to the Senate on November 3, 2011 with
no written report.
The Senate considered and passed S.1487 on November 3,
2011, by unanimous consent.
On November 4, 2011, the House considered and passed
S.1487, under Suspension of the Rules. Clearing the measure for
the President.
The President signed S.1487 into law on November 12, 2011,
as Public Law 112-54.
H.R.2042, the House companion measure, was introduced in
the House on May 26, 2011, by Mr.Larsen of Washington,
Mr.Herger, Mr.Crowley, Mr.Brady of Texas, and Mr.Daniel E.
Lungren of California and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R.2042 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
On October 25, 2011, the House considered H.R.2042 by
unanimous consent and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R.2042 was received in the Senate on October 31, 2011,
and on November 3, 2011, was read twice, and placed on the
Senate Legislative Calendar.
H.R.3312 was introduced in the House on November 2, 2011,
by Mr.Brady of Texas and Mr.Larsen of Washington, and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R. 3312 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security. H.R.3312 consisted of the text of S.1487, as
ordered to be reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
JAIME ZAPATA BORDER ENFORCEMENT SECURITY TASK FORCE ACT
H.R.915
To establish a Border Enforcement Security Task Force program
to enhance border security by fostering coordinated efforts
among Federal, State, and local border and law enforcement
officials to protect United States border cities and
communities from trans-national crime, including violence
associated with drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien
trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and
across the international borders of the United States, and for
other purposes.
Summary
The Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force
Act, establishes in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(ICE) a Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) program
to enhance border security by addressing and reducing border
security threats and violence by: (1) facilitating
collaboration among Federal, State, local, tribal, and foreign
law enforcement agencies to execute coordinated activities in
furtherance of border security and homeland security; and (2)
enhancing information-sharing among such agencies.
H.R.915 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security,
acting through the Assistant Secretary for ICE, to establish
BEST units after considering: (1) whether the area where the
unit would be established is significantly impacted by cross-
border threats; (2) the availability of Federal, State, local,
tribal, and foreign law enforcement resources to participate in
the unit; and (3) the extent to which border security threats
are having a significant harmful impact in the area and in
other jurisdictions. The bill authorizes the Secretary, in
order to provide Federal assistance to the area so designated,
to: (1) obligate such sums as are appropriated for the BEST
program; (2) direct the assignment of Federal personnel to that
program; and (3) take other actions to assist State, local,
tribal, and foreign jurisdictions to participate.
The bill directs the Secretary to report on the
effectiveness of the program in enhancing border security and
reducing the drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien
trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and
across U.S. borders.
Legislative History
111th Congress
H.R.1437, the ``Southern Border Security Task Force Act of
2009,'' was introduced in the House on March 11, 2009, by
Mr.Cuellar and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. Within the
Committee, H.R.1437 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism. No further action
occurred on H.R.1437 in the 111th Congress.
H.R.1437 contains provisions similar to those in H.R.915 in
the 112th Congress.
112th Congress
H.R.915 was introduced in the House on March 3, 2011, by
Mr.Cuellar and Mr.McCaul and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R.915 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
On June 2, 2011, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security considered H.R.915 and favorably reported the measure
to the Full Committee for consideration, amended, by voice
vote.
On September 21, 2011, the Committee considered H.R.915,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.915 to the House on November 4,
2011, as H. Rpt. 112-268.
SECURE BORDER ACT OF 2011
H.R.1299
To achieve operational control of and improve security at the
international land borders of the United States, and for other
purposes.
Summary
In testimony before Congress, a Government Accountability
Office witness reported that the U.S. Border Patrol has less
than 44 percent of the Southwest border under operational
control and less than 2 percent of the Northern border under
control (GAO-11-374T and GAO-11-508T). H.R. 1299 requires the
Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to gain
operational control, as defined by the Secure Fence Act of 2006
(Pub.L. 109 367), of the U.S. borders within five years. In the
event that the Secretary should try to utilize another measure
other than operational control, that measure must be evaluated
by a National Laboratory for suitability in measuring control
of the border. The Secretary must also develop a comprehensive
new measurement system which captures the effectiveness of
security at the ports of entry. Finally, it requires the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection to provide the Committee with its
resource allocation model for the current future year staffing
requirements and detailed port of entry manpower data.
Legislative History
H.R.1299 was introduced in the House on March 31, 2011, by
Mrs.Miller of Michigan and 18 original cosponsors and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R.1299 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security.
On June 2, 2011, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security considered H.R.1299 and favorably reported the measure
to the Full Committee for consideration, amended, by voice
vote.
On September 21, 2011, the Committee considered H.R.1299,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R.1299 to the House on November
12, 2011, as H. Rpt. 112-274.
PROVIDING U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION WITH ACCESS TO FEDERAL
LANDS TO CARRY OUT CERTAIN SECURITY ACTIVITIES IN THE SOUTHWEST BORDER
REGION
H.R.1922
To provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection with access to
Federal lands to carry out certain security activities in the
Southwest border region, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R.1922 was introduced by Representative Quayle on May 13,
2011. Over 20.7 million acres along the U.S. Southern border
are Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior
(DOI) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Federal land
managers are using environmental regulations to impede U.S.
Border Patrol from accessing these lands and effectively
securing the border. The purpose of this bill is to give U.S.
Customs and Border Protection unfettered access to Federal
Lands for the purposes of conduction motorized patrols.
Legislative History
H.R.1922 was introduced in the House on May 13, 2011, by
Mr.Quayle and six original cosponsors and referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources, in addition to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R.1922 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
On June 2, 2011, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security considered H.R.1922 and favorably reported the measure
to the Full Committee for consideration by voice vote.
Provisions of H.R. 1922 were included in Title VI of H.R.
3116 as reported to the House. See also action on H.R. 3116
discussed above.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
BORDER SECURITY BETWEEN THE PORTS OF ENTRY
The concept of operational control of the border as used in
the U.S. Border Patrol's National Strategy has become the
standard measure to describe how much or how little of the
border is secure. According to the Border Patrol, approximately
1,107 miles are under effective operational control, but U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has no current plans to
gain additional miles under control for the rest of Fiscal Year
2011 or in Fiscal Year 2012.
In order for Border Patrol agents to be effective, it must
have the right combination of personnel, infrastructure, and
technology. Since the cancellation of SBInet, the question
remains: ``What is next?'' The addition of increased Border
Patrol agents and infrastructure improvements alone cannot
secure the border -- suitable technology must be used to
support the agents in the field as a force multiplier.
State and local law enforcement, first responders, and
other Government officials can, and should, be leveraged to
accomplish the shared goal of a secure border and safe
communities. State and local officials in many cases are the
first to encounter criminal elements associated with the influx
of illegal crossings. The Subcommittee is examining howthe
current programs in place that delegate customs authority to
State and local law enforcement can inform the future use of
such authorities in securing the border against illegal
immigration and the smuggling of contraband.
Subcommittee Members were briefed on January 19, 2011, by
officials from CBP's Office of Technology Innovation and
Acquisitions. The briefing examined the Department of Homeland
Security's plan to move forward in the aftermath of the
Secretary's decision to cancel the Secure Border Initiative.
On January 27, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing
from members of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems
International on the issue of unmanned aerial vehicles as a
tool to help secure the border.
On January 27, 2011, Committee staff met with officials
from the U.S. Border Patrol to discuss Fiscal Year 2010
statistics and how they relate to operational control of the
border. The brief reviewed what metrics the Border Patrol uses
to define levels of control on the border.
On February 4, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
to discuss two reports; the first titled ``Enhanced DHS
Oversight and Assessment of Interagency Coordination Is Needed
for the Northern Border'' and the second titled ``Preliminary
Observations on Border Control Measures for the Southwest
Border.''
On February 15, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Securing Our Borders-Operational Control and the
Path Forward.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr.Michael J. Fisher, Chief, Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Richard
M. Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government
Accountability Office; and Hon. Raul G. Salinas, Mayor, City of
Laredo, Texas. The hearing focused on the Department's efforts
to gain and maintain operational control of the border. It
examined the effectiveness of the U.S. Border Patrol's measures
for obtaining operational control including statistics on
apprehensions, contraband seized, and number of Border Patrol
Agents assigned to the Southwest border. Additionally, the
hearing provided Members an opportunity to explore whether a
Department-wide strategy to secure the border exists.
Committee staff met with officials from CBP on March 8,
2011, to receive an update on technology and personnel on the
border.
On March 15, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Strengthening the Border-Finding the Right Mix of Personnel,
Infrastructure, and Technology.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr.Michael J. Fisher, Chief of the Border
Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr.Mark Borkowski, Assistant Commissioner,
Office of Technology Innovation and Acquisition, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security;
Mr.Michael C. Kostelnik, (Maj. Gen. Ret.) Assistant
Commissioner, Office of CBP Air & Marine, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Major
General Hugo E. Salazar, Adjutant General, Arizona National
Guard; and Mr.Richard M. Stana, Director, Homeland Security and
Justice, Government Accountability Office.
Majority Members of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
President on April 1, 2011, requesting an extension of the
current National Guard deployment along Southwest border, past
the current June 30, 2011 deadline. The National Guard has been
a valuable force multiplier in the border mission-known as
Operation Phalanx-and has proven to be well-equipped to provide
the necessary support to civilian law enforcement personnel.
The National Guard has expertise in a variety of border
security skills such as ground surveillance, criminal
investigative analysis, and command and control capabilities.
The letter further requested that the National Guard not be
limited to assisting civilian law enforcement, but to function
to the full extent allowed under Title 32, Section 502(f) duty
status.
Committee staff held a briefing, on April 12, 2011, with
representatives from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
regarding cooperation between their organization and State and
local law enforcement officials. The briefing covered areas of
effectiveness and areas that needed improvement.
Committee staff met with representatives from the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) on April 25, 2011, to
discuss and examine SBInet and GAO's recommendations for the
future of this program.
On April 26, 2011, the Subcommittee received a briefing
from representatives from ICE on the Border Enforcement
Security Task Force (BEST) teams. The briefing focused on their
work with State and local law enforcement in the areas
surrounding the BEST teams.
Committee staff met with the Deputy Chief of the U.S.
Border Patrol on April 27, 2011 to discuss the effectiveness of
the Operation Stonegarden grant program and other programs the
U.S. Border Patrol uses to leverage State and local resources
to secure the border.
State and local law enforcement, first responders, and
other Government officials can, and should be, leveraged to
accomplish the shared goal of a secure border and safe
communities. The Subcommittee examined this issue in a May 3,
2011, hearing entitled ``Border Security and Enforcement-
Department of Homeland Security's Cooperation with State and
Local Law Enforcement Stakeholders.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr.Kumar Kibble, Deputy Director, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr.Ronald Vitiello, Deputy Chief, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Sheriff
Larry Dever, Cochise County Sheriff's Office, Arizona; Sheriff
Todd Entrekin, Etowah County Sheriff's Office, Alabama; and
Mr.Gomecindo Lopez, Commander, Special Operations Bureau, El
Paso County Sheriff's Office, Texas.
SECURITY AT THE PORTS OF ENTRY
Examining how the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office
of Field Operations uses the resources appropriated by Congress
to stop the illicit flow of money, guns, and drugs across the
Nation's borders is crucial in determining control of the
border. The Department of Justice reported in the National Drug
Threat Assessment (February 2010) that nearly 90 percent of all
drugs smuggled into the U.S. flow through official ports of
entry. However, statistics provided by the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) -- in their CBP Strategic Context
Congressional Justification, FY 2010 -- show that CBP personnel
are apprehending fewer than half of all major violators, such
as drug smugglers, at the border.
On March 7, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives from Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE)
on the current situation with Mexican Drug Cartels. The
briefing covered techniques on smuggling drugs into the United
States and money and weapons out of the United States.
On March 11 and 23, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from both the Department of Treasury's
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and ICE to
discuss the current financial issues of the Mexican Drug
Cartels, specifically, their use of stored value cards.
Allocation of resources at the ports of entry in terms of
manpower, canine units, and infrastructure and whether or not
those resources are properly deployed to stem the tide of
illicit guns, money, and drugs that cross through the ports of
entry needed to be evaluated. On April 5, 2011, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Using Resources
Effectively to Secure Our Border at Ports of Entry-Stopping the
Illicit Flow of Money, Guns, and Drugs.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr.Thomas Winkowski, Assistant
Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr.Stan Korosec, Vice President, Operations,
Blue Water Bridge Canada; Mr.Timothy J. Koerner, Vice President
& Chief Security Officer, Canadian National Railway Company;
and Hon. Richard F. Cortez, Mayor, City of McAllen, Texas.
Committee staff met with the Deputy Chief of the U.S.
Border Patrol to discuss the effectiveness of Operation
Stonegarden and other programs Border Patrol uses to secure the
border.
The Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee sent
a letter to the President requesting an extenstion of the
National Guard troop along the Southern border.
The Chair and Ranking Member of the Full Committee and the
Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter on
June 1, 2011, to the CBP Commissioner regarding personnel at
the borders and ports of entry.
On July 8, 2011, the Subcommittee hosted a Member-only
classified briefing. The briefing provided an assessment of
current border security threats to the Nation. Members were
briefed by representatives from the Department of Homeland
Security, including the Office of Intelligence and Analysis and
Customs and Border Protection.
On September 26, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from CBP regarding the Border Condition Index.
CBP was able to provide an overview of the Index and respond to
staff concerns.
PORT AND MARITIME SECURITY
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) plays a vital role within the
Department of Homeland Security. The USCG safeguards U.S.
ports, waterways, and coastal waters, interdicts illegal drug
smuggling, performs search and rescue operations, inspects and
ensures safety for all maritime vessels entering the U.S. and
aids in law enforcement on the water; all while maintaining a
state of defensive readiness.
On January 13, 2011, Committee staff conducted a site visit
to the Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) in Chesapeake,
Virginia. The visit allowed staff to conduct oversight and gain
greater knowledge of the missions and capabilities of the
MSRTs.
On February 8, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the USCG to discuss the International Port
Security Program (ISPS). The meeting specifically focused on
the inspection process and program effectiveness.
The Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee sent
a letter on March 2, 2011, to the Commandant of the U.S. Coast
Guard regarding the proposed budget request for the Guard and
its post-9/11 mission.
Committee staff met with representatives from the USCG on
March 17, 2011, for a briefing on the current status and
effectiveness of Interagency Operational Centers (IOCs) and
their plans for future development.
On April 13, 2011, the Subcommittee conducted a site visit
to the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Subcommittee Members and staff met with the Commandant of the
Coast Guard and examined security-related issues.
On April 14, 20, and 27, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the USCG, the Government Accountability
Office, and relevant stakeholders to understand their concerns
of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
program. Committee staff received a briefing on April 19, 2011,
from representatives from the USCG on the Shiprider program and
discussed relevant legislation.
On May 13, 2011, the Committee staff met with
representatives from the USCG for a scoping meeting for the
upcoming hearing with Admiral Papp. During this meeting, staff
was able to discuss the hearing and request any information
they needed.
On May 26, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The briefing
covered issues regarding the Shiprider program and current and
potential integrated law enforcement programs at the Northern
borders.
On May 31, 2011, Committee staff held a meeting with
representatives from the Government Accountability Office
regarding the upcoming U.S. Coast Guard hearing. The meeting's
purpose was to discuss the work GAO had done regarding Coast
Guard acquisition plans and other challenges facing the Coast
Guard.
Following September 11, 2001, the USCG greatly increased
its maritime security operations, including its focus on Ports
and Waterways Coastal Security (PWCS) and defense readiness
missions. On June 14, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
``Securing the Nation's Ports and Maritime Border - A Review of
the Coast Guard Post 9/11 Homeland Security Missions.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Admiral Papp, Commandant
of the USCG. In the hearing, the Subcommittee examined what
Admiral Papp meant when he stated that the service may need to
``reduce the number and range of capabilities [the USCG has]
added since 9/11, until properly resourced and this will be
acceptable.''
BORDER SECURITY THREATS
On July 8, 2011, the Subcommittee received a classified
Member-only briefing on current border security threats to the
Nation. Members were briefed by representatives from the
Department of Homeland Security, including the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis and Customs and Border Protection.
The Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee sent
a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security expressing
concern over the Department's apparent failure to issue
guidelines to Federal, State, and local law enforcement
officials on how to identify noncompliance with Federal laws
that apply to cross-border trucking between the U.S. and the
United States of Mexico.
On December 14, 2011, the Subcommittee held a Member-only
classified briefing on current border security threats to the
Nation. Representatives from the Department of Homeland
Security, including the Office of Intelligence and Analysis and
Customs and Border Protection, were present to respond to
Member questions.
MARITIME BORDERS
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has been designated as the lead
agency for maritime security. However, within the Department of
Homeland Security other components share the responsibility of
securing the Nation's coastal waterways and maritime borders.
Working together in areas of joint authority, the USCG and the
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deploy an array of air
and marine assets in the Nation's fight against the illegal
flow of drugs and illegal immigration. In addition, the USCG
and CBP routinely join forces with State and local law
enforcement agencies to form a multi-agency cooperative effort
designed to keep the Nation's coastal waterways and maritime
borders safe and secure.
Maritime security is crucial for our Nation's economic well
being. Commerce is the lifeblood of our Nation's economy; it
moves in and out of our ports everyday, but it is both a
benefit and a vulnerability that those who seek to do us harm
could exploit. Cooperation, training, and collaboration must
take place and must be practiced among the multiple agencies
that have jurisdiction on our waterways well before an incident
takes place.
On June 24, 2011, Committee staff met with members of the
USCG regarding the National Security Cutters (NSC) Program. At
the meeting staff discussed the acquisition status of the NSCs,
current use of NSCs, and future location information for NSCs.
On July 5, 2011, the Subcommittee held a briefing with
subject matter experts from the USCG and CBP Air and Marine.
On July 12, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Protecting the Maritime Borders -- Leveraging Law Enforcement
Cooperation to Enhance Security Along America's Coasts.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Major General Michael C.
Kostelnik (Ret.), Assistant Commissioner, Office of Customs and
Border Protection Air and Marine, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Rear Admiral Paul
F. Zukunft, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security
and Stewardship, United States Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security; Sheriff Tim Donnellon, St. Clair County
Sheriff's Office, Michigan; and Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Harris
County Sheriff's Office, Texas.
On August 3, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Port of Los Angeles and the Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center in regard to the Port Security Grant program
and maritime security training.
On August 3, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the USCG regarding security planning. The meeting
specifically focused on standardizing security planning and
training.
On August 11, 2011, Committee staff met with members of the
USCG on the various classification societies. In the meeting
the different societies were discussed, as well as what
benefits and limitations shippers experience in the different
societies.
On July 5, 2011, the Subcommittee held a briefing with the
USCG on the voluntary standards for State and local law
enforcement for port security operations.
On July 7, 2011, the Committee staff met with the
Government Accountability Office and discussed Interagency
Operation Centers and their Maritime Domain Awareness reports.
On July 11, 2011, the Subcommittee met with CBP, the U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Coast
Guard regarding the Maritime Operations Coordination Plan. The
staff discussed operational benefits and challenges presented
by the plan with the affected agencies.
On September 6, 2011, the Subcommittee staff met with
representatives from ICE regarding the National Initiative for
Illicit Trade Enforcement (NIITE). This was a new national
program which is a partnership with public, private, and
international organizations to prevent the exploitation of
international trade, travel, and financial systems through the
use of established relationships we have with the trade, law
enforcement, and intelligence communities. NIITE operations
have revolved primarily around the targeting of sea container
cargo.
VISA SECURITY
The 9/11 Commission Report included 41 specific
recommendations to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to
future terrorist attacks. These included recommendations on
targeting terrorist travel, completing biometric entry-exit
screening, and improving information sharing. The Commission
concluded that visa and immigration inspection failures
contributed to September 11, 2011, terrorist attacks. The
Commission stated that ``(t)here were opportunities for
intelligence and law enforcement to exploit al-Qaeda's travel
vulnerabilities.''
On August 18, 2011, the Committee staff met with
representatives from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) for an update on visa security, including CBP Targeting
and the Immigration Advisory Program program.
On August 29, 2011, the Subcommittee had a briefing from
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of
State regarding visa security and terror travel. Among the
issues discussed included the Student Exchange Visitor Program,
the Counterterrorism and Criminal Exploitation Unit, and the
Visa Security Program.
On August 30, 2011, the Subcommittee received a briefing
from the Government Accountability Office on visa security
products, including the different products available and their
benefits and limitations in the field.
On September 13, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Ten Years after 9/11: Can Terrorists Still Exploit
our Visa System?'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr.Thomas Winkowski, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field
Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr.Edward Ramotowski, Acting Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S.
Department of State; Mr.John Cohen, Deputy Counter-Terrorism
Coordinator, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.Peter T. Edge,
Deputy Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security; and Mr.Richard M. Stana, Director, Homeland Security
and Justice, Government Accountability Office.
On September 15, 2011, the Subcommittee held a classified
briefing on refugee and special immigrant visa screening.
On October 25, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security to
discuss Enhanced Biographics, Counterterrorism Advisory Board/
Counterterror Coordinator Update, and the Enhanced Biographic
Exit project.
IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
On June 17, 2011, the Director of U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement released a memorandum regarding the
practice of ``prosecutorial discretion.'' The memo outlined an
expansive list of circumstances that could make an individual
eligible for delayed or deferred action, based upon
prosecutorial discretion. While the use of prosecutorial
discretion is not new, there is a significant difference
between its previous application and establishing a formal
process to systematically, on an ongoing basis, block illegal
aliens from being placed in removal proceedings, stop already-
initiated removal proceedings, and end deportations for
potentially large numbers of criminal aliens. The memo also
listed several categories that mirror groups that would have
been eligible for relief under the DREAM Act, which failed to
pass in both Houses of Congress.
On October 4, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Does Administrative Amnesty Harm our Efforts to Gain
and Maintain Operational Control of the Border?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Chief Michael J. Fisher,
Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr.Kumar C. Kibble, Deputy Director,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security; and Ms.Ruth Ellen Wasem, Ph.D., Specialist in
Immigration Policy, Congressional Research Service.
On August 31, 2011, the Committee staff met with
representatives from the Congressional Research Service on the
Administrative amnesty. The meeting focused on trends in
immigration throughout the years as a result of the policies of
different Administrations.
On September 26, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to
discuss the Border Condition Index. The Border Condition Index
is based on the outcomes of border activity.
On September 26, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from ICE regarding Prosecutorial Discretion.
The staff discussed with ICE the memos released by Director
John Morton.
On September 30, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
to discuss work authorization in regards to the ICE memos
published on prosecutorial discretion in the field.
LEVERAGING DOD TECHNOLOGY
In an era of diminishing budgets, the Department of
Homeland Security must look to the Department of Defense for
existing technology that may have an application for Homeland
Security. Billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent since
the attacks of September 11, 2001, on DOD research and
development -- that investment should also be used to secure
the Nation here at home. Defense technology has already been
used successfully in a handful of cases on both land and sea
borders in the U.S. As the Nation draws down in Iraq and
Afghanistan, surveillance equipment used successfully in
theater may have surveillance applications to help Border
Patrol Agents gain and maintain operation control of the
border.
On June 6, 2011, Committee staff met with the Department of
Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) on
strategic priorities and a general open discussion. Among the
issues discussed, the Subcommittee examined S&T activities
regarding border and maritime security, including explosives
detection and threat and risk assessments.
On June 20, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) regarding
SBInet. Staff were briefed on the work GAO has done regarding
SBInet and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's steps forward.
On October 18, 2011, Committee staff met with GAO regarding
various border technologies. During this meeting GAO discussed
post-SBInet technologies.
On November 2, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regarding its
coordination with and use of existing DOD technology. In the
briefing, USCG discussed their process to obtain available DOD
technologies and specific examples of how this has proven
useful at a tactical level.
On November 8, 2011, Committee staff met with DOD for a
prehearing meeting regarding DHS's use of DOD technology.
During this meeting staff was able to discuss the upcoming
hearing and examine DOD's position on the topic.
On November 9, 2011, Committee staff met with Mr.Borkowski,
Mr.Benda, and agency staff for a pre-hearing briefing to inform
Committee staff on the current situation regarding the use of
technologies.
On November 15, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Protecting the Homeland: How can DHS use DOD
Technology to Secure the Border?'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Hon. Paul N. Stockton, Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs,
Office of Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Department of
Defense; Mr.Mark Borkowski, Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Technology Innovation and Acquisition, Border Patrol, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security;
Dr. Adam Cox, Acting Deputy Director, Homeland Security
Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department of Homeland
Security; and Mr.Michael Tangora, Deputy Assistant Commandant &
Director of Acquisition Services, United States Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security.
BORDER SECURITY THREAT
On June 1, 2011, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Department of Homeland Security for a Northern Border
Strategy brief. The briefing provided a confidential briefing
on the major themes of the Northern Border Strategy as well as
the President's Beyond the Border program for North American
perimeter security and travel/trade facilitation.
One June 23, 2011, Committee staff held a conference call
with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
for a Northern Border Brief. The call familiarized staff with
the work of the Franklin County District Attorney's Drug Task
Force; smuggling and human trafficking concerns regarding
Indian reservations; and the Division of Criminal Justice
Services Homeland Security grant initiative to use License
Plate Reader technology to track illegal activity in the area.
On July 8, 2011, the Subcommittee hosted a Member-only
classified briefing. The briefing provided an assessment of
current border security threats to the Nation. Members were
briefed by representatives from DHS, including the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis and U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP).
On July 15, 2011, the Subcommittee met with representatives
from US-VISIT regarding biometrics. Subject matter experts from
US-VISIT provided staff with a briefing focusing on the use of
biometrics.
On September 26, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from CBP regarding their Border Condition
Index. CBP provided an overview of the Index and answer
questions from Committee staff.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Securing Our Borders Operational Control and the Path
Forward.'' February 15, 2011. (Serial No. 111-4)
``Strengthening the Border Finding the Right Mix of
Personnel, Infrastructure and Technology.'' March 15,
2011. (Serial No. 112-10)
``Using Resources Effectively to Secure Our Border at Ports of
Entry _ Stopping the Illicit Flow of Money, Guns, and
Drugs.'' April 15, 2011. (Serial No. 112-15)
``Border Security and Enforcement _ Department of Homeland
Security's Cooperation with State and Local Law
Enforcement Stakeholders.'' May 3, 2011. (Serial No.
112-20)
``Securing the Nation's Ports and Maritime Border _ A Review of
the Coast Guard Post 9/11 Homeland Security Mission.''
June 14, 2011 (Serial No. 112-30)
``Protecting the Maritime Borders -- Leveraging Law Enforcement
Cooperation to Enhance Security Along America's
Coasts.'' July 12, 2011 (Serial No. 112-37)
``Ten Years after 9/11: Can Terrorists Still Exploit our Visa
System?'' September 13, 2011. (Serial No. 112-43)
``Does Administrative Amnesty Harm our Efforts to Gain and
Maintain Operational Control of the Border?'' October
4, 2011. (Serial No. 112-47)
``Protecting the Homeland: How can DHS use DOD Technology to
Secure the Border?'' November 15, 2011. (Serial No.
112-56)
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Paul C. Broun, Georgia, Jackie Speier, California
Vice Chair Loretta Sanchez, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Joe Walsh, Illinois Brian Higgins, New York
Ben Quayle, Arizona Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Janice Hahn, California
Billy Long, Missouri Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
----------
During the First Session of the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence held 10
hearings, receiving testimony from 36 witnesses, and considered
two measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
WMD INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING ACT OF 2011
H.R.2764
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish weapons
of mass destruction 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
This legislation requires the Department of Homeland
Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis to support the
analysis and dissemination of information regarding threats
involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
weapons throughout the Department and among other Federal,
State, local, and private sector partners.
Legislative History
H.R.2764 was introduced in the House on August 1, 2011, by
Mr.Meehan, Ms.Speier, Mr.Pascrell, Mr.Marino, Mr.King of New
York, and Mr.Rogers of Alabama and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R.2764 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
The Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
considered H.R.2764 on November 15, 2011, and ordered the
measure to be favorably reported to the Full Committee with a
favorable recommendation, without amendment, by voice vote.
MASS TRANSIT INTELLIGENCE PRIORITIZATION ACT
H.R.3140
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the
Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize the assignment of
officers and analysts to certain State and urban area fusion
centers to enhance the security of mass transit systems.
Summary
This legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland
Security to prioritize the assignment of officers and analysts
to participate in State and local fusion centers in
jurisdictions with mass transit systems. These officers and
analysts will be responsible for the creation of mass transit
intelligence products to assist in the effective protection of
mass transit systems and promote consistent and timely
distribution of mass transit information, relevant to security,
among these jurisdictions.
Legislative History
H.R.3140 was introduced in the House on October 6, 2011, by
Ms.Speier and Mr.Meehan, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R.3140 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
The Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
considered H.R.3140 on November 15, 2011, and ordered the
reported to the Full Committee with a favorable recommendation,
without amendment, by voice vote.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
THREAT FROM AL-QAEDA TO THE U.S. HOMELAND
The Subcommittee has made significant efforts to examine
the evolving threat from al-Qaeda and its various franchises
throughout the world.
The Committee staff held multiple meetings with and
briefings by stakeholders, including the Department of Homeland
Security, experts from the Center for Strategic and
International Studies, the Rand Corporation, and experts on al-
Qaeda from academia and retired intelligence operatives.
On February 15, 2011, the Subcommittee received a
classified Member-only briefing by the Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Defense, Special Operations and Combating
Terrorism, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); the Deputy
Director for Special Operations, J3, The Joint Staff; a Senior
Intelligence Analyst, Middle East Branch of the Joint
Intelligence Task Force on Counterterrorism; a Republic of
Yemen Analyst, Middle East Branch of the Joint Intelligence
Task Force on Counterterrorism; a Senior Intelligence Officer,
Middle East and North Africa Branch, the Defense Intelligence
Agency (DIA), Directorate of Intelligence; and a Yemen Analyst,
Middle East and North Africa Analysis branch of the DIA
Directorate of Intelligence, on the threat from al-Qaeda in the
Arabian Peninsula.
On April 27, 2011, Committee staff conducted a site visit
to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and met
with representatives from the Combating Terrorism Center at
West Point and West Point cadets.
Committee staff also conducted an in-depth examination of
the various terrorism threats and U.S. counterterrorism policy
and as a result on March 2, 2011, the Subcommittee held a
hearing entitled ``Terrorist Threat to the U.S. Homeland-al-
Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Dr. Jarret Brachman, Managing Director,
Cronus Global; Dr. Christopher Boucek, Associate, Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace; and Mr.Barak Barfi, Research
Fellow, New America Foundation. The Subcommittee hearing was
followed by a classified Member-only briefing from the National
Counterterrorism Center, the Department of Homeland Security,
and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
RECENT UNREST IN NORTH AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST: THE IMPLICATIONS FOR
U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY
Committee staff attended multiple briefings from noted
experts on policy implications regarding the uprisings across
North Africa and the Middle East against established
authoritarian regimes which occurred during Spring 2011 and the
potential policy and security ramifications for the United
States. Specific topics included the importation of liquid
natural gas from the Republic of Yemen and common areas of
interest in counterterrorism and security between the U.S. and
Saudi Arabia.
On April 6, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa: Ramifications for
U.S. Homeland Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr.Philip Mudd, Senior Research Fellow, New America
Foundation; Mr.Thomas Joscelyn, Senior Fellow and Executive
Director, Center for Law and Counter Terrorism, Foundation for
the Defense of Democracies; Mr.Rick ``Ozzie'' Nelson, Director
and Senior Fellow, Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies; and
Mr.Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY'S INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYSIS DIRECTORATE
As part of its oversight, Committee staff met with
officials from a number of offices and agencies within the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Policy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
the Office of Operations Coordination and Planning, the DHS
Counter Intelligence mission and the Fusion Center program
office, DHS I&A Hiring Authorities, the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) Office of Intelligence and Investigative
Liaison, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland
Security Investigations Intelligence Office (HIS-Intel), the
DHS Science and Technology Directorate, the DHS Open Source
Enterprise, and programs within the U.S. Secret Service.
The Subcommittee Chair, the Full Committee Chair and other
Members visited the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) on
January 26, 2011, where Members received a classified threat
briefing from the Director of NCTC and other officials from the
NCTC. The Subcommittee Chair also conducted meetings with the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, both in Washington, DC and in
Pennsylvania, as well as the Homeland Security Under Secretary
for Intelligence and Analysis.
Committee staff attended security conferences including the
National Fusion Center Conference held in March 2011 in Denver,
Colorado, and traveled to New York City, New York for security
briefings by the New York Police Department and the New York
State Intelligence Center.
On June 1, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The DHS Intelligence Enterprise -- Past, Present, and
Future.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from the
Honorable Caryn Wagner, Under Secretary for the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security;
Mr.Rear Admiral Thomas Atkin, Assistant Commandant for
Intelligence and Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard;
Mr.Daniel Johnson, Assistant Administrator for Intelligence,
U.S. Transportation Security Administration; Mr.James Chaparro,
Assistant Director for Intelligence, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement; and Ms.Susan Mitchell, Deputy Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Intelligence and Operations
Coordination, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
On November 15, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter
to the Commissioner of CBP urging an investigation into the
conduct of CBP Officers at the Philadelphia International
Airport.
DOMESTIC RADICALIZATION
The Subcommittee aided the Full Committee in its efforts to
examine domestic radicalization, violent extremism, and threat
mitigation. Committee staff held over 15 meetings with domestic
and international experts and academics. The meetings focused
on discussing the current threat homegrown terrorism and
violent extremism within the United States and what measures
can be taken to address this problem. Briefers included
representatives of the Ahmaddiyya Group, the World Organization
for Resource Development and Education, the Anti-Defamation
League, a former United States attorney with expertise in this
area, representatives from Johns Hopkins University,
representatives from the New York Department of Corrections,
and representatives from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, among
others.
On April 14, 2011, the Minority initiated a classified
Member briefing from the Department of Homeland Security and
the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the issue of domestic
radicalization.
Committee staff, in conjunction with staff from the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs,
attended multiple conferences and conducted site visits to the
U.S. Coast Guard's Intelligence Coordination Center.
THREAT TO THE U.S. HOMELAND FROM SOUTH ASIA
The Subcommittee examined events in South Asia as they
relate to the U.S., and in particular, monitored events in the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan, including the killing of Osama
Bin Laden. Committee staff met with representatives of the
Council on Foreign Relations, the New America Foundation, the
RAND Corporation and the Carnegie Endowment for International
Peace to better understand the complex social and political
environment in South Asia. Committee staff were briefed by
multiple experts with personal experiences in Pakistan,
Afghanistan, and India regarding conditions on the ground in
these critical areas and implications for counterterrorism
policy and intelligence gathering.
On May 2, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair consulted with
representatives from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan regarding the situation within Pakistan and the
killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
On May 3, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The Threat to the U.S. Homeland Emanating from Pakistan.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Frederick Kagan,
Resident Scholar and Director, American Enterprise Institute
Critical Threats Project; Dr. Seth Jones, Senior Political
Scientist, The RAND Corporation; Mr.Stephen Tankel, Visiting
Fellow, South Asia Program, The Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace; and Mr.Shuja Nawaz, Director, South Asia
Center, The Atlantic Council. The hearing focused on the recent
successful action against Osama bin Laden by the U.S. Special
Forces in Pakistan, Pakistan's support to the War on Terror,
and the plethora of terrorist organizations based in Pakistan.
On November 8, 2011 Committee staff were briefed by French
Magistrate Jean-Louis Bruguiere for his work investigating
Sajid Mir, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
The Subcommittee made efforts to foster relationships with
counterpart bodies in different countries and regions around
the World. Members and Committee staff held meetings to include
the representatives from the governments of both the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the State of
Israel.
On February 16, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair met with the
Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and other embassy
representatives to discuss counterterrorism, intelligence
issues, and U.S.-Jordanian bilateral relations.
On April 15, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair addressed Members
of the World Affairs Council on counterterrorism and
intelligence issues.
On July 16, 2011, Committee staff participated in a staff
delegation to London, England, where they met with
representatives from the British Home Office and the
Association of Chief Police Officers. Staff examined the United
Kingdom's ``Prevent'' strategy and security for the 2012 London
Summer Olympic Games.
TERROR FINANCE
The Subcommittee examined issues surrounding terror
financing. Committee staff received a briefing from Financial
Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) officials on Mexican drug
cartels. Additionally, Committee staff met with the Federal
Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Financing Operations
Section, the Drug Enforcement Agency's Special Operations
Division, and the former Ambassador to the Organization of
American States to discuss Latin American drug trafficking
organizations and their connections with international terror
networks.
On April 7, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent letters to
the Secretary of State and the Attorney General of the United
States requesting their personal involvement to secure drug
kingpin Walid Makled's extradition to the United States.
On May 9, 2011, Committee staff received a briefing from
the Cyber Division and National Cyber Forensics and Training
Alliance, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Committee
received a letter responses from the Department of Justice on
July 18, 2011; and from the Department of State on August 25,
2011.
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
Committee staff visited the Defense Threat Reduction Agency
and received a briefing on the Agency's Strategic Command
Center. Topics of discussion included: cooperative threat
reduction and international engagement; planning, readiness,
and operational support; research and development; and
integration of technology with tactics, techniques, and
procedures to work across the interagency process on the key
weapons of mass destruction (WMD) issues of nonproliferation,
counter proliferation, and consequence management.
Additionally, on March 11, 2011, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
on the FBI's Weapons of Mass Destruction Program.
On May 13, 2011, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications received a classified Member-only briefing by
representatives from the National Counterterrorism Center and
the National Counter-proliferation Center, both of the Office
of the Director of National Intelligence, on the threat from
four categories of WMDs that terrorists may seek to acquire and
use in a WMD terrorist attack -- chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear.
HEZBOLLAH IN LATIN AMERICA
On May 31, 2011, Committee staff met with Ambassador Roger
Noriega, Visiting Fellow with the American Enterprise Institute
and former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American
States. The meeting focused on Hezbollah's activity in Latin
America.
On June 1, 2011, Committee staff held a meeting with
Mr.Douglas Farah, president of IBI Consultants and Senior
Fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, to
discuss Hezbollah in Latin America.
On June 10, 2011, Committee staff held a meeting with
Mr.Matthew Levitt, Senior Fellow and Director of The Washington
Institute's Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence,
and professorial lecturer in international relations and
strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze
School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). The meeting
focused on Hezbollah's activity in Latin America.
On July 7, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Hezbollah in Latin America -- Implications for U.S. Homeland
Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Roger
F. Noriega, Visiting Fellow, The American Enterprise Institute;
Mr.Douglas Farah, Senior Fellow, The International Assessment
and Strategy Center; Mr.Ilan Berman, Vice President, American
Foreign Policy Council; and Dr. Melani Cammett, Director,
Middle East Studies Program, Brown University.
On September 13, 2011, the Members of the Subcommittee
received a Classified briefing to further respond to Member
concerns. Representatives from the Drug Enforcement
Administration and the Department of State were present.
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
On September 14, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``United States Secret Service: Examining Protective
and Investigative Missions and Challenges in 2012.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.Mark Sullivan,
Director, United States Secret Service (USSS).
On April 7, 2011, Committee staff held a meeting with
representatives from the USSS to discuss the FY 2012 Budget
Request submission. The briefing covers various issues
including the protection of persons and facilities; various
National Special Security Events (NSSE); presidential candidate
nominee protection for the 2012 election cycle; domestic field
operations and headquarters; and management and administration.
On May 19, 2011, Committee staff attended a site visit to the
USSS Headquarters in Washington, DC.
TERRORIST TRAVEL AND INTELLIGENCE SHARING
On October 5, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Intelligence Sharing and Terrorist Travel: How DHS
Addresses the Mission of Providing Security, Facilitating
Commerce and Protecting Privacy for Passengers Engaged in
International Travel.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Hon. David Heyman, Assistant Secretary for Policy,
Department of Homeland Security; Ms.Mary Ellen Callahan, Chief
Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security; and Mr.Thomas
Bush, Executive Director of Automation and Targeting, Office of
Intelligence and Investigative Liaison, Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
On May 13, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter to
the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Director of National
Intelligence (DNI), to inquire about the role each of their
agencies played in the analysis and appropriate distribution
and response to the cache of information that was collected
from Osama bin Laden's compound. The DNI responded on June 27,
20011; the FBI on July 21, 2011; and the Department of Homeland
Security on September 6, 2011.
IRANIAN THREAT TO THE U.S. HOMELAND
Following the arrest of Manssor Arbabsiar for his alleged
role in a plot to assassinate the Ambassador to the United
States from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Subcommittee
worked to understand the nature of the threat from Iranian
state-sponsored terrorism in the United States. Committee staff
received briefings from various think tanks.
On October 26, 2011, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism
and Intelligence and the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management held a joint hearing entitled
``Iranian Terror Operations on American Soil.'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from General Jack Keane (Ret.
US Army), private citizen; Mr.Reuel Marc Gerecht, Senior
Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Dr. Matt Levitt,
Director, Stein Program on Counterterrorism & Intelligence, The
Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Dr. Lawrence Korb,
Senior Fellow, Center For American Progress Action Fund; and
Colonel Timothy J. Geraghty (Ret. U.S. Marine Corps), private
citizen.
On October 27, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair received a
classified briefing from the Central Intelligence Agency on the
Iranian plot to to assassinate the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to
the United States.
BOKO HARAM
The Subcommittee has continued to monitor the changing
threat landscape for emerging dangers to the U.S. homeland.
After their bombing of a United Nations building in Abuja,
Nigeria, and increased international attention, Committee staff
began studying Boko Haram, a Nigerian militant group with
suspected ties to al-Qaeda. Committee staff was briefed by
representatives from the Council on Foreign Relations, the
Congressional Research Service, and the Sahel Blog. Committee
staff also received a classified briefing from the National
Counterterrorism Center.
On September 13, 2011, the Subcommittee Chair and Ranking
Member sent a letter to the Secretary of State to urge the
Department of State's Office of the Coordination for
Counterterrorism to initiate an investigation and compile and
administrative record in order to determine whether Nigerian
Islamist sect Boko Haram should be designated a Foreign
Terrorist Organization (FTO). The Committee receivd a response
on September 18, 2011.
On September 27, 2011, Committee staff attended a briefing
organized by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Boko
Haram. Briefers included representatives from the various think
tanks and policy experts.
On November 30, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Boko Haram -- Emerging Threat to the U.S.
Homeland.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. J.
Peter Pham, Director, Michael S.Ansari Africa Center, Atlantic
Council of the US; Ms.Lauren Ploch, Africa Analyst,
Congressional Research Service; Dr. Ricardo Laremont, Professor
of Political Science and Sociology, Binghamton University,
State University of New York; and Ms.Jennifer G. Cooke,
Director, Africa Program, Center for Strategic and
International Studies.
Also on November 30, 2011, the Subcommittee released a
report entitled ``Boko Haram -- Emerging Threat to the U.S.
Homeland,'' which summarized their extensive study of the
organization's history and current activity.
ONLINE TERRORIST OPERATIONS
The Subcommittee has examined the issue of terrorist
operatives and sympathizers using the internet as tool to
promote their ideology and communicate with one another.
Committee staff received briefings from several experts,
including representatives from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, the Department of State's Center for Strategic
Counterterrorism Communications, the Center for Naval Analyses,
the National Defense University, and other policy experts.
On December 6, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Jihadist Use of Social Media -- How to Prevent
Terrorism and Preserve Innovation.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr.William McCants, Analyst, Center for Naval
Analyses; Mr.Andrew Aaron Weisburd, Director, Society for
Internet Research; and Mr.Brian Michael Jenkins, Senior Advisor
to the RAND President, RAND Corporation.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Terrorist Threat to the U.S. Homeland _ Al-Qaeda in the
Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).'' March 2, 2011. (Serial No.
112-5)
``Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa: Ramifications for
U.S. Homeland Security.'' April 6, 2011. (Serial No.
112-16)
``The Threat to the U.S. Homeland Emanating from Pakistan.''
May 3, 2011. (Serial No. 112-21)
``The DHS Intelligence Enterprise _ Past, Present, and
Future.'' June 1, 2011. (Serial No. 112-27)
``Hezbollah in Latin America -- Implications for U.S. Homeland
Security.'' July 7, 2011. (Serial No. 112-35)
``United States Secret Service: Examining Protective and
Investigative Missions and Challenges in 2012.''
September 14 2011. (Serial No. 112-44)
``Intelligence Sharing and Terrorist Travel: How DHS Addresses
the Mission of Providing Security, Facilitating
Commerce and Protecting Privacy for Passengers Engaged
in International Travel.''October 5, 2011. (Serial No.
112-49)
``Iranian Terror Operation on American Soil.'' Joint with the
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and
Management, October 26, 2011. (Serial No. 112-54)
``Boko Haram -- Emerging Threat to the U.S. Homeland.''
November 30, 2011. (Serial No. 112-60)
``Jihadist Use of Social Media -- How to Prevent Terrorism and
Preserve Innovation.'' December 6, 2011. (Serial No.
112-62)
Committee on Homeland Security Oversight Plan for the 112th Congress
Rule X. Clause 2(d) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives for the 112th Congress requires each standing
Committee in the first session of a Congress to adopt an
oversight plan for the two- year period of the Congress and to
submit the plan to the Committee on Government Reform and the
Committee on House Administration.
Rule XI. Clause 1(2)(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 committee under Rule X and Rule XI during the Congress
ending on January 3 of such year. Clause 1(2)(d)(3) of Rule XI
also requires that such report include a summary of the action
taken and recommendations made with respect to each such plan;
and 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 112th Congress which the Full
Committee considered and adopted by unanimous consent on
January 26, 2011, a quorum being present.
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 112th 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
Clause 2(d) of Rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives for the 112th 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 Government Reform and House Administration not
later than February 15th of the first session of the Congress.
This is the oversight plan for the Committee on Homeland
Security for the 112th Congress. It includes the areas in which
the Committee expects to conduct oversight during the 112th
Congress, but does not preclude oversight or investigation of
additional matters as the need arises.
In the 112th Congress, the Full Committee will examine
terrorist threats against the homeland, including the
increasing threat of homegrown terrorism and Islamist
radicalization in the homeland, as evidenced by the terrorist
attacks at Fort Hood and Times Square, and thwarted plots on
the New York City subway and in Portland, Oregon. As stated by
the Attorney General, in the last 24 months, there have been
126 terrorism-related indictments, including 50 against US
citizens. The Committee will also analyze the radicalization of
U.S. residents by foreign terrorist organizations via the
Internet and the influence of English speaking radicals such as
Anwar Al Awlaki. The Committee also intends to examine what
approach the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to
take to address the increasing radicalization of individuals
within the United States.
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will also examine
the effect on national security of the transportation of
unprivileged enemy combatants to the United States to be
detained and tried before a jury in a Federal civilian court.
The examination will include a review of the potential risk of
holding high-value detainees, such as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
and other co-conspirators of the attacks of September 11th, on
domestic soil; the risk of inadvertent disclosure of sensitive
information during the trial; and the recommendations delivered
by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) as
part of the Guantanamo Review Task Force.
The Committee will also examine the Obama Administration's
policy concerning the Detention Center at the U.S. Naval
Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This oversight will include a
review of the Secretary of Homeland Security's role as a member
of the President's Guantanamo Detention Task Force, as outlined
in Executive Order 13492. Furthermore, the Committee will
examine the homeland security ramifications of the
Administration's plans to purchase detention space within the
United States for the purposes of detaining enemy combatants
currently held at Guantanamo Bay and conducting military
commissions for terrorists detained at Guantanamo.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
counterterrorism
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
counterterrorism policies of the U.S. government, with specific
focus on the Department of Homeland Security. This examination
will include an assessment of the worldwide threat against the
U.S. homeland from Al Qaeda core, Al Qaeda in the Arabian
Peninsula (AQAP), Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), al
Shahbab, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
and other emerging terrorist groups.
department of homeland security intelligence enterprise
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will conduct
oversight of the Department of Homeland Security's Intelligence
Enterprise, including intelligence activities throughout the
Department and component agencies. Additionally, the Committee
will oversee the progress made in the coordination and
collaboration of information collection and intelligence
analysis occurring across the DHS Intelligence Enterprise, as
well as the further development and role of the Homeland
Security Intelligence Council (HSIC) in coordination and
collaboration with Departmental intelligence activities.
During the 112th Congress, 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 examine whether
the Department is receiving relevant intelligence and law
enforcement information from other Federal agencies in a timely
manner; whether the Secretary of Homeland Security is
appropriately involved in the prioritization of the Federal
government's intelligence collection requirements for homeland
security purposes; and the Department's role in managing,
distributing, and otherwise using terrorist threat information
in furtherance of its homeland security mission.
Additionally, the Committee will examine the hiring
authorities, practices, and career-development of intelligence
analysts and professionals within the Department. The Committee
will examine the progress of DHS intelligence analyst training
programs, and whether they are meeting the needs of both the
Department and state, local, and private sector partners.
counterintelligence
Throughout the 112th Congress, the Committee will track the
development of the newly reorganized Department of Homeland
Security Counterintelligence Program, to ensure it is fully
meeting the Department's needs. The primary mission of DHS'
Counterintelligence Program is to prevent adversaries from
penetrating the department to exploit sensitive information,
operations, programs, personnel, and resources.
information sharing
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
progress being made to improve terrorist and homeland security
information sharing efforts among Federal, state, and local
governments, law enforcement entities, first responders,
emergency management personnel, and the private sector. The
Committee intends to explore the Department of Homeland
Security's coordination and collaboration with the National
Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), particularly through the
Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group, and
efforts to disseminate necessary terrorist threat information
among Federal, state, and local governments and the private
sector. While supporting the Department's and government-wide
information sharing efforts, the Committee will review efforts
to ensure the security of sensitive and classified information
and guard against unlawful access or disclosure, as in the case
of WikiLeaks.
In addition to examining the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, the Committee will examine the Department of Homeland
Security's efforts to establish policy for and coordinate
information sharing efforts from across the Federal government
to and from state and local fusion centers throughout the
country. Additionally, the Committee will examine the
Department's internal processes and coordination efforts in
sharing information between the fusion centers and the
Department. Further, the Committee will examine unclassified
information designations and whether such designations impact
the ability of the Department or other Federal agencies to
share information among Federal, state, local and private
sector partners.
the national operations center
The Department of Homeland Security's National Operations
Center (NOC) serves as the national nerve center for
information sharing and domestic incident management, by
increasing the vertical coordination among Federal, state, and
local government and private sector partners. In the 112th
Congress, the Committee will oversee the Department's efforts
to collect and fuse information in the NOC in order to maintain
domestic situational awareness, and to carry out its role as
the primary national-level center during domestic incidents and
special events.
united states secret service
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
homeland security operations of the United States Secret
Service, including its critical role of protecting the
President of the United States and presidential candidates in
the 2012 presidential election.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
operational control of the border
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will focus on
additional policies and resources necessary for the Department
to gain operational control over the land and maritime borders
of the United States, including but not limited to personnel,
technology, infrastructure, and coordination. The Committee
will also assess the status of programs and international
agreements to secure U.S. land borders on the north and the
south from illegal entry by persons or contraband.
Furthermore, the Committee continues to be concerned about
the threat of spill-over violence stemming from the rise of
drug cartels and the increasingly violent conflict throughout
Mexico. During the 112th Congress, the Committee will conduct
rigorous oversight of these issues.
border screening and terrorist travel
In the 112th Congress, the Committee intends to review
efforts to ensure the deployment and implementation of
technology, training, and infrastructure enhancements to assist
border and consular officials in identifying, intercepting, and
disrupting terrorists or others who would do our Nation harm
and who are attempting to enter or travel within the United
States. As a part of this review, the Committee will monitor
the Department's efforts to detect, detain, and remove aliens
apprehended at or near U.S. borders and ports of entry who are
subject to deportation, particularly those from special
interest countries. The Committee will address security-related
deficiencies in the immigration and naturalization process that
terrorists could use to gain entry to or remain in the country
for illegitimate purposes. These weaknesses have and will
continue to be exploited by terrorists and those seeking to
commit terrorist acts. The Committee intends to explore
challenges preventing the aggressive deployment of personnel to
high-risk visa issuing posts to improve visa security.
The Committee will also examine the integration, security,
and reliability of criminal, immigration, and terrorist
databases used to screen persons seeking to enter this country,
to include advanced passenger information and the US-VISIT
program. The Committee will also assess the development of
secure travel documents. In addition, the Committee will
examine the integration and effectiveness of transportation and
border security screening systems for detecting high-risk
passengers and cargo transported within the United States and
across our borders.
port and maritime security
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine various
aspects of port and maritime security, including the security
of port facilities; the screening of vessels, passengers,
cargo, and crew for potential terrorists, terrorist weapons,
and contraband; the development of international security
standards for shipping and containers; and the implementation
and operation of the Transportation Worker Identification Card
(TWIC). The Committee also plans to review how the Department
manages risk emerging from maritime threats and vulnerabilities
such as small boats that could be utilized in acts of
terrorism.
The Committee plans to review the efficiency and
effectiveness of the Department's supply chain security
programs, such as the Customs Trade Partnership against
Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the Container Security Initiative (CSI),
to ensure a proper balance between the facilitation of lawful
trade and the security of America. This will include an
assessment of implementation of the Maritime and Transportation
Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-295), the Security and
Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-
347), relevant provisions of the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458), and the
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007
(P.L. 110-53).
u.s. coast guard
In the 112th Congress, the Committee plans to review the
Coast Guard's homeland security missions, to include ports,
waterways, and coastal security; drug interdiction; migrant
interdiction; law enforcement; and defense readiness. The
Committee will examine Coast Guard afloat, aviation, and shore-
based operations in support of these missions to ensure that
the service is using a risk-based, layered strategy to enforce
laws and keep America's waters secure. This will include a
specific assessment of the Coast Guard's anti-terrorist
capabilities, most notably those found within the Deployable
Operations Group and its units, including Maritime Safety and
Security Teams, Port Security Units, Tactical Law Enforcement
Teams, and the Maritime Security Response Team. Additionally,
the Committee will review resource and asset needs within the
Coast Guard to determine whether the service is operationally
ready to address threats and emergencies while pursuing a long-
term sustainable path of fleet recapitalization. The Committee
will specifically examine the progress, efficiency, and
efficacy of acquisitions programs such as the Integrated
Deepwater Systems project to ensure major procurements remain
on schedule without a reduction in readiness throughout the
service.
Furthermore, the Committee will closely investigate the
Coast Guard's specific maritime security operations and
initiatives, such as the International Port Security Program
and the inspection of vessels originating from ports with
inadequate anti-terrorism measures. The Committee will examine
these and other programs to ensure that the service is
developing a full sense of maritime domain awareness and
executing all of its missions in the most effective manner
possible to keep America secure.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
national strategy for transportation security
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
Department of Homeland Security's continuing efforts to
implement the National Strategy for Transportation Security;
the efforts of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
in fulfilling its mandate under the Aviation and Transportation
Security Act of 2001; and TSA's policies and programs to
address security threats against all modes of transportation.
The Committee's review will consider the Department's capacity
for protecting the most at-risk transportation systems, the
resiliency of critical infrastructure related to
transportation, the development and deployment of technology to
detect biological, chemical, and radiological threats,
passenger screening, and other methods to prevent or mitigate
terrorist attacks. Additionally, the Committee will examine the
Department's staffing needs, its inventory and use of detection
canines, and its allocation and objectives for transportation
security grants.
passenger and baggage screening
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will review TSA's
deployment of technology and implementation of procedures
related to the screening of passengers in all modes of
transportation and will examine TSA's balancing security
interests with the need for the efficient flow of travel,
including privacy and civil liberties safeguards. The Committee
will conduct oversight on the cost and effectiveness of
technology related to the screening of baggage; information
sharing within the Federal interagency process; coordination
with international partners, and the effectiveness of the
credentialing process. The Committee will also review TSA's
passenger search policies and pre-screening programs, including
the screening of passengers against no-fly and selectee lists,
the performance of the Secure Flight program, and other
measures that affect the security of domestic and international
air travelers.
aviation security
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the risks
and consequences of terrorist attacks on passenger and cargo
aircraft, as well as the development of security measures to
reduce or mitigate such risks. The Committee's oversight will
review programs and procedures implemented by the Department of
Homeland Security related to the security of all types of
aircraft, including commercial passenger, air cargo, and
general aviation aircraft. In addition, the Committee will
examine airport perimeter and access controls and technology
for limiting access to the secure areas of commercial and
general aviation airports. The Committee will also examine the
training and management of the Federal Air Marshal Service.
surface transportation
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will review the
Transportation Security Administration's efforts to secure
surface transit systems, including the most at-risk mass
transit systems, buses, subway light rail, and passenger rail,
freight rail, pipelines, and highway systems. Moreover, in
examining the security of surface transportation systems, the
Committee will consider the roles and responsibilities of other
DHS components including the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), as well as agencies external to DHS, including
the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA),
state and local agencies and private industry. The Committee's
examination will include a review of TSA plans for providing
resources to adequately train and staff surface transportation
inspector units.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
federal preparedness and response
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
Administration's efforts to review and update Homeland Security
Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8), which directs the Department
to create a national program and multi-year planning system to
conduct terrorism preparedness-related exercises, and the
impact the delay caused by this review has had on efforts to
update the National Planning Scenarios and other preparedness
activities. The Committee will also examine the Department's
efforts to implement the Post Katrina Emergency Management
Reform Act of 2006.
national response and incident management
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
effectiveness of the National Response Framework (NRF),
including the Department's role in coordinating the response
efforts of all applicable Federal departments and agencies and
the coordination among the Department and state and local
governments, first responders, nongovernmental organizations
and the private sector in implementing the NRF. The Committee
will also examine the development and integration of doctrine
that addresses prevention, protection, and recovery, including
the draft National Disaster Recovery Framework. In addition,
during the 112th Congress, the Committee will oversee the
Department's implementation of the National Incident Management
System (NIMS), including the Department's integration of NIMS
with the NRF.
interoperable communications
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will monitor the
progression of the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center
and the Department's Office of Emergency Communications and
Office of Interoperability and Compatibility. Specifically, the
Committee will review the Department's coordination and
planning, technical assistance, communications standards, and
best practices for interoperable communications systems and the
proposed public safety wireless broadband network for first
responders. The Committee will also oversee the Department's
implementation of grants for interoperable communications. In
addition, the Committee will examine the Department's progress
in the establishment of the Integrated Public Alerts and
Warnings System to ensure interoperability among different
warning systems.
assistance to state and local governments and first responders
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
extent to which the Department implements a risk-based approach
to the allocation of grants and ways to improve the
Department's administration of grants to enhance the ability of
state and local governments and emergency responders to
mitigate against, prevent, protect against, respond to, and
recover from a terrorism attack or natural disaster. The
Committee will review the coordination of the Department's
grant programs with other agencies across the Federal
government; coordination within the Department in developing
guidance and administering grants; challenges in the funding
pipeline; strength of regional partnerships developed through
grants; and the distribution and expenditure of such grants at
the state and local levels. The Committee will also review
ongoing efforts to measure grant funding investments against
improved preparedness capabilities.
first responder training
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will review the
Department's terrorism preparedness training programs,
incorporation of such training into first responder
certification processes, the level of coordination among
Federal, state, and local training programs and the awareness
of first responders serving state, local and tribal governments
concerning these programs. The Committee will also review
existing DHS training centers and determine whether the
Department optimally utilizes these facilities to enhance first
responder terrorism preparedness.
exercises and simulations
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will monitor the
Department's implementation of HSPD-8 and its progress in
creating a planning system to conduct terrorism preparedness-
related exercises. To that end, the Committee will examine the
Departments' National Exercise Program and ongoing efforts to
streamline and improve it to ensure the program enhances the
preparedness of the Nation. The Committee will review whether
FEMA is incorporating lessons learned from national exercises
into future training, planning, exercises, and other
activities. The Committee will conduct oversight of the
National Level Exercise 2011 (NLE 2011), which is centered on a
catastrophic earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone and
examine related Department of Defense (DoD) led exercises.
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear planning, preparedness,
and response
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
significant challenges posed by chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons to homeland security
and assess the government's progress in implementing security
strategies including prevention, preparedness, and response
approaches that utilize multiple tools and policies to reduce
the likelihood and impact of CBRN attacks and, thus, the CBRN
risk to the Nation. The Committee will oversee the Department's
efforts to understand the evolving CBRN threat landscape, as
well as integrate and share this information. The Committee
will examine the Department's capability to mitigate CBRN risks
through appropriate means including preparedness and response
to CBRN threats with a focus on public health capacity to
respond. In particular, the Committee will look at the capacity
of the medical community to ready its existing resources,
develop its capabilities, and surge in times of crisis. A
critical facet of the Nation's medical preparedness for CBRN
threats is the availability of effective medical
countermeasures. The Committee will consider issues such as
priorities for countermeasure development and state and local
preparedness for distribution and dispensing of
countermeasures. The Committee will also oversee preparedness
for agricultural terrorism events, to include food defense
policies and veterinary leadership at the Department of
Homeland Security.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
cybersecurity
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
Department's role in hardening our national critical
infrastructure against cyber attacks by fortifying Federal
civilian networks and collaborating with the private sector to
develop the means to detect and prevent cyber attacks, reduce
vulnerabilities, provide incident response, and facilitate
recovery. That oversight will consider the Department's ability
to detect the incursion of malicious activity; attribute the
source of that activity; and promote best practices, risk
assessments, and sharing of threat information across all
levels of government and the private sector. In addition, the
Committee will examine the Department's ability to foster
cybersecurity research, development, and educational activities
to secure cyber networks. Additionally, the Committee will
examine the Department's efforts to recruit and train
cybersecurity personnel. The Committee will also examine the
resiliency of national critical infrastructure to withstand
cyber attacks and the need to optimize supply chain risk
management to protect against manipulation without
unnecessarily impeding commerce.
The Committee will review the integration of the various
cyber missions carried out across the Federal government,
including the Department's collaboration with the defense and
intelligence agencies and its role in fulfilling the goals of
the National Cyber Security Plan. The Committee also will
examine the development and implementation of the National
Cyber Incident Response Plan, which expands upon the National
Response Framework.
the safety act
The Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective
Technologies Act (the SAFETY Act) was included as subtitle G of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and authorized the Secretary
of the Department of Homeland Security to designate, upon
application, certain anti-terrorism products and services as
qualified to participate in a Federal liability protection
program. The SAFETY Act helps to foster the creation of anti-
terrorism products and services and facilitates job creation.
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will review the need
for further congressional guidance on the process and criteria
used to review and approve applications for SAFETY Act
certification and designation; the process and criteria used to
renew SAFETY Act certifications and designations; expansion of
SAFETY Act protection for risk mitigation strategies,
processes, and procedures; the increased use of SAFETY Act
protection internationally; and the Department's ability to
keep pace with the rising demand for SAFETY Act protections.
critical infrastructure protection
Pursuant to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7
(HSPD-7), the Department is responsible for integrating sector
specific strategies into a National Strategy for Critical
Infrastructure Protection, and for coordinating Federal efforts
across all such infrastructure sectors. During the 112th
Congress, Committee oversight will focus on the implementation
of the National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure
Protection, including the Department's national coordination
responsibilities and its sector specific critical
infrastructure protection responsibilities. The Committee will
also examine the Department's efforts to assess national
critical infrastructure priorities by maintaining the National
Asset Database.
In addition, the Committee will review the Department's
progress in identifying, prioritizing, recommending, and
implementing protective measures to reduce vulnerabilities for
critical infrastructure and key resources, including its
administration of programs to promote private sector sharing of
critical infrastructure threat and vulnerability-related
information, and its administration of systems and programs to
provide timely warnings of potential risks to critical
infrastructure.
safety and security of federal buildings and facilities
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will continue to
monitor the safety and security of Federal buildings and
Facilities, including the role and responsibility of the
Federal Protective Service.
chemical facility security
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will continue to
examine the implementation, scope, and impact of the
Department's existing authority and regulations to secure
chemical facilities and take action, as appropriate, to
optimally balance the program's effectiveness in reducing the
risk posed by certain chemical facilities and the everyday
demands for chemicals in commerce.
science and technology
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will oversee the
capability of the Department's Science & Technology Directorate
to rapidly develop and deliver products and technology
solutions to its customers, including the operating components
of DHS, and state and local emergency responders and officials,
to help them secure the homeland by preventing, protecting
against, and responding to terrorist threats and natural
disasters. The Committee will examine, in particular, the
Department's progress in developing a more rigorous process to
identify, prioritize, and fund research, development, testing,
and evaluation (RDT&E) opportunities that balances risk to the
homeland with cost, impact, and time to deliver. The Committee
will review the Department's efforts to coordinate the homeland
security research and development agenda and leverage
scientific knowledge and technical expertise, research, and
facilities at relevant universities, research institutions,
government and national laboratories, and the private sector,
including the Homeland Security Centers of Excellence and
Federal Funded Research and Development Centers. The Committee
will also assess the status of the Department's technical
infrastructure and workforce to ensure current and future
homeland security RDT&E needs will be met.
The Committee will review the Department's activities
relating to evaluation, testing, and certification of private
sector homeland security technologies. The Committee will
evaluate the Department's role in facilitating the transfer and
commercialization of exiting technologies (including
modification of military technologies) for use by Federal
state, local and tribal government and first responders.
technology to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
threats
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine the
Department's progress in improving the Nation's capability to
counter the threat of terrorist use of chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear weapons in the United States through
multi-layered approaches that emphasize early detection at the
Federal, state, and local levels, as well as post-event
capabilities for remediation. The Committee will oversee the
Department's development and implementation of the overarching
strategic plan for the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture.
The Committee will review the Department's chemical,
biological, radiological, and nuclear analysis capabilities and
information sharing mechanisms to provide actionable
information and an integrated operating system to guide
decision makers in carrying out appropriate responses,
including interdiction. To enhance the ability to interdict
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear smuggling
across U.S. borders (land, air, and sea), the Committee will
oversee the Department's progress in employing risk-based
methods for developing, testing, certifying, deploying, and
operating current and next generation chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear detection equipment. The Committee
will also examine the Department's ability to detect chemical,
biological, radiological, and nuclear materials in the interior
of the U.S. and the Department's coordination with state and
local partners to reduce the risk of radiological and nuclear
terrorism to metropolitan urban areas and critical
infrastructure through expanding the Securing the Cities
Initiative. Finally, the Committee will examine the
Department's chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
forensic activities to support national priorities for
deterrence, attribution, and prosecution.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT
departmental operations and efficiency initiatives
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will oversee the
Department of Homeland Security's day-to-day operations to
ensure that it is operating in the most efficient and effective
manner possible. Pursuant to Clause 2(d)(F) of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee will work to identify
potential opportunities to eliminate duplicative or unnecessary
programs, find efficiencies that will contribute to the
Department's ability to meet its vital missions, and identify
areas for cost savings. The Committee will also conduct
rigorous oversight to ensure departmental regulations enhance
security without posing an unnecessary barrier to private
sector job creation. The Committee will fully investigate
homeland security programs and practices, as warranted.
financial management
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will continue its
oversight of the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to
consolidate its 13 separate financial management systems into
one, unified system, known as the Transformation and Systems
Consolidation (TASC) project. In coordination with this review,
the Committee will also review the Department's efforts to
enhance internal controls and provide information that will
enable clean audit opinions.
departmental workforce
Throughout the 112th Congress, the Committee will monitor
the Department's efforts to recruit and retain personnel and to
address employee concerns set forth in the Office of Personnel
Management's Federal Human Capital Survey and the Department's
own personnel surveys, which have indicated morale problems
across the Department. In addition, the Committee will examine
the Department's Balanced Workforce Initiative, which seeks to
convert contractor positions into Federal employees, to ensure
an appropriate balance is struck between Federal employees and
private contracts and guard against any unnecessary elimination
of private sector jobs.
information technology systems management
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will review the
Department's efforts to address information technology (IT)
challenges, including the management and integration of the
Department's IT systems. The Committee will review the
authorities and activities of the Chief Information Officer
(CIO) and component CIOs to ensure the effective management and
coordination of these key functions. The Committee will also
monitor the Department's progress in IT architectural planning,
investment management, policy development, operations, and
related personnel management.
hspd-12 implementation
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will monitor the
Department's implementation of Homeland Security Presidential
Directive 12 (HSPD-12), Policy for a Common Identification
Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, including the
Department's completion of card issuance, installation of card
readers, and other identification security efforts, such as the
use of logical access control systems.
headquarters consolidation
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will review the
Department's efforts to consolidate its headquarters from more
than 40 locations throughout the National Capital Region to
eight or nine locations. The cornerstone of this effort is the
St. Elizabeth's headquarters consolidation project. The
Committee will monitor the progress of the consolidation to
ensure the plan is completed on time and within budget.
acquisition management
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will review the
efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to improve the
integration and coordination of the procurement functions of
its components, and to ensure that effective management
controls are put in place to prevent contract waste, fraud, and
abuse while promoting efficiency and effectiveness. The
Committee will review the authorities and activities of the
Chief Procurement Officer to ensure the effective management of
this key function. The Committee also will review the
Department's implementation of Section 831(a) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002, which grants the Secretary authority with
respect to research and development projects to use more
flexible contracting mechanisms in an effort to attract
``nontraditional government contractors'' for needed homeland
security technologies, as well as the Secretary's use of other
streamlined acquisition practices.
privacy and civil liberties
Section 222 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the Act)
created a Privacy Officer for the Department of Homeland
Security to ensure that the Department's information gathering
and analysis functions and other programs across its components
adhere to established standards for the protection of privacy.
Section 705 of the Act also established an Officer for Civil
Rights and Liberties to review and assess information alleging
abuses of civil rights or civil liberties by employees and
officials of the Department of Homeland Security. During the
112th Congress, the Committee will monitor the Department's
efforts under such laws to strike an appropriate balance
between the need to combat terrorist attacks against the United
States with the privacy expectations and civil rights of U.S.
citizens.
Part B--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY OVERSIGHT
PLAN FOR THE 111TH 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 112th 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.
FULL COMMITTEE
Additional Oversight Functions
Counterterrorism
Since September 11, 2001, there have been over 40 plots and
terrorist attacks against the Homeland; two of them successful
in killing innocent Americans. Additionally, law enforcement
officers have arrested dozens of individuals plotting attacks
against the Homeland and our allies. On December 21, 2010, the
Attorney General of the United States stated that in the
previous two years 126 people were indicted on terrorism
charges, including 50 U.S. citizens. The threat from al Qaeda
and its affiliates continues to remain extremely high.
The Committee has actively examined this problem during the
112th Congress. The Committee conducted two Member site visits
to the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Office of the
Director of National Intelligence, for Members on to receive a
threat briefing from the NCTC Director.
The Committee held several hearings focused on threats to
the homeland, including a hearing entitled ``Understanding the
Homeland Threat Landscape Considerations for the 112th
Congress'' and a hearing entitled ``Threats to the American
Homeland After Killing Bin Laden: An Assessment.'' On September
8, 2011, the Committee held a hearing entitled ``The Attacks of
September 11th: Where are We Today.''
Members of the Committee received regular classified
briefings from senior officials from NCTC, the Department of
Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to
stay current on the latest intelligence and threats to the
Homeland. The Committee will continue its policy of holding
regular, monthly briefings with the Intelligence Community.
Additionally, Committee staff received classified intelligence
briefings from the Department on Homeland Security on threats
to the Nation's borders.
The Committee will continue to examine this issue as the
112th Congress progresses.
Homegrown Radicalization
One of the greatest threats facing the Homeland is that of
homegrown violent Islamist terrorists who depart from
mainstream Islam and are radicalized to al Qaeda's violent
ideology. These individuals often have no contact with known
terrorist networks overseas, making it exponentially difficult
for law enforcement to detect these individuals who may be
actively plotting attacks. Interception often requires
cooperation and a partnership from members of the Muslim
community, who may be a witness to an individual's path toward
radicalization. The Committee has actively examined this
problem in the 112th Congress.
As part of the Committee's oversight of domestic
radicalization, Committee staff held a series of meetings with
representatives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement,
academia, religious organizations, private sector entities and
non-profit organizations. The meetings focused on discussing
the current threat of homegrown terrorism and violent extremism
within the United States and what measures can be taken to
address this problem. The Committee held a series of four
hearings on domestic radicalization focused on the extent of
radicalization and the response within the Muslim community,
the threat of radicalization with prisons, the threat posed by
al-Shabaab, and the threat to military communities. In advance
of the hearings, Committee staff conducted site visits and
received a number of briefings from government and non-
government entities.
The Committee has begun an investigation into what role
Anwar al-Awaki may have played in facilitating the 9/11
attacks. On May 26, 2011, the Chair of the Full Committee sent
a letter to the Attorney General of the United States
requesting documents and case files related to al Qaeda in the
Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki and his
possible involvement in the planning and execution of the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In addition, on October
25, 2011, the Full Committee Chairman sent letters to the
Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Secretary of
Homeland Security, the Attorney General of the United States,
and the Secretary of State seeking an investigation into the
roles of Anwar al-Awlaki, Eyad al-Rababah, and Daoud Chehazeh
in facilitating the attacks of September 11, 2011.
In addition to the Committee's investigative hearings,
Committee staff has been engaged in oversight of the Federal
Government's efforts to counter radicalization. Committee staff
were briefed by officials from the Department of Homeland
Security, including the Principal Deputy Counterterrorism
Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the Secretary, who has been
directed to serve as the Department's lead on countering
violent extremism (CVE). The Committee's oversight has focused
specifically on the Administration's recently released
strategies, entitled ``Empowering Local Partners to Prevent
Violent Extremism in the United States'' and ``Strategic
Implementation Plan for Empowering Local Partners to Prevent
Violent Extremism in the United States.'' In addition,
Committee staff attended the Department's National Countering
Violent Extremism Workshop in August 2011.
The Committee also included two provisions in H.R. 3116,
the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2012, to address the Administration's efforts to
counter violent extremism. The first provision requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to designate an official of the
Department to coordinate efforts to counter homegrown violent
Islamist extremism. The section requires the Director of the
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to report to the House
and Senate Committees on its counter-violent extremism
training.
Terrorist Detention and Trials
On May 11, 2011, Chairman King sent a letter to the
Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joints Chief of
Staff requesting an explanation of news reports that terrorist
detainees held at Guantanamo may be able to receive visits from
wives and family members and the potential damage to our
national security posed by the prospects of such visits.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
counterterrorism
During the 112th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence examined the counterterrorism
policies of the U.S. Government with a focus on the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS). The Subcommittee received several
classified briefing by representatives from DHS, the National
Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI).
The Subcommittee also monitored counterterrorism policies
outside of the Department in the wider U.S. Intelligence
Community. Subcommittee Members received classified briefings
from the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Joint Staff on the
threat from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as
classified briefings from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and
the Department of State on Hezbollah activities in the Western
Hemisphere. The Subcommittee also conducted briefings on the
threat from Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), the Department
of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the
FBI's Terrorist Financing Operations Section, and the DEA's
Special Operations Division relating to drug trafficking
organizations and their connections to international terror
networks. Committee staff also received a briefing from the
FBI's Cyber Division and their National Cyber Forensics and
Training Alliance on terror financing. Committee staff also
visited the Defense Threat Reduction Agency within the
Department of Defense, to receive a briefing on their Strategic
Command Center.
The Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Secretary of State to encourage the Department's
Office of the Cordinator for Counterterrorism to initiate an
investigation to determine whether the Nigerian Islamist sect
Boko Haram should be designated a Foreign Terrorist
Organization.
department of homeland security intelligence enterprise
The Subcommittee continued its oversight of the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) Intelligence Enterprise, examining
intelligence activities of the Department and its components.
The Subcommittee received briefings from each component agency
within DHS with intelligence responsibilities and capabilities.
The Subcommittee held a hearing, ``The DHS Intelligence
Enterprise -- Past, Present, and Future.''
counterintelligence
The Subcommittee will further examine the reorganized DHS
Counterintelligence Program, including the DHS
Counterintelligence mission.
information sharing
The Subcommittee continued to monitor improvements to the
terrorist and homeland security information sharing effort
among Federal, State, and local governments, law enforcement
entities, first responders, emergency management personnel and
the private sector. This oversight included briefings by the
New York City Police Department (NYPD), the New York State
Intelligence Center, the Department of Homeland Security Fusion
Center Program Office, and the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) Open Source Enterprise. Committee staff also attended the
National Fusion Center Conference held in March 2011 in Denver,
Colorado.
The Chairman of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and the Director of National
Intelligence to request information on how each of their
agencies took part in the distribution and response to the
cache of information that was collected from Osama Bin Laden's
compound.
The Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Intelligence
Sharing and Terrorist Travel: How DHS Addresses the Mission of
Providing Security, Facilitating Commerce, and Protecting
Privacy for Passengers Engaged in International Travel.''
Witnesses included the Assistant Secretary for Policy at the
Department of Homeland Security, the Department's Chief Privacy
Officer, and the Executive Director of Automation and Targeting
for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of
Intelligence and Investigations.
On November 15, 2011, the Subcommittee also passed H.R.
2764, the WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act; and
H.R. 3140, the Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act, to
enhance information sharing capabilities of DHS and fusion
centers across the country.
the national operations center
As part of its continued oversight of DHS intelligence
sharing efforts, the Subcommittee will examine the role that
unclassified information designations play in efforts to share
information among Federal agencies, including DHS, and State,
local, and private sector partners in the coming session. It
will also examine the National Operations Center (NOC) within
the Department and its efforts to collect and fuse information
in order to provide domestic situational awareness as the
primary National-level center during domestic incidents and
special events.
united states secret service
The Subcommittee examined the operations of the United
States Secret Service (USSS), including its critical role of
protecting the President of the United States and presidential
candidates in the 2012 presidential election. Committee staff
held multiple meetings with representatives from the USSS, and
also conducted a site visit to their headquarters.
On September 14, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``United States Secret Service: Examining Protective
and Investigative Missions and Challenges in 2012,'' which
focused on the operations of the USSS and their role in 2012
presidential election.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
operational control of the border
During the 112th Congress, the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security focused on what the Department of Homeland
Security must do to gain operational control over the land and
maritime borders of the United States both at, and between,
ports of entry. The Subcommittee held hearings on these topics
on February 15, 2011, March 15, 2011, April 15, 2011, May 3,
2011, July 12, 2011 and November 15, 2011. The Subcommittee
also considered the following measures: H.R. 1299, H.R. 915,
and H.R. 1922. The Chairman and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a bipartisan letter to Customs and Border
Protection Commissioner Bersin regarding personnel at the
borders and ports of entry on June 1, 2011. Additionally, the
Chairman of the Full Committee and the Chairman of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the President requesting an
extension of the National Guard troops on the Southwest border.
border screening and terrorist travel
In the 112th Congress, the Subcommittee reviewed efforts to
ensure the deployment and implementation of technology,
training, and infrastructure enhancements to assist border and
consular officials in identifying, intercepting, and disrupting
terrorists. The Subcommittee assessed weaknesses at the border
and areas that continue to be exploited by terrorists. The
Subcommittee held hearings on these topics on March 15, 2011,
April 15, 2011, May 3, 2011, September 13, 2011 and November
15, 2011. The Subcommittee considered the following measures:
H.R. 1299, H.R. 915, and H.R. 1922.
The Chairman of the Full Committee and the Chairman of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to Secretary Napolitano expressing
their concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security's
apparent failure to issue guidelines for Federal, State, and
local law enforcement officials on how to identify
noncompliance with Federal Laws that apply to cross-border
trucking between the U.S. and Mexico.
port and maritime security
In the 112th Congress, the Subcommittee has examined
various aspects of port and maritime security, including port
facilities, cargo and passenger screening, and the supply chain
process. The Subcommittee held hearings on these topics on July
12, 2011, June 14, 2011 and April 15, 2011. The Subcommittee is
also developing port security legislation that will be
introduced in the near future.
u.s. coast guard
In the 112th Congress, the Subcommittee has continually
reviewed and assessed the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The Members
focused on the USCG's homeland security missions and post 9/11
duties. The Subcommittee held a hearing to receive testimony
from the Commandant of the USCG on the state of the homeland
security responsibilities of the Coast Guard. Additionally, the
Chair of the Full Committee and the Chair of the Subcommittee
sent a letter to the Commandant regarding the USCG budget
proposal and concerns regarding the Coast Guard's post 9/11
missions. The Subcommittee held a follow-up hearing with the
Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection to ensure both
agencies are cooperating and leveraging their jurisdiction and
assets to enhance security along the maritime borders. The
Subcommittee held a third hearing to examine the use of
Department of Defense technology to secure our Nation's
borders, including maritime borders. The hearing included a
discussion on how the USCG uses DOD technology and how the USCG
leverages its unique role to assist with the transfer of
technology between DOD and the Department of Homeland.
The Chairman of the Full Committee and the Chairman of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Commandant of the U.S. Coast
Guard (USCG) regarding the USCG budget proposal and concerns
regarding the Coast Guard's post 9/11 missions. The
Subcommittee plans to continue providing extensive oversight
with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Subcommittee will
continue to conduct oversight of supply chain issues in the
maritime environment.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
national strategy for transportation security
During the 112th Congress the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security examined the legislative and policy
efforts of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to
implement the national strategy for transportation security,
TSA's efforts to fulfill its mandates under the Aviation and
Transportation Security Act of 2001, and its overall
initiatives to address security threats against all modes of
transportation. The first hearing held by the subcommittee this
Congress occurred on February 10, 2011. This hearing, entitled
``Terrorism and Transportation Security,'' which focused on the
broad scope of threats to all of our Nation's diverse
transportation systems.
Additionally, the Subcommittee held two Member briefings
focusing on the TSA's authorization priorities for 2012 and
2013, and on the TSA's recent internal reorganization.
passenger and baggage screening
The screening of travelers is a significant part of TSA's
day-to-day operations. This year TSA has expanded its use of
alternative passenger screening methods, including, the
Behavior Detection Officer (BDO) Screening of Passengers by
Observation Techniques (SPOT) and the implementation of TSA
PreTM.
The Subcommittee held a Member briefing on the Behavior
Detection Officer (BDO) Screening of Passengers by Observation
Techniques (SPOT) program. The Committee sent a letter to the
Administrator of TSA requesting more information about a recent
report of racial profiling by behavior detection officers at
one of our Nation's largest airports. Additionally, Committee
staff conducted several meetings and briefings to obtain
updates from TSA regarding the expanded use of this program.
The Chair of the Subcommittee conducted a site-visit to Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to observe the TSA
PreTM checkpoint lanes that are being piloted
there.
Technology and proper implementation of standard operating
procedures are critical components in helping the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) achieve its
mission. It is incumbent upon the committee to ensure that TSA
is deploying technology and implementing its procedures in a
way that is efficient and effective. The Committee and
Subcommittee sent several oversight letters to TSA regarding
the use of technology.
The Screening Partnership Program (SPP) continues to be an
area of interest for the Subcommittee. The Chair of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA
regarding a United States Court of Federal Claims ruling
involving one of TSA's SPP participants. The Court found that
TSA's selection process for SPP participants was flawed, and
did not select the most qualified applicant based on the
evaluation criteria set out in the Request for Proposal issued
by TSA.
Additionally, the Chair of the Subcommittee and a Member of
the Committee of the sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA
regarding TSA's use of storage facilities for purchased
technology. TSA provided a briefing in response to the letter.
In addition, on December 8, 2011, the Subcommittee held a
closed hearing to discuss passenger screening technologies.
This hearing was a follow-up to a classified Subcommittee
Member briefing on passenger screening technologies that
occurred on November 18, 2011. It is imperative that TSA
continue to develop new and innovative technology in an effort
to combat emerging threats to aviation. This hearing and
briefing were an opportunity to examine technology
capabilities, and work together toward coninuous improvement.
aviation security
The Subcommittee recognizes the grave consequences of a
terrorist attack on any of our Nation's transportation systems.
Subcommittee hearings and oversight activities consider the
risks and consequences of a terrorist attack, and what measures
can be taken to prevent an attack. In addition to the
Subcommittee's broad oversight activities related to the risk
of terrorism, the Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss
specifically the risks and consequences of an attack on air
commerce, which is a known target for terrorists overseas.
In preparation for considering the Transportation Security
Administration Authorization Act of 2011, the Subcommittee held
two hearings. The first hearing occurred on June 2, 2011 and
was entitled, ``Authorizing the Transportation Security
Administration for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013.'' The second
hearing occurred on July 12, 2011 and was entitled, ``Industry
Perspectives: Authorizing the Transportation Security
Administration for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013.'' During the
course of preparation of this legislation, Committee staff met
with numerous stakeholders in both the public and private
sector in order to hear their thoughts and concerns.
On September 14, 2011 the Subcommittee held a markup of the
Subcommittee print, ``Transportation Security Administration
Authorization Act of 2011.''. On September 22, 2011, Chairman
King and Subcommittee Chairman Rogers introduced H.R. 3011, the
Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of
2011.
Technology plays a critical role in the Transportation
Security Administration's (TSA) ability to protect our Nation's
travelers and transportation systems. Over the course of the
year, the Subcommittee met with numerous industry partners of
TSA, along with other relevant government representatives.
These meetings were held to discuss ways to improve TSA's
technology procurement process to enhance security and promote
private sector job growth.
In February 2011, the Chair of the Subcommittee met with
the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network
Management (TSNM) of the Transportation Security Administration
to discuss various initiatives TSNM is employing to secure our
Nation's aviation and surface transportation systems. As a
result of that meeting, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent an
oversight letter seeking additional information about how we
can improve transportation security through technology and
other resources.
The Subcommittee held a series of three hearings during the
Fall of 2011 entitled, ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in
Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth.'' Over the
course of these hearings, the Subcommittee had the opportunity
to hear from past and present TSA and DHS officials responsible
for technology procurement and development, as well as from
technology companies that serve as critical partners of TSA.
The Subcommittee continues to review and oversee the
Federal Air Marshal Service. The Federal Air Marshal Service
serves as a critical layer of defense in aviation security, and
the Subcommittee continues to work to ensure that the Federal
Air Marshal Service receives the resources and support it needs
to achieve its mission under TSA's new internal structure. The
Subcommittee met with leadership of the Federal Air Marshal
Service to discuss the progress that has been made since 9/11
and the importance of taking a risk-based approach to security.
The Subcommittee postponed a hearing scheduled for December 13,
2011 to discuss the Federal Air Marshal Service 10 years after
9/11. The Subcommittee plans to reschedule this hearing for
early 2012.
The Subcommittee continues to monitor and review the role
and impact of transportation inspectors, along with TSA's other
partners within DHS and throughout the Federal Government that
play a role in securing our Nation's transportation systems.
Committee staff has received numerous briefings on the role of
transportation security inspectors. In September 2011,
Committee staff conducted a site visit to JFK International
Airport and observed air cargo security inspectors.
The Subcommittee continues to review security breaches and
violations of airport perimeter and access controls. The
Committee and Subcommittee have sent oversight letters to the
Transportation Security Administration regarding perimeter
security and access control. The Subcommittee met with
officials from TSA, as well as local agencies and the private
sector.
surface transportation
The Subcommittee continues to review and oversee the
Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) surface
transportation initiatives. On February 16, 2011, the
Subcommittee held a classified Member briefing from TSA in
order to examine current threats to our Nation's transportation
security. Additionally, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector
Network Management requesting detailed information on TSA's
efforts to secure pipeline and surface transportation assets.
The Subcommittee considered several pieces of legislation
to improve transportation security. This includes, H.R. 1690,
the MODERN Security Credentials Act. Committee staff met with
various surface transportation stakeholders, both in
preparation for the introduction of H.R. 3011 and H.R. 1690,
and in conducting oversight and review of surface
transportation security. Additionally, on September 30, 2011
Committee staff conducted a site visit to observe the security
of mass transit assets in New York City, New York. In 2012, the
Subcommittee plans to conduct additional site visits to observe
surface transportation security inspectors.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
federal preparedness and response
During the first session of the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee conducted oversight of efforts at the Federal,
State, local, and private sector levels to prepare for, respond
to, and recover from terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
Through a series of hearings, field hearings, site visits, and
briefings, the Subcommittee worked to ensure that the whole
community is engaged in these efforts. The Subcommittee held
hearings to review the Federal Emergency Management Agency's
(FEMA) implementation of the Post Katrina Emergency Management
Reform Act, to receive the perspective of State and local
emergency response providers, to receive an update on the
Federal Government's ability to alert and warn the public of an
impending emergency, and to assess best practices and lessons
learned from recent disasters. The Subcommittee will continue
its oversight of these vital issues to ensure the continued
improvement of our Nation's preparedness and response
capabilities.
national response and incident management
The Subcommittee has paid particular attention to the
Administration's development and roll out of Presidential
Policy Directive (PPD) 8 - National Preparedness, which
repealed and replaced Homeland Security Presidential Directive
8, particularly as it relates to the development of the
National Preparedness System and the various mandated
frameworks. Subcommittee Members and staff received numerous
briefings on FEMA's effort to implement the requirements of
PPD-8, including FEMA's review of the National Response
Framework and development of the National Disaster Recovery
Framework. The Subcommittee will continue oversight of the
development and implementation of this important doctrine and
its integration with the National Incident Management System.
interoperable communications
Through a series of briefings and a hearing, the
Subcommittee has conducted oversight on the various offices
responsible for interoperable and emergency communications
within the Department of Homeland Security. The Subcommittee
has met with representatives from the Office of Emergency
Communications (OEC) to assess OEC's leadership role in the
Department and with the Emergency Communications Preparedness
Center. The Subcommittee has also conducted oversight on the
proposed development of a national interoperable wireless
broadband network for public safety. The Subcommittee will
continue this oversight throughout the remainder of the 112th
Congress.
assistance to state and local governments and first responders
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded more than
$32 billion to State and local governments and first responders
since the September 11th terrorist attacks. To ensure the
Department of Homeland Security is allocating this funding
based on risk, the Subcommittee has held a number of briefings;
including a classified briefing on the risk formula used to
allocate these grant funds. The Subcommittee has paid
particular attention to the Department's oversight of the grant
funds, visiting the Grant Programs Directorate to receive an
update on the development of the Non-Disaster (ND) Grants
System and programmatic and financial reviews of the grant
awards. In addition, the Subcommittee has been monitoring the
FEMA's work with the National Academy of Public Administration
to develop long-overdue performance measures and metrics for
these programs. The Subcommittee has also engaged the
Government Accountability Office in work to review the
efficiency of these programs. Finally, the Subcommittee
approved H.R. 1129, the Homeland Security Grant Management
Improvement Act on December 8, 2011 to ensure flexibility in
the use of State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area
Security Initiative funds and to ensure the appropriate
management and oversight of these programs.
In the remainder of the 112th Congress, the Subcommittee
will continue its oversight of these grant programs to ensure
that law enforcement, first responders, and emergency managers
have the tools they need to prevent, prepare for, mitigate
against, and respond to terrorist attacks and natural
disasters.
first responder training
As part of its oversight of first responder training
programs, the Subcommittee conducted a number of site visits to
training centers funded by the Department of Homeland Security
or through first responder grant programs. Committee staff
visited the Center for Domestic Preparedness, the National
Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, and training
centers run by local law enforcement. The Subcommittee also
received a number of briefings from Federal and State training
providers.
exercises and simulations
Throughout the first session of the 112th Congress,
Subcommittee Members and staff received numerous briefings on
the National Exercise Program and National Level Exercise 2011,
which was held from May 16 -- 19, 2011, and simulated a
catastrophic earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
Committee staff also observed exercises conducted by the
Department of Defense and local governments. The Subcommittee
will continue to examine the extent to which lessons learned
are reviewed, incorporated into programs and plans, and shared
with State and local exercise participants.
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear planning, preparedness,
and response
The Subcommittee has been effective in implementing its
planned oversight activities for chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) preparedness activities. A
Member-level threat briefing regarding weapons of mass
destruction allowed Members to better understand the threat
landscape, and determine where resources should be prioritized.
Members have assessed how well the Department, and the Nation
as a whole, is capable of mitigating CBRN risks. They have done
this through rigorous oversight of the Department's
biosurveillance programs, including BioWatch, through the
introduction and approval of legislation to authorize the
Metropolitan Medical Response System Program, and through
hearings on issues including Office of Health Affairs
priorities and medical countermeasure availability. The series
of hearings held on medical countermeasures in particular
afforded Members an opportunity to ensure that the Department
and its partner agencies have committed resources appropriately
to this priority area. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis has also
tasked the Government Accountability Office with examining the
state of the Nation's surveillance and response capability for
an agricultural incident that would affect homeland security,
including through the means of biological terrorism.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
cybersecurity
During the 112th Congress the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies examined the legislative and policy efforts to
harden the Nation's critical infrastructure against cyber
attacks. Those efforts included a review of the Department of
Homeland Security's ability to detect and prevent malicious
incursions. The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing entitled
``The DHS Cybersecurity Mission: Promoting Innovation and
Securing Critical Infrastructure on April 15, 2011.'' To
understand the nexus between cyber and physical infrastructure
security, the Subcommittee also held a hearing, ``Examining the
Cyber Threat to Critical Infrastructure and the American
Economy'' in March 16, 2011.
The Subcommittee received a briefing on the status of the
Einstein 3 program and from the Director of the United States
Computer Emergency Readiness Team. The Subcommittee organized
three classified Member briefings on cybersecurity operations.
The Chair of the Subcommittee introduced H.R. 3674 to
address the vulnerabilities and ongoing cyber threats against
the Nation's critical infrastructures. In the second session of
the 112th Congress, the Subcommittee will focus on the various
cyber missions of the Department of Homeland Security and
review the integration of those missions.
the safety act
While the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective
Technologies Act (the SAFETY Act) was included as subtitle G of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002, there is a need for
oversight of the certification and designation process during
the 112th Congress. On September 14, 2011, Committee staff
received their first quarterly briefing from the Department of
Homeland Security on the status of SAFETY Act implementation.
Topics discussed included SAFETY Act progress in terms of
numbers of certifications and designations, addition of new
block designations and certifications, and other
accomplishments to-date as well as challenges.
critical infrastructure protection
As part of its oversight of the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS) efforts to secure the Nation's critical
infrastructure, the Subcommittee held a series of briefings and
initiated Government Accountability Office (GAO) studies on its
efforts to integrate sector specific strategies into the
National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure Protection. The
Subcommittee has also monitored the Department of
Infrastructure Protection's ability to identify and assess
threats to critical infrastructures. The Subcommittee has
requested GAO investigations into the tiering methodology for
critical infrastructure and ordered a review of the
Department's ability to identify and plan around cross-sector
dependencies.
To review the Office of Infrastructure Protection's ability
to share information and manage relationships with private
sector and academic partners the Subcommittee conducted
numerous site visits. Those include but are not exclusive to: a
briefing, and a tour of a transatlantic cable landing vessel,
on-site briefings at a DHS Center of Excellence, overview of
electric grid vulnerability assessments in Arlington County,
and a visit to the Department of Defense Cyber Command.
In the course of monitoring the Department's expanding
international portfolio in the area of critical infrastructure,
Committee staff has received briefings from department
officials, including but not exclusive to: a July 20, 2011
classified briefing on the Critical Foreign Dependencies
Initiative, and Operation Global Shield, a counter-
proliferation initiative launched by the Department. Bipartisan
staff traveled with DHS officials to observe the Department's
organization and stewardship of the annual U.S. -- EU Critical
Infrastructure Experts Meeting.
As the 112th Congress progresses, the Subcommittee will
continue focusing on the organization and functionality of the
office, its ability to execute its strategic plan, the quality
of its information sharing efforts with stakeholders, and its
implementation of recommendations from the GAO and the 9/11
Commission.
safety and security of federal buildings and facilities
On July 26, 2011, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies Chairman
Dan Lungren introduced H.R. 2658, the Federal Protective
Service Reform and Enhancement Act. The bill aims to improve
security of Federal facilities by directing the Secretary of
Homeland Security to establish minimum training standards,
improve systems for verifying guard certifications, and
standardize training. Committee staff conducted a number of
site visits and meetings with the Federal Protective Service
(FPS) to address ongoing concerns with contract guard
management and site security assessments. Subcommittee Chairman
Lungren sent four letters requesting GAO studies to delve
further into FPS' challenges. Those include a request to review
the adequacy of Federal evacuation plans, a status update on
FPS' management of its contract guard program, FPS plans for
conducting facility risk assessments in light of management
delays, and a review of the adequacy of those assessments.
Subcommittee Chairman Lungren and Committee staff will continue
to hold hearings and conduct oversight of Federal Protective
Service's ability to carry out its mission.
chemical facility security
The Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Preventing
Chemical Terrorism: Building a Foundation of Security at Our
Nation's Chemical Facilities'' on February 11, 2011. Following
this oversight hearing, the Subcommittee introduced H.R. 901
the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Security Authorization Act
of 2011 (CFATS). Committee staff participated in numerous
meetings, including conferences, with CFATS stakeholders.
From January through December, staff met with various
representatives from the private sector in addition to Federal
Government entities impacted, or prospectively impacted, by
CFATS, including the DHS National Protection and Programs
Directorate, the United States Coast Guard, the Environmental
Protection Agency, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In
addition to working towards the passage of H.R. 901, or similar
extension of CFATS authority, the Committee's legislative and
oversight priorities will focus on CFATS implementation and
oversight of the ammonium nitrate rule.
science and technology
The Subcommittee has undertaken a series of oversight
measures aimed at ensuring that the Department of Homeland
Security's Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is capable
of rapidly delivering needed products and services to its
customers so that they can meet their homeland security
mission. Subcommittee Chairman Lungren held an important
oversight hearing at which Under Secretary O'Toole testified to
her plans for ensuring successful allocation of limited
resources. This hearing allowed examination of the Department's
progress in developing a more rigorous process to identify,
prioritize, and fund research, development, testing, and
evaluation opportunities. Committee staff have also undertaken
a series of in-depth briefings with the Directorate, which will
continue throughout the 112th Congress. These meetings, which
cover priorities, budgeting, timelines, and forward project
planning, address the spectrum of S&T's activities, and are
critical to keeping Members informed about successes and
continued challenges within the Directorate.
The Science and Technology title of H.R. 3116, the
authorization bill for the Department, emphasized Member
priorities for ensuring that the Department is sufficiently
focused and organized in its efforts to coordinate the homeland
security research and development agenda and ensure adequate
leveraging of existing scientific knowledge and technical
expertise.
technology to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
threats
The Subcommittee has undertaken oversight to examine and
address gaps in the Nation's capability to counter the threat
from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN)
weapons. A joint subcommittee hearing was held to examine
legislation (H.R. 2356) to address policy needs in weapons of
mass destruction prevention and preparedness. Staff meetings
with the Department on the status of efforts such as prevention
and preparedness for CBRN terrorism at the new World Trade
Center site, progress of the BioWatch detection program, and
status of implementation of the Global Nuclear Detection
Architecture have all informed oversight over CBRN
preparedness, particularly with regard to technology. GAO
requests and Member letters are providing further information
on the Department's detection and analysis capabilities. Site
visits to locations such as the National Bioforensics and
Analysis Center and a full scale exercise of the Securing the
Cities program allow further important insight into
interdiction, response, and attribution capabilities.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT
departmental operations and efficiency initiatives
During the 112th Congress the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management oversaw the Department of
Homeland Security's (DHS) day to day operations to ensure it
was functioning in the most efficient and effective manner
possible. The Subcommittee conducted briefings with numerous
agencies, including the DHS Under Secretary for Management and
the Chief Human Capital Officers.
In an effort to review specific DHS component practices and
regulations, on October 17, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field
hearing at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas entitled
``Texas Wildfire Review: Did Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely
Response?'' The Subcommittee examined the Federal response to
the wildfire disaster, and the process by which local and State
government had to initiate in order to receive necessary
support from the Federal Government. In addition, prior to the
hearing, Committee staff conducted a site visit to Bastrop,
Texas to view the damage as a result of the fires and meet with
Texas Department of Public Safety officials.
The Subcommittee also worked to identify potential
opportunities to eliminate duplicative or unnecessary programs,
find efficiencies that contribute to the Department's ability
to meet its vital missions, and identify areas for cost
savings. The Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, ``Homeland
Security Contracting: Does the Department Effectively Leverage
Emerging Technologies?''
Furthermore, the Subcommittee conducted oversight to ensure
departmental regulations enhanced security without posing an
unnecessary barrier to job creation. On July 7, 2011, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, ``Homeland Security
Investigations: Examining DHS's efforts to Protect American
Jobs and Secure the Homeland.'' The Chair of the Subcommittee
and two Subcommittee Members sent a letter to DHS Secretary
Janet Napolitano and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner
requesting information in regards to the Trade Secrets Act and
how it has been applied to CBP's policy between government and
private sector efforts to combat intellectual property theft.
Violence along the U.S. southwestern border has become an
increasing problem for the safety and security of our Nation's
citizens. To examine this threat and locate potential gaps in
homeland security, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``A
Call to Action: Narco-Terrorism's Threat to the Southern U.S.
Border.'' The Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to
Secretary Napolitano regarding the findings reached as a result
of the hearing and requesting the Department review and further
develop a comprehensive border strategy. In accordance with the
Subcommittee's focus of border threats, the Subcommittee also
examined the Merida Initiative and participated in a joint
hearing with the Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on
Western Hemisphere to assess Merida's potential benefits and
its effectiveness against terrorist operations of drug cartels.
financial management
The Transformation and Systems Consolidation (TASC) project
was launched to consolidate DHS's 13 separate financial
management systems into one unified system. In an effort to
review this project, the Subcommittee held several meetings
with governmental and private sector stakeholders to discuss
the TASC contract. Additionally, the Chair of the Subcommittee
and of the Chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response and Communications sent a letter to the FEMA
administrator regarding the processes that are in place to vet
employees, particularly those with access to financial systems
and internal controls within FEMA's payroll systems to help
identify possible fraudulent activity. The Subcommittee plans
to continue to monitor TASC during the second session of this
Congress and will also review the Department's efforts to
enhance internal controls and provide information that will
enable positive audits.
departmental workforce
The Subcommittee monitored and will continue to monitor the
Department's efforts to recruit and retain personnel and
employee morale issues. The Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Government Accountability
Office requesting specific information on the extent to which
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified the
root causes of low employee morale and progress made in
addressing these issues within the Department. In addition,
throughout the first session of the 112th Congress, Committee
staff met with management leaders at DHS, including its Chief
Human Capital Officer, Chief Procurement Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief
Information Officer. During the second session of the 112th
Congress the Subcommittee plans to continue to investigate
employee morale issues and to examine in depth the Department's
Balanced Workforce Initiative.
information technology systems management
In an effort to review the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS) practices to address information technology
challenges, including the management and integration of the
Department's information technology (IT) systems, the
Department's progress in IT architectural planning, investment
management, policy development and operations, the Chair and
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review to
assess how the Department is managing IT investments.
Additionally, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee
requested GAO to evaluate the extent to which DHS has
established IT governance and oversight structures and how
these are being used to manage and oversee IT investments.
hspd-12 implementation
During the second session of the 112th Congress, the
Subcommittee plans to further monitor and examine the
Department's implementation of Homeland Security Presidential
Directive 12 (HSPD-12), including DHS's completion of card
issuance, installation of card readers, and other
identification security efforts.
headquarters consolidation
The Subcommittee conducted a Member site visit to the
Department of Homeland Security Consolidated Headquarters site
at St. Elizabeths to examine the progress of construction and
the status of consolidation efforts. The Subcommittee will
continue to closely monitor this effort during the second
session of the 112th Congress.
acquisition management
As an additional oversight responsibility, the Subcommittee
reviewed the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) to improve the integration and coordination of the
procurement functions of its components to ensure effective
management and the prevention of contract waste, fraud and
abuse. The Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting
a review of contracting mechanisms at the Department. The
Subcommittee met with the Chief Procurement Officer at DHS to
discuss management authorities and procurement activities.
Furthermore, in an effort to review the Department's
implementation of Section 831(a) of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002, and to examine DHS's process for seeking out
technologies across DHS components, the Federal government and
the private sector, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``Homeland Security Contracting: Does the Department
Effectively Leverage Emerging Technologies?''
privacy and civil liberties
The Subcommittee held a field hearing entitled, ``Ten Years
After 9/11: Assessing Airport Security and Preventing a Future
Terrorist Attack,'' which examined the Screening Passengers by
Observation Techniques (SPOT) program. SPOT attempts to screen
passengers using a behavioral analysis technique which some
believe is discriminatory. On December 9, 2011, the Chair of
the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland
Security regarding the hearing's findings and recommendations.
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A P P E N D I C E S
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APPENDIX I
Committee Rules--Committee on Homeland Security
Adopted January 26, 2011
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) Recommendation of Conferees.--Whenever the Speaker
of the House is to appoint a conference committee on a
matter within the jurisdiction of the Full Committee,
the Chairman shall recommend to the Speaker of the
House conferees from the Full Committee. In making
recommendations of Minority Members as conferees, the
Chairman shall do so with the concurrence of the
Ranking Minority Member of the Committee.
(E) Motions to Disagree.--The Chairman is directed to
offer a motion under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules
of the House whenever the Chairman considers it
appropriate.
(F) 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.
(G) Activity Report.--Not later than the 30th day after
June 1 and December 1, the Committee shall submit to
the House a semiannual report on the activities of the
Committee. After adjournment sine die of a regular
session of Congress, or after December 15, whichever
occurs first, the Chair may file the second or fourth
semiannual report with the Clerk at any time and
without approval of the Committee provided that a copy
of the report has been available to each Member of the
Committee for at least seven calendar days and the
report includes any supplemental, minority, or
additional views submitted by a Member of the
Committee.
RULE II.--TIME OF 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 III.--NOTICE AND PUBLICATION.
(A) Notice.--
(1) Hearings.--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. However, if the Chairman of the
Committee, with the concurrence of the Ranking
Minority Member, determines that there is good
cause to begin the hearing sooner, or if the
Committee so determines by majority vote, a
quorum being present for the transaction of
business, the Chairman shall make the
announcement at the earliest possible date. 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.--The date, time, place and
subject matter of any meeting, other than a
hearing or a regularly scheduled meeting, may
not commence earlier than the third 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.
(a) Copies of any measure or matter to
be considered for approval by the
Committee at any meeting, including any
mark, print or amendment in the nature
of a substitute shall be provided to
the Members at least 24 hours in
advance.
(b) At least 24 hours prior to the
commencement of a meeting for the
markup of a measure or matter, the text
of such measure or matter, including
any mark, print or amendment in the
nature of a substitute, shall be made
publicly available in electronic form
and, to the extent practicable, posted
on the official Committee web site.
(c) Not later than 24 hours after
concluding a meeting to consider a
measure or matter, the text of such
measure or matter as ordered forwarded
or reported, including any adopted
amendments, shall be made publicly
available in electronic form and, to
the extent practicable, posted on the
official Committee web site.
(3) Publication.--The meeting or hearing
announcement shall be promptly published in the
Daily Digest portion of the Congressional
Record. To the greatest extent practicable,
meeting announcements shall be entered into the
Committee scheduling service of the House
Information Resources.
RULE IV.--OPEN MEETINGS AND HEARINGS; BROADCASTING.
(A) Open Meetings.--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.
(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 V.--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. The Chairman may resume
proceedings on a postponed vote at any time, provided
that all reasonable steps have been taken to notify
Members of the resumption of such proceedings,
including, when practicable, circulation of notice by
the Clerk of the Committee. 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) Contempt Procedures.--No recommendation that a
person be cited for contempt of Congress shall be
forwarded to the House unless and until the Full
Committee has, upon notice to all its Members, met and
considered the alleged contempt. The person to be cited
for contempt shall be afforded, upon notice of at least
72 hours, an opportunity to state why he or she should
not be held in contempt prior to a vote of the Full
Committee, with a quorum being present, on the question
whether to forward such recommendation to the House.
Such statement shall be, in the discretion of the
Chairman, either in writing or in person before the
Full Committee.
RULE VI.--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 that arrive 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. 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 an extension of the period
of questioning of a witness beyond 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.--Whenever a hearing is
conducted by the Committee upon any measure or matter,
the Minority party Members on the Committee shall be
entitled, upon request to the Chairman by a majority of
those Minority Members before the completion of such
hearing, to call witnesses selected by the Minority to
testify with respect to that measure or matter during
at least one day of hearing thereon.
(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, witnesses
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. Unless the 48 hour requirement is
waived or otherwise modified by the Chairman,
after consultation with the Ranking Minority
Member, the failure to comply with this
requirement may result in the exclusion of the
written testimony from the hearing record and/
or the barring of an oral presentation of the
testimony. The Clerk of the Committee shall
provide any such prepared or written statement
submitted to the Clerk prior to the hearing to
the Members of the Committee prior to the
commencement of the hearing.
(2) To the greatest extent practicable, the
written testimony of each witness appearing in
a non--governmental capacity shall include a
curriculum vita and a disclosure of the amount
and source (by agency and program) of any
Federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract
(or subcontract thereof) received during the
current fiscal year or either of the two
preceding fiscal years by the witness or by an
entity represented by the witness. Such
disclosures shall be made publicly available,
with appropriate redactions to protect the
privacy of the witness, in electronic form not
later than one day after the witness appears.
RULE VII.--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) authorizing the issuance of
subpoenas; and (4) any other action for which an actual
majority quorum is required by any rule of the House of
Representatives or by law. The Chairman shall make reasonable
efforts, including consultation with the Ranking Minority
Member when scheduling meetings and hearings, to ensure that a
quorum for any purpose will include at least one Minority
Member of the Committee.
RULE VIII.--DECORUM.
(A) Breaches of Decorum.--The Chairman may punish
breaches of order and decorum, by censure and exclusion
from the hearing; 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 IX.--SUBCOMMITTEES.
(A) Generally.--The Full Committee shall be organized
into the following six standing subcommittees and shall
have specific responsibility for such measures or
matters as the Chairman refers to it:
(1) Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security
(2) Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response and Communications
(3) Subcommittee on Transportation Security
(4) Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
(5) Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies
(6) Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations,
and Management
(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, 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.
(E) Special Voting Provision.--If a tie vote occurs in
a Subcommittee on the question of forwarding any
measure to the Full Committee, the measure shall be
placed on the agenda for Full Committee consideration
as if it had been ordered reported by the Subcommittee
without recommendation.
RULE X.--COMMITTEE PANELS.
(A) Designation.--The Chairman of the Full Committee,
with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member,
may designate a 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) Duration.--No panel appointed by the Chairman shall
continue in existence for more than six months after
the appointment.
(C) Party Ratios and Appointment.--Consistent with the
party ratios established by the Majority party, all
Majority members of the panels shall be appointed by
the Chairman of the Committee, and all Minority members
shall be appointed by the Ranking Minority Member of
the Committee. The Chairman of the Committee shall
choose one of the Majority Members so appointed who
does not currently chair another Subcommittee of the
Committee to serve as Chairman of the panel. The
Ranking Minority Member of the Committee shall
similarly choose the Ranking Minority Member of the
panel.
(D) Ex Officio Members.--The Chairman and Ranking
Minority Member of the Full Committee may serve as ex--
officio Members of each committee panel but are not
authorized to vote on matters that arise before a
committee panel and shall not be counted to satisfy the
quorum requirement for any purpose other than taking
testimony.
(E) Jurisdiction.--No panel shall have legislative
jurisdiction.
(F) Applicability of Committee Rules.--Any designated
panel shall be subject to all Committee Rules herein.
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.
(A) Authorization.--Pursuant to clause 2(m) of Rule XI
of the House, a subpoena may be authorized and issued
under the seal of the House and attested by the Clerk
of the House, and may be served by any person
designated by the Full Committee for the furtherance of
an investigation with authorization by--
(1) a majority of the Full Committee, a quorum
being present; or
(2) the Chairman of the Full Committee, after
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member
of the Full Committee, during any period for
which the House has adjourned for a period in
excess of 3 days pursuant to a concurrent
resolution when, in the opinion of the Chairman
of the Full Committee, authorization and
issuance of the subpoena is necessary to obtain
the material or testimony set forth in the
subpoena. 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) Affidavits and Depositions.--The Chairman of the
Full Committee, in consultation with the Ranking
Minority Member of the Full Committee, or the Committee
may authorize the taking of an affidavit or deposition
with respect to any person who is subpoenaed under
these rules but who is unable to appear in person to
testify as a witness at any hearing or meeting. Notices
for the taking of depositions shall specify the date,
time and place of examination. Depositions shall be
taken under oath administered by a Member or a person
otherwise authorized by law to administer oaths. Prior
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member of the
Full Committee shall include written notice three
business days before any deposition is scheduled to
provide an opportunity for Minority staff to be present
during the questioning.
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, 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, determine remuneration of,
supervise, and may remove Majority staff. The Ranking
Minority Member shall appoint, determine remuneration
of, supervise, and may remove Minority staff. In
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, the
Chairman may appoint, determine remuneration of,
supervise 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.--COMMITTEE MEMBER AND COMMITTEE STAFF TRAVEL.
(A) Approval of Travel.--Consistent with the primary
expense resolution and such additional expense
resolutions as may have been approved, travel to be
reimbursed from funds set aside for the Committee for
any Committee Member or Committee staff shall be paid
only upon the prior authorization of the Chairman.
Travel may be authorized by the Chairman for any
Committee Member or Committee staff only in connection
with official Committee business, such as the
attendance of hearings conducted by the Committee and
meetings, conferences, site visits, and investigations
that involve activities or subject matters under the
general jurisdiction of the Full Committee.
(1) Proposed Travel by Majority Party Committee
Members and Committee Staff.--In the case of
proposed travel by Majority party Committee
Members or Committee staff, before such
authorization is given, there shall be
submitted to the Chairman in writing the
following: (a) the purpose of the travel; (b)
the dates during which the travel is to be made
and the date or dates of the event for which
the travel is being made; (c) the location of
the event for which the travel is to be made;
(d) the estimated total cost of the travel; and
(e) the names of Members and staff seeking
authorization. On the basis of that
information, the Chairman shall determine
whether the proposed travel is for official
Committee business, concerns a subject matter
under the jurisdiction of the Full Committee,
and is not excessively costly in view of the
Committee business proposed to be conducted.
(2) Proposed Travel by Minority Party Committee
Members and Committee Staff.--In the case of
proposed travel by Minority party Committee
Members or Committee staff, the Ranking
Minority Member shall provide to the Chairman a
written representation setting forth the
information specified in items (a), (b), (c),
(d) and (e) of subparagraph (1) and his or her
determination that such travel complies with
the other requirements of subparagraph (1).
(B) Foreign Travel.--All Committee Members and
Committee staff requests for foreign travel must
include a written representation setting forth the
information specified in items (a), (b), (c), (d) and
(e) of subparagraph (A)(1) and be submitted to the
Chairman not fewer than ten business days prior to the
start of the travel. Within thirty days of the
conclusion of any such foreign travel authorized under
this rule, there shall be submitted to the Chairman a
written report summarizing the information gained as a
result of the travel in question, or other Committee
objectives served by such travel. The requirements of
this section may be waived or abridged by the Chairman.
(C) Compliance with Committee Travel Policy and
Guidelines.--Travel must be in accordance with the
Committee Travel Policy and Guidelines, as well as with
House Rules, the Travel Guidelines and Regulations and
any additional guidance set forth by the Committee on
Ethics and the Committee on House Administration.
Committee Members and staff shall follow these rules,
policies, guidelines, and regulations in requesting and
proceeding with any Committee--related travel.
RULE XV.--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. 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 XVI.--COMMITTEE RECORDS.
(A) Committee Records.--Committee Records shall
constitute all data, charts and files in possession of
the Committee and shall be maintained in accordance
with clause 2(e) of House Rule XI .
(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
agreed to by the Committee. 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 XVII.-- COMMITTEE RULES.
(A) Availability of Committee Rules in Electronic
Form.--Pursuant to clause 2(a) of rule XI of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee shall
make its rules publicly available in electronic form
and posted on the official Committee web site and shall
submit such rules for publication in the Congressional
Record not later than 30 days after the Chairman of the
Committee is elected in each odd--numbered year.
(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
January 2011
On January 5, 2011, Mr.Peter T. King of New York was
elected as Chairman and Mr.Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi as
Ranking Member pursuant to H. Res. 6 and H. Res. 7
respectively.
The Majority Members of the Committee were elected to the
Committee on January 18, 2011, pursuant to H. Res. 37; and the
Minority Members on January 19, 2011, pursuant to H. Res. 39.
Mr.Blake Farenthold of Texas was elected to the Committee
pursuant to H. Res. 42 on January 19, 2011.
Mr.Mo Brooks of Alabama was elected to the Committee
pursuant to H. Res. 53 on January 25, 2011.
----------
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Peter T. King, New York, Chairman
Lamar Smith, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Daniel E. Lungren, California Loretta Sanchez, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama Jane Harman, California
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida Henry Cuellar, Texas
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Candice S.Miller, Michigan Laura Richardson, California
Tim Walberg, Michigan Donna M. Christensen, U.S. Virgin
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Islands
Joe Walsh, Illinois Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Brian Higgins, New York
Ben Quayle, Arizona Jackie Speier, California
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Billy Long, Missouri Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania
Blake Farenthold, Texas
Mo Brooks, Alabama
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Daniel E. Lungren, California, Chairman
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Tim Walberg, Michigan, Vice Chair Laura Richardson, California
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Billy Long, Missouri William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Chairman
Daniel E. Lungren, California Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Tim Walberg, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois, Vice Chair Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Mo Brooks, Alabama Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT
Michael T. McCaul, Texas, Chairman
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida Jackie Speier, California
Billy Long, Missouri, Vice Chair Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida, Chairman
Joe Walsh, Illinois Laura Richardson, California
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Donna M. Christensen, U.S. Virgin
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania, Vice Islands
Chair Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Blake Farenthold, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S.Miller, Michigan, Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Henry Cuellar, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Loretta Sanchez, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Donna M. Christensen, U.S. Virgin
Ben Quayle, Arizona, Vice Chair Islands
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Brian Higgins, New York
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Peter T. King, New York Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio) (Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Paul C. Broun, Georgia, Vice Chair Jane Harman, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Loretta Sanchez, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona Henry Cuellar, Texas
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Brian Higgins, New York
Billy Long, Missouri Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
March 7, 2011
On February 28, 2011, Ms.Jane Harman of California resigned
as a Member of the House of Representatives. On March 7, 2011,
Mrs.Donna M. Christensen resigned as a Member of the Committee
on Homeland Security. The Memberships of the Subcommittees were
modified on March 14, 2011 to reflect these vacancies.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Peter T. King, New York, Chairman
Lamar Smith, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Daniel E. Lungren, California Loretta Sanchez, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Henry Cuellar, Texas
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Laura Richardson, California
Candice S.Miller, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tim Walberg, Michigan Brian Higgins, New York
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Ben Quayle, Arizona William R. Keating, Massachusetts
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Vacancy
Billy Long, Missouri Vacancy
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania
Blake Farenthold, Texas
Mo Brooks, Alabama
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Daniel E. Lungren, California, Chairman
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Tim Walberg, Michigan, Vice Chair Laura Richardson, California
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Billy Long, Missouri William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Chairman
Daniel E. Lungren, California Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Tim Walberg, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois, Vice Chair Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Mo Brooks, Alabama Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT
Michael T. McCaul, Texas, Chairman
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Billy Long, Missouri, Vice Chair Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida, Chairman
Joe Walsh, Illinois Laura Richardson, California
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania, Vice Vacancy
Chair Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Blake Farenthold, Texas (Ex Officio)
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S.Miller, Michigan, Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Henry Cuellar, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Loretta Sanchez, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona, Vice Chair Brian Higgins, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Paul C. Broun, Georgia, Vice Chair Jackie Speier, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Loretta Sanchez, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Henry Cuellar, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona Brian Higgins, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Vacancy
Billy Long, Missouri Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
June 2, 2011
Ms.Kathleen C. Hochul of New Work was elected to the
Committee on June 2, 2011 pursuant to H. Res. 293. On July 6,
2011, Ms.Hochul was appointed to Subcommittees.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Peter T. King, New York, Chairman
Lamar Smith, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Daniel E. Lungren, California Loretta Sanchez, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Henry Cuellar, Texas
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Laura Richardson, California
Candice S.Miller, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tim Walberg, Michigan Brian Higgins, New York
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Ben Quayle, Arizona William R. Keating, Massachusetts
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Billy Long, Missouri Vacancy
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania
Blake Farenthold, Texas
Mo Brooks, Alabama
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Daniel E. Lungren, California, Chairman
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Tim Walberg, Michigan, Vice Chair Laura Richardson, California
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Billy Long, Missouri William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Chairman
Daniel E. Lungren, California Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Tim Walberg, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois, Vice Chair Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Mo Brooks, Alabama Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT
Michael T. McCaul, Texas, Chairman
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Billy Long, Missouri, Vice Chair Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida, Chairman
Joe Walsh, Illinois Laura Richardson, California
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania, Vice Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Chair Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Blake Farenthold, Texas (Ex Officio)
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S.Miller, Michigan, Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Henry Cuellar, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Loretta Sanchez, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona, Vice Chair Brian Higgins, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Paul C. Broun, Georgia, Vice Chair Jackie Speier, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Loretta Sanchez, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Henry Cuellar, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona Brian Higgins, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Billy Long, Missouri Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
August 17, 2011
Ms.Janice Hahn of California was elected to the Committee
on July 28, 2011 pursuant to H. Res. 377. On August 17,
additional changes were made to the Subcommittee Memberships.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Peter T. King, New York, Chairman
Lamar Smith, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Daniel E. Lungren, California Loretta Sanchez, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Henry Cuellar, Texas
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Laura Richardson, California
Candice S.Miller, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tim Walberg, Michigan Brian Higgins, New York
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Ben Quayle, Arizona William R. Keating, Massachusetts
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Billy Long, Missouri Janice Hahn, California
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania
Blake Farenthold, Texas
Mo Brooks, Alabama
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Daniel E. Lungren, California, Chairman
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Tim Walberg, Michigan, Vice Chair Laura Richardson, California
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Billy Long, Missouri William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Chairman
Daniel E. Lungren, California Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Tim Walberg, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois, Vice Chair Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Mo Brooks, Alabama Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT
Michael T. McCaul, Texas, Chairman
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Billy Long, Missouri, Vice Chair Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida, Chairman
Joe Walsh, Illinois Laura Richardson, California
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania, Vice Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Chair Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Blake Farenthold, Texas (Ex Officio)
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S.Miller, Michigan, Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Henry Cuellar, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Loretta Sanchez, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona, Vice Chair Brian Higgins, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Paul C. Broun, Georgia, Vice Chair Jackie Speier, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Loretta Sanchez, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Brian Higgins, New York
Ben Quayle, Arizona Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Janice Hahn, California
Billy Long, Missouri Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
October 2011
Mr.Mo Brooks of Alabama resigned as a Member of the
Committee on Homeland Security. Mr.Robert L. Turner of New York
was elected to the Committee on pursuant to H. Res. 420.
On October 26, 2011, Mr.Turner was appointed to
Subcommittees.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Peter T. King, New York, Chairman
Lamar Smith, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Daniel E. Lungren, California Loretta Sanchez, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Henry Cuellar, Texas
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Laura Richardson, California
Candice S.Miller, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tim Walberg, Michigan Brian Higgins, New York
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Ben Quayle, Arizona William R. Keating, Massachusetts
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Billy Long, Missouri Janice Hahn, California
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania
Blake Farenthold, Texas
Robert L. Turner, New York
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Daniel E. Lungren, California, Chairman
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Tim Walberg, Michigan, Vice Chair Laura Richardson, California
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Billy Long, Missouri William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Mike Rogers, Alabama, Chairman
Daniel E. Lungren, California Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Tim Walberg, Michigan Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Jackie Speier, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois, Vice Chair Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana
Robert L. Turner, New York Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT
Michael T. McCaul, Texas, Chairman
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida William R. Keating, Massachusetts
Billy Long, Missouri, Vice Chair Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Danny K. Davis, Illinois
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida, Chairman
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Laura Richardson, California
Tom Marino, Pennsylvania, Vice Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Chair Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
Blake Farenthold, Texas Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Robert L. Turner, New York (Ex Officio)
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S.Miller, Michigan, Chairman
Mike Rogers, Alabama Henry Cuellar, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas Loretta Sanchez, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Ben Quayle, Arizona, Vice Chair Brian Higgins, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Jeff Duncan, South Carolina Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Paul C. Broun, Georgia, Vice Chair Jackie Speier, California
Chip Cravaack, Minnesota Loretta Sanchez, California
Joe Walsh, Illinois Brian Higgins, New York
Ben Quayle, Arizona Kathleen C. Hochul, New York
E. Scott Rigell, Virginia Janice Hahn, California
Billy Long, Missouri Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
Peter T. King, New York (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
APPENDIX III
List of Public Laws
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Law Date Approved Bill Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
112-54.............................. November 12, 2011...... S.1487 (H.R.2042)..... ``Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation Business
Travel Cards Act of
2011''
To authorize the
Secretary of Homeland
Security, in
coordination with the
Secretary of State, to
establish a program to
issue Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation
Business Travel Cards,
and for other purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX IV
Committee Reports
H.Rpt. 112-127 First Semiannual Report on Legislative and
Oversight Activities of the Committee on
Homeland Security for the 112th Congress.
Filed June 28, 2011.
H.Rpt. 112-268 Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task
H.R.915 Force Act
To establish a Border Enforcement Security Task
Force program to enhance border security by
fostering coordinated efforts among Federal,
State, and local border and law enforcement
officials to protect United States border
cities and communities from trans-national
crime, including violence associated with drug
trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien
trafficking and smuggling, violence, and
kidnapping along and across the international
borders of the United States, and for other
purposes.
Filed November 4, 2011.
H.Rpt. 112-269 Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act
H.R.1447 of 2011
To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct
the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security
(Transportation Security Administration) to
establish an Aviation Security Advisory
Committee, and for other purposes.
Filed November 4, 2011.
H.Rpt. 112-270 Transportation Security Administration Ombudsman
H.R.1165 Act of 2011
To amend title 49, United States Code, to
establish an Ombudsman Office within the
Transportation Security Administration for the
purpose of enhancing transportation security by
providing confidential, informal, and neutral
assistance to address work-place related
problems of Transportation Security
Administration employees, and for other
purposes.
Filed November 4, 2011.
H.Rpt. 112-271 Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of The
H.R.1801 Armed Forces Act
To amend title 49, United States Code, to
provide for expedited security screenings for
members of the Armed Forces.
Filed November 4, 2011.
H.Rpt. 112-272 Expressing the sense of the House of
H. Res. 255 Representatives that effective sharing of
passenger information from inbound
international flight manifests is a crucial
component of our national security and that the
Department of Homeland Security must maintain
the information sharing standards required
under the 2007 Passenger Name Record Agreement
between the United States and the European
Union.
Filed November 4, 2011.
H.Rpt. 112-274 Secure Border Act of 2011
H.R.1299 To achieve operation control of and improve
security at the internationl land borders of
the United States, and for other purposes.
Filed November 10, 2011.
APPENDIX V
Status of Legislation Referred to the Committee
PUBLIC LAWS
Pub. Law 112-54 S.1487 (H.R.2042)._Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011. To require the
Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue Asia-
Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and for
other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs Aug. 2, 2011. Reported amended Nov. 3, 2011; no written
report. Passed Senate amended Nov. 3, 2011. Received in House
and held at desk Nov. 3, 2011. Passed House Nov. 4, 2011.
Presented to the President Nov. 10, 2011. Approved Nov. 12,
2011. Public Law 112-54. (See also H.R. 2042 under Legislation
in Senate, below.)
LEGISLATION PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT
H.R.1540 (H. Res. 269) (H. Res. 276) (H. Res. 493)
(S.1867)._National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2012. To authorize appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012 for
military activities of the Department of Defense and for
military construction, to prescribe military personnel
strengths for Fiscal Year 2012, and for other purposes.
Referred to Armed Services Apr. 14, 2011. Reported amended May
17, 2011; Rept. 112-78. Union Calendar. Supplemental report
filed May 23, 2011; Pt. II. Considered May 24, 25, 2011. Passed
House amended May 26, 2011; Roll No. 375: 322-96. Received in
Senate and referred to Armed Services June 6, 2011. Committee
discharged. Passed Senate with amendment Dec. 1, 2011. Senate
insisted on its amendment and asked for a conference Dec. 1,
2011. House disagreed to Senate amendment and agreed to a
conference Dec. 7, 2011. Conference report filed in the House
Dec. 12, 2011; Rept. 112-329. House agreed to conference report
Dec. 14, 2011; Roll No. 932: 283-136. Senate agreed to
conference report Dec. 15, 2011; Roll No. 230: 86-13. Presented
to the President Dec. 21, 2011.
LEGISLATION PASSED THE SENATE
H.R.1801._Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the
Armed Forces Act . To amend title 49, United States Code, to
provide for expedited security screenings for members of the
Armed Forces. Referred to Homeland Security May 10, 2011.
Reported amended Nov. 4, 2011; Rept. 112-271.Union Calendar.
Rules suspended. Passed House amended Nov. 29, 2011; Roll No.
862: 404-0. Received in Senate and referred to Commerce,
Science and Transportation Nov. 30, 2011. Committee discharged.
Passed Senate with amendment Dec. 12, 2011. House agreed to
Senate amendment under suspension of the rules Dec. 20, 2011.
LEGISLATION IN SENATE
H.R.2042 (S.1487)._Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
Business Travel Cards Act of 2011. To require the Secretary of
Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State,
to establish a program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and for other purposes.
Referred to Homeland Security May 26, 2011. Rules suspended.
Passed House Oct. 25, 2011. Received in Senate Oct. 31, 2011.
Ordered placed on the calendar Nov. 3, 2011. (See S. 1487
listed above under Public Laws.)
LEGISLATION PASSED THE HOUSE
H. Res. 391._Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched
against the United States on September 11, 2001, on the 10th
anniversary of that date. Referred to Oversight and Government
Reform and in addition to Foreign Affairs, Armed Services,
Transportation and Infrastructure, the Judiciary, Homeland
Security, and Intelligence Sept. 7, 2011. Committees
discharged. Passed House Sept. 9, 2011.
LEGISLATION REPORTED TO THE HOUSE
H.R.901._Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Security
Authorization Act of 2011. To amend the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 to codify the requirement that the Secretary of
Homeland Security maintain chemical facility anti-terrorism
security regulations. Referred to Homeland Security and in
addition to Energy and Commerce Mar. 3, 2011. Reported amended
from Homeland Security Sept. 26, 2011; Rept. 112-224, Pt. I.
Referral to Energy and Commerce extended Sept. 26, 2011 for a
period ending not later than Nov. 11, 2011. Referral to Energy
and Commerce extended Nov. 11, 2011 for a period ending not
later than Jan. 6, 2012.
H.R.915._Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task
Force Act. To establish a Border Enforcement Security Task
Force program to enhance border security by fostering
coordinated efforts among Federal, State, and local border and
law enforcement officials to protect United States border
cities and communities from trans-national crime, including
violence associated with drug trafficking, arms smuggling,
illegal alien trafficking and smuggling, violence, and
kidnapping along and across the international borders of the
United States, and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland
Security Mar. 3, 2011. Reported amended Nov. 4, 2011; Rept.
112-268. Union Calendar 179.
H.R.1165._Transportation Security Administration Ombudsman
Act of 2011. To amend title 49, United States Code, to
establish an Ombudsman Office within the Transportation
Security Administration for the purpose of enhancing
transportation security by providing confidential, informal,
and neutral assistance to address work-place related problems
of Transportation Security Administration employees, and for
other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security Mar. 17, 2011.
Reported amended Nov. 4, 2011; Rept. 112-270. Union Calendar
181.
H.R.1299._Secure Border Act of 2011. To achieve operational
control of and improve security at the international land
borders of the United States, and for other purposes. Referred
to Homeland Security Mar. 31, 2011. Reported amended Nov. 10,
2011; Rept. 112-274. Union Calendar 184.
H.R.1447._Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act
of 2011. To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation
Security Administration) to establish an Aviation Security
Advisory Committee, and for other purposes. Referred to
Homeland Security Apr. 8, 2011. Reported Nov. 4, 2011; Rept.
112-269. Union Calendar 180.
H. Res. 255._Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that effective sharing of passenger information
from inbound international flight manifests is a crucial
component of our national security and that the Department of
Homeland Security must maintain the information sharing
standards required under the 2007 Passenger Name Record
Agreement between the United States and the European Union.
Referred to Homeland Security May 10, 2011. Reported Nov. 4,
2011; Rept. 112-272. House Calendar 87.
LEGISLATION ORDERED TO BE REPORTED TO THE HOUSE
H.R.3116._Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2012. To authorize certain programs of the
Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. Oct.
13, 2011 Ordered to be reported to the House, amended, by a
recorded vote of 20 yeas and 12 nays.
LEGISLATION PENDING AT FULL COMMITTEE
H.R.1411._Metropolitan Medical Response System Program Act
of 2011. To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to ensure
continuation of the Metropolitan Medical Response System
Program, and for other purposes. Dec. 8, 2011, Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications reported
to the Full Committee, amended, voice vote.
H.R.1690._Modernizing of Documentation and Elimination of
Redundant Identification and Security Credentials Act or the
MODERN Security Credentials Act. To amend titles 49 and 46,
United States Code, and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
provide for certain improvements in surface transportation
security, and for other purposes. May 12, 2011 Subcommittee on
Transportation Security reported to the Full Committee,
amended, voice vote.
H.R.1922._To provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection
with access to Federal lands to carry out certain security
activities in the Southwest border region, and for other
purposes. Jun. 2, 2011 Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security reported to the Full COmmittee without amendment,
voice vote.
H.R.2658._Federal Protective Service Reform and Enhancement
Act. To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the
ability of the Federal Protective Service to provide adequate
security for the prevention of terrorist activities and for the
promotion of homeland security, and for other purposes. Jul.
28, 2011 Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Security Technologies reported to the Full
Committee, amended, voice vote.
H.R.2764._WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of
2011. To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish
weapons of mass destruction 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. Nov. 15, 2011 Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence reported to the Full
Committee, without amendment, voice vote.
H.R. 3011._Transportation Security Administration
Authorization Act of 2011. Sep. 14, 2011 Subcommittee on
Transportation Security reported to the Full Committee,
amended, by voice vote.
H.R.3140._Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act. To
amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary
of Homeland Security to prioritize the assignment of officers
and analysts to certain State and urban area fusion centers to
enhance the security of mass transit systems. Nov. 15, 2011
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence reported to
the Full Committee, without amendment, voice vote.
H.R.3563._Integrated Public Alert Warning System
Modernization Act of 2011. To amend the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to
modernize and implement the national integrated public alert
and warning system to disseminate homeland security information
and other information, and for other purposes. Dec. 8, 2011,
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications reported to the Full Committee, amended, voice
vote.
APPENDIX VI
Executive Communications, Memorials, Petitions and Presidential
Messages
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Executive Communication 170
January 20, 2011--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
Privacy Office's report entitled, ``2010 Data Mining Report to
Congress'', pursuant to Pub.L. 110-53 (121 Stat. 266).
Executive Communication 256
January 26, 2011--Letter from Deputy Chief Counsel,
Regulations and Security Standards, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Air Cargo
Security Requirements; Compliance Dates; Amendment [Docket No.:
TSA-2004-19515; Amendment Nos. 1544-7, 1546-4, and 1548-4]
(RIN: 1625-AA52) received January 18, 2011, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 596
February 28, 2011--Letter from Acting Director,
Acquisition Policy and Legislation Branch, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Revision of Department of Homeland Security Acquisition
Regulation (RIN: 1601-AA16) received January 20, 2011, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 656
March 1, 2011--Letter from Chief, Border Security
Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule -- Land Border Carrier
Initiative Program [Docket No.: USCBP-2006-0132] (RIN: 1651-
AA68) received February 28, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 861
March 14, 2011--Letter from Deputy Director, Financial
Assistance Policy and Oversight, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's final rule --
Department of Homeland Security Implementation of OMB Guidance
on Drug-Free Workplace Requirements [Docket No.: DHS-2010-***8]
(RIN: 1601-AA62) received February 15, 2011, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 882
March 15, 2011--Letter from Director, Office of National
Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President,
transmitting a letter regarding the Northern Boarder
Counternarcotics Strategy.
Executive Communication 1103
April 6, 2011--Letter from Acting Protected Critical
Infrastructure Information (PCII) Program Manager, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule
-- Procedures for Handling Critical Infrastructure Information
(RIN: 1601-AA14) received March 9, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 1104
April 6, 2011--Letter from Director, Office of SAFETY Act
Implementation, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting
the Department's final rule -- Regulations Implementing the
Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act
of 2002 (the SAFETY Act) [USCG-2003-15425] (RIN: 1601-AA15)
received March 9, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 1217
April 11, 2011--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
first quarter report for Fiscal Year 2011 from the Office of
Security and Privacy.
Executive Communication 1361
May 2, 2011--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
first quarterly report for Fiscal Year 2011 from the Office of
Security and Privacy.
Executive Communication 1577
May 12, 2011--Letter from Administrator, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Administration's
certification that the level of screening services and
protection provided at San Francisco International Airport will
be equal to or greater than the level that would be provided at
the airport by TSA Transportation Security Officers, pursuant
to 49 U.S.C. 44920(d).
Executive Communication 1671
May 24, 2011--Letter from Administrator, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Administration's
certification that the level of screening services and
protection provided at Kansas City International Airport will
be equal to or greater than the level that would be provided at
the airport by TSA Transportation Security Officers.
Executive Communication 1687
May 25, 2011--Letter from Deputy Chief Counsel,
Regulations and Security Standards, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Reporting
of Security Issues [Docket No.: TSA-2009-0014; Amendment No.
1503-4] (RIN: 1652-AA66) received April 15, 2011, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 1848
June 3, 2011--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
first quarterly report for Fiscal Year 2011 from the Office of
Security and Privacy.
Executive Communication 1902
June 13, 2011--Letter from Director, Office of Management
and Budget, transmitting proposed legislation to improve
cybersecurity for the American people.
Executive Communication 2995
September 8, 2011--Letter from Deputy Chief Counsel,
Regulations and Security Standards, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's ``Major'' final rule --
Air Cargo Screening [Docket No.: TSA-2009-0018; Amendment Nos.
1515-2, 1520-9, 1522-1, 1540-11, 1544-10, 1546-6, 1548-6, 1549-
1] (RIN: 1652-AA64) received August 11, 2011, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 3832
November 14, 2011--Letter from the Administrator, TSA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Administration's certification that the level of screening
services and protection provided at Sioux Falls Regional
Airport will be equal to or greater than the level that would
be provided at the airport by TSA Transportation Security
Officers.
Executive Communication 3863
November 15, 2011--Letter from the Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Privacy
Office third quarterly report for Fiscal Year 2011; to the
Committee on Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 3864
November 15, 2011--Letter from the Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting a report
entitled, ``DHS Privacy Office 2011 Annual Report to
Congress''; to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 3929
November 17, 2011--Letter from Secretary, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting a legislative proposal to
implement a pay reform initiative.
Executive Communication 4325
December 16, 2011--Letter from the Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Privacy
Office fourth quarterly report for fiscal year 2011; to the
Committee on Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 4326
December 16, 2011--Letter from the Officer for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's report for the Office of Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties for the Third Quarter of 2011;
jointly to the Committees on Homeland Security and the
Judiciary.
----------
MEMORIALS
66
June 16, 2011--Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Louisiana, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 3
memorializing the Congress to expedite a solution that will
provide public alert and warning in situations of war,
terrorist attack, natural disaster or other hazards to public
safety and well-being.
83
July 8, 2011--Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Louisiana , relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 3
memorializing the Congress to expedite a solution that will
provide public alert and warning in situations of war,
terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other hazards to public
safety.
132
September 20, 2011--Memorial of the House of
Representatives of the State of New Hampshire, relative to
House Concurrent Resolution 9 urging the President and the
Congress to immediately address the serious privacy,
constitutional, safety, and religious freedom concerns
presented by advanced imaging technology employed by the
Transportation Security Agency; to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
----------
PETITIONS
7
June 1, 2011--Petition of the Niagara County Legislature,
New York, relative to Resolution No. IL-030-11 declaring
opposition to H.R.1555.
10
June 16, 2011--Petition of Town of Cambria, New York,
relative to a resolution opposing H.R.1555.
APPENDIX VII
Committee Staff
MAJORITY STAFF
Michael J. Russell, Staff Director & Chief Counsel
Paul Anstine, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
Staff Director
Jennifer Arangio, Senior Counsel
Diana Bergwin, Senior Subcommittee Clerk
Katherine Bonvechio, Legislative Assistant
Mandy Bowers, Senior Policy Director
Luke M. Burke, Professional Staff Member
Dr. Ellen P. Carlin, Senior Professional Staff Member
Alan Carroll, Legislative Assistant
Kevin Carroll, Senior Counsel
April Corbett, Senior Press Assistant
Brett DeWitt, Professional Staff Member
Johnathan Duecker, Senior Counterterrorism Advisor
Laura Fullerton, Professional Staff Member
Steven Giaier Parliamentarian
Kevin Gronberg, Senior Counsel
Benjamin R. Grove, Staff Assistant
Kevin Gundersen, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence Staff Director
Amanda J. Halpern, Subcommittee on Transportation Security
Staff Director
Zachary Harris, Subcommittee Clerk
Michele Ingwersen, Scheduler
Kerry A. Kinirons, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications Staff Director
Kyle Klein, Staff Assistant
Marshall Macomber, Professional Staff Member
Michael McAdams, Press Assistant
Matthew McCabe, Senior Counsel
James Meek, Senior Investigator
Jason Miller, Professional Staff Member
Coley C. O'Brien, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection and Security Technologies Staff Director
Joan V. O'Hara, Professional Staff Member
Dr. R. Nick Palarino, Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations
and Management Staff Director
Edward Parkinson, Professional Staff Member
Adam Paulson, Senior Legislative Assistant
Meghann Peterlin, Senior Professional Staff Member
Krista Powers, Professional Staff Member
MaryRose Rooney Legislative Assistant
Monica Sanders Investigative Counsel
Nicole Smith, Professional Staff Member
Jacobus Vreeburg, Deputy Parliamentarian
Kerry Ann Watkins, Senior Policy Director
Lauren Wenger, Senior Professional Staff Member
Jerry White, Deputy Parliamentarian
Dennis Wilson Security Director
Shane Wolfe, Communications Director
MINORITY STAFF
I. Lanier Avant, Staff Director
Hillary Anderson, Research Assistant
Pizza Ashby, Professional Staff Member
Cherri Branson, Chief Counsel for Oversight
Moira Bergin, Professional Staff Member
Curtis Brown, Professional Staff Member
Rosaline Cohen, Chief Counsel for Legislation
Adam M. Comis, Press Secretary
Paula R. Delcambre, Professional Staff Member
Hope Goins, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
Director and Counsel
Claytrice Henderson, Legislative Assistant
Nicole Wade Johnson, Office Manager
Deborah R. Mack, Professional Staff Member
Alison B. Northrop, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security Director and Counsel
Marisela Salayandia, Sr. Professional Staff Member
K. Christopher Schepis, Sr. Professional Staff Member
Tamla T. Scott, Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and
Management Director and Counsel
Charles Snyder, Professional Staff Member
Nicole Tisdale, Senior Professional Staff Member / Counsel
Brian B. Turbyfill, Professional Staff Member
SHARED COMMITTEE STAFF
Dawn M. Criste, Chief Financial Officer
Michael S.Twinchek, Chief Clerk
Natalie Nixon, Deputy Chief Clerk
Heather Crowell, GPO Detailee, Printer
FORMER MAJORITY STAFF
Dr. Diane L. Berry, Senior Professional Staff Member
Chris Mulrain, Professional Staff Member
Towner French, Chief Parliamentarian
FORMER MINORITY STAFF
Kimberly Alton, Professional Staff Member / Counsel
Christopher A. Beck, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies
Director
Arianne Callender, Deputy Oversight Counsel
Mario H. Cantu, Professional Staff Member
Dena Graziano, Communications Director
Thomas C. McDaniels, Jr., Subcommittee on Transportation
Security Director
DeCarlo McLaren, Research Assistant
Stephen R. Vina, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence Director
Patricia Zavala, Professional Staff Member
MAJORITY INTERNS
Anna Alburger
Paige Barton
Timothy Boucher
Jason Brown
Zachary Cady
Cate Cravath
Constantine Efstathioo
Kerry Flynn
Robert Ganim
Kathleen Gasser
Valentino Ghaci
Benjamin R. Grove Zachary Harris
Anna Kassab
Kyle Klein
Michael McAdams
Richard Mansfield
Anthony J. Miller
Katherine L. Morga
Thomas Moskowitz
Kelly O'Neill
Margaret O'Neill
Matthew Regan
Mathew Saha
Stephen Zakas
MINORITY INTERNS
Hillary Anderson
Stanley Augustin
Kristopher Brash
Matthew Campbell
Jabrina Clayton Gordon Forrest
Chari Lawrence
Jasmine Love
Alex Sorin
Asian Udoh
APPENDIX VIII
Witnesses
----------
-- A --
Adler, Jon, President, Federal Law Enforcement Officers
Association.
LOIM, Mar. 31, 2011, ``The U.S. Homeland Security Role
in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.''
Aguilar, Sylvia, Chief Deputy, El Paso County Sheriff's Office
Head Quarters.
LOIM, Oct. 13, 2011, ``A Call to Action: Narco-
Terrorism's Threat to the Southern U.S. Border.''
Ainslie, Ricardo C., PhD, Department of Educational Psychology,
College of Education, The University of Texas at
Austin.
LOIM, Mar. 31, 2011, ``The U.S. Homeland Security Role
in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.''
Alterman, Steve, President, Cargo Airline Association.
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Alvarez, Luis, Assistant Director, Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
LOIM, Mar. 31, 2011, ``The U.S. Homeland Security Role
in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.''
Amey, Scott, General Counsel, Project On Government Oversight.
LOIM, July 15, 2011, ``Homeland Security Contracting:
Does the Department Effectively Leverage Emerging
Technologies?''
Amitay, Steve, Legislative Counsel, National Association of
Security Companies.
LCIPST, July 13, 2011, ``Securing Federal Facilities:
Challenges of the Federal Protective Service and the Need for
Reform.''
Amoroso, Edward, Senior Vice President and Chief Security
Officer, AT&T.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``The DHS Cybersecurity Mission:
Promoting Innovation and Securing Critical Infrastructure.''
Anderson, David, Col., District Commander, Baltimore District,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Department of
Defense.
LEPRC, Nov. 29, 2011, field hearing in La Plume,
Pennsylvania ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response:
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.''
Arthur, Phyllis, Senior Director, Vaccines, Immunotherapeutics,
and Diagnostics Policy, Biotechnology Industry
Organization.
LEPRC, Apr. 13, 2011, ``Taking Measure of
Countermeasures: A review of government and industry efforts to
protect the homeland through accelerated research, development,
and acquisition of chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear medical countermeasures.''
Atkin, Thomas, RADM, Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and
Criminal investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security.
LCTI, June 1, 2011, ``The DHS Intelligence Enterprise--
Past, Present, and Future.''
Austin, Donald, Commissioner, Detroit Fire Department.
LEPRC, Oct. 28, 2011, (Detroit, Michigan) ``The State of
Northern Border Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and
Local Coordination.''
-- B --
Baca, Leroy, Sheriff, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
LFULL, Mar. 10, 2011, ``The Extent of Radicalization in
the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response.''
Bailey, John, Professor, Government and Foreign Service,
Georgetown University.
LOIM, Mar. 31, 2011, ``The U.S. Homeland Security Role
in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.''
Baker-McNeill, Jena, Private Citizen.
LOIM, July 7, 2011, ``Homeland Security Investigations:
Examining DHS's Efforts to Protect American Jobs and Secure the
Homeland.''
Barfi, Barak, Research Fellow, New America Foundation.
LCTI, Mar. 2, 2011, ``Terrorist Threat to the U.S.
Homeland -- Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).''
Barnett, James A., RADM, Chief, Public Safety and Homeland
Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission.
LEPRC, July 8, 2011, ``Communicating With the Public
During Emergencies: An Update on Federal Alert and Warnings.''
Bascetta, Cynthia, Managing Director, Health Care, Government
Accountability Office.
LEPRC, Apr. 13, 2011, ``Taking Measure of
Countermeasures: A review of government and industry efforts to
protect the homeland through accelerated research, development,
and acquisition of chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear medical countermeasures.''
Beers, Rand, Under Secretary, National Protection and Programs
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Feb. 11, 2011, ``Preventing Chemical Terrorism:
Building a Foundation of Security At Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities.''
Ben-Ari, Guy, Deputy Director, Defense-Industrial Initiatives
Group, Fellow, International Security Program, Center
for Strategic and International Studies.
LTS, Oct. 13, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations
in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth, Part II.''
Benda, Paul, Chief of Staff, Director, Homeland Security
Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department of
Homeland Security, Accompanied by Dr. Susan Hallowell,
Director, Transportation Security Laboratory.
LTS, November 3, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring
Innovations in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth,
Part III.''
Benson, Rodney G., Assistant Administrator, Chief of
Intelligence, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S.
Department of Justice.
LOIM, JT. with the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Oct. 4, 2011, ``Merida
Part Two: Insurgency and Terrorism in Mexico.''
Berdnik, Richard H., Sheriff, Passaic County, New Jersey.
LCIPST & EPRC, June 23, 2011, ``H.R.----, the `WMD
Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011.'''
Bergen, Peter, Director, National Security Studies Program, New
America Foundation.
LFULL, May 25, 2011, ``Threats to the American Homeland
after Killing Bin Laden: An Assessment.''
Berman, Ilan, Vice President, American Foreign Policy Council.
LCTI, July 7, 2011, ``Hezbollah in Latin America --
Implications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
Beutlich, John, Director of the Northern Region, Office of Air
& Marine, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Oct. 28, 2011, (Detroit, Michigan) ``The State of
Northern Border Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and
Local Coordination.''
Bihi, Abdirizak, Director, Somali Education and Social Advocacy
Center.
LFULL, Mar. 10, 2011, ``The Extent of Radicalization in
the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response.''
Blesdoe, Melvin, Private Citizen.
LFULL, Mar. 10, 2011, ``The Extent of Radicalization in
the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response.''
Borkowski, Mark, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Technology
Innovation and Acquisition, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Mar. 15, 2011, ``Strengthening the Border --
Finding the Right Mix of Personnel, Infrastructure and
Technology.''
LCIPST, Nov. 15, 2011, ``Protecting the Homeland: How
can DHS use DOD Technology to Secure the Border?''
Borras, Rafael, Under Secretary for Management and Chief
Acquisition Officer, Department of Homeland Security.
LOIM, July 15, 2011, ``Homeland Security Contracting:
Does the Department Effectively Leverage Emerging
Technologies?''
Bottum, James R., Vice Provost for Computing & Information
Technology, and Chief Information Officer, Clemson
University.
LCIPST, Oct. 6, 2011 ``Cloud Computing: What are the
Security Implications?''
Boucek, Dr. Christopher, Associate, Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace.
LCTI, Mar. 2, 2011, ``Terrorist Threat to the U.S.
Homeland -- Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).''
Bowman, Darrell S., Group Leader, Advanced Systems &
Applications, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
LTS, May 4, 2011, H.R.1690, the ``MODERN Security
Credentials Act.''
Boyland, Scott, Vice President & General Counsel, Safran Morpho
Detection.
LTS, Oct. 13, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations
in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth, Part II.''
Brachman, Jarret, Dr., Managing Director, Cronus Global.
LCTI, Mar. 2, 2011, ``Terrorist Threat to the U.S.
Homeland -- Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).''
Brown, Timothy, Senior Vice President, and Chief Architect for
Security, CA Technologies.
LCIPST, Oct. 6, 2011 ``Cloud Computing: What are the
Security Implications?''
Brownfield, William R., Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs,
U.S. Department of State.
LOIM, JT. with the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Oct. 4, 2011, ``Merida
Part Two: Insurgency and Terrorism in Mexico.''
Brozena, James J., P.E., Executive Director, Luzerne County
Flood Protection Authority.
LEPRC, Nov. 29, 2011, field hearing in La Plume,
Pennsylvania ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response:
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.''
Buford, James P., P.E.M., Director, Department of Homeland
Security and Emergency Management, Wayne County,
Michigan.
LEPRC, Oct. 28, 2011, (Detroit, Michigan) ``The State of
Northern Border Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and
Local Coordination.''
Bunce, Peter J., President and Chief Executive Officer, General
Aviation Manufacturers Association.
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Bush, Thomas, Executive Director of Automation and Targeting,
Office of Intelligence and Investigative Liaison,
Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland
Security.
LCTI, Oct. 5, 2011, ``Intelligence Sharing and Terrorist
Travel: How DHS Addresses the Mission of Providing Security,
Facilitating Commerce and Protecting Privacy for Passengers
Engaged in International Travel.''
Byman, Daniel L., Prof. Security Studies Program, School of
Foreign Service at Georgetown University and Senior
Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy, The
Brookings Institution.
LOIM, June 3, 2011, ``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland
Security's Efforts to Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and
Somalia.''
-- C --
Caldwell, Stephen, Director of Maritime and Coast Guard Issues,
Homeland Security and Justice Team, Government
Accountability Office.
LOIM, August 24, 2011, field hearing in Houston, Texas,
``Preventing an Economic Shock Wave: Securing the Port of
Houston from a Terrorist Attack.''
Calio, Nicholas E., President & Chief Executive Officer, Air
Transport Association.
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Callaham, Mary Ellen, Chief Privacy Officer, Department of
Homeland Security.
LCTI, Oct. 5, 2011, ``Intelligence Sharing and Terrorist
Travel: How DHS Addresses the Mission of Providing Security,
Facilitating Commerce and Protecting Privacy for Passengers
Engaged in International Travel.''
Cammett, Dr. Melani, Director, Middle East Studies Program,
Brown University.
LCTI, July 7, 2011, ``Hezbollah in Latin America --
Implications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
Cannon, Glenn, Director, Pennsylvania Emergency Management
Agency.
LEPRC, Nov. 29, 2011, field hearing in La Plume,
Pennsylvania ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response:
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.''
Carbone, Linda Jorge, Chief Executive Officer, Tampa Bay
Chapter & Florida's West Coast Region, American Red
Cross.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2011, ``Weathering the Storm: A State
and Local Perspective on Emergency Management.''
Carlin, Jane, Chair, Financial Services Sector Coordinating
Council.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``The DHS Cybersecurity Mission:
Promoting Innovation and Securing Critical Infrastructure.''
Carrow, William ``Bill'' D., President, The Association of
Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
International.
LFULL, Mar. 30, 2011, ``Public Safety Communications:
Are the Needs of Our First Responders Being Met?''
Cauley, Gerry, President and C.E.O., North American Electric
Reliability Corporation.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``The DHS Cybersecurity Mission:
Promoting Innovation and Securing Critical Infrastructure.''
Chaparro, James, Assistant Director for Intelligence,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of
Homeland Security.
LCTI, June 1, 2011, ``The DHS Intelligence Enterprise--
Past, Present, and Future.''
Cleroco, John M., Principal, Tiber Creek Partners LLC.
LEPRC, Apr. 13, 2011, ``Taking Measure of
Countermeasures: A review of government and industry efforts to
protect the homeland through accelerated research, development,
and acquisition of chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear medical countermeasures.''
Clinton, Larry, President, Internet Security Alliance.
LCIPST, June 24, 2011, ``Examining the Homeland Security
Impact of the Obama Administration's Cybersecurity Proposal.''
Cohen, John, Deputy Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Department
of Homeland Security.
LSep. 13, 2011, BMS, ``Ten Years after 9/11: Can
Terrorists Still Exploit our Visa System?''
Coll, Steve, President and CEO, New America Foundation.
LOIM, June 3, 2011, ``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland
Security's Efforts to Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and
Somalia.''
Concannon, Michael, Maj., Massachusetts State Police Troop F
Headquarters.
LOIM, Sep. 16, 2011, Boston, Massachusetts, ``Ten Years
After 9/11: Assessing Airport Security and Preventing a Future
Terrorist Attack.''
Cooke, Jennifer G., Director, Africa Program, Center for
Strategic and International Studies.
LCTI, Nov. 30, 2011, ``Boko Haram -- Emerging Threat to
the U.S. Homeland.''
Cornelis, Filip, Head of Unit for Aviation Security,
Directorate General for Mobility and Transport,
European Commission.
LTS, Apr. 7, 2011, ``Strengthening International
Cooperation on Aviation Security.''
Cortez, Richard F., Mayor, City of McAllen, Texas.
LBMS, April 5, 2011, ``Using Resources Effectively to
Secure Our Border at Ports of Entry _ Stopping the Illicit Flow
of Money, Guns and Drugs.''
Cox, Adam, Dr., Acting Deputy Director, Homeland Security
Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department of
Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Nov. 15, 2011, ``Protecting the Homeland: How
can DHS use DOD Technology to Secure the Border?''
Curran, John, Chief Executive Officer, American Registry of
Internet Numbers.
LCIPST, Oct. 6, 2011 ``Cloud Computing: What are the
Security Implications?''
-- D --
Daddario, Richard, Deputy Commissioner for Counterterrorism,
New York City Police Department.
LFULL, May 4, 2011, ``Securing Our Nation's Mass Transit
Systems Against a Terrorist Attack.''
LCIPST, July 26, 2011, ``The Last Line of Defense:
Federal, State, and Local Efforts to Prevent Nuclear and
Radiological Terrorism Within the United States.''
Dever, Larry, Sheriff, Cochise County, Arizona.
LBMS, May 3, 2011, ``Border Security and Enforcement --
Department of Homeland Security's Cooperation with State and
Local Law Enforcement Stakeholders.''
Diehl, William, CAPT (Ret.), President, Greater Houston Port
Bureau.
LOIM, August 24, 2011, field hearing in Houston, Texas,
``Preventing an Economic Shock Wave: Securing the Port of
Houston from a Terrorist Attack.''
Dingell, John D., a Representative in Congress from the 15th
District of Michigan.
LFULL, Mar. 10, 2011, ``The Extent of Radicalization in
the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response.''
Dodaro, Eugene L., Comptroller General of the United States.
LFULL, Sep. 8, 2011, ``The Attacks of September 11th:
Where are We Today.''
Donnellon,Tim, Sheriff, St. Clair County Sheriff's Office,
Michigan.
LBMS, July 12, 2011, ``Protecting the Maritime Borders
-- Leveraging Law Enforcement Cooperation to Enhance Security
Along America's Coasts.''
Downing, Michael P., Commanding Officer, Counter-Terrorism and
Special Operations Bureau, Los Angeles Police
Department.
LJun. 15, 2011, FULL, ``The Threat of Muslim-American
Radicalization in U.S. Prisons.''
Dragani, Nancy, Chair, Response & Recovery Committee, National
Emergency Management Association.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2011, ``Weathering the Storm: A State
and Local Perspective on Emergency Management.''
Duke, Elaine C., President, Elaine Duke & Associates, LLC.
LTS, Sep. 22, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations
in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth.''
Dunham, Wanda, Chief of Police and Emergency Management,
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, MARTA
Police Headquarters.
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Dunleavy, Patrick T., Ret. Deputy Inspector General, Criminal
Intelligence Unit, New York State Department of
Correctional Services.
LJun. 15, 2011, FULL, ``The Threat of Muslim-American
Radicalization in U.S. Prisons.''
-- E --
Edge, Peter T., Deputy Associate Director, Homeland Security
Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
Department of Homeland Security.
LSep. 13, 2011, BMS, ``Ten Years after 9/11: Can
Terrorists Still Exploit our Visa System?''
Edmonds, James T., Chairman, The Port of Houston Authority.
LOIM, August 24, 2011, field hearing in Houston, Texas,
``Preventing an Economic Shock Wave: Securing the Port of
Houston from a Terrorist Attack.''
Edwards, Charles K., Acting Inspector General, Office of the
Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security.
LOIM, July 15, 2011, ``Homeland Security Contracting:
Does the Department Effectively Leverage Emerging
Technologies?''
LTS, November 3, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring
Innovations in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth,
Part III.''
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Edwards, Eric, Director, Disaster Emergency Communications
Division, Response Directorate, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Nov. 17, 2011, ``Ensuring Coordination and
Cooperation: A Review of the Emergency Communications Offices
Within the Department of Homeland Security.''
Ellison, Keith, a Representative in Congress from the 5th
District of Minnesota.
LFULL, Mar. 10, 2011, ``The Extent of Radicalization in
the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response.''
Entrekin, Todd, Sheriff, Etowah County, Alabama.
LBMS, May 3, 2011, ``Border Security and Enforcement --
Department of Homeland Security's Cooperation with State and
Local Law Enforcement Stakeholders.''
Essid, Chris, Director, Office of Emergency Communications,
Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Nov. 17, 2011, ``Ensuring Coordination and
Cooperation: A Review of the Emergency Communications Offices
Within the Department of Homeland Security.''
-- F --
Fagbuyi, Fagbuyi, MD, Medical Director, Disaster Preparedness
and Emergency Management, Children's National Medical
Center.
LEPRC, Apr. 13, 2011, ``Taking Measure of
Countermeasures: A review of government and industry efforts to
protect the homeland through accelerated research, development,
and acquisition of chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear medical countermeasures.''
Farah, Douglas, Senior Fellow, The International Assessment and
Strategy Center.
LCTI, July 7, 2011, ``Hezbollah in Latin America --
Implications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
Farmer, Tom, Assistant Vice President, Security Safety &
Operations, American Association of Railroads.
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Finklea, Kristin, PhD, Analyst, Domestic Social Policy
Division.
LOIM, Mar. 31, 2011, ``The U.S. Homeland Security Role
in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.''
Fisher, Michael J., Chief, Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Feb. 15, 2011, ``Securing Our Borders --
Operational Control and the Path Forward.''
LBMS, Mar. 15, 2011, ``Strengthening the Border --
Finding the Right Mix of Personnel, Infrastructure and
Technology.''
LBMS, Oct. 4, 2011, ``Does Administrative Amnesty Harm
our Efforts to Gain and Maintain Operational Control of the
Border?''
Fitzgerald, Paul H., Sheriff, Story County Sheriff's Office,
testifying as First Vice President, National Sheriffs'
Association.
LFULL, Mar. 30, 2011, ``Public Safety Communications:
Are the Needs of Our First Responders Being Met?''
Folk, William Anders, Former Assistant United States Attorney,
District of Minnesota.
LFULL, July 27, 2011, ``Al Shabaab: Recruitment and
Radicalization within the Muslim American Community and the
Threat to the Homeland.''
Freni, Edward C., Director of Aviation, Massachusetts Port
Authority.
LOIM, Sep. 16, 2011, Boston, Massachusetts, ``Ten Years
After 9/11: Assessing Airport Security and Preventing a Future
Terrorist Attack.''
Fugate, W. Craig, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Mar. 9, 2011, ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness
and Response -- An Assessment of the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
Request for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.''
LFULL, May 4, 2011, ``Securing Our Nation's Mass Transit
Systems Against a Terrorist Attack.''
LEPRC, Oct. 25, 2011, ``Five Years Later: An Assessment
of the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act.''
-- G --
Garcia, Adrian, Sheriff Harris County Sheriff's Office, Texas.
LBMS, July 12, 2011, ``Protecting the Maritime Borders
-- Leveraging Law Enforcement Cooperation to Enhance Security
Along America's Coasts.''
LOIM, August 24, 2011, field hearing in Houston, Texas,
``Preventing an Economic Shock Wave: Securing the Port of
Houston from a Terrorist Attack.''
Garza, Alexander G., MD, MPH, Assistant Secretary for Health
Affairs, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Homeland
Security.
LEPST, Mar. 17, 2011, ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness,
Response, and Recovery for Events Impacting Health Security.''
LEPRC, May 12, 2011, ``Taking Measure of Countermeasures
(Part 2): A Review of Efforts to Protect the Homeland Through
Distribution and Dispensing of CBRN Medical Countermeasures.''
Geraghty, Timothy J., Colonel (Ret. US Marine Corps).
LCTI and OIM, Oct. 26, 2011, ``Iranian Terror Operations
on American Soil.''
Gerecht, Reuel Marc, Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of
Democracies.
LCTI and OIM, Oct. 26, 2011, ``Iranian Terror Operations
on American Soil.''
Goldstein, Mark L., Director Physical Infrastructure,
Government Accountability Office.
LCIPST, July 13, 2011, ``Securing Federal Facilities:
Challenges of the Federal Protective Service and the Need for
Reform.''
Gonzalez, Sigifredo, Sheriff, Zapata County, State of Texas.
LOIM, May 11, 2011, ``On the Border and in the Line of
Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Drug Cartel
Violence.''
Good, James, Owner, Arey Building Supply.
LEPRC, Nov. 29, 2011, field hearing in La Plume,
Pennsylvania ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response:
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.''
Goucher, Suzanne D., President and CEO, Maine Association of
Broadcasters, testifying on behalf of the National
Alliance of State Broadcasting Associations.
LEPRC, July 8, 2011, ``Communicating With the Public
During Emergencies: An Update on Federal Alert and Warnings.''
Guttman-McCabe, Christopher, Vice President, Regulatory
Affairs, CTIA -- The Wireless Association.
LEPRC, July 8, 2011, ``Communicating With the Public
During Emergencies: An Update on Federal Alert and Warnings.''
-- H --
Halinskim, John W., Assistant Administrator, Office of Global
Strategies, Transportation Security Administration.
LTS, Apr. 7, 2011, ``Strengthening International
Cooperation on Aviation Security.''
Hamilton, Lee, Bipartisan Policy Center.
LFULL, May 25, 2011, ``Threats to the American Homeland
after Killing Bin Laden: An Assessment.''
LFULL, Sep. 8, 2011, ``The Attacks of September 11th:
Where are We Today.''
Harbour, Tom, Director, Fire and Aviation Management, Forest
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
LOIM, Oct. 17, 2011, ``Texas Wildfire Review: Did
Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely Response?''
Hartwig, Daniel O., Deputy Chief -- Operations, BART Police
Department, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit
(BART).
LFULL, May 4, 2011, ``Securing Our Nation's Mass Transit
Systems Against a Terrorist Attack.''
Hatchett, Richard J., Chief Medical Officer and Deputy
Director, Strategic Sciences and Management, Department
of Health and Human Services.
LEPRC, Apr. 13, 2011, ``Taking Measure of
Countermeasures: A review of government and industry efforts to
protect the homeland through accelerated research, development,
and acquisition of chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear medical countermeasures.''
Hathaway, Melissa, President, Hathaway Global Strategies, LLC.
LCIPST, June 24, 2011, ``Examining the Homeland Security
Impact of the Obama Administration's Cybersecurity Proposal.''
Hawkins, George S., General Manager, District of Columbia Water
and Sewer Authority.
LCIPST, Feb. 11, 2011, ``Preventing Chemical Terrorism:
Building a Foundation of Security At Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities.''
Heyman, David, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Department of
Homeland Security.
LCTI, Oct. 5, 2011, ``Intelligence Sharing and Terrorist
Travel: How DHS Addresses the Mission of Providing Security,
Facilitating Commerce and Protecting Privacy for Passengers
Engaged in International Travel.''
Hoffman, Bruce, Prof. Director, Center for Peace and Security
Studies and Director, Security Studies Program,
Georgetown University.
LOIM, June 3, 2011, ``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland
Security's Efforts to Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and
Somalia.''
Horne, Thomas C., Attorney General, State of Arizona.
LOIM, May 11, 2011, ``On the Border and in the Line of
Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Drug Cartel
Violence.''
Hussen, Ahmed, Canadian Somali Congress National President.
LFULL, July 27, 2011, ``Al Shabaab: Recruitment and
Radicalization within the Muslim American Community and the
Threat to the Homeland.''
-- I, J --
Jackson, Michael P., President, Firebreak Partners, LLC.
LTS, Sep. 22, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations
in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth.''
Jasser, M. Zuhdi, MD President and Founder, American Islamic
Forum for Democracy.
LFULL, Mar. 10, 2011, ``The Extent of Radicalization in
the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response.''
Jenkins, Brian Michael, Senior Advisor to the RAND President,
RAND Corporation.
LCTI, Dec. 6, 2011, ``Jihadist Use of Social Media --
How to Prevent Terrorism and Preserve Innovation.''
Johnson, Daniel, Assistant Administrator for Intelligence,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of
Homeland Security.
LCTI, June 1, 2011, ``The DHS Intelligence Enterprise--
Past, Present, and Future.''
Jones, Seth, Senior Political Scientist, The RAND Corporation.
LCTI, May 3, 2011, ``The Threat to the U.S. Homeland
Emanating from Pakistan.''
Joscelyn, Thomas, Senior Fellow and Executive Director, Center
for Law and Counter Terrorism, Foundation for the
Defense of Democracies.
LCTI, Apr. 6, 2011, ``Unrest in the Middle East and
North Africa: Ramifications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
LFULL, July 27, 2011, ``Al Shabaab: Recruitment and
Radicalization within the Muslim American Community and the
Threat to the Homeland.''
-- K --
Kadlec, Robert P., Dr., Former Special Assistant to the
President for Biodefense.
LCIPST & EPRC, June 23, 2011, ``H.R.----, the `WMD
Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011.'''
Kagan, Frederick, Resident Scholar and Director, American
Enterprise Institute Critical Threats Project.
LCTI, May 3, 2011, ``The Threat to the U.S. Homeland
Emanating from Pakistan.''
Kane, Robin E., Assistant Administrator, Security Technology,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of
Homeland Security.
LTS, November 3, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring
Innovations in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth,
Part III.''
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Katulis, Brian, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress.
LCTI, Apr. 6, 2011, ``Unrest in the Middle East and
North Africa: Ramifications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
Keane, Jack, General (Ret. US Army).
LCTI and OIM, Oct. 26, 2011, ``Iranian Terror Operations
on American Soil.''
Khan, Ali, MD, MPH, RADM, Director, Office of Public Health
Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
LEPRC, May 12, 2011, ``Taking Measure of Countermeasures
(Part 2): A Review of Efforts to Protect the Homeland Through
Distribution and Dispensing of CBRN Medical Countermeasures.''
Kibble, Kumar, Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, May 3, 2011, ``Border Security and Enforcement --
Department of Homeland Security's Cooperation with State and
Local Law Enforcement Stakeholders.''
LBMS, Oct. 4, 2011, ``Does Administrative Amnesty Harm
our Efforts to Gain and Maintain Operational Control of the
Border?''
Kidd, W. Nim, Assistant Director, Emergency Management, Texas
Department of Public Safety.
LOIM, Oct. 17, 2011, ``Texas Wildfire Review: Did
Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely Response?''
Kniphfer, Allen W., Emergency Coordinator, Jefferson County,
Alabama.
LEPRC, July 8, 2011, ``Communicating With the Public
During Emergencies: An Update on Federal Alert and Warnings.''
Koerner, Timothy J., Vice President & Chief Security Officer,
Canadian National Railway Company.
LBMS, April 5, 2011, ``Using Resources Effectively to
Secure Our Border at Ports of Entry _ Stopping the Illicit Flow
of Money, Guns and Drugs.''
Kohlmann, Evan F., Flashpoint Global Partners.
LFULL, May 25, 2011, ``Threats to the American Homeland
after Killing Bin Laden: An Assessment.''
Koon, Bryan W., Director, Florida Division of Emergency
Management.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2011, ``Weathering the Storm: A State
and Local Perspective on Emergency Management.''
Korb, Lawrence, Dr., Senior Fellow, Center For American
Progress Action Fund.
LCTI and OIM, Oct. 26, 2011, ``Iranian Terror Operations
on American Soil.''
Korosec, Stan, Vice President, Operations, Blue Water Bridge
Canada.
LBMS, April 5, 2011, ``Using Resources Effectively to
Secure Our Border at Ports of Entry _ Stopping the Illicit Flow
of Money, Guns and Drugs.''
Kosar, Kevin R., Analyst in American Government, Congressional
Research Service.
LCIPST, Dec. 6, 2011, ``Hearing on Draft Legislative
Proposal on Cybersecurity.''
Kostelnik, Michael C., (Maj. Gen. Ret.), Assistant
Commissioner, Office of CBP Air & Marine, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Mar. 15, 2011, ``Strengthening the Border --
Finding the Right Mix of Personnel, Infrastructure and
Technology.''
LBMS, July 12, 2011, ``Protecting the Maritime Borders
-- Leveraging Law Enforcement Cooperation to Enhance Security
Along America's Coasts.''
Koumans, Mark, Deputy Assistant Secretary, International
Affairs, Department of Homeland Security.
LOIM, June 3, 2011, ``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland
Security's Efforts to Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and
Somalia.''
Kwon, Mischel, President, Mischel Kwon Associates.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``Examining the Cyber Threat to
Critical Infrastructure and the American Economy.''
-- L --
Laremont, Ricardo, Professor of Political Science and
Sociology, Binghamton University, State University of
New York.
LCTI, Nov. 30, 2011, ``Boko Haram -- Emerging Threat to
the U.S. Homeland.''
Leiter, Michael E., Director, National Counterterrorism Center.
LFULL, Feb. 9, 2011, ``Understanding the Homeland Threat
Landscape -- Considerations for the 112th Congress.''
Levi, Jeffrey, PhD, Executive Director, Trust for America's
Health.
LEPRC, May 12, 2011, ``Taking Measure of Countermeasures
(Part 2): A Review of Efforts to Protect the Homeland Through
Distribution and Dispensing of CBRN Medical Countermeasures.''
Levitt, Matt, Dr., Director, Stein Program on Counterterrorism
& Intelligence, The Washington Institute for Near East
Policy.
LCTI and OIM, Oct. 26, 2011, ``Iranian Terror Operations
on American Soil.''
Lewis, James A., Director and Senior Fellow, Technology and
Public Policy Program, Center for Strategic and
International Studies.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``Examining the Cyber Threat to
Critical Infrastructure and the American Economy.''
Long, Daris, Private Citizen.
LFULL, with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs Dec. 7, 2011, ``Homegrown Terrorism:
The Threat to Military Communities Inside the United States.''
Lopez, Gomecindo, Commander, Special Operations Bureau, El Paso
County, Texas.
LBMS, May 3, 2011, ``Border Security and Enforcement --
Department of Homeland Security's Cooperation with State and
Local Law Enforcement Stakeholders.''
Lord, Stephen M., Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, Government Accountability Office.
LTS, Mar. 9, 2011, ``Securing Air Commerce From the
Threat of Terrorism.''
LOIM, Sep. 16, 2011, Boston, Massachusetts, ``Ten Years
After 9/11: Assessing Airport Security and Preventing a Future
Terrorist Attack.''
LTS, Sep. 22, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations
in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth.''
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Lundry, R. Daryl, Director, Homeland Security & Emergency
Management, City of Detroit.
LEPRC, Oct. 28, 2011, (Detroit, Michigan) ``The State of
Northern Border Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and
Local Coordination.''
-- M --
Mancuso, Mario, Partner, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver &
Jacobson, LLP.
LOIM, July 7, 2011, ``Homeland Security Investigations:
Examining DHS's Efforts to Protect American Jobs and Secure the
Homeland.''
Mannan, Dr. M. Sam, PhD, PE, CSP, Regents Professor and
Director, Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center,
Texas A&M University System.
LCIPST, Feb. 11, 2011, ``Preventing Chemical Terrorism:
Building a Foundation of Security At Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities.''
Marriott, Jim, Chief, Aviation Security Branch, International
Civil Aviation Organization.
LTS, Apr. 7, 2011, ``Strengthening International
Cooperation on Aviation Security.''
Mauer, David C., Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, Government Accountability Office.
LOIM, July 15, 2011, ``Homeland Security Contracting:
Does the Department Effectively Leverage Emerging
Technologies?''
LCIPST, July 26, 2011, ``The Last Line of Defense:
Federal, State, and Local Efforts to Prevent Nuclear and
Radiological Terrorism Within the United States.''
LBMS, Nov. 17, 2011, ``S&T on a Budget: Finding Smarter
Approaches to Spur Innovation, Impose Discipline, Drive Job
Creation and Strengthen Homeland Security.''
McCaffrey, Barry R., (Gen. Ret.), President, BR McCaffrey
Associates, LLC.
LOIM, Oct. 13, 2011, ``A Call to Action: Narco-
Terrorism's Threat to the Southern U.S. Border.''
McCants, William, Analyst, Center for Naval Analyses.
LCTI, Dec. 6, 2011, ``Jihadist Use of Social Media --
How to Prevent Terrorism and Preserve Innovation.''
McClure, David, PhD., Associate Administrator, Office of
Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies, General
Services Administration.
LCIPST, Oct. 6, 2011 ``Cloud Computing: What are the
Security Implications?''
McCraw, Steven C., Director, Texas Department of Public Safety.
LOIM, May 11, 2011, ``On the Border and in the Line of
Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Drug Cartel
Violence.''
McGuire, Cheri, Vice President of Global Government Affairs and
Cybersecurity Policy, Symantec Corporation.
LCIPST, Dec. 6, 2011, ``Hearing on Draft Legislative
Proposal on Cybersecurity.''
McGurk, Sean, Director, National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center, Department of
Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``The DHS Cybersecurity Mission:
Promoting Innovation and Securing Critical Infrastructure.''
McHargue, Mike, Director of Emergency Operations, Division of
Emergency Medical Operations, Florida Department of
Health.
LEPRC, May 12, 2011, ``Taking Measure of Countermeasures
(Part 2): A Review of Efforts to Protect the Homeland Through
Distribution and Dispensing of CBRN Medical Countermeasures.''
McLaughlin, Chris, Assistant Administrator, Office of Security
Operations, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security.
LOIM, Sep. 16, 2011, Boston, Massachusetts, ``Ten Years
After 9/11: Assessing Airport Security and Preventing a Future
Terrorist Attack.''
Mitchell, Susan, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Intelligence and Operations Coordination, Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LCTI, June 1, 2011, ``The DHS Intelligence Enterprise--
Past, Present, and Future.''
Moore, Linda K., Specialist in Telecommunications and Spectrum
Policy, Congressional Research Service.
LEPRC, Nov. 17, 2011, ``Ensuring Coordination and
Cooperation: A Review of the Emergency Communications Offices
Within the Department of Homeland Security.''
Mora, Frank, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Western
Hemisphere Affairs, Department of Defense.
LOIM, Mar. 31, 2011, ``The U.S. Homeland Security Role
in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.''
Mudd, Philip,, Senior Research Fellow, New America Foundation.
LCTI, Apr. 6, 2011, ``Unrest in the Middle East and
North Africa: Ramifications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
-- N --
Naccara, George, Adm. (Ret.), Federal Security Director,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of
Homeland Security.
LOIM, Sep. 16, 2011, Boston, Massachusetts, ``Ten Years
After 9/11: Assessing Airport Security and Preventing a Future
Terrorist Attack.''
Napolitano, Janet, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Feb. 9, 2011, ``Understanding the Homeland Threat
Landscape -- Considerations for the 112th Congress.''
LFULL, Mar. 3, 2011, ``The President's FY 2012 Budget
Request for the Department of Homeland Security.''
Nawaz, Shuja, Director, South Asia Center, The Atlantic
Council.
LCTI, May 3, 2011, ``The Threat to the U.S. Homeland
Emanating from Pakistan.''
Nayak, Dr. Nick, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of
Homeland Security.
LTS, November 3, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring
Innovations in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth,
Part III.''
Nelson, Rick ``Ozzie'', Director and Senior Fellow, Homeland
Security and Counterterrorism Program, Center for
Strategic and International Studies.
LCTI, Apr. 6, 2011, ``Unrest in the Middle East and
North Africa: Ramifications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
Nichols, Brian, Deputy Assistant Secretary, International
Narcotics, Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of
State.
LOIM, Mar. 31, 2011, ``The U.S. Homeland Security Role
in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.''
Nichols, John F., (Major General), Adjutant General, Texas
Military Forces Texas.
LOIM, Oct. 17, 2011, ``Texas Wildfire Review: Did
Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely Response?''
Nojeim, Gregory T., Senior Counsel and Director, Project on
Freedom, Security & Technology, Center for Democracy &
Technology.
LCIPST, Dec. 6, 2011, ``Hearing on Draft Legislative
Proposal on Cybersecurity.''
Noriega, Roger F., Visiting Fellow, The American Enterprise
Institute.
LCTI, July 7, 2011, ``Hezbollah in Latin America --
Implications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
-- O --
O'Connor, John, Manager, National Coordinating Center for
Communications, National Protection and Programs
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Nov. 17, 2011, ``Ensuring Coordination and
Cooperation: A Review of the Emergency Communications Offices
Within the Department of Homeland Security.''
O'Toole, Tara, Under Secretary, Science and Technology
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.
LOIM, July 15, 2011, ``Homeland Security Contracting:
Does the Department Effectively Leverage Emerging
Technologies?''
LBMS, Nov. 17, 2011, ``S&T on a Budget: Finding Smarter
Approaches to Spur Innovation, Impose Discipline, Drive Job
Creation and Strengthen Homeland Security.''
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Olivier, Jeanne M. Olivier, A.A.E., Assistant Director,
Aviation Security & Technology, Aviation Department,
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, testifying
on behalf of the American Association of Airport
Executives.
LTS, May 4, 2011, H.R.1690, the ``MODERN Security
Credentials Act.''
-- P --
Pap, Robert J., Jr., Admiral, Commandant, United States Coast
Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Jun. 14, 2011, ``Securing the Nation's Ports and
Maritime Border -- A Review of the Coast Guard's Post 9/11
Homeland Security Missions.''
Parker, Gerald W., DDM, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of
Defense, Chemical and Biological Defense, Department of
Defense.
LEPRC, Apr. 13, 2011, ``Taking Measure of
Countermeasures: A review of government and industry efforts to
protect the homeland through accelerated research, development,
and acquisition of chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear medical countermeasures.''
Parks, Michael, RADM, Ninth District Commander, .S.Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Oct. 28, 2011, (Detroit, Michigan) ``The State of
Northern Border Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and
Local Coordination.''
Parow, John E. ``Jack'', (Chief, Ret.), President and Chairman
of the Board, International Association of Fire Chiefs.
LFULL, Mar. 30, 2011, ``Public Safety Communications:
Are the Needs of Our First Responders Being Met?''
Pascrell, William J., Jr., a Representative in Congress from
the 8th District of New Jersey.
LCIPST & EPRC, June 23, 2011, ``H.R.----, the `WMD
Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011.'''
Patterson, L. Eric, Director, Federal Protective Service.
LCIPST, July 13, 2011, ``Securing Federal Facilities:
Challenges of the Federal Protective Service and the Need for
Reform.''
Pavetto, Carl, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of
Emergency Operations, National Nuclear Security
Administration, Department of Energy.
LCIPST, July 26, 2011, ``The Last Line of Defense:
Federal, State, and Local Efforts to Prevent Nuclear and
Radiological Terrorism Within the United States.''
Pearl, Marc A., President and CEO, Homeland Security & Defense
Business Council.
LOIM, July 15, 2011, ``Homeland Security Contracting:
Does the Department Effectively Leverage Emerging
Technologies?''
LTS, Oct. 13, 2011, ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations
in Technology Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth, Part II.''
Penn, Damon, Assistant Administrator, National Continuity
Programs, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, July 8, 2011, ``Communicating With the Public
During Emergencies: An Update on Federal Alert and Warnings.''
LEPRC, Nov. 17, 2011, ``Ensuring Coordination and
Cooperation: A Review of the Emergency Communications Offices
Within the Department of Homeland Security.''
Perez, Mark, Homeland Security Advisor, Florida Department of
Law Enforcement.
LCIPST, July 26, 2011, ``The Last Line of Defense:
Federal, State, and Local Efforts to Prevent Nuclear and
Radiological Terrorism Within the United States.''
Pham, J. Peter, Dr., Director, Michael S.Ansari Africa Center,
Atlantic Council of the US.
LCTI, Nov. 30, 2011, ``Boko Haram -- Emerging Threat to
the U.S. Homeland.''
Pillai, Segaran P., PhD, Chief Medical and Science Advisor,
Chemical and Biological Division, Science and
Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security.
LEPRC, Apr. 13, 2011, ``Taking Measure of
Countermeasures: A review of government and industry efforts to
protect the homeland through accelerated research, development,
and acquisition of chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear medical countermeasures.''
Pistole, John S., Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
LTS, Feb. 10, 2011, ``Terrorism and Transportation
Security.''
LTS, Jun. 2, 2011, ``Authorizing the Transportation
Security Administration for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013.''
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Ploch, Lauren, Africa Analyst, Congressional Research Service.
LCTI, Nov. 30, 2011, ``Boko Haram -- Emerging Threat to
the U.S. Homeland.''
Pope, Amy, Deputy Chief of Staff & Counselor, Criminal
Division, Office of Assistant Attorney General, U.S.
Department of Justice.
LOIM, May 11, 2011, ``On the Border and in the Line of
Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Drug Cartel
Violence.''
-- Q, R --
Ramotowski, Edward, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau
of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
Reese, Raymond, Corporate Health, Safety and Security Leader,
Colonial Pipeline Company.
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Reitinger, Phillip, Deputy Under Secretary, National Protection
and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``Examining the Cyber Threat to
Critical Infrastructure and the American Economy.''
Richards, Anne, Assistant Inspector General for Audits, Office
of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland
Security.
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Ridge, Tom J., Former Secretary of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Sep. 8, 2011, ``The Attacks of September 11th:
Where are We Today.''
Risch, John, Alternate National Legislative Director, United
Transportation Union.
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Roberts, James Q., Principal Director for Special Operations &
Combating Terrorism, Office of Special Operations/Low-
Intensity Conflict & Interdependent Capabilities,
Department of Defense.
LOIM, June 3, 2011, ``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland
Security's Efforts to Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and
Somalia.''
Rodriguez, Richard L., President, Chicago Transit Authority.
LFULL, May 4, 2011, ``Securing Our Nation's Mass Transit
Systems Against a Terrorist Attack.''
Rodriguez, Victor, Chief, McAllen Police Department, State of
Texas.
LOIM, May 11, 2011, ``On the Border and in the Line of
Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Drug Cartel
Violence.''
Rojas, Martin, Vice President, Security & Operations, American
Trucking Association.
LTS, May 4, 2011, H.R.1690, the ``MODERN Security
Credentials Act.''
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Ron, Rafi, President, New Age Security Solutions.
LTS, Apr. 7, 2011, ``Strengthening International
Cooperation on Aviation Security.''
Rossides, Gale D., Deputy Administrator, Transportation
Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security.
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Russell, John E. ``Rusty'', Director, Huntsville-Madison County
Emergency Management Agency, testifying on behalf of
International Association of Emergency Managers.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2011, ``Weathering the Storm: A State
and Local Perspective on Emergency Management.''
Russell, Tony, Regional Administrator, Region VI, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security.
LOIM, Oct. 17, 2011, ``Texas Wildfire Review: Did
Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely Response?''
Russo, Michael, Director of Global Security and Product
Protection, Eli Lilly and Company.
LOIM, July 7, 2011, ``Homeland Security Investigations:
Examining DHS's Efforts to Protect American Jobs and Secure the
Homeland.''
-- S --
Sadler, Stephen, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Transportation
Threat Assessment and Credentialing, Transportation
Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security.
LTS, May 4, 2011, H.R.1690, the ``MODERN Security
Credentials Act.''
Salazar, Hugo E., (MG), Adjutant General, Arizona National
Guard.
LBMS, Mar. 15, 2011, ``Strengthening the Border --
Finding the Right Mix of Personnel, Infrastructure and
Technology.''
Salinas, Raul G., Mayor, City of Laredo, Texas.
LBMS, Feb. 15, 2011, ``Securing Our Borders --
Operational Control and the Path Forward.''
Sammon, John, Assistant Administrator, Transportation Sector
Network Management, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
LTS, Mar. 9, 2011, ``Securing Air Commerce From the
Threat of Terrorism.''
Sands, Thomas, Captain, Deputy State Director, Emergency
Management & Homeland Security, State of Michigan.
LEPRC, Oct. 28, 2011, (Detroit, Michigan) ``The State of
Northern Border Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and
Local Coordination.''
Sawyer, Reid L., LTC, Director, Combating Terrorism Center at
West Point.
LFULL, with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs Dec. 7, 2011, ``Homegrown Terrorism:
The Threat to Military Communities Inside the United States.''
Scales, Robert H. (MG Ret.), President, COLGEN, LP.
LOIM, Oct. 13, 2011, ``A Call to Action: Narco-
Terrorism's Threat to the Southern U.S. Border.''
Schneck, Phyllis, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer,
McAfee Inc.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``Examining the Cyber Threat to
Critical Infrastructure and the American Economy.''
Scott, Timothy J., Chief Security Officer, The Dow Chemical
Company, testifying on behalf of the American Chemistry
Council.
LCIPST, Feb. 11, 2011, ``Preventing Chemical Terrorism:
Building a Foundation of Security At Our Nation's Chemical
Facilities.''
Shannon, Greg, Dr., Chief Scientist for Computer Emergency
Readiness Team, Software Engineering Institute,
Carnegie Mellon University.
LCIPST, June 24, 2011, ``Examining the Homeland Security
Impact of the Obama Administration's Cybersecurity Proposal.''
LCIPST, Dec. 6, 2011, ``Hearing on Draft Legislative
Proposal on Cybersecurity.''
Sheaffer, James W., President, North American Public Sector,
Computer Sciences Corporation.
LCIPST, Oct. 6, 2011 ``Cloud Computing: What are the
Security Implications?''
Shirk, David, Dr., Director, Trans-Border Institute, University
of San Diego.
LOIM, Mar. 31, 2011, ``The U.S. Homeland Security Role
in the Mexican War Against Drug Cartels.''
Silver, Mariko, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of
International Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LOIM, JT. with the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Oct. 4, 2011, ``Merida
Part Two: Insurgency and Terrorism in Mexico.''
Simay, Gregory L., At-Large Director, Los Angeles Regional
Interoperable Communication System.
LFULL, Mar. 30, 2011, ``Public Safety Communications:
Are the Needs of Our First Responders Being Met?''
Sims, Cedric, Dr., Executive Director, Office of Program
Accountability and Risk Management, Management
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Smith, Gerald ``Jerry'' L., II, FPEM, President, Florida
Emergency Preparedness Association.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2011, ``Weathering the Storm: A State
and Local Perspective on Emergency Management.''
Smith, Kevin, Former Assistant United States Attorney, Central
District of California.
LJun. 15, 2011, FULL, ``The Threat of Muslim-American
Radicalization in U.S. Prisons.''
Smith, Thomas E., Chief of Police, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
LFULL, July 27, 2011, ``Al Shabaab: Recruitment and
Radicalization within the Muslim American Community and the
Threat to the Homeland.''
Spires, Richard, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Oct. 6, 2011 ``Cloud Computing: What are the
Security Implications?''
Stana, Richard M., Director, Homeland Security and Justice,
Government Accountability Office.
LBMS, Feb. 15, 2011, ``Securing Our Borders --
Operational Control and the Path Forward.''
LBMS, Mar. 15, 2011, ``Strengthening the Border --
Finding the Right Mix of Personnel, Infrastructure and
Technology.''
LSep. 13, 2011, BMS, ``Ten Years after 9/11: Can
Terrorists Still Exploit our Visa System?''
Staples, Todd, Commissioner, Texas Department of Agriculture.
LOIM, Oct. 13, 2011, ``A Call to Action: Narco-
Terrorism's Threat to the Southern U.S. Border.''
Starbuck, Kevin, CEM, Emergency Management Coordinator,
Amarillo/Potter/Randall Office of Emergency Management.
LOIM, Oct. 17, 2011, ``Texas Wildfire Review: Did
Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely Response?''
Starr, David, Director, Countermeasures Response Unit,
Emergency Preparedness & Response, NYC Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene.
LEPRC, May 12, 2011, ``Taking Measure of Countermeasures
(Part 2): A Review of Efforts to Protect the Homeland Through
Distribution and Dispensing of CBRN Medical Countermeasures.''
Stern, Warren M., Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office,
Department of Homeland Security.
LCIPST, July 26, 2011, ``The Last Line of Defense:
Federal, State, and Local Efforts to Prevent Nuclear and
Radiological Terrorism Within the United States.''
Stockton, Paul N., Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland
Defense and Americas' Security Affairs, Office of
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Department of
Defense.
LCIPST, Nov. 15, 2011, ``Protecting the Homeland: How
can DHS use DOD Technology to Secure the Border?''
LFULL, with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs Dec. 7, 2011, ``Homegrown Terrorism:
The Threat to Military Communities Inside the United
States.''accompanied by:
Stuteville, Jim, United States Army Senior Advisor,
Counterintelligence Operations and Liaison to the
Federal Bureau of Investigation.
LFULL, with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs Dec. 7, 2011, ``Homegrown Terrorism:
The Threat to Military Communities Inside the United States.''
Sullivan, Mark, Director, United States Secret Service.
LCTI, Sep. 14, 2011, ``United States Secret Service:
Examining Protective and Investigative Missions and Challenges
in 2012.''
-- T --
Talent, Jim, Vice Chairman, The Bipartisan WMD Terrorism
Research Center.
LCIPST & EPRC, June 23, 2011, ``H.R.----, the `WMD
Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011.'''
Tan, Lawrence E., Chief, Emergency Medical Services Division,
Department of Public Safety, New Castle County,
Delaware.
LEPRC, May 12, 2011, ``Taking Measure of Countermeasures
(Part 2): A Review of Efforts to Protect the Homeland Through
Distribution and Dispensing of CBRN Medical Countermeasures.''
Tangora, Michael, Deputy Assistant Commandant & Director of
Acquisition Services, United States Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Nov. 15, 2011, ``Protecting the Homeland: How
can DHS use DOD Technology to Secure the Border?''
Tankel, Stephen, Visiting Fellow, South Asia Program, The
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
LCTI, May 3, 2011, ``The Threat to the U.S. Homeland
Emanating from Pakistan.''
Tierney, MaryAnn, Regional Administrator-Region III, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security.
LEPRC, Nov. 29, 2011, field hearing in La Plume,
Pennsylvania ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response:
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.''
Toohey, Brian, President, Semiconductor Industry Association.
LOIM, July 7, 2011, ``Homeland Security Investigations:
Examining DHS's Efforts to Protect American Jobs and Secure the
Homeland.''
Townsend, Frances F., Senior Vice President, Worldwide
Government, Legal and Business Affairs, MacAndrews &
Forbes Holdings, Inc.
LFULL, May 25, 2011, ``Threats to the American Homeland
after Killing Bin Laden: An Assessment.''
-- U --
Useem, Bert, Department Head and Professor, Sociology
Department, Purdue University.
LJun. 15, 2011, FULL, ``The Threat of Muslim-American
Radicalization in U.S. Prisons.''
-- V --
Velasquez, Andrew, Regional Administrator -- Region V, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security.
LEPRC, Oct. 28, 2011, (Detroit, Michigan) ``The State of
Northern Border Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and
Local Coordination.''
Vickers, Michael, Las Palmas Veterinary Hospital.
LOIM, Oct. 13, 2011, ``A Call to Action: Narco-
Terrorism's Threat to the Southern U.S. Border.''
Villarosa, Shari, Deputy Coordinator for Regional Affairs,
Department of State.
LOIM, June 3, 2011, ``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland
Security's Efforts to Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and
Somalia.''
Vitiello, Ronald, Deputy Chief, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, May 3, 2011, ``Border Security and Enforcement --
Department of Homeland Security's Cooperation with State and
Local Law Enforcement Stakeholders.''
-- W --
Wagner, Caryn, Under Secretary, Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, Department of Homeland Security.
LCTI, June 1, 2011, ``The DHS Intelligence Enterprise--
Past, Present, and Future.''
LTS, Dec. 8, 2011, ``A Review of Passenger Screening
Technology at U.S. Airports.''
Walker, Randall H., Director of Aviation, Las Vegas McCarran
International Airport, Clark County Department of
Aviation, testifying on behalf of the Airports Council
International -- North America.
LTS, May 4, 2011, H.R.1690, the ``MODERN Security
Credentials Act.''
Wasem, Ruth Ellen, Ph.D., Specialist in Immigration Policy,
Congressional Research Service.
LBMS, Oct. 4, 2011, ``Does Administrative Amnesty Harm
our Efforts to Gain and Maintain Operational Control of the
Border?''
Weisburd, Andrew Aaron, Director, Society for Internet
Research.
LCTI, Dec. 6, 2011, ``Jihadist Use of Social Media --
How to Prevent Terrorism and Preserve Innovation.''
Wenner, Marita C., Volunteer Chair, Pennsylvania State Disaster
Committee, American Red Cross.
LEPRC, Nov. 29, 2011, field hearing in La Plume,
Pennsylvania ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and Response:
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.''
Whitehead, James H, CAPT, Sector Commander, Sector Houston-
Galveston, United States Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security.
LOIM, August 24, 2011, field hearing in Houston, Texas,
``Preventing an Economic Shock Wave: Securing the Port of
Houston from a Terrorist Attack.''
Williams, Grayling, Director, Office of Counternarcotics
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
LOIM, May 11, 2011, ``On the Border and in the Line of
Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Drug Cartel
Violence.''
Williams, Jim, Vice Chair, Homeland Security Committee,
TechAmerica.
LOIM, July 15, 2011, ``Homeland Security Contracting:
Does the Department Effectively Leverage Emerging
Technologies?''
Williams, Leigh, BITS President, The Financial Services
Roundtable.
LCIPST, June 24, 2011, ``Examining the Homeland Security
Impact of the Obama Administration's Cybersecurity Proposal.''
Williams-Bridgers, Jacquie, Managing Director, International
Affairs and Trade, Government Accountability Office.
LOIM, June 3, 2011, ``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland
Security's Efforts to Counter Threats from Pakistan, Yemen and
Somalia.''
Willis, Chauncia, MPA, MEP, CEM, Emergency Coordinator, Office
of Emergency Management, City of Tampa, Florida.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2011, ``Weathering the S
Wilshusen, Gregory C., Director, Information Security Issues,
Government Accountability Office.
LCIPST, Mar. 16, 2011, ``Examining the Cyber Threat to
Critical Infrastructure and the American Economy.''
LCIPST, Oct. 6, 2011 ``Cloud Computing: What are the
Security Implications?''
Winkowski, Thomas, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field
Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, April 5, 2011, ``Using Resources Effectively to
Secure Our Border at Ports of Entry _ Stopping the Illicit Flow
of Money, Guns and Drugs.''
LSep. 13, 2011, BMS, ``Ten Years after 9/11: Can
Terrorists Still Exploit our Visa System?''
Witkowski, Christopher, Director, Air Safety, Health and
Security, Association of Flight Attendants -- CWA.
LTS, July 12, 2011, ``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing
the Transportation Security Administration for FY 2012 and
2013.''
Wolf, Frank, a Representative in Congress from the 10th
District of Virginia.
LFULL, Mar. 10, 2011, ``The Extent of Radicalization in
the American Muslim Community and that Community's Response.''
Wright, David, President, National Federal Protective Service
Union, American Federation of Government Employees.
LCIPST, July 13, 2011, ``Securing Federal Facilities:
Challenges of the Federal Protective Service and the Need for
Reform.''
-- X, Y, Z --
Zukunft, Paul F., RAdm., Assistant Commandant for Marine
Safety, Security and Stewardship, United States Coast
Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, July 12, 2011, ``Protecting the Maritime Borders
-- Leveraging Law Enforcement Cooperation to Enhance Security
Along America's Coasts.''
APPENDIX IX
Printed Hearings
Number Title Date
112-1 ``Understanding the Homeland February 9, 2011
Threat Landscape --
Considerations for the 112th
Congress.''
Full Committee
112-2 ``Terrorism and Transportation February 10, 2011
Security.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security
112-3 ``Preventing Chemical February 11, 2011
Terrorism: Building A
Foundation of Security at Our
Nation's Chemical
Facilities.''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and
Security Technologies
112-4 ``Securing Our Borders -- February 15, 2011
Operational Control and the
Path Forward.''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-5 ``Terrorist Threat to the U.S. March 2, 2011
Homeland -- Al-Qaeda in the
Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
112-6 ``The President's FY 2012 March 3, 2011
Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland
Security.''
Full Committee
112-7 ``Ensuring Effective March 9, 2011
Preparedness and Response --
An Assessment of the Fiscal
Year 2012 Budget Request for
the Federal Emergency
Management Agency''.
Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response and
Coordination
112-8 ``Securing Air Commerce From March 9, 2011
the Threat of Terrorism.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security
112-9 ``The Extent of Radicalization March 10, 2011
in the American Muslim ...................
Community and that Community's ...................
Response.'' June 15, 2011
``The Threat of Muslim-American ...................
Radicalization in U.S. ...................
Prisons.'' July 27, 2011
``Al Shabaab: Recruitment and
Radicalization within the
Muslim American Community and
the Threat to the Homeland.''
Full Committee
112-10 ``Strengthening the Border -- March 15, 2011
Finding the Right Mix of
Personnel, Infrastructure and
Technology.''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-11 ``Examining the Cyber Threat to March 16, 2011
Critical Infrastructure and
the American Economy.''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and
Security Technologies
112-12 ``Ensuring Effective March 17, 2011
Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery for Events Impacting
Health Security.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and
Communications
112-13 ``The U.S. Homeland Security March 31, 2011
Role in the Mexican War
Against Drug Cartels.''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations and Management
112-14 ``The U.S. Homeland Security March 31, 2011
Role in the Mexican War
Against Drug Cartels.''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations and Management
112-15 ``Using Resources Effectively April 5, 2011
to Secure Our Border at Ports
of Entry -- Stopping the
Illicit Flow of Money, Guns
and Drugs.''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-16 ``Unrest in the Middle East and April 6, 2011
North Africa: Ramifications
for U.S. Homeland Security.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
112-17 ``Strengthening International April 7, 2011
Cooperation on Aviation
Security.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security
112-18 ``Taking Measure of ...................
Countermeasures.'' April 13, 2011
``(Part 1): A review of ...................
government and industry ...................
efforts to protect the May 12, 2011
homeland through accelerated
research, development, and
acquisition of chemical,
biological, radiological and
nuclear medical
countermeasures.''
``(Part 2): A Review of Efforts
to Protect the Homeland
Through Distribution and
Dispensing of CBRN Medical
Countermeasures.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response and
Communications
112-19 ``The DHS Cybersecurity April 15, 2011
Mission: Promoting Innovation
and Securing Critical
Infrastructure.''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and
Security Technologies
112-20 ``Border Security and May 3, 2011
Enforcement -- Department of
Homeland Security's
Cooperation with State and
Local Law Enforcement
Stakeholders.''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-21 ``The Threat to the U.S. May 3, 2011
Homeland Emanating from
Pakistan.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
112-22 ``Securing Our Nation's Mass May 4, 2011
Transit Systems Against a
Terrorist Attack.''
Full Committee
112-23 H.R.1690, the ``MODERN Security May 4, 2011
Credentials Act''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security
112-24 ``On the Border and in the Line May 11, 2011
of Fire: U.S. Law Enforcement,
Homeland Security and Drug
Cartel Violence.''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management
112-25 ``Threats to the American May 25, 2011
Homeland after Killing Bin
Laden: An Assessment.''
Full Committee
112-26 ``Unlocking the SAFETY Act's May 26, 2011
Potential to Promote
Technology and Combat
Terrorism.''
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection and Security
Technologies
112-27 ``The DHS Intelligence June 1, 2011
Enterprise- Past, Present, and
Future.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
112-28 ``Authorizing the June 2, 2011
Transportation Security July 12, 2011
Administration for Fiscal
Years 2012 and 2013.''
``Industry Perspectives:
Authorizing the Transportation
Security Administration for FY
2012 and 2013.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security
112-29 ``Denying Safe Havens: Homeland June 3, 2011
Security's Efforts to Counter
Threats from Pakistan, Yemen
and Somalia.''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management
112-30 ``Weathering the Storm: A State June 10, 2011
and Local Perspective on (Clearwater,
Emergency Management.'' Florida)
Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response and
Communications
112-31 ``Securing the Nation's Ports June 14, 2011
and Maritime Border -- A
Review of the Coast Guard's
Post 9/11 Homeland Security
Missions.''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-32 ``H.R.----, the `WMD Prevention June 23, 2011
and Preparedness Act of
2011.'''
Joint Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response and
Communication and the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and
Security Technologies
112-33 ``Examining the Homeland June 24, 2011
Security Impact of the Obama
Administration's Cybersecurity
Proposal.''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and
Security Technologies
112-34 ``Homeland Security July 7, 2011
Investigations: Examining
DHS's Efforts to Protect
American Jobs and Secure the
Homeland.''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management
112-35 ``Hezbollah in Latin America -- July 7, 2011
Implications for U.S. Homeland
Security.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence.
112-36 ``Communicating With the Public July 8, 2011
During Emergencies: An Update
on Federal Alert and Warning
Efforts.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
112-37 ``Protecting the Maritime July 12, 2011
Borders -- Leveraging Law
Enforcement Cooperation to
Enhance Security Along
America's Coasts.''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-38 ``Securing Federal Facilities: July 13, 2011
Challenges of the Federal
Protective Service and the
Need For Reform.''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and
Security Technologies
112-39 ``Homeland Security July 15, 2011
Contracting: Does the
Department Effectively
Leverage Emerging
Technologies?''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management
112-40 ``The Last Line of Defense: July 26, 2011
Federal, State, and Local
Efforts to Prevent Nuclear and
Radiological Terrorism Within
the United States.''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies
112-41 ``Preventing an Economic Shock August 24, 2011
Wave: Securing the Port of (Houston, Texas)
Houston from a Terrorist
Attack.''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management
112-42 ``The Attacks of September September 8, 2011
11th: Where are We Today.''
Full Committee
112-43 ``Ten Years after 9/11: Can September 13, 2011
Terrorists Still Exploit our
Visa System?''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-44 ``United States Secret Service: September 14, 2011
Examining Protective and
Investigative Missions and
Challenges in 2012.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
112-45 ``Ten Years After 9/11: September 16, 2011
Assessing Airport Security and (Boston,
Preventing a Future Terrorist Massachusetts)
Attack.''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management
112-46 ``TSA Reform: Exploring September 22, 2011
Innovations in Technology October 13, 2011
Procurement to Stimulate Job November 3, 2011
Growth.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security
112-47 ``Does Administrative Amnesty October 4, 2011
Harm our Efforts to Gain and
Maintain Operational Control
of the Border?''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-48 ``Is Merida Antiquated? Part October 4, 2011
Two: Updating U.S. Policy to
Counter Threats of Insurgency
and Narco-Terrorism.''
Joint hearing with the
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management
and the Committee on Foreign
Affairs' Subcommittee on the
Western Hemisphere
112-49 ``Intelligence Sharing and October 5, 2011
Terrorist Travel: How DHS
Addresses the Mission of
Providing Security,
Facilitating Commerce and
Protecting Privacy for
Passengers Engaged in
International Travel.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
112-50 ``Cloud Computing: What are the October 6, 2011
Security Implications?''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies
112-51 ``A Call to Action: Narco-
Terrorism's Threat to the
Southern U.S. Border.''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and
ManagementOctober 24, 2011
112-52 ``Texas Wildfire Review: Did October 17, 2011
Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely (Austin, Texas)
Response?''
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management
112-53 ``Five Years Later: An October 25, 2011
Assessment of the Post Katrina
Emergency Management Reform
Act.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and
Communications
112-54 ``Iranian Terror Operation on October 26, 2011
American Soil.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence and the
Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and
Management.
112-55 ``The State of Northern Border October 28, 2011
Preparedness: A Review of
Federal, State, and Local
Coordination.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and
Communications
112-56 ``Protecting the Homeland: How November 15, 2011
can DHS use DOD Technology to
Secure the Border?''
Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
112-57 ``S&T on a Budget: Finding November 17, 2011
Smarter Approaches to Spur
Innovation, Impose Discipline,
Drive Job Creation and
Strengthen Homeland
Security.''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies
112-58 ``Ensuring Coordination and November 17, 2011
Cooperation: A Review of the
Emergency Communications
Offices Within the Department
of Homeland Security.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and
Communications
112-59 ``Ensuring Effective November 29, 2011
Preparedness and Response: (La Plume,
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Pennsylvania)
Irene and Tropical Storm
Lee.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and
Communications
112-60 ``Boko Haram -- Emerging Threat November 30, 2011
to the U.S. Homeland.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
112-61 ``Hearing on Draft Legislative December 6, 2011
Proposal on Cybersecurity.''
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies
112-62 ``Jihadist Use of Social Media December 6, 2011
-- How to Prevent Terrorism
and Preserve Innovation.''
Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and
Intelligence
112-63 ``Homegrown Terrorism: The
Threat to Military Communities
Inside the United States.''
Full Committee and the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental
AffairsDecember 7, 2011
112-64 ``A Review of Passenger December 8, 2011
Screening Technology at U.S.
Airports.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security
APPENDIX X
Committee Prints
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
111-A.................................. Rules of the Committee on
Homeland Security for the
112th Congress.
111-B.................................. Boko Haram: Emerging Threat to
the U.S. Homeland.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX XI
Summary of Committee Activities
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Total Bills Referred to Committee................................ 94
Public Laws...................................................... 1
Bills Reported to the House...................................... 7
Hearings Held:
Days of Hearings:............................................
Full Committee........................................... 10
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Cyberseurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies... 11
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.................. 10
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management 11
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications......................................... 11
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security............. 9
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence........................................... 10
Witnesses:
Full Committee........................................... 33
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Cyberseurity,
Infrastructyre Protection, and Security Technologies... 45
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.................. 41
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management 55
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications......................................... 44
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security............. 47
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence........................................... 36
Total Persons Testifying................................. 290
Markups and Business Meetings Held (Days):
Full Committee........................................... 3
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Cyberseurity,
Infrastructre Protection, and Security Technologies.... 2
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.................. 1
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management 0
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications......................................... 1
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security............. 1
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence........................................... 1
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
Additional Views of the Democratic Members of the Committee on Homeland
Security
INTRODUCTION
During the 112th Congress, Democratic Members of the
Homeland Security Committee have diligently worked to assure
that the programs, policies, and practices of the Department of
Homeland Security are effective and efficient in safeguarding
the nation from the terrorist threat; addressing the
destructive impact of natural disasters; mitigating known and
unknown vulnerabilities, and ensuring resiliency in the
operation of both publicly and privately owned facilities and
infrastructures. The Democratic Members are committed to
protecting the homeland and ensuring that in the event of a
terrorist attack or other catastrophic occurrence, the welfare
of each and every impacted American is of paramount concern.
This Committee work has taken various forms, including the
introduction of legislation, arranging briefings from
Administration officials, and sending oversight requests to the
Department of Homeland Security. Most importantly, these
efforts have been a continuation of work done by the Democratic
Majority in the 110th and 111th Congresses. Despite minority
status, Democrats have found a way to follow through on our
earlier efforts designed to protect the American people.
While we look forward to engaging in collaborative efforts
with the Republican Majority, to date, its efforts have been
predominantly non-inclusive. Under the Rules of the House,
Activity Reports are intended to reflect a comprehensive review
of a Committee's legislative and oversight activities. The goal
must be to produce a report of the highest caliber to inform
our constituents--the American taxpayer--of the actions we have
taken on their behalf.
Therefore, the Additional Views, filed herein are an
attempt to convey the concerns of the Democratic Members of the
Committee and to provide a clear and transparent record of
activities for the American public.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Legislatively, the performance of the Committee in the
first session of the 112th Congress was disappointing on a
number of fronts.
Since January 2011, of the 93 bills and resolutions that
have been referred to the Committee, eight were marked up at
the Full Committee and seven were reported to the House.\1\ Of
the seven, just one was considered and passed by the House.\2\
No Democratic bills reported by the Committee have seen action
in the House. In reviewing the Activity Report, we can
understand why the Majority would want to discuss, in great
detail, the seventy-two days of hearings held this session.
With just one CHS-reported bill seeing action on the House
floor all year, there is not much to be said about the
Committee's legislative record.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\The eight bills that were marked up by the Full Committee are:
(1) H.R. 901, the ``Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Security
Authorization Act of 2011,'' which was reported to the House on
September 26th and is pending with another Committee. (2) H.R. 915, the
``Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act,'' which was
reported on November 4th and is on the Union Calendar, awaiting action
by the House; (3) H.R. 1165, the ``Transportation Security
Administration Ombudsman Act of 2011,'' which was reported on November
4th and is on the Union Calendar, awaiting action by the House; (4)
H.R. 1299, the ``Secure Border Act of 2011,'' which was reported on
November 10th and is on the Union Calendar, awaiting action by the
House; (5) H.R. 1447, the ``Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation
Act of 2011,'' which was reported on November 4th and is on the Union
Calendar, awaiting action by the House; (6) H.R. 1801, the ``Risk-Based
Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act,'' which was
approved by the House on November 29th and the Senate on December 12th;
(7) H. Res. 255, a resolution relating to Passenger Name Record data,
which was reported on November 4th and is on the Union Calendar,
awaiting action by the House; and (8) H.R. 3116, the ``Department of
Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012,'' which was
marked up on October 12th and 13th. The Majority notified the Minority
that the Committee Report for H.R. 3116 would be filed on November
16th.
\2\H.R. 1801, the ``Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of
the Armed Forces Act'' (Roll Call Vote 862).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We would note that last Congress, during the same yearlong
period, seven CHS-reported bills and resolutions--including
comprehensive chemical security legislation (H.R. 2868) and a
two-year authorization for the Transportation Security
Administration (H.R. 2200)--were not only marked up by the Full
Committee but also approved by the House.\3\ Although, just as
today, the Committee lacked legislative jurisdiction over the
entire Department of Homeland Security or even just the
Department's homeland security activities, the Committee, under
Democratic leadership, was able to make a legislative impact by
advancing bills derived from our oversight activities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\The eight CHS-reported bills that were approved by the House in
the first session of the 111th Congress were: (1) H.R. 1517, regarding
overseas Customs and Border Protection personnel, which was approved on
December 15, 2009 and became Public Law 111-252; (2) H.R. 2200, the
``Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act,'' which was
approved by the House on June 10, 2009; (3) H.R. 2868, the ``Continuing
Chemical Facilities Antiterrorism Security Act of 2010,'' which was
approved by the House on November 6, 2009; (4) H.R. 3963, the
``Criminal Investigative Training Restoration Act,'' which was approved
by the House on December 2, 2009; (5) H.R. 3978, the ``First Responder
Anti-Terrorism Training Resources Act,'' which was approved by the
House on December 15, 2009 and became P.L. 111-245; (6) H.R. 3980, the
``Redundancy Elimination and Enhanced Performance for Preparedness
Grants Act,'' which was approved on December 2, 2009 and became Public
Law 111-271; and (7) H. Res. 28, expressing the sense of the House
regarding the transportation security mandates in the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Act of 2007, which was approved by the
House on December 3, 2009.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001
and eight years since the Department of Homeland Security was
established, there are a wide range of homeland security issues
that warrant legislative action by CHS. Regrettably, the
Committee, in the first session of the 112th Congress, not only
failed to move legislation referred to the Committee but also
abstained from pursuing legislation within the jurisdictional
interest of this Committee and, in some cases, relinquished the
Committee's rights to consider legislation with major homeland
security implications.\4\ We would make special note of the
Chairman's decision to forgo a referral to H.R. 2838, the
``Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2011;'' this
surprising decision resulted in CHS Members, for the first time
since 2006, not having the opportunity to ``put their stamp''
on this comprehensive port and maritime security bill.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\On March 28, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson sent a letter to
Chairman King regarding the Majority's decision not to assert CHS'
jurisdictional claim to H.R. 658, the ``FAA Reauthorization and Reform
Act of 2011.'' On September 9, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson and
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Ranking Member Speier
sent a letter to Chairman King and Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence Chairman Meehan regarding the Majority's decision not to
assert CHS' jurisdictional claim to H.R. 1892, the ``Intelligence
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.'' On October 6, 2011, Ranking
Member Thompson and Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
Ranking Member Cuellar sent a letter to Chairman King and Subcommittee
on Border and Maritime Security Chairman Miller regarding the
Majority's decision not to assert CHS' jurisdictional claim to H.R.
2838, the ``Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2011.''
\5\During CHS' markup of H.R. 2830, the ``Coast Guard Authorization
Act of 2007,'' in the 110th Congress, then Ranking Member King stated:
``Since September 11th, the Coast Guard, which always played a
significant role, has been asked to do that much more, and they have
certainly stepped up to the plate and done what--and have done what has
to be done. So this reauthorization is important. It's important that
our committee put its stamp on it, because the Coast Guard is a vital
component of our homeland security.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the next session, we urge the Chairman to pursue
referrals of bills within the Committee's jurisdictional
interest. Further, we strongly urge the Chairman to intensify
efforts to advance the number of bipartisan and Democratic-
sponsored bills that are reported by the Committee and
considered by the House.
Department of Homeland Security Authorization
We are pleased that, during this period, the Full Committee
considered authorization legislation to direct the programs and
activities of the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal
Year (FY) 2012. At the two-day markup, the Committee approved
many of the amendments offered by CHS Democrats. We strongly
believe that H.R. 3116 was significantly improved by the
inclusion of these provisions, targeted at fostering greater
accountability, transparency, and efficiency at the Department
and addressing a broad array of homeland security missions.
However, we are troubled that H.R. 3116 was marked up in
October, four months after the House approved H.R. 2017,
appropriations legislation that proposed to fund DHS at 6.9
percent below the amount requested by President Obama and 2.6
percent below FY 2011 enacted levels.
As authorizers, we have an obligation to guide the work of
the Appropriations Committee by setting spending levels in our
authorization bills. Given that CHS acted on H.R. 3116 well
after the House had accepted the appropriators' funding
proposal, we had the added responsibility to present our views
on the funding levels in H.R. 2017 before House-Senate
conferees made final determinations on a conference report.
Regrettably, despite CHS Democrats' best efforts,\6\ the
Committee approved and moved forward with filing H.R. 3116
without specifying funding limitations or even securing a
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimate.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\At the markup of H.R. 3116, CHS Democrats supported an amendment
offered by Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) to fund the
Department at $43,224,182,000 for FY 2012, the level requested by
President Obama and supported in the bipartisan Views and Estimates
budget recommendations submitted by the Committee to the House Budget
Committee earlier this year. This Thompson amendment was not agreed to
by a vote of 13-19. Near the end of the two-day markup, after nearly 80
new provisions were accepted, Ranking Member Thompson made a unanimous
consent request to postpone the vote on reporting the measure to the
House until the bill could be scored by the Congressional Budget Office
(CBO). This request was made in an effort to provide CHS Members with
the opportunity to know the potential cost of H.R. 3116, as amended,
since there was no specificity as to top-line funding in this massive
bill. The request was objected to by the Chairman and the Committee
proceeded to vote on the measure.
\7\On December 15th, the Majority informed the CHS Democrats of
their intention to file the report on H.R. 3116 the next day, without a
CBO cost estimate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subcommittee Activity
Listed below, subcommittee by subcommittee, are the
legislative activities during the period of July through
December 2011:
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
(BMS): No legislative action.
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
(CTI):
On November 15th, the Subcommittee approved and
favorably forwarded, by voice vote, to the Full
Committee the following bipartisan bills: (1) H.R.
2764, the ``WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing
Act of 2011'' (Rep. Meehan); and (2) H.R. 3140, the
``Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act'' (Rep.
Speier).
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Security Technologies (CIPS&T):
On July 28th, the Subcommittee approved H.R. 2658,
the ``Federal Protective Service Reform and Enhancement
Act'' (Rep. Lungren), as amended, and favorably
forwarded the bill to the Full Committee by voice vote.
CIPS&T Ranking Member Yvette D. Clarke offered and the
Subcommittee adopted an amendment requiring the
publication of proposed uniform baseline security
performance standards and qualifications for qualified
vendors and qualified products used by the Federal
Protective Service. An amendment offered on behalf of
Representative Richmond by Ranking Member Clarke to
leverage information maintained by State or local law
enforcement agencies was adopted. An amendment offered
by Representative Richardson requiring background
investigations to be conducted for each contract guard
employed at facilities protected by the Federal
Protective Service was adopted.
On December 6th, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on draft cybersecurity legislation that seeks
to provide DHS with the authority needed to exercise
its cybersecurity mission.\8\ At the hearing, the
witness invited by CIPS&T Subcommittee Ranking Member
Yvette D. Clarke provided testimony on the questions
associated with the new quasi-governmental non-profit
entity proposed in the legislation and its potential
impact on DHS' information sharing activities and
capabilities.\9\
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\8\On September 23rd, Ranking Member Thompson and CIPS&T
Subcommittee Ranking Member Clarke wrote to Speaker John Boehner,
Chairman King and CIPS&T Subcommittee Chairman Dan Lungren requesting
that forthcoming cybersecurity legislation be advanced through regular
order.
\9\Testimony of Kevin Kosar, Analyst in American National
Government, Congressional Research Service.
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Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response,
and Communications (EPR&C):
On December 8th, the Subcommittee approved and
favorably forwarded, by voice vote, the following
bipartisan bills to the Full Committee: (1) H.R. 3563,
the ``Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
(IPAWS) Modernization Act of 2011,'' as amended; During
consideration of H.R. 3563, EPR&C Ranking Member
Richardson offered and the Subcommittee adopted an
amendment ensuring ongoing training is provided to
State, local, tribal, and other homeland security
stakeholders for receiving and disseminating public
alert and warning system messages. (2) H.R. 1411, the
``Metropolitan Medical Response System Act of 2011,''
as amended; During consideration of H.R. 1411, EPR&C
Ranking Member Richardson offered and the Subcommittee
adopted an amendment to strengthen efforts to meet the
medical needs of children during an emergency. (3) H.R.
1129, the ``Homeland Security Grant Management
Improvement Act of 2011,'' as amended; During
Consideration of H.R. 1129, Representative Hansen
Clarke of Michigan offered and the Subcommittee adopted
an amendment requiring the Federal Emergency Management
Agency to report to the Committee on the effects of
homeland security grant reductions on emergency
preparedness and response capabilities.
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations &
Management (OI&M): No legislative action.
Subcommittee on Transportation Security (TS):
On September 14th, draft legislation authored by TS
Subcommittee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) to authorize
the Transportation Security Administration was
approved, as amended, and favorably forwarded to the
Full Committee on a party-line vote of 6-3.\10\ During
consideration of this measure, Democratic Members of
the TS Subcommittee offered a total of fifteen
amendments. Of those amendments, only four were
adopted.
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\10\The measure, as amended, was introduced as H.R. 3011, the
``Transportation Security Authorization Act of 2011.''
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Amendments Adopted
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Subcommittee adopted an
amendment to require the Inspector General of
the Department to conduct periodic audits of
adherence to standard operating procedures by
screening personnel at airports.
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Subcommittee adopted an
amendment to require TSA to certify to the
Committee that, in order to improve airport
security screening processes while ensuring
passenger privacy protection, the image
retention capabilities of all advanced imaging
technology utilized by the Administration to
screen passengers at checkpoints in the
Nation's airports have been disabled.
Representative Richmond offered and the
Subcommittee adopted an amendment to require
TSA to submit to the Committee a risk-based
strategy for modifying standard operating
procedures at the checkpoint for trusted
passengers to enter the secure area of an
airport without removing their shoes.
Representative Davis of Illinois offered
and the Subcommittee adopted an amendment to
require TSA to provide the Committee an
estimate of the number of jobs created or lost
within the private sector as a result of the
implementation of the Surface Transportation
Credentialing Title (XXI) of the bill including
information about how the regulations mandated
by the underlying bill could be revised to spur
potential job creation or stem potential job
loss.
Amendments Rejected
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Majority rejected an
amendment to require TSA to establish an
expedited screening program that incorporates
biometrics to verify the identity of aircraft
pilots and crew, in uniform, at airport
security checkpoints.
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Majority rejected by a
party-line vote of 2-6 an amendment to require
TSA to provide advanced self-defense training
for all aircraft cabin crewmembers.
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Majority rejected by a
party-line vote of 3-6 an amendment to open
airport credential information channeling to
full and open competition by allowing airport
operators to utilize FBI-certified channelers
to help process TSA aviation credentials.
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Majority rejected an
amendment to increase the aviation security fee
to compensate for deploying federal air
marshals on all high risk flights inbound to
the United States.
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Majority rejected by a
party-line vote of 3-6 an amendment to require
TSA to provide the Committee an implementation
plan for the implementation of unfulfilled
provisions of the ``Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of
2007'' (P.L. 110-53) within the agency's area
of responsibility. Among the mandates are 100
percent screening of air cargo on passenger
planes and security training for rail and mass
transit workers.
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Majority rejected by a
party-line vote of 3-6 an amendment to ensure
that the $400 million in funding for the
Transportation Security Grant Program
authorized by the underlying bill does not
disrupt security operations should TSA be
appropriated an insufficient level of funding
to fulfill its security mission.
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Majority rejected by a
party-line vote of 3-6 an amendment to require
TSA to submit to certain private sector
stakeholders a list of all security directives
in effect for more than 180 days for review and
comment.
TS Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson
Lee offered and the Majority rejected an
amendment to increase the aviation security
fee.
Representative Speier offered and the
Majority rejected by a party-line vote of 3-6
an amendment to require the Inspector General
of the Department to conduct a comprehensive
review of all contracts entered into by TSA
since the beginning of 2010 that were
noncompetitively awarded, including sole-source
contracts.
Representative Davis offered and the
Majority rejected by a party-line vote of 2-6
an amendment to enhance the performance of
transportation security officers by requiring
remedial training for individuals who
demonstrate performance deficiencies by failing
scheduled or covert operational tests,
including annual proficiency reviews, more than
three times during a testing period or who
negligently fail to detect a live explosive
with the potential to do significant harm to
human life or property.
The Committee's current level of legislative activity
stands in marked contrast to the Committee's level of activity
in previous Congresses. In the 111th Congress, under the
direction of then-Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), thirteen
measures that were referred to the Committee were approved by
the House.\11\ Five of the thirteen measures brought to the
House floor were introduced by Republican Members of the House.
In the 110th Congress, eighteen measures within the Committee's
jurisdiction, including H.R. 1, the ``Implementing the 9/11
Commission Recommendations Act of 2007'' (P.L. 110-53) and H.R.
1684, the ``Department of Homeland Security Authorization for
Fiscal Year 2008,'' were approved by the House.
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\11\The thirteen measures are as follows: (1) H.R. 549, the
``National Bombing Prevention Act of 2009,'' introduced by then-
Committee Ranking Member Peter T. King (R-NY); (2) H.R. 553, the
``Reducing Over-Classification Act,'' introduced by then-Rep. Jane
Harman (D-CA); (3) H.R. 559, the ``Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely
Redress Act of 2009,'' introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY); (4)
H.R. 730, the ``Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act,'' introduced by
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA); (5) H.R. 1029, the ``Alien Smuggling and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2009,'' introduced by then-Rep. Baron Hill
(D-IN); (6) H.R. 1148, a bill ``To require the Secretary of Homeland
Security to conduct a program in the maritime environment for the
mobile biometric identification of suspected individuals, including
terrorists, to enhance border security,'' introduced by Rep. Gus
Bilirakis (R-FL); (7) H.R. 1178, a bill ``To direct the Comptroller
General of the United States to conduct a study on the use of Civil Air
Patrol personnel and resources to support homeland security missions,
and for other purposes,'' introduced by Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA); (8)
H.R. 1617, the ``Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy
Officer Act of 2009,'' introduced by then-Representative Chris Carney
(R-PA); (9) H.R. 2200, the ``Transportation Security Administration
Authorization Act,'' introduced by Rep. Jackson Lee; (10) H. Res. 14, a
resolution ``Recognizing the importance of the Department of Homeland
Security, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in combating human smuggling and
trafficking in persons, and commending the Department of Justice for
increasing the rate of human smuggling and trafficking prosecutions,''
introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA); (11) H. Res. 195, a resolution
``Recognizing and honoring the employees of the Department of Homeland
Security on its sixth anniversary for their continuous efforts to keep
the Nation safe,'' introduced by Rep. Bilirakis; (12) H. Res. 201, a
resolution Recognizing Beverly Eckert's service to the Nation and
particularly the survivors and families of the September 11, 2001,
attacks, introduced by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY); and (13) H. Res.
498, a resolution ``Honoring and congratulating the U.S. Border Patrol
on its 85th anniversary,'' introduced by then-Rep. Harry Teague (D-NM).
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Oversight Activities of the Committee
RADICALIZATION
Despite numerous requests from Ranking Member Thompson,
other Members of Congress, and over 150 non-governmental
organizations to broaden the scope of the radicalization
hearings to include testimony on all forms of domestic
extremism, the Majority has chosen to focus solely on
radicalization within the American Muslim Community.\12\
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\12\Thompson, Bennie, ``Homegrown Terrorists are not just
Muslims.'' Politico. January 27, 2011. Lukens, Mark, et al., February
20, 2011.
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The Committee has held four hearings on the topic of
radicalization and the potential for terrorist activities
within the American Muslim community. On March 10, 2011, the
Committee held a hearing entitled ``The Extent of
Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and That
Community's Response.'' On June 15, 2011, the Committee held
the second hearing entitled ``The Threat of Muslim-American
Radicalization in U.S. Prisons.'' On July 27, 2011, the
Committee held the third hearing, ``Al Shabaab: Recruitment and
Radicalization within the Muslim American Community and the
Threat to the Homeland.'' Finally, on December 7, 2011, the
Committee held a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, entitled
``Homegrown Terrorism: The Threat to Military Communities
Inside the United States.''
Unfortunately, far from illuminating the nature of violent
extremism or focusing on efforts to counter radicalization,
these narrowly focused inquiries have been widely criticized as
``Un-American, divisive, demonizing, and McCarthy-like.''\13\
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\13\Packman, David. The David Packman Show; Opinion, The Times
Tribune, February 25, 2011 available at http://thetimes-tribune.com/
opinion/hearing-itself-radicalized-1.1109529 #axzz1Evyl9tnI.
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Contrary to the testimony heard during these hearings, the
objective evidence appears to show that the Muslim community
has been helpful in preventing or thwarting terrorist attacks
and countering the lure of radicalization. United States
Attorney General Eric Holder stated that the cooperation of
Muslim and Arab-American communities has been absolutely
``essential in identifying, and preventing terrorist
threats.''\14\ On February 9, 2011, Michael Leiter, Director of
the National Counterterrorism Center, testifying before the
Committee, stated, ``many of our tips to uncover active
terrorist plots in the United States have come from the Muslim
community. So we have to make quite clear that the communities
are part of the solution and not part of the problem.''\15\
Further, some statistics show that Muslim communities have
stepped forward to help prevent 1 out of 3 Al-Qaeda related
terror plots since September 11, 2001.\16\
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\14\Holder, Eric. Remarks at the Muslim Advocates Annual Dinner.
December 10, 2010. Available at http://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/ag/
speeches/2010/ag-speech-1012101.html.
\15\United States Congress. Committee on Homeland Security.
Understanding the Homeland Threat Landscape--Considerations for the
112th Congress.'' February 9, 2011.
\16\Butel, Alejandro, Policy Report, Data on Post 9/11 Terrorism in
the United States,'' Muslim Public Affairs Council, at 3, (updated Jan.
2011) available at http://www.mpac.org/assets/docs/publications/MPAC-
Post-911-Terrorism-Data.pdf.
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According to the Attorney General Holder ``the [terrorist]
threat has changed from simply worrying about foreigners coming
here, to worrying about people in the United States, American
citizens--raised here, born here, and who for whatever reason,
have decided that they are going to become radicalized and take
up arms against the nation in which they were born.''\17\
Domestic terrorism threats include animal rights extremists,
eco-terrorists, anarchists, anti-government extremists, black
separatists, white supremacists, anti-abortion extremists, as
well as Islamic extremists.\18\ According to a recent report by
the Muslim Public Affairs Council, there were 77 total
terrorist plots by U.S.-originated non-Muslim perpetrators
against the United States since 9/11.\19\ In comparison, there
have been 44 total terrorist plots by U.S. and foreign-
originated Muslim perpetrators since 9/11.\20\ Recent examples
of non-Muslim terrorist plots include the sophisticated
explosive device found at the site of a Martin Luther King Day
Parade in Spokane, Washington, which was likely the work of
white supremacists.\21\
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\17\Interview, Good Morning America. ABC News. December 21, 2010.
\18\See also Federal Bureau of Investigation, Domestic Terrorism in
the Post-9/11 Era,'' September 7, 2009, http://www.fbi.gov/news/
stories/2009/september/domterror--090709.
\19\Butel, Alejandro, Policy Report, Data on Post 9/11 Terrorism in
the United States,'' Muslim Public Affairs Council, updated Jan. 2011,
available at http://www.mpac.org/assets/docs/publications/MPAC-Post-
911-Terrorism-Data.pdf.
\20\Id.
\21\See http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/
2014398518_apwamlkparadeexplosive 1stldwritethru.html
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A review of successfully executed terrorist attacks in
America since 9/11 indicates that non-Muslim plots are more
likely to reach the implementation stage than Muslim extremist
plots. For instance, using publicly available U.S. government
sources, the Congressional Research Service reports that non-
jihadist successful attacks outnumber jihadist attacks 30 to 3
since 9/11.\22\ Additionally, a study conducted by the
Institute for Homeland Security Solutions, found that only 40
out of the 86 terrorist cases examined from 1999 to 2009 had
links to Al Qaeda.\23\ Further, the RAND Corporation reports
that between September 11, 2001 and the end of 2009, a total of
46 cases of domestic radicalization and recruitment to jihadist
terrorism were reported in the United States.\24\
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\22\Jerome P. Bjelopera, Congressional Research Service,
Memorandum, Counting Terrorist Plots and Attacks Targeting the Homeland
(Mar. 1, 2011).
\23\Institute for Homeland Security Solutions, Building on Clues:
Examining Successes and Failures in Detecting U.S. Terrorist Plots,
1999-2009 (Oct. 2010).
\24\Brian Michael Jenkins, Rand Corp., Would be Warriors, at 4
(2010).
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Placed in context, of the approximately 3 million Muslims
in the U.S., it appears that approximately 100 have joined
terrorist attacks--suggesting an American Muslim population
that is not interested in jihadist ideology.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\25\Brian Michael Jenkins, Rand Corp., Would be Warriors, at vii
(2010).
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Given that the experts overwhelmingly agree that the
violent terrorist threat from Muslim extremists within the
United States is minuscule, the focus of the Committee's
examination of violent extremists within this population is
misplaced.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), in
2010, the number of hate groups topped 1,000, making the count
the highest on record since the SPLC began maintaining its
database in the 1980s.\26\ The most dramatic growth in the
radical right came in the antigovernment ``Patriot''
movement.\27\ One of these members of the Patriot movement, the
Hutaree Militia 9, a homegrown militia, was charged last March
with conspiracy to kill law enforcement officers in
Michigan.\28\ Conspiracy-minded organizations, such as the
Hutaree Militia 9 and other members of the Patriot movement see
the Federal government as their primary enemy and grew by 61
percent over the previous year.\29\
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\26\Potok, Mark. The Year in Hate & Extremism, 2010'' Southern
Poverty Law Center. Spring 2011, available at http://www.splcenter.org/
get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2011/spring/the-
year-in-hate-extremism-2010.
\27\Id.
\28\Butel at 15.
\29\Potok, The Year in Hate & Extremism, 2010.
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In addition to terrorist actions undertaken by
ideologically motivated groups, the threat of acts intended to
instill fear and undermine legitimate authority may be
undertaken by individuals. Acting alone, these so called
``lone-wolf'' extremists may pose a danger. It should be noted
that formal affiliation with a group is not a necessary
predicate to radicalization, nor is it a necessary predicate to
training, obtaining resources, or otherwise supporting an
operational capability. Before the Department of Homeland
Security's ``Rightwing Extremism'' report (issued in April
2009), was taken offline, the Department reported ``lone wolves
and small terrorist cells embracing rightwing extremist
ideology are the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in
the United States.''\30\ These findings were supported by a
recent Institute for Homeland Security Solutions report that
noted that lone wolf plots have been the most successful,
reaching execution more than twice as often as plots by
groups.\31\ In April 2010, FBI Director Robert Mueller
testified before a Senate Commerce Subcommittee that homegrown
extremists and lone wolf activity are as serious a threat to
the homeland as al Qaeda and its affiliates.\32\ Sadly, these
statements by top officials in the counterintelligence
community have been substantiated by the shooting of Rep.
Giffords in Arizona, the foiled attempt to bomb a mosque in
Dearborn, Michigan, and the Holocaust Museum shooting by James
W. Von Brunn, a white supremacist.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\30\Department of Homeland Security, Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate
Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.'' April 19, 2009,
p. 7.
\31\Institute for Homeland Security Solutions, Building on Clues:
Examining Successes and Failures in Detecting U.S. Terrorist Plots,
1999-2009 (Oct. 2010).
\32\U.S. Congress. Senate Committee on Appropriations. Subcommittee
on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. Hearing on FY 2011
FBI Budget.'' April 15, 2010.
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Unfortunately, the failure to accurately assess and address
the threat is not merely an issue of philosophical debate. Such
a failure could yield dangerous consequences to national
security interests, at home and abroad.
By examining violent extremism through the lens of one
particular ethnicity or religion, the Majority ignores other
potentially dangerous homeland security threats posed by
domestic extremists. Because domestic extremism in all forms is
a serious threat to the United States, combating the terrorist
threat depends on accurate intelligence, a cogent assessment of
the extent of the threat, and a thoughtful determination of
actions necessary to mitigate and engage the threat. Unreliable
information, hyperbolic statements, and narrowly focused
assessments of the nature and extent of the threat will not
further the goal of reducing or eliminating the possibility of
future attacks.
OVERSIGHT OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE
One of the Committee's primary responsibilities is to
ensure that American taxpayer dollars are spent wisely by
eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. Democratic Members of the
Committee believe that effective oversight ensures that
American taxpayer dollars are monitored by Congress and spent
wisely by the Executive branch as well as the many state and
local governments which may receive Federal funding. Based on
this belief in the value of oversight in assuring economy and
efficiency in government, the Committee should make the
identification and oversight of high-risk programs a priority.
Unfortunately, the Committee Majority has failed to
actively engage in diligent and on-going oversight of the basic
management and administrative functions of the Department.
Thus, the systems used in the day-to-day operations of this $60
billion Department, including acquisitions, financial
management, human resources, and information technology, have
gone unexamined and virtually unnoticed by the Majority.
While the staff of the Subcommittee on Oversight,
Investigations, and Management held informal meetings on the
Department's Transformation and Systems Consolidation (TASC)
solicitation, neither the Subcommittee nor the Full Committee
has held hearings on this troubled multi-million dollar
procurement cancelled by the Department. The failure to subject
this procurement to critical public examination will hamper the
American taxpayer's ability to determine whether waste, fraud
or abuse occurred during the two-year period of the now-
cancelled TASC solicitation.
Finally, it should be noted that effective oversight
requires sustained focus. While the Majority has written
several letters on several different topics, there is no
indication of sustained focus on the operation of any specific
program or function of the Department of Homeland Security.
Without focus and follow-up, sustained and significant
improvement in the operations and practices of the Department
is not likely to be realized. Therefore, while the letters
provide an indication of the occurrence of oversight, the
Majority's report provides no indication of the effectiveness
of its oversight efforts.
Subcommittee on Transportation Security
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE
Authorization of the Transportation Security Administration
The Subcommittee continued to examine policies intended to
enhance the performance of the Transportation Security
Administration and met with stakeholders from the surface and
aviation transportation industries to solicit their input for
the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act
for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
On July 12, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Industry Perspectives: Authorizing the Transportation
Security Administration for FY 2012 and 2013.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from aviation and surface
transportation industries.
Security Technology
The Subcommittee conducted oversight activities to assess
the Transportation Security Administration's efforts to
research, develop and procure innovative security technologies
and assess the effectiveness of passenger screening technology.
Democratic Members of the Subcommittee consistently emphasized
that proposed budget cuts to the Department of Homeland
Security's Directorate for Science and Technology would have a
detrimental effect on the Transportation Security
Administration's ability to effectively research, develop and
procure effective security technologies.
On September 22, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
titled ``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology
Procurement to Stimulate Job Growth.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from government witnesses.
On October 13, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled
``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology Procurement
to Stimulate Job Growth, Part II.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from industry witnesses.
On November 3, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled
``TSA Reform: Exploring Innovations in Technology Procurement
to Stimulate Job Growth, Part III.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from government witnesses.
On Thursday, December 1, 2011, the Subcommittee held a
Member briefing on the Transportation Security Administration's
(TSA) internal reorganization. Administrator Pistole addressed
preliminary Member concerns on how the reorganization would
improve TSA's ability to perform its mission while achieving
organizational and economic efficiencies.
On Friday, November 18, 2011, the Committee on Homeland
Security's Subcommittee on Transportation Security held a
Classified Member-only briefing on passenger screening
technology.
On December 8, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled
``A Review of Passenger Screening Technology at U.S.
Airports.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from government
witnesses.
While the Subcommittee has held several hearings and
briefings on the topic of passenger screening and its related
technology, the intended direction of these efforts remains
unclear. Given the likelihood that Republican-passed budget
cuts will severely hamper the ability of the agency to engage
in research designed to enhance passenger screening technology
or help conceive a new generation of screening technology, the
repeated exploration of technological innovations and internal
procurement policies seems misplaced.
Passenger Screening
Throughout the first session of the 112th Congress, the
Democratic Members of the Committee conducted oversight of the
Transportation Security Administration's methods for screening
passengers at our nation's airports.
The Democratic Members of the Committee conducted extensive
oversight of the Transportation Security Administration's
Screening Passengers by Observation Technique Program and
raised questions about the effectiveness and the scientific
basis for the program. In the course of that oversight, Ranking
Minority Member Thompson sent letters to Acting Inspector
General of the Department of Homeland Security Charles K.
Edwards on July 8, 2011, and Administrator Pistole on August
12, 2011 and November 22, 2011 emphasizing concerns with the
program.
Additionally, Democratic Members of the Committee conducted
oversight of the methods by which the Transportation Security
Administration handles checkpoint screening of children, the
elderly, the disabled, and individuals with medical conditions
that may cause inaccurate readings on passenger screening
technology. The effect of this oversight was noted on September
19, 2011, when Ranking Minority Member Thompson wrote to
Administrator Pistole to acknowledge and support the
Transportation Security Administration's decision to modify its
checkpoint screening practices for the screening of children
under the age of twelve. In accord with previous letters on the
subject, the September 2011 letter also emphasized the need for
new protocols to ensure effective screening operations for
certain discrete populations including children, the elderly,
the disabled, and individuals with medical conditions.
Transportation Security Administration Management
Throughout the first session of the 112th Congress, the
Democratic Members of the Committee conducted oversight of the
management of the Transportation Security Administration in an
effort to eliminate redundancies and enhance efficiencies.
In the course of that oversight, on July 15, 2011, Ranking
Minority Member Thompson sent letters to Administrator Pistole
regarding the Transportation Security Administration's planned
reorganization of an office within TSA--the Transportation
Threat Assessment and Credentialing office. Additionally, on
November 30, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to
Administrator Pistole about the planned reorganization of the
entire Transportation Security Administration on November 30,
2011. In both instances, the letters requested information on
how the proposed reorganization would enhance performance,
increase efficiency and enhance the achievement of
organizational goals and objectives. Following the July letter,
the decision to reorganize TTAC was abandoned.
Air Commerce
During the first session of the 112th Congress, Democratic
Members of the Committee and fellow Democratic Members of the
House have continued to urge the Transportation Security
Administration to ensure that all U.S.-bound air cargo on
passenger aircraft is screened, as required pursuant to section
1602 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission
Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53).
In light of the Transportation Security Administration's
October 2011 announcement that the goal of screening all U.S.-
bound air cargo on passenger aircraft would not be met by the
statutorily established deadline of December 2011, Ranking
Member Thompson, Subcommittee on Transportation Security
Ranking Member Jackson Lee and Committee on Natural Resources
Ranking Member Markey sent a letter to Administrator Pistole
requesting information on when and by what means the
Transportation Security Administration would comply with the
mandate to screen all U.S.-bound air cargo on passenger
aircraft.
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE
Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery
Since the beginning of the 112th Congress, States and
localities have experienced severe storms, tornados, and
widespread flooding. It is imperative that the Federal
Government, along with its partners at the State and local
levels and the private sector, work to prepare for and respond
to terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
On July 20, 2011, Subcommittee Members were briefed on FEMA
Disaster Assistance. FEMA officials briefed Members on disaster
recovery assistance available to individuals and communities
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act following a Presidentially Declared Disaster.
Democratic Members sought confirmation that FEMA employs
adequately trained individuals and utilizes consistent criteria
in performing damage assessments, engages in outreach to inform
state and local governments of available assistance, and
utilizes appropriate formula to determine the annual budget
request for the Disaster Relief Fund.
On October 25, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Five Years Later: An Assessment of the Post Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act.'' Federal Emergency Management
Agency Administrator Fugate testified before the subcommittee
regarding FEMA's efforts to implement the Post Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA). Ranking Member
Thompson expressed his concern regarding FEMA's efforts to
recoup monies paid to individuals affected by Hurricanes
Katrina, Rita, and Wilma and FEMA's oversight of individual
assistance and contracting in the wake of a disaster.
Democratic Members sought information about the impact of
funding cuts to non-disaster grant programs, FEMA's efforts to
improve efficiencies in its information technology procurement
process, and to obtain assurances that FEMA had instituted a
Disability Coordinator in each FEMA regional office.
On October 28, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in Detroit, Michigan, entitled: ``The State of Northern Border
Preparedness: A Review of Federal, State, and Local
Coordination.'' The Detroit field hearing examined the ability
of Federal, State, and local entities to coordinate disaster
preparedness and response capabilities along the Northern
Border. Testimony from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA), United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP),
United States Coast Guard, and State and local government
officials and first responders revealed that the loss of
Homeland Security Grant Program funds has stifled efforts to
coordinate preparedness efforts along the northern border,
secure points of entry, and coordinate federal and state
disaster response.
On November 14, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson submitted
comments on FEMA's Proposed Operations Manual, Preliminary
Damage Assessment for Individual Assistance (9327.2-PR), urging
FEMA to require uniformity for the preliminary disaster
assessment pre-briefing, specific training requirements for
those conducting damages assessments, stronger language to
ensure compliance with statutory authorization of FEMA's hiring
of local residents to perform preliminary disaster assessments,
and additional guidance on training requirements for fraud
detection and prevention in accordance with PKEMRA.
Emergency Communications
On July 8, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled,
``Communicating with the Public During Emergencies: An Update
on Federal Alert and Warning Efforts.'' The subcommittee
received testimony from federal and state officials and the
private sector regarding efforts to implement the Integrated
Public Alerts and Warning System and to execute the first
nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. Democratic
Members questioned witnesses regarding delays in the deployment
of IPAWS and the effects of budget cuts on modernizing and
testing emergency alert systems deployment of IPAWS and the
effects of budget cuts on modernizing and testing emergency
alert systems.
On November 17, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Ensuring Coordination and Cooperation: A Review of
the Emergency Communications Offices Within the Department of
Homeland Security.'' The subcommittee received testimony from
the Office of Disaster Emergency Communications, the National
Communications System, FEMA, and the Congressional Research
Service regarding the coordination of emergency and
interoperable communications programs across the federal
government. Democratic Members sought information regarding the
entities' progress in implementing the National Emergency
Communications Plan, the results of the first nationwide
Emergency Alert System, and the impact of budget cuts on State
and local emergency communication capabilities.
Assistance to State and Local Governments and First Responders
On November 29, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in La Plume, PA entitled, ``Ensuring Effective Preparedness and
Response: Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene and Tropical
Storm Lee.'' The La Plume, PA field hearing explored the FEMA's
response to the severe flooding in communities along the
Susquehanna River in Northeastern Pennsylvania caused by
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. State and local
officials testified regarding the impact that funding cuts to
federal grants will have on their emergency response
capabilities.
Management and Operations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
On August 12, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to
Administrator Fugate requesting that FEMA complete and disclose
to the Committee a corrective action plan describing how the
Agency will implement a universal budgeting approach to guide
information technology purchases and ensure that the Office of
the Chief Information Officer has an accurate inventory of
information technology resources and needs. An Agency-wide
budgeting and procurement plan is necessary to ensure that tax-
payer funds are spent efficiently and that FEMA's information
technology systems effectively support disaster response
activities.
On November 21, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson and
Representative Cedric Richmond wrote to Administrator Fugate
expressing concerns about the FEMA recoupment process and
possible violations of the due process rights of individuals
whose accounts are turned over to the Department of Treasury
after Notice of Debt letters sent by FEMA are returned to FEMA
as undeliverable. Because the Department of Treasury
immediately initiates collection procedures against such
individuals, there is no opportunity to appeal. The letter
urged Administrator Fugate to require that FEMA certify to the
Department of Treasury that an individual has received notice
of the debt and has been afforded the opportunity to appeal
before the debt enters the collection process.
Exercises and Simulations
The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006
(PKEMRA) requires the FEMA Administrator to carry out a
national training and exercise program that should be as
realistic as practicable, stress State, local, and tribal
emergency response capacity, and provide a systemic evaluation
of readiness.\33\ As one component of this national exercise
program, PKEMRA further requires the Administrator to perform
periodic national level exercises that ``evaluate the
capability of Federal, state, local and tribal governments to
detect, disrupt, and prevent threatened or actual catastrophic
acts of terrorism, especially those involving weapons of mass
destruction.
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\33\P.L 109-295, sec. 648(b)(2), 6 U.S.C. 748.
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On November 20, 2011, the Subcommittee held a Member
Briefing on National Security Special Events with Officials
from FEMA and the United States Secret Service. Members were
updated on the National Special Security Events process and
security for the 2012 Republican and Democratic National
Conventions. Democratic Members underscored the need to
identify consistent funding to prepare for NSSE's and to
provide state and local governments with federal planning
support in advance of NSSE's.
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE
Border Security
On July 8, 2011 and December 14, 2011, the Subcommittee
held Classified Member-Only briefings on current border
security threats to the Nation.
On September 13, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Ten Years after 9/11: Can Terrorists Still Exploit
our Visa System?'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
the activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and
the Department of State (DOS) in visa security and passenger
pre-screening. Of particular importance were relevant protocols
and procedures implemented after the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001, and the attempted Christmas Day 2009
bombing of Flight 253.
On October 4, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Does Administrative Amnesty Harm our Efforts to Gain
and Maintain Operational Control of the Border?'' The purpose
of the hearing was to receive testimony on U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement's (ICE) immigration enforcement priorities
and whether those priorities affect border security. It should
be noted that the term ``administrative amnesty'' does not
denote an official policy or program. The term appears to have
been created by the Majority and seems to refer to an
Administration policy which permits a targeted use of
resources. At the hearing, Democratic Members underscored: (1)
resource limitations that require ICE to prioritize those it
targets for removal from the U.S.; (2) prosecutorial discretion
and prioritization of civil immigration enforcement activities
has long been utilized by prior administrations of both
political parties; and (3) under the Obama Administration, ICE
has removed a greater number of undocumented aliens, and
particularly criminal aliens, than any previous administration.
On November 15, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Protecting the Homeland: How can DHS use DOD
Technology to Secure the Border?'' The purpose of the hearing
was to take testimony regarding how the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) can leverage Department of Defense (DoD)
technology and expertise to help secure America's borders.
Members examined: (1) the current relationship between DHS and
DoD regarding sharing of border security technology; (2)
limitations to technology transfer between the Departments; and
(3) ways to improve the existing processes between the
Departments. While Democratic Members were supportive of
utilizing appropriate DoD technology along our borders, it
should be noted that due to different missions and budget
constraints within DHS, DoD technology may not be suitable or
affordable.
Port and Maritime Security
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) plays a vital role
within the Department of Homeland Security. The USCG safeguards
U.S. ports, waterways, and coastal waters; interdicts illegal
drug smuggling; performs search and rescue operations; inspects
and ensures safety for all maritime vessels entering the United
States; and aids in law enforcement on the water, all while
maintaining a state of defensive readiness. Following September
11, 2001, the USCG greatly increased its maritime security
operations, including its focus on Ports and Waterways Coastal
Security (PWCS) and defense readiness missions. On December 1,
2011, Ranking Member Thompson, along with Reps. Elijah
Cummings, John Duncan and Pedro Pierluisi, sent a letter to
Coast Guard Commandant Papp expressing concern about the lack
of geographical diversity at the United States Coast Guard
Academy and urging the adoption of a congressional nomination
process.
On July 12, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Protecting the Maritime Borders--Leveraging Law Enforcement
Cooperation to Enhance Security Along America's Coasts.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to examine Federal, State, and local
law enforcement's efforts to identify and address threats
related to maritime security within U.S. ports, waterways,
lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Democratic Members
emphasized challenges facing the Coast Guard and other Federal,
State, and local agencies with responsibility for securing our
ports and waterways in the wake of proposed funding cuts for
the Coast Guard and State and local grant programs in the
Republican Homeland Security Appropriations bill. On July 6,
2011, Ranking Member Thompson sent a letter to Coast Guard
Commandant Robert J. Papp Jr. requesting an update on various
planning documents and reports essential to maximizing Coast
Guard resources and assets.
On November 15, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson, along with
Committee Members Sanchez, Jackson-Lee, Cuellar, and Richmond,
sent a letter to TSA Administrator Pistole requesting that TSA
provide an extension for TWIC renewals until a final TWIC
reader rule is in place.
Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE
On July 7, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled:
``Homeland Security Investigations: Examining DHS' efforts to
protect American Jobs.'' The purpose was to examine the
enforcement efforts of ICE and CBP in the fields of
intellectual property, commercial fraud, export enforcement,
and worksite enforcement. Since the bulk of counterfeit
products entering into the U.S. stream of commerce originate
overseas, Democratic Members stressed the importance of passing
H.R. 679, the Berry Amendment Extension Act, which was
introduced by Rep. Larry Kissell (D-NC) and co-sponsored by
Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson. The bill was referred to the
Subcommittee on February 17, 2011 and has not been scheduled
for consideration.
On September 16, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled: ``Ten Years After 9/11: Assessing Airport Security
and Preventing a Future Terrorist Attack.'' The hearing
examined two aspects of the layered security system at Logan
Airport: (1) perimeter security, including, fences, barriers
and walls; and (2) checkpoint security, including, behavior
analysis pilot programs currently being tested at Logan.
Democratic Members advanced the need for development of a
national strategy on perimeter security requirements consistent
with Government Accountability Office findings. Regarding
behavioral detection programs, Democratic Members emphasized
oversight correspondence sent by Ranking Member Bennie G.
Thompson to TSA Administrator John S. Pistole expressing
concern with the lack of a scientific validation for TSA's
Screening Passengers by Observing Techniques (SPOT) program and
TSA's intention to conduct interviews, colloquially termed
``chat downs,'' of 100% of passengers moving through checkpoint
security screening.
On October 4, 2011, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the
Western Hemisphere entitled: ``Merida Part Two: Insurgency and
Terrorism in Mexico.'' The purpose was to examine the
effectiveness of the Merida Initiative and determine whether
insufficient funding has hampered the ability of Merida to stem
the flow of illegal drugs into the United States and curtail
border violence. Democrat Members expressed concerns regarding
the adequacy of Merida funding and the deployment of equipment
for the Initiative.
On October 14, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled: ``A Call to Action: Narco-Terrorism's Threat to the
Southern U.S. Border.'' The purpose of the hearing was to
examine a report entitled: ``Texas Border Security: A Strategic
Military Assessment.'' The report, prepared by consultants for
the Texas Department of Agriculture, was laced with anecdotal
stories, used a questionable methodology, and presented
unsupported conclusions. As a result, Democrat Members raised
concerns about the report's reliability and questioned the need
to implement recommendations set forth in the report without
additional factual support.
On October 17, 2011, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in Austin, TX, entitled: ``Texas Wildfire Review: Did
Bureaucracy Prevent a Timely Response?'' The purpose of the
hearing was to examine the Federal government's response to
Texas wildfires. Testimony applauded the timing and adequacy of
FEMA's response and the Administration's issuance of two major
disaster declarations due to wildfires.
On October 26, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled: ``Iranian Terror Operations on American Soil.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to determine whether an alleged plot
to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador on U.S. soil held
implications for U.S. homeland security, and the overall threat
posed by Iran. Because of the convoluted nature of the alleged
plot, the lack of proof regarding involvement by the Iranian
government, Democratic Members stressed the need to receive
additional information prior to making a determination about
the role of the Iranian government, if any, and the current
threat level to the U.S. homeland represented by Iran.
DHS Management and Administration
The Department of Homeland Security has been criticized for
failing to supervise procurements and permitting contract costs
to exceed initial estimates. Moreover, the Department has
ranked at or near the bottom of Federal employee morale
surveys. Seven years after its establishment, the Department
remains on the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) high
risk list because of the level of difficulty and possible
expense it faces in the integration of the management and
administrative functions of this new agency. Because of the
importance of these management and administrative issues and
the potential for waste, fraud and abuse in such a high stakes
undertaking, the Subcommittee's failure to address these issues
through its oversight activities is perplexing. Despite the
eclectic and shifting focus of the Subcommittee, Democratic
Members have continued oversight on these important yet basic
management and administration issues.
On August 3, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to Daniel
I. Gordon, Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement
Policy regarding the need to implement measures to ensure that
the Federal government-wide efforts to increase insourcing of
work currently performed by private contractors does not
disproportionately or adversely impact small, minority or
disadvantaged businesses.
On August 25, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to W.
Craig Fugate, Administrator of FEMA seeking clarification on
the potential impact of internal FEMA personnel matters on the
investigation and processing of Title VI complaints within
FEMA.
On September 9, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to Gene
Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States requesting
that GAO assess whether the Department of Homeland Security
violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, as it
relates to the position of Chief Financial Officer.
On September 9, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to
Robert Bray, Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS)
expressing concerns about the apparent lack of success of FAMS
efforts to create avenues for direct lines of communication to
facilitate non-adversarial resolution of internal personnel
complaints.
On October 21, 2011, Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson
wrote to Rafael Borras, DHS Undersecretary for Management
regarding DHS' likely corrective actions after the publication
of GAO's findings in its report entitled, Mentor-Protege
Programs Have Policies That Aim to Benefit Participants but Do
Not Require Postagreement Tracking.
On December 9, 2011, in furtherance of the oversight of
small business policies that have an impact on DHS procurement
activities, Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson submitted written
comments on the Notice of Proposed Rule titled ``Small Business
Size and Status Integrity'' published in the Federal Register
by the U.S. Small Business Administration on October 7, 2011.
The comment agreed with the rule in part, but requested: (1)
the inclusion of a provision requiring both notification and an
opportunity for small businesses to comply with the new annual
certification requirement prior to removal from the Federal
database for non-compliance; and (2) elimination of the term
``irrefutable'' from the newly established presumption due to
the likelihood of difficulties of legal interpretation.
On December 13, 2011, Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson
wrote to Administrator Karen G. Mills of the Small Business
Administration requesting reconsideration of certain aspects of
the Notice of Proposed Rule entitled: ``Small Business Size and
Status Integrity.''
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE
On September 13, 2011, the Subcommittee held a classified
Member briefing on Hezbollah in Latin America. The Subcommittee
heard testimony from officials at the Department of State,
Department of Treasury, and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Subcommittee Members had the opportunity to examine claims
about the prevalence of members of Hezbollah in Latin America
and raise questions about whether such a presence may present a
likely threat to the security of the United States or United
States' interests.
On September 14, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``The United States Secret Service: Examining
Protective and Investigative Missions and Challenges in 2012.''
The Subcommittee heard from Mr. Mark Sullivan, the Director of
the United States Secret Service, (USSS) about the USSS mission
and plans for the Presidential campaign and National Special
Security Events (NSSE) scheduled for 2012. Democratic members
raised questions about the likely effect of budget cuts on the
USSS mission. Additionally, prompted by the USSS' role as a
defendant in an on-going multi-year discrimination case,
Democratic members sought information about the efforts to
increase diversity within its ranks.
On October 5, 2011 the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Intelligence Sharing and Terrorist Travel: How DHS Addresses
the Mission of Providing Security, Facilitating Commerce and
Protecting Privacy for Passengers Engaged in International
Travel.'' Democratic Members examined the importance of
Passenger Name Record (PNR) data from the airlines in
countering efforts by terrorists to travel. Democratic Members
sought testimony on the status of discussions between the
United States and European Union (EU) on a PNR agreement with
the EU and the Department's efforts to assure that the use of
PNR data is in accord with privacy and civil liberties
protections.
On October 26, 2011, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and
Management ``Iranian Terror Operation on American Soil.'' The
purpose of the hearing was to determine whether the alleged
plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador on U.S. soil held
implications for U.S. homeland security, and the overall threat
posed by Iran. Because of the convoluted nature of the alleged
plot, the lack of proof regarding involvement by the Iranian
government, Democratic Members stressed the need to receive
additional information prior to making a determination about
the role of the Iranian government, if any, and the current
threat level to the U.S. homeland represented by Iran.
On November 30, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
``Boko Haram--Emerging Threat to the U.S. Homeland.'' The
hearing provided a general overview of Boko Haram, a violent
extremist group based in Nigeria. Democratic Members sought
information about the group's activities in Nigeria and whether
those activities are likely to impact United States interests
within Africa or jeopardize security within the United States.
Democratic members also heard testimony about Boko Haram's
activities in the wider region and relationships with other
terrorist groups, including alleged links with Al Qaeda in the
Lands of the Islamic Maghreb and Al Shabaab. Democratic members
used the hearing as an opportunity to encourage more diplomatic
engagement with Nigeria and noted the lack of reliable
intelligence regarding the organization and membership of the
group, its capacity, aims or resources.
On December 6, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
``Jihadist Use of Social Media--How to Prevent Terrorism and
Preserve Innovation.'' Members received testimony on the use of
social media (Internet-based applications that facilitate
social interactions and networking, such as Facebook, Twitter,
and various web forums) by terrorist groups and sympathizers.
In addition, testimony from various members of the private
sector examined various governmental and non-governmental
strategies to combat terrorists' use of social media on the
Internet. Democratic members focused on the ability of social
media to serve as a counter-balance to expressions of
destructive or violent extremist ideology.
Congressional Delegation
Subcommittee staff traveled to Turkey, Afghanistan,
Pakistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, and Germany from
November 4-11, 2011. The delegation reviewed ongoing
counterterrorism efforts in the region, received on-the-ground
updates on the war effort and stability operations in
Afghanistan and Iraq, and learn about Department of Homeland
Security presence and operations in those countries. The
delegation met with top officials in these countries, including
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Commanding General of
International Security Assistance Force--Afghanistan John Allen
to gain unique insights into the challenges the United States
faces in combating terrorism, illicit financing, and other
threats in the Middle East and South Asia.
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies
OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE
On July 13, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Securing Federal Facilities: Challenges of the Federal
Protective Service and the Need for Reform.'' This hearing
allowed Democratic Members to question witnesses about a major
security breach in 2011 at the Patrick V. McNamara Federal
building (Detroit) where private security guards, employed
under a contract with FPS permitted a bag of explosive
materials to remain undetected for 21 days within a Federal
office building. Democrats stressed legislation introduced in
the 111th Congress as a result of significant Committee
oversight of FPS. Democrats underscored the need for additional
Federal officers, standardized training, and increased
oversight of private security guards working in Federal
facilities.
On July 15, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to NPPD
Under Secretary Beers seeking a review and explanation of risk
assessment errors in CFATS tiering process.
On July 26, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
the ``The Last Line of Defense: Federal, State, and Local
Efforts to Prevent Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism Within
the United States. This hearing discussed assets and
capabilities associated with the domestic layer of the Global
Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA). Democrats raised
concerns about the ability of the Science and Technology
Directorate (S&T) to oversee a vigorous and effective research
and development (R&D) program to develop solutions for the GNDA
given Republican budget reductions. GAO, testifying for the
Minority, analyzed DNDO R&D shortcomings and questioned the
need to retain long-term and transformational R&D within DNDO,
especially in light of previous Department and Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) recommendations to transfer most
R&D to S&T.
On September 23, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson and
Subcommittee Ranking Member Clarke wrote to Chairman King and
Subcommittee Chairman Lungren advocating bipartisan approach to
cyber security legislation process in light of the Speaker's
formation of a Republican-only cyber task force.
On October 6, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Cloud Computing: What are the Security
Implications?'' This hearing provided an overview of cloud
computing, examined the challenges, security, costs, and
benefits of cloud implementation in Federal government's
domain. The Democratic witness emphasized the importance of a
comprehensive approach to cloud implementation and the need for
pre-existing operational, security, and management safeguards
prior to government-wide implementation of cloud computing
systems.
On November 17, 2011, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``S&T on a Budget: Finding Smarter Approaches to Spur
Innovation, Impose Discipline, Drive Job Creation and
Strengthen Homeland Security.'' Testimony from Under Secretary
O'Toole provided information about the impact of severely
reduced R&D funding on the current projects and future mission
of the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). Funding
reductions were required by the DHS Appropriations bill for
FY12 passed by a Republican-controlled House of
Representatives. GAO, testifying at the invitation of the
Minority, confirmed the drastic effects likely resulting from
budget cuts.
On December 13, 2011, the Subcommittee held a Member
Briefing entitled ``Present and Evolving Threats to Waterway
Dam Security.'' The briefing provided Members with information
on the success of the voluntary framework used by the Office of
Infrastructure Protection to assess risk at the most critical
dam assets. As the Sector-Specific Agency (SSA) for dams, the
Office of Infrastructure Protection's responsibilities include
identifying, assessing, and prioritizing dam sector assets. The
IP's Dams Branch is responsible for sector-wide risk
assessments. To accomplish its goals, IP partners with the
state and tribal governments as well as several Federal
Departments and agencies including the Bureau of Reclamation
(Department of Interior), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(Department of Defense), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
Federal Emergency Management Agency (Department of Homeland
Security).
On December 13, 2011, Ranking Member Thompson wrote to NPPD
Under Secretary Beers requesting details on human resource and
funding issues affecting the recruitment, training and
retention incentives of DHS cyber workforce.
Comments Submitted
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal
Register for the creation of the Ammonium Nitrate Security
Program. Submitted comments. Ranking Member Thompson authored
H.R. 1680, the ``Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of
2007'' which was approved by voice vote on October 23, 2007.
Subsequently, the Consolidated Appropriations for FY 2008 was
enacted into law on December 26, 2007 (Public Law No: 110-161)
which included, at section 563, language from H.R. 1680
directing DHS to ``regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium
nitrate by an ammonium nitrate facility to prevent the
misappropriation or use of ammonium nitrate in an act of
terrorism.''
Bennie G. Thompson.