[House Report 113-719]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 550
113th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 113-719
_______________________________________________________________________
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
of the
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
second session
(Pursuant to House Rule XI, 1(d))
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
December 30, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
Union Calendar No. 550
113th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 113-719
_______________________________________________________________________
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
of the
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
second session
(Pursuant to House Rule XI, 1(d))
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
December 30, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
91-986 WASHINGTON : 2014
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC, December 30, 2014.
Hon. Karen L. Haas,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
The Capitol, Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Haas: Pursuant to Rule X and clause 1(d)(1) of
Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, attached,
please find the report of the legislative and oversight
activities of the Committee on Homeland Security during the
113th Congress.
Sincerely,
Michael T. McCaul,
Chairman.
Union Calendar No. 550
113th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2st Session } { 113-719
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
113TH CONGRESS
_______
December 30, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. McCaul, from the Committee on Homeland Security, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
Overview
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 23, 2013,
for an organizational meeting for the 113th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Michael T. McCaul of Texas. The Committee
Membership, was set at 32 Members; with 18 Republicans and 14
Democrats.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: The
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence; the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security; the Subcommittee
on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security
Technologies; the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency; the Subcommittee on Transportation Security; and
the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
CONTENTS
Page
Jurisdiction and Legislative History............................. 3
Membership and Organization...................................... 11
History of the Committee on Homeland Security.................... 15
Full Committee................................................... 25
Legislative Activities....................................... 26
Oversight Activities......................................... 60
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence................
Legislative Activities....................................... 79
Oversight Activities......................................... 77
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.....................
Legislative Activities....................................... 97
Oversight Activities......................................... 106
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies..........................................
Legislative Activities....................................... 119
Oversight Activities......................................... 126
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency..............
Legislative Activities....................................... 137
Oversight Activities......................................... 139
Subcommittee on Transportation Security..........................
Legislative Activities....................................... 159
Oversight Activities......................................... 171
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.................................................
Legislative Activities....................................... 189
Oversight Activities......................................... 194
Committee Oversight Plan.........................................
Part A, Oversight Plan As Agreed to.......................... 217
Part B, Implementation of the Oversight Plan................. 233
Appendices
Appendix I--Committee Rules.................................. 261
Appendix II--Membership Changes to the Committee............. 271
Appendix III--List of Public Laws............................ 285
Appendix IV--Committee Legislative Reports................... 287
Appendix V--Status of Legislation Referred to the Committee.. 291
Appendix VI--Executive Communications, Memorials, and
Presidential Messages...................................... 299
Appendix VII--Committee Staff................................ 303
Appendix VIII--Witnesses..................................... 307
Appendix IX--Printed Hearings................................ 333
Appendix X--Committee Prints................................. 341
Appendix XI--Summary of Committee Activities................. 343
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 113th Congress, agreed to on
January 3, 2013. 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:
(I) Committee on Homeland Security
(1) Overall homeland security policy.
(2) Organization, administration, and general
management of the Department of Homeland Security.
(3) Functions of the Department of Homeland Security
relating to the following:
(A) Border and port security (except immigration
policy and non-border enforcement).
(B) Customs (except customs revenue).
(C) Integration, analysis, and dissemination of
homeland security information.
(D) Domestic preparedness for and collective
response to terrorism.
(E) Research and development.
(F) Transportation security.
General oversight responsibilities
2. (a) The various standing committees shall have general
oversight responsibilities as provided in paragraph (b) in
order to assist the House in--
(1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of--
(A) the application, administration, execution, and
effectiveness of Federal laws; and
(B) conditions and circumstances that may indicate
the necessity or desirability of enacting new or
additional legislation; and
(2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of
changes in Federal laws, and of such additional
legislation as may be necessary or appropriate.
(b)(1) In order to determine whether laws and
programs addressing subjects within the jurisdiction of
a committee are being implemented and carried out in
accordance with the intent of Congress and whether they
should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated, each
standing committee (other than the Committee on
Appropriations) shall review and study on a continuing
basis--
(A) the application, administration, execution, and
effectiveness of laws and programs addressing subjects
within its jurisdiction;
(B) the organization and operation of Federal
agencies and entities having responsibilities for the
administration and execution of laws and programs
addressing subjects within its jurisdiction;
(C) any conditions or circumstances that may
indicate the necessity or desirability of enacting new
or additional legislation addressing subjects within
its jurisdiction (whether or not a bill or resolution
has been introduced with respect thereto); and
(D) future research and forecasting on subjects
within its jurisdiction.
(2) Each committee to which subparagraph (1) applies
having more than 20 members shall establish an
oversight subcommittee, or require its subcommittees to
conduct oversight in their respective jurisdictions, to
assist in carrying out its responsibilities under this
clause. The establishment of an oversight subcommittee
does not limit the responsibility of a subcommittee
with legislative jurisdiction in carrying out its
oversight responsibilities.
(c) Each standing committee shall review and study on
a continuing basis the impact or probable impact of tax
policies affecting subjects within its jurisdiction as
described in clauses 1 and 3.
(d)(1) Not later than February 15 of the first session
of a Congress, each standing committee shall, in a
meeting that is open to the public and with a quorum
present, adopt its oversight plan for that Congress.
Such plan shall be submitted simultaneously to the
Committee on Oversight and 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;
(E) have a view toward insuring against duplication
of Federal programs; and
(F) include proposals to cut or eliminate programs,
including mandatory spending programs, that are
inefficient, duplicative, outdated, or more
appropriately administered by State or local
governments.
(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 Oversight and 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 U.S. 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.
----------
Memorandum of Understanding Between the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security
[Congressional Record,H15, January 4, 2007]
On January 4, 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives
adoptedH. Res. 5, establishing the Rules of the House for the
109th Congress. Section 2(a) established the Committee on
Homeland Security as a standing committee of the House of
Representatives with specific legislative jurisdiction under
House Rule X. A legislative history to accompany the changes to
House Rule X was inserted in the Congressional Record on
January 4, 2005.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and
theCommittee on Homeland Security (hereinafter ``Committees'')
jointly agree to the January 4, 2005 legislative history as the
authoritative source of legislative history of section 2(a) of
H. Res. 5 with the following two clarifications.
First, with regard to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's, FEMA, emergency preparedness and response programs,
theCommittee on Homeland Security has jurisdiction over the
Department of Homeland Security's responsibilities with regard
to emergency preparedness and collective response only as they
relate to terrorism. However, in light of the federal emergency
management reforms that were enacted as title VI of Public Law
109(295, a bill amending FEMA's all-hazards emergency
preparedness programs that necessarily addresses FEMA's
terrorism preparedness programs would be referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; in addition,
the Committee on Homeland Security would have a jurisdictional
interest in such bill. Nothing in this Memorandum of
Understanding affects the jurisdiction of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and the Federal
Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974.
Second, with regard to port security, the Committee on
Homeland Security has jurisdiction over port security, and some
Coast Guard responsibilities in that area fall within the
jurisdiction of both Committees. A bill addressing the
activities, programs, assets, and personnel of the Coast Guard
as they relate to port security and non-port security missions
would be referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure; in addition, the Committee on Homeland Security
would have a jurisdictional interest in such bill.
This Memorandum of Understanding between the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland
Security provides further clarification to the January 4, 2005
legislative history of the jurisdiction of the Committees only
with regard to these two specific issues. The Memorandum does
not address any other issues and does not affect the
jurisdiction of other committees.
JAMES L. OBERSTAR
Chairman-designate,
Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
BENNIE G. THOMPSON
Chairman-designate,
Committee on Homeland Security
----------
Changes to the Standing Rules
Section-By-Section Analysis
113th Congress
[Congressional Record, H12 January 3, 2013]
Clarifications in Rule X. Subsection (c) makes two
clarifications with respect to clause 1 of rule X. Paragraph
(1) clarifies that the Committee on Homeland Security's
jurisdiction includes the general management of the Department
of Homeland Security. This change is intended to clarify the
Committee's existing jurisdiction over the organization and
administration of the department, and is not intended to alter
the pattern of bill referrals to the Committee on Homeland
Security, nor is it intended to alter the existing oversight
jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security. Paragraph
(2) conforms terminology used in the Committee on Natural
Resources jurisdiction to terminology recognized by the
Departments of State and Interior.
Membership and Organization of the Committee on Homeland Security
(18-14)
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Vice
Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Curtis Clawson,Florida Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Eric Swalwell,California
__________
Appointment of Mr. Michael T. McCaul as Chair, and Mr.
Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi as Ranking Minority Member on
January 3, 2013, pursuant to H. Res. 6 and H. Res. 7,
respectively.
The Majority Members of the Committee were elected to the
Committee on January 4, 2013, pursuant to H. Res. 17; and the
Minority Members on January 3, 2013, pursuant to H. Res. 7.
Ms. Janice Hahn of California resigned as a Member of the
Committee on Homeland Security on January 14, 2013.
Mr. Filemon Vela of Texas, Mr. Steven A. Horsford of
Nevada, and Mr. Eric Swalwell of California were elected to the
Committee on January 14, 2013, pursuant to H. Res. 22.
Mr. Keith J. Rothfus of Pennsylvania resigned as a Member
of the Committee on Homeland Security on April 16, 2013.
Mr. Mark Sanford of South Carolina was elected to the
Committee on June 12, 2013, pursuant to H. Res. 257.
Mr. Chris Stewart of Utah resigned as a member of the
Committee on Homeland Security on December 11, 2013.
Ms. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and Mr. Steven A. Horsford of
Nevada as members of the Committee on Homeland Security on
December 11, 2013.
Mr. Curtus Clawson of Florida was elected to the Committee
on July 9, 2014, pursuant to H. Res. 660.
----------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Curtis Clawson,Florida
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Curtis Clawson,Florida
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana, Vice Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama, Vice Chair
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Eric Swalwell, California
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi, Vice
Chair
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
HISTORY OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Select Committees on Homeland Security
107th Congress
In the 107th Congress, the House Select Committee on
Homeland Security was established on June 19, 2002, pursuant to
H. Res. 449 (adopted by voice vote). The Committee was composed
of nine Members of the House: Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Armey of
Texas, Chairman; Mr. Thomas DeLay of Texas; Mr. Julius Caesar
``J.C.'' Watts of Oklahoma; Ms. Deborah Pryce of Ohio; Mr.
Robert Portman of Ohio; Ms. Nancy Pelosi of California; Mr.
Jonas Martin Frost of Texas; Mr. Robert Menendez of New
Jersey; and Ms. Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut.
The mandate of the Select Committee in the 107th Congress
was to ``develop recommendations and report to the House on
such matters that relate to the establishment of a department
of homeland security.'' The Select Committee accomplished its
mandate on November 22, 2002, when the House concurred in the
Senate amendment to H.R. 5005, a bill establishing the
Department of Homeland Security, by unanimous consent, and
cleared H.R. 5005 for the President. The bill was presented to
the President on November 22, 2002, and was signed on November
25, 2002, becoming Public Law 107-296.
The termination date of the House Select Committee on
Homeland Security was ``after final disposition of a bill [ . .
. ] including final disposition of any veto message on such
bill,'' which occurred on November 25, 2002.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 107-296................. The Homeland H.R. 5005
Security Act of
2002..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
108th Congress
The second House Select Committee on Homeland Security was
established in the 108th Congress on January 7, 2003, pursuant
to provisions of H. Res. 5 (adopted by a recorded vote of 221
yeas and 203 nays). The Membership of the Select Committee was
established on February 12, 2003, as: Mr. Christopher Cox of
California, Chairman; Ms. Jennifer Dunn of Washington; Mr.
William ``Bill'' Young of Florida; Mr. Donald ``Don'' Young of
Alaska; Mr. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. of Wisconsin; Mr.
Wilbert Joseph ``Billy'' Tauzin of Louisiana; Mr. David Dreier
of California; Mr. Duncan Hunter of California; Mr. Harold
Rogers of Kentucky; Mr. Sherwood Boehlert of New York; Mr.
Lamar Smith of Texas; Mr. Wayne Curtis ``Curt'' Weldon of
Pennsylvania; Mr. Christopher Shays of Connecticut; Mr.
Porter J. Goss of Florida; Mr. David Camp of Michigan; Mr.
Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida; Mr. Robert W. Goodlatte of
Virginia; Mr. Ernest James Istook, Jr. of Oklahoma; Mr. Peter
T. King of New York; Mr. John E. Linder of Georgia; Mr. John
B. Shadegg of Arizona; Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr.
William McClellan ``Mac'' Thornberry of Texas; Mr. James A.
Gibbons of Nevada; Ms. Kay Granger of Texas; Mr. Pete Sessions
of Texas; Mr. John E. Sweeney of New York; Mr. Jim Turner of
Texas; Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta
Sanchez of California; Mr. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts;
Mr. Norman D. Dicks of Washington; Mr. Barney Frank of
Massachusetts; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr. Benjamin L.
Cardin of Maryland; Ms. Louise M. Slaughter of New York; Mr.
Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon; Mrs. Nita M. Lowey of New York; Mr.
Robert E. Andrews of New Jersey; Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton, a
Delegate from the District of Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of
California; Ms. Karen McCarthy of Missouri; Ms. Shiela Jackson
Lee of Texas; Mr. William ``Bill'' Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey;
Mrs. Donna M. Christensen, a Delegate from the U.S. Virgin
Islands; Mr. Bobby ``Bob'' Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr.
Charles Gonzalez of Texas; Mr. Ken Lucas of Kentucky; Mr.
James R. Langevin of Rhode Island; and Mr. Kendrick B. Meek of
Florida.
The Select Committee was authorized to develop
recommendations and report to the House by bill or otherwise on
such matters that relate to the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(Public Law 107-296) as may be referred to it by the Speaker,
and was charged with reviewing and studying on a continuing
basis laws, programs, and Government activities relating to
homeland security. In addition, the Select Committee was
directed to conduct a thorough and complete study of the
operation and implementation of the Rules of the House,
including Rule X, with respect to the issue of homeland
security, and submit its recommendations regarding any changes
in the Rules of the House to the Committee on Rules not later
than September 30, 2004.
On September 30, 2004, the Select Committee on Homeland
Security submitted its recommendations on jurisdictional
changes to the Rules of the House of Representatives to the
Committee on Rules.
The Committee had six measures signed into law during the
108th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 108-136................. National Defense H.R. 1588\1\
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2004..
Pub. L. 108-268................. To provide for the H.R. 4332
transfer of the
Nebraska Avenue
Naval Complex in
the District of
Columbia to
facilitate the
establishment of
the headquarters
for the
Department of
Homeland
Security, to
provide for the
acquisition by
the Department of
the Navy of
suitable
replacement
facilities..
Pub. L. 108-276................. Project BioShield S. 15
Act of 2004.. (H.R. 2122)
Pub. L. 108-293................. Coast Guard and H.R. 2443
Maritime
Transportation
Act of 2004..
Pub. L. 108-330................. Department of H.R. 4259
Homeland Security
Financial
Accountability
Act..
Pub. L. 108-458................. Intelligence S. 2845
Reform and (H.R. 5223)
Terrorism
Prevention Act of
2004..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
Pursuant to H. Res. 5, the Select Committee terminated on
January 2, 2005, with the expiration of the 108th Congress.
Committee on Homeland Security
109th Congress
The 109th Congress marked the first Congress for the
standing Committee on Homeland Security. During the two
previous Congresses, the House of Representatives established
separate Select Committees on Homeland Security: the first--to
establish the Department of Homeland Security, the second--to
monitor the initial activities of the Department and to examine
the need for a standing committee in the House with
jurisdictional authority over matters relating to the issue of
homeland security.
The Committee on Homeland Security was established as a
standing Committee of the House with the passage of H. Res. 5,
on January 4, 2005. The resolution was adopted by a recorded
vote of 220 yeas and 195 nays.
The Committee Membership was set at 34 Members with 19
Republicans and 15 Democrats. The following Members were
appointed to the Committee on Homeland Security for all or part
of the Congress: Mr. Christopher Cox of California; Mr. Peter
T. King of New York; Mr. Don Young of Alaska; Mr. Lamar S.
Smith of Texas; Mr. Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania; Mr.
Christopher Shays of Connecticut; Mr. John Linder of Georgia;
Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia; Mr.
Daniel E. Lungren of California; Mr. Jim Gibbons of Nevada; Mr.
Rob Simmons of Connecticut; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama; Mr.
Stevan Pearce of New Mexico; Ms. Katherine Harris of Florida;
Mr. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana; Mr. David G. Reichert of
Washington; Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent
of Pennsylvania; Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida; Mr. Bennie
G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California;
Mr. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts; Mr. Norman D. Dicks of
Washington; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr. Peter A. DeFazio
of Oregon; Ms. Nita M. Lowey of New York; Ms. Eleanor Holmes
Norton of District of Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California;
Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. Bill Pascrell of Jr., New
Jersey; Ms. Donna M. Christensen of U.S. Virgin Islands; Mr.
Bob Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr. James R. Langevin of Rhode
Island; and Mr. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida.
On February 9, 2005, the Committee on Homeland Security
adopted its Rules, which provided for the establishment of five
Subcommittees. The Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attack; the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment; the
Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection,
and Cybersecurity; the Subcommittee on Management, Integration,
and Oversight; and the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Science, and Technology.
On October 7, 2005, the Committee revised its Rules to
establish a Subcommittee on Investigations.
The Committee had eight measures signed into law during the
109th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 109-13.................. Emergency H.R. 1268\2\
Supplemental (H.R. 418)
Appropriations
Act for Defense,
the Global War on
Terror, and
Tsunami Relief,
2005..
Pub. L. 109-59.................. Safe, Accountable, H.R. 3
Flexible,
Efficient
Transportation
Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users..
Pub. L. 109-163................. National Defense H.R. 1815
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2006..
Pub. L. 109-239................. National Defense H.R. 4310
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2006..
Pub. L. 109-241................. Coast Guard and H.R. 889
Maritime
Transportation
Act of 2006..
Pub. L. 109-271................. Clothe a Homeless H.R. 6328
Hero Act..
Pub. L. 109-295................. Department of H.R. 5441
Homeland Security
Appropriations
Act, 2007..
(Title VI - Post
Katrina Emergency
Management Reform
Act).
Pub. L. 109-347................. ``Security and H.R. 4954
Accountability
For Every Port
Act of 2006'' or
the ``SAFE Port
Act''..
Pub. L. 109-364................. John Warner H.R. 5122
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2007..
Pub. L. 109-367................. Secure Fence Act H.R. 6061
of 2006..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
110th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 4, 2007, by a record vote of 235 yeas and
195 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 23, 2007,
for an organizational meeting for the 110th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The
Committee Membership was set at 34 Members with 19 Democrats
and 15 Republicans. The following Members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
California; Mr. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts; Mr. Norman
D. Dicks of Washington; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr.
Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon; Mrs. Nita M. Lowey of New York; Ms.
Eleanor Holmes Norton a Delegate from the District of Columbia;
Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California; Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas;
Mrs. Donna M. Christensen a Delegate from the U.S. Virgin
Islands; Mr. Bob Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr. James R.
Langevin of Rhode Island; Mr. Henry Cuellar of Texas; Mr.
Christopher P. Carney of Pennsylvania; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of
New York; Mr. Al Green of Texas; Mr. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado;
Mr. Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr. Peter T. King of New
York; Mr. Lamar Smith of Texas; Mr. Christopher Shays of
Connecticut; Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. Tom Davis of
Virginia; Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California; Mr. Mike Rogers
of Alabama; Mr. David G. Reichert of Washington; Mr. Michael T.
McCaul of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent of Pennsylvania; Ms. Ginny
Brown-Waite of Florida; Mr. Gus M. Bilirakis of Florida; Mr.
David Davis of Tennessee; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs.
Candice S. Miller of Michigan; Ms. Marsha Blackburn of
Tennessee; Mr. Kevin McCarthy of California; and Mr. Bobby
Jindal of Louisiana.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism;
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection; the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology;
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response; and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
The Committee had four measures signed into law during the
110th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 110-53.................. Implementing H.R. 1
Recommendations
of the 9/11
Commission Act of
2007..
Pub. L. 110-181................. National Defense H.R. 4986\3\
Authorization Act (H.R. 1585)
for Fiscal Year
2008..
Pub. L. 110-388................. A bill to provide S. 2816
for the
appointment of
the Chief Human
Capital Officer
of the Department
of Homeland
Security by the
Secretary of
Homeland
Security..
Pub. L. 110-412................. Personnel H.R. 6098
Reimbursement for
Intelligence
Cooperation and
Enhancement of
Homeland Security
Act of 2008..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
111th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 6, 2009, by a record vote of 235 yeas and
195 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on February 4, 2009,
for an organizational meeting for the 111th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The
Committee Membership, was set at 34 Members with 21 Democrats
and 13 Republicans. The following Members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez, of
California; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr. Peter A. DeFazio
of Oregon; Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton a Delegate from the
District of Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California; Ms. Sheila
Jackson-Lee of Texas; Mr. Henry Cuellar of Texas; Mr.
Christopher P. Carney of Pennsylvania; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of
New York; Ms. Laura Richardson of California; Mrs. Ann
Kirkpatrick of Arizona; Mr. Ben Ray Lujaan of New Mexico; Mr.
Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr. Emmanuel Cleaver of
Missouri; Mr. Al Green of Texas; Mr. James A. Himes of
Connecticut; Ms. Mary Jo Kilroy of Ohio; Mr. Eric J.J. Massa of
New York; Ms. Dina Titus of Nevada; Mr. William L. Owens of New
York; Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. Lamar Smith of Texas;
Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of
California; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama; Mr. Michael T. McCaul
of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent of Pennsylvania; Mr. Gus M.
Bilirakis of Florida; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs.
Candice S. Miller of Michigan; Mr. Pete Olson of Texas; Mr. Anh
``Joseph'' Cao of Louisiana; Mr. Steve Austria of Ohio; and Mr.
Tom Graves of Georgia.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism;
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection; the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology;
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response; and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
The Committee had 14 measures signed into law during the
111th Congress:
111th Congress
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 111--84................. National Defense H.R. 2647\4\
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2010..
Pub. L. 111--140................ Nuclear Forensics H.R. 730
and Attribution
Act..
Pub. L. 111--145................ United States H.R. 1299 \5\
Capitol Police (H.R. 2935)
Administrative
Technical
Correction Act of
2009..
Pub. L. 111--198................ Homebuyer H.R. 5623
Assistance and
Improvement Act..
Pub. L. 111--207................ Cruise Vessel H.R. 3360
Security and
Safety Act of
2009..
Pub. L. 111--245................ First Responder H.R. 3978
Anti-Terrorism
Training
Resources Act..
Pub. L. 111--252................ To allow certain H.R. 1517
U.S. Customs and
Border Protection
employees who
serve under an
overseas limited
appointment for
at least 2 years,
and whose service
is rated fully
successful or
higher throughout
that time, to be
converted to a
permanent
appointment in
the competitive
service..
Pub. L. 111--258................ Reducing Over- H.R. 553
Classification
Act..
Pub. L. 111--259................ Intelligence H.R. 2701
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2011..
Pub. L. 111--271................ Redundancy H.R. 3980
Elimination and
Enhanced
Performance for
Preparedness
Grants Act..
Pub. L. 111--281................ Coast Guard H.R. 3619
Authorization Act
of 2010..
Pub. L. 111--356................ Northern Border H.R. 4748
Counternarcotics
Strategy Act of
2010..
Pub. L. 111--376................ Anti-Border S. 3243
Corruption Act of
2010..
Pub. L. 111--_.................. Ike Skelton H.R. 6523
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2011..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
\5\ Indicates measures which were not referred to the Committee, but to
which measures were included during Congressional action.
112th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 5, 2011, by a record vote of 238 yeas and
191 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 26, 2011,
for an organizational meeting for the 112th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Peter T. King of New York. The Committee
Membership, was set at 33 Members with 19 Republicans and 14
Democrats. The following Members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. Lamar Smith of Texas; Mr.
Daniel E. Lungren of California; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama;
Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Gus M. Bilirakis of
Florida; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs. Candice S. Miller
of Michigan; Mr. Tim Walberg of Michigan; Mr. Chip Cravaack of
Minnesota; Mr. Joe Walsh of Illinois; Mr. Patrick Meehan of
Pennsylvania; Mr. Benjamin Quayle of Arizona; Mr. Scott Rigell
of Virginia; Mr. Billy Long of Missouri; Mr. Jeff Duncan of
South Carolina; Mr. Tom Marino of Pennsylvania; Mr. Blake
Farenthold of Texas; Mr. Mo Brooks of Alabama; and Mr. Robert
L. Turner of New York.Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi;
Ms. Loretta Sanchez, of California; Ms. Jane Harman of
California; Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. Henry Cuellar
of Texas; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of New York; Ms. Laura
Richardson of California; Mrs. Donna M. Christensen a Delegate
from the U.S. Virgin Islands; Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois;
Mr. Brian Higgins of New York; Ms. Jackie Speier of California;
Mr. Cedric L. Richmond of Louisiana; Mr. Hansen Clarke of
Michigan; Mr. William R. Keating of Massachusetts; Ms. Kathleen
C. Hochul of New York; Ms. Janice Hahn of California; and Mr.
Ron Barber of Arizona.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: The
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security; the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and
Management; the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications; the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security; and the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence.
The Committee had 10 measures signed into law during the
112th Congress:
112th Congress
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 112--54................. Asia-Pacific S. 1487
Economic (H.R. 2042)
Cooperation
Business Travel
Cards Act of
2011..
Pub. L. 112--81................. National Defense H.R. 1540
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2012..
Pub. L. 112--86................. Risk-Based H.R. 1801
Security
Screening for
Members of the
Armed Forces Act.
Pub. L. 112--127................ Border Tunnel H.R. 4119
Prevention Act of
2012.
Pub. L. 112--171................ To require the H.R. 3670
Transportation
Security
Administration to
comply with the
Uniformed
Services
Employment and
Reemployment
Rights Act..
Pub. L. 112--199................ Whistleblower S. 743
Protection (H.R. 3289)
Enhancement Act
of 2012..
Pub. L. 112--205................ Jaime Zapata H.R. 915
Border
Enforcement
Security Task
Force Act..
Pub. L. 112--213................ Coast Guard and H.R. 2838
Maritime
Transportation
Act of 2012 ..
Pub. L. 112--217................ DHS Audit S. 1998
Requirement (H.R. 5941)
Target Act of
2012..
Pub. L. 112--218................ No-Hassle Flying S. 3542
Act of 2012.. (H.R. 6028)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ Indicates measures which were not referred directly to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
\7\ Indicates measures which were not referred to the Committee, but to
which Members were appointed as Conferees.
113th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 3, 2013, by a record vote of 228 yeas and
196 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 23, 2013,
for an organizational meeting for the 113th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Michael T. McCaul of Texas. The Committee
Membership, was set at 32 Members with 18 Republicans and 14
Democrats. The following Members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Lamar Smith of Texas;
Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama; Mr.
Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs. Candice S. Miller of Michigan;
Mr. Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania; Mr. Jeff Duncan of South
Carolina; Mr. Tom Marino of Pennsylvania; Mr. Jason Chaffetz of
Utah; Mr. Steven M. Palazzo of Mississippi; Mr. Lou Barletta of
Pennsylvania; Mr. Chris Stewart of Utah; Mr. Keith J. Rothfus
of Pennsylvania; Mr. Richard Hudson of North Carolina; Mr.
Steve Daines of Montana; Mrs. Susan W. Brooks of Indiana; Mr.
Scott Perry of Pennsylvania; Mr. Mark Sanford of South
Carolina; Mr. Curtis Clawson of Florida; Mr. Bennie G. Thompson
of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California; Ms. Sheila
Jackson Lee of Texas; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of New York; Mr.
Brian Higgins of New York; Mr. Cedric L. Richmond of Louisiana;
Mr. William R. Keating of Massachusetts; Mr. Ron Barber of
Arizona; Mr. Donald M. Payne, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr. Beto
O'Rourke of Texas; Ms. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii; Mr. Filemon
Vela of Texas; Mr. Steven A. Horsford of Nevada; and Mr. Eric
Swalwell of California.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence; the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security; the Subcommittee
no Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies; the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency; the Subcommittee on Transportation Security; and
the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Committee had 11 measures signed into law during the
113th Congress:
113th Congress
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pub. L. 113--27................. Helping Heroes Fly H.R. 1344
Act.. (S. 1367)
(S. 1403)
Pub. L. 113--221................ Honor Flight Act.. H.R. 4812
(S. 2659)
(S. 2671)
Pub. L. 113--238................ Aviation Security H.R. 1204
Stakeholder (S. 1804)
Participation Act
of 2014..
Pub. L. 113--245................ Transportation H.R. 2719
Security (S. 1893)
Acquisition
Reform Act..
Pub. L. 113--246................ Cybersecurity H.R.2952
Workforce
Assessment Act..
Pub. L. 113--254................ Protecting and H.R. 4007
Securing Chemical
Facilities from
Terrorist Attacks
Act of 2014..
Pub. L. 113--277................ Patrol Agent Pay S. 1691
Reform Act of
2014..
Pub. L. 113--282................ National S. 2519
Cybersecurity (H.R. 3696)
Protection Act of
2014..
Pub. L. 113--283................ Federal S. 2521
Information (H.R. 1163)
Security
Modernization Act
of 2014 ..
Pub. L. 113--284................ DHS OIG Mandates S. 2651
Revision Act of
2014 ..
Pub. L. 113--294................ To amend title 49, H.R. 5462
United States
Code, to provide
for limitations
on the fees
charged to
passengers of air
carriers..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Full Committee
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. -Miller,Michigan,
Vice Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Curtis Clawson,Florida Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Filemon Vela,Texas
Eric Swalwell,California
Vacancy
Vacancy
----------
During the 113th Congress, the Committee on Homeland
Security held 23 hearings, receiving testimony from 88
witnesses, and considered 19 measures.
----------
Organizational Meeting of the Committee
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 23, 2013,
for an organizational meeting for the 113th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Michael T. McCaul of Texas.
The Full Committee met, pursuant to notice, and adopted the
Committee Rules for the 113th Congress by unanimous consent.
The Committee also approved the Committee on Homeland
Security's Oversight Plan for the 113th Congress and Committee
Resolution No. 1, relating to staff hiring, both adopted by
unanimous consent.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Committee
HELPING HEROES FLY ACT
Pub. Law 113-27, H.R. 1344 (S. 1367, S. 1403)
To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant
Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security
Administration) to provide expedited air passenger screening to
severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and
severely injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes.
Summary
This law directs the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) to develop and implement a process to ease travel and, to
the extent possible, provide expedited passenger screening
services for severely injured or disabled Armed Forces members
and veterans, and their accompanying family members or non-
medical attendants. The TSA is required to maintain an
operations center to provide for the movement of such members
and veterans through screening before boarding a domestic or
foreign passenger aircraft. Additionally, the law requires TSA
to establish and publish certain protocols to contact the
operations center to request expedited screening services for
the service member or veteran. Furthermore, the TSA is directed
to annually report to Congress on the implementation of the
program. The TSA retains its flexibility to require additional
screening of any individual if intelligence or law enforcement
information indicates that additional screening is necessary.
As of March 2013, TSA began implementing the policies
codified in this law at security screening checkpoints. This
law seeks to facilitate the screening of our Nation's wounded
warriors' through airports and free up TSA screeners to focus
on real threats to our aviation systems. The Committee has long
advocated for less onerous airport screening for our men and
women in uniform. In fact, this bill builds upon past
legislation promoted by the Committee, including the Risk-Based
Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act (Pub. L.
112-86), which requires TSA to provide expedited screening to
active duty military traveling on official orders.
Legislative History
H.R. 1344 was introduced in the House on March 21, 2013, by
Ms. Gabbard, Mr. Joyce, and Mr. Richmond, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1344
was referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The House considered H.R. 1344 on May 21, 2013, under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 413 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 166).
H.R. 1344 was received in the Senate on May 22, 2013, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
On August 1, 2013, the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 1344 by unanimous consent. The Senate
then passed H.R. 1344, with an amendment, by unanimous consent.
The House concurred in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1344,
on August 2, 2013, by unanimous consent.
H.R. 1344 was presented to the President on August 6, 2013,
and signed into law on August 9, 2013, as Public Law 113-27.
S. 1367
S. 1367, a Senate companion measure, was introduced in the
Senate on July 25, 2013, by Mr. Pryor and Ms. Ayotte; and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
S. 1403
S. 1403, a second Senate companion measure, was introduced
in the Senate on July 31, 2013, by Mr. Pryor and Ms. Ayotte;
and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation. The text of S. 1403 was adopted by the Senate
during consideration of H.R. 1344 on August 1, 2013.
HONOR FLIGHT ACT
Pub. Law 113--221, H.R. 4812 (S. 2659 / S.2671)
To amend title 49, United States Code, to require the
Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to
establish a process for providing expedited and dignified
passenger screening services for veterans traveling to visit
war memorials built and dedicated to honor their service, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization that
works to transport veterans on charter flights operated by
commercial airlines to Washington, DC, to visit memorials built
and dedicated in honor of their service. Currently, the Honor
Flight Network prioritizes transporting WWII veterans, as well
as veterans from any war who have a terminal illness, but the
organization intends to expand the program to transport
veterans who served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars,
eventually extending to veterans of more current wars.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) supports
the Honor Flight Network by expediting the screening process
for veterans visiting their memorials in the District of
Columbia, saving the veterans time and showing them their due
respect and appreciation. H.R. 4812 statutorily authorizes the
collaboration between TSA and the Honor Flight Network, as well
as with other non-profit organizations that transport veterans
to visit memorials, so that the agency's practice of ensuring
expedited and dignified screening for veterans continues.
Legislative History
H.R. 4812 was introduced in the House on June 9, 2014, by
Mr. Richmond, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. Palazzo, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4812
was referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Chair discharged the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security from further consideration of H.R. 4812 on June 11,
2014. The Full Committee considered H.R. 4812 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 4812 to
the House on July 3, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-516.
The House considered H.R. 4812 under Suspension of the
Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 4812 was received in the Senate on July 23, 2014, 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 of
H.R. 4812 on December 4, 2014, and passed by unanimous consent.
Clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 4812 was presented to the President on December 9,
2014. The President signed H.R. 4812 into law on December 16,
2014, as Public Law 113-221.
S. 2659
S. 2659, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on July 24, 2014, by Mr. Murphy of Connecticut, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
S. 2671
S. 2671, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on July 28, 2014, by Mr. Toomey, and referred to the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
AVIATION SECURITY STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-238, H.R. 1204 (S. 1804)
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. 1204 authorizes the Aviation Security Advisory
Committee (ASAC) and requires Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) to consult with the ASAC on aviation
security matters, including on the development and
implementation of policies, programs, rulemakings and security
directives. Additionally, the bill requires the ASAC to submit
recommendations to TSA.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established the
ASAC in 1989 following the bombing of Pan American World
Airways Flight 103. Upon the establishment of the TSA,
sponsorship of the ASAC was transferred to TSA. However,
despite strong support from aviation security stakeholders who
participated in the ASAC, TSA has allowed the ASAC's charter to
expire. On July 7, 2011, TSA published an announcement in the
Federal Register to re-establish the ASAC, providing a setting
for the aviation industry to formally communicate with TSA and
on October 27, 2011, the Secretary of Homeland Security
appointed 24 new members to the ASAC. On June 11, 2013, TSA
published a notice of charter renewal in the Federal Register
to announce the renewal of the ASAC. This legislation not only
codifies current Department and TSA policy but also ensures
that the ASAC remains intact.
It is imperative that the TSA interact with industry
stakeholders for input on security procedures and technology to
ensure that the Administration is implementing policies that
are effective, workable, and will enhance aviation security for
the traveling public.
Legislative History
112th Congress
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.
The House considered H.R. 1447 under Suspension of the
Rules, on June 26, 2012, and passed the bill on June 28, 2012
by voice vote.
H.R. 1447 was received in the Senate on June 29, 2012, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
113th Congress
H.R. 1204 was introduced in the House on March 14, 2013, by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Richmond, Ms. Jackson Lee, and
Mr. Swalwell of California and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1204 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Subcommittee considered H.R. 1204 on July 24, 2013, and
forwarded H.R. 1204 to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 1204 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1204 to the House on December
2, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-278.
The House considered H.R. 1204 under Suspension of the
Rules, and passed the measure by a \2/3\ record vote of 411
yeas and 3 nays, (Roll No. 617).
H.R. 1204 was received in the Senate on December 9, 2013,
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 of
H.R. 1204; the Senate then proceeded to the consideration of
H.R. 1204 and passed the measure, amended, by unanimous
consent.
The House concurred to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204 on
December 10, 2014, under Suspension of the Rules, by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 416 yeas and 5 nays (Roll No. 560). Clearing
the measure for the President.
H.R. 1204 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed H.R. 1204 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-238.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACQUISITION REFORM ACT
Pub. Law 113-245, H.R. 2719 (S. 1893)
To require the Transportation Security Administration to
implement best practices and improve transparency with regard
to technology acquisition programs, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2719 was developed with valuable input from
stakeholders across the Federal Government and industry. The
bill introduces greater transparency and accountability for the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spending decisions
through a series of commonsense reforms. Specifically, it
requires TSA to develop and share with the public, for the
first time: A strategic, multiyear technology investment plan;
share key information with Congress on technology acquisitions,
including cost overruns, delays, or technical failures within
30 days of identifying the problem; establish principles for
managing equipment in inventory to eliminate expensive storage
of unusable or outdated technologies; and report on its goals
for contracting with small businesses.
H.R. 2719 requires TSA to do a better job of not only
managing its own resources, but also leveraging resources
outside of the Department of Homeland Security.
Legislative History
H.R. 2719 was introduced in the House on July 18, 2013, by
Mr. Hudson, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Richmond, and Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2719 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Subcommittee considered H.R. 2719 on July 24, 2013, and
forwarded H.R. 2719 to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2719 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 2719 to the House on November
21, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-275.
The House considered H.R. 2719 under Suspension of the
Rules, and passed the measure by a \2/3\ record vote of 416
yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 616).
H.R. 2719 was received in the Senate on December 9, 2013,
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 of
H.R. 2719; the Senate then proceeded to the consideration of
H.R. 2719 and passed the measure, amended, by unanimous
consent.
The House concurred to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2719 on
December 10, 2014, under Suspension of the Rules, by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 425 yeas and 0 nays (Roll No. 559). Clearing
the measure for the President.
H.R. 2719 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed H.R. 2719 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-245.
S. 1893
S. 1893, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on December 20, 2013, and referred to the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation considered
S. 1893 on July 23, 2014, and ordered the measure to be
reported to the Senate with an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, reported S. 1893 on November 17, 2014, as S.
Rpt. 113-274.
CYBERSECURITY WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT ACT
Pub. Law 113-246, H.R. 2952
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make certain
improvements in the laws relating to the advancement of
security technologies for critical infrastructure protection,
and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2952 directs the Department of Homeland Security to
facilitate the development of a research and development (R&D)
strategy for critical infrastructure security technologies.
This strategy will help our nation prioritize its investments
in those aspects of the infrastructure that are most at risk.
H.R. 2952 also directs the Secretary to explore the feasibility
of expanding the use of public-private R&D consortiums to
accelerate new security technologies and spur innovation and
economic competitiveness. In addition, CIRDA will designate a
`Technology Clearinghouse' where proven security tools for
protecting infrastructure can be rapidly shared amongst
government and private partners.
Legislative History
H.R. 2952 was introduced in the House on August 1, 2013, by
Mr. Meehan, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 2952 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies.
On September 18, 2013, the Subcommittee considered H.R.
2952 and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a
favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2952 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on January 8, 2014, agreeing to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 2952. On that same date, the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the
Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 2952.
The Committee reported H.R. 2952 to the House on January 9,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-324.
The House considered H.R. 2952 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 2952 was received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2952
on December 10, 2014. The Senate then proceeded to the
consideration of H.R. 2952 and passed the measure, amended, by
unanimous consent.
The House concurred in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2952 on
December 11, 2014, under Suspension of the Rules and passed the
measure, by voice vote. Clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 2952 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed H.R. 2952 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-246.
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 119-254, H.R. 4007
To recodify and reauthorize the Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Standards Program.
Summary
H.R. 4007 authorizes the Department of Homeland Security's
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program (CFATS) for
three years at present funding levels in order to provide the
stability and certainty both the Department and industry argue
is necessary to ensure the program's success, while at the same
time, using the authorization as a vehicle to mandate certain
fundamental programmatic improvements. CFATS was enacted under
an Appropriations rider, Pub. L. 109-295, the Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, Sec. 550, and has
technically never been authorized. Thus, chemical facility
security hangs in the balance with each new appropriations
cycle. H.R. 4007 incorporates CFATS into the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.), under Title XXI, and gives
the program official status under law.
Legislative History
H.R. 4007 was introduced in the House on February 6, 2014,
by Mr. Meehan, Mr. McCaul, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Gene
Greene of Texas, Mrs. Miller of Michigan, and Mr. Rogers of
Alabama, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and
in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Within the
Committee, H.R. 4007 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies.
On February 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies held a
hearing on H.R. 4007. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Ms. Caitlin Durkovich, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; accompanied
by Mr. David Wulf, Deputy Director, Infrastructure Security
Compliance Division; Mr. Stephen L. Caldwell, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice, U.S. Government Accountability
Office; Ms. Marcia Hodges, Chief Inspector, Office of the
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Clyde Miller, Director for Corporate Security, BASF
Corporation, testifying on behalf of BASF and The American
Chemistry Council; Ms. Kate Hampford Donahue, President,
Hampford Research, Inc., testifying on behalf of the Society of
Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates; and Ms. Anna Fendley,
Legislative Representative, United Steelworkers.
On April 3, 2014 the Subcommittee considered H.R. 4007, and
ordered the measure forwarded to the Full Committee for
consideration, with a favorable recommendation, amended, by
voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 4007 on April 30, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on
June 20, 2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce would forego consideration of H.R. 4007. On that same
date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded, acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce and the agreement to forego
consideration. The letter further agreed to support the request
for Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Committee reported H.R. 4007 to the House on June 23,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-491, Pt. 1 . On that same date, the
Committee on Energy and Commerce was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 4007.
The House considered H.R. 4007 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 8, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 4007 was received in the Senate on July 9, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered H.R. 4007 on July 30, 2014, and ordered the
measure reported to the Senate, amended, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported H.R. 4007 to the Senate on September 18, 2014,
as S. Rpt. 1113-263. Placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar,
Calendar No. 578.
The Senate considered H.R. 4007 on December 10, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by unanimous consent.
The House agreed to Suspend the Rules and concurred to the
Senate amendment to H.R. 4007 on December 11, 2014, by voice
vote. Clearing the measure for the President.
The President signed H.R. 4007 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-254.
BORDER PATROL AGENT PAY REFORM ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-277, S. 1691
To amend title 5, United States Code, to improve the security
of the United States border and to provide for reforms and
rates of pay for border patrol agents.
Summary
S. 1691 reforms the current Border Patrol overtime pay
system, requiring Border Patrol Agents to elect one of three
new categories for receiving overtime pay. These categories
include: (1) hourly rate of pay equal to 1.25 times the
otherwise applicable hourly rate of basic pay; (2) the hourly
rate of pay equal to 1.125 times the otherwise hourly rate of
basic pay; or (3) the basic border patrol rate of pay, with
additional overtime as needed by CBP. The bill requires the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue
regulations establishing procedures for such elections.
The measure further requires the U.S. Customs and Border
Patrol to ensure that agents do not artificially inflate
overtime for purposes of retirement benefits. The Comptroller
General will report to Congress on the effectiveness of CBP's
plan to ensure that agents are not artificially enhancing their
retirement annuities. CBP is also required to conduct an
analysis of staffing requirements and their costs and submit
for review by the Comptroller General.
This measure also authorizes the Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and establish
positions in the Department's cybersecurity workforce with
comparable salaries for positions in the Department of Defense.
The Secretary is required to report to Congress annually for
five years on the strategy and progress toward recruiting and
retaining qualified employees, including veterans. The measure
requires the Secretary to annually report to the OPM Director
identifying cybersecurity work categories critical to DHS. The
Comptroller General is also directed to report on the
implementation of DHS cybersecurity workforce measures.
Legislative History
S. 1691 was introduced in the Senate on November 13, 2013,
by Mr. Tester and Mr. McCain and referred to the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 1691 on June 25, 2014, and ordered the
measure reported to the Senate, with an Amendment in the Nature
of a Substitute.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 1691 to the Senate on August 26, 2014, as
S. Rpt. 113-248. Placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar, No.
548.
The Senate considered S. 1691 on September 18, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by voice vote.
S. 1691 was received in the House on September 19, 2014 and
referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
and the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
S. 1691 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform on December 4, 2014, agreeing that, in order
to expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Homeland Security would waive further consideration of S. 1691.
The letter further requested the appointment of Conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be held.
The House considered S. 1691 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 10, 2014 and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 1691 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed S. 1691 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-277.
NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY PROTECTION ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-282, S. 2519 (H.R. 3696 /S. 2354)
To codify an existing operations center for cybersecurity.
Summary
S. 2519 reflects a continuation of legislation begun in the
House as H.R. 3696, which codifies and strengthens the National
Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) and
Cyber Incident Response Teams; directs DHS to leverage
industry-led organizations to facilitate critical
infrastructure protection and incident response; codifies the
public-private partnership framework for Critical
Infrastructure Security and Resilience; amends the SAFETY Act
(Subtitle G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-
296) to clarify that cybersecurity technologies and services
may be certified by the DHS SAFETY Act Office; and, directs the
Secretary to establish cybersecurity occupation categories,
assess the readiness and capacity of the Department's cyber
workforce, and develop a comprehensive strategy to enhance the
readiness, capacity, training, recruitment, and retention of
the Department's cybersecurity workforce.
Legislative History
S. 2519, was introduced in the Senate on June 24, 2014, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On June 25, 2014, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs considered S. 2519 and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate, amended, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 2519 to the Senate on July 31, 2014, as S.
Rpt. 113-240. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 526.
The Senate considered S. 2519 on December 10, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by unanimous consent.
The House considered S. 2519 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 11, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 2519 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed S. 2519 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-282.
H.R. 3696
H.R. 3696 was introduced in the House on December 11, 2013,
by Mr. McCaul, Mr. Meehan, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Ms.
Clarke, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and
in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Within
the Committee, H.R. 3696 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies.
On January 15, 2014, the Subcommittee considered H.R. 3696
and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
On February 5, 2014, the Full Committee considered H.R.
3696 and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as
amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on February 24, 2014, agreeing to waive
consideration of H.R. 3696. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
and supporting the request to seek Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
The Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on
July 22, 2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3696. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded agreeing to the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce and to support any request for
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security on July 22, 2014, agreeing to waive further
consideration of H.R. 3696. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform and agreeing to support any request for
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3696 to
the House on July 23, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-550, Pt. I.
The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform were subsequently
discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3696.
The Committee reported H.R. 3696 to the House on July 23,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-550, Pt. I.
The House considered H.R. 3696 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 3696 was received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
S. 2354
S. 2354, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on May 20, 2014, by Mr. Carper, and referred to the
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
On May 21, 2014, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs considered S. 2354 and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate, amended, by voice vote.
FEDERAL INFORMATION SECURITY MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-283, S. 2521 (H.R. 3696)
To amend chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, to provide
for reform to Federal information security.
Summary
S.2521 updates the Federal Information Security Management
Act of 2002 (FISMA) (Pub. L. 107-347) to address several
concerns since its establishment. The legislation further
clarifies and codifies the roles and responsibilities of the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS), and places greater management and
oversight attention on Federal Government data breaches.
The legislation updates FISMA to reflect the enhanced role
of DHS in securing Federal civilian agency networks. FISMA was
enacted prior to the establishment of DHS, this legislation
codifies existing practice within the Department regarding the
security of the civilian Federal networks. DHS would administer
FISMA implementation including collecting implementation data
and by issuing government-wide implementation directives. The
Department would also assist other agencies to assess and
improve their security programs and conduct penetration testing
and red teams. The delineation of authority between OMB and DHS
generally reflects current practices in recent years.
Additionally, the legislation places greater management and
oversight attention on cyber incidents by enhancing
notification of breaches to the public and to Congress.
Legislative History
S. 2521 was introduced in the Senate on June 25, 2014, by
Mr. Carper and Mr. Coburn and referred to the Senate Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 2521 on June 25, 2014, and ordered the
measure to be reported, without amendment, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 2521 on September 15, 2015, as S. Rpt. 113-
256. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Orders. Calendar No. 564.
The Senate considered S. 2521 on December 8, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by voice vote.
S. 2521 was received in the House on December 9, 2014, and
held at the Desk.
The House considered S. 2521 on December 10, 2014, under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 2521 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed S. 2521 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-283.
H.R. 1163
The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform considered
H.R. 1163 on March 20, 2014, and ordered the measure to be
reported to the House by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform on April 11, 2013, declaring the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Homeland Security
and an agreement to not seek a sequential referral of the
measure. The letter further requested support for the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called.
The Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security on April 12, 2013, agreeing to the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Homeland Security and the
agreement to not seek a sequential referral of the measure. The
letter further acknowledged the support of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be called.
The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform reported
H.R. 1163 to the House as H. Rpt. 113-40. Placed on the Union
Calendar, Calendar No. 26.
The House considered H.R. 1163 under Suspension of the
Rules on April 16, 2013, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
record vote of 416 yeas and 0 nays (Roll No. 106).
H.R. 1163 was received in the Senate on April 17, 2013,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
DHS OIG MANDATES REVISION ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-284, S. 2651
To repeal certain mandates of the Department of Homeland
Security Office of the Inspector General.
Summary
The purpose of S.2651 is to eliminate the congressional
mandate for the Department of Homeland Security's Office of
Inspector General to conduct certain audits of the Department.
These mandated audits cover issues including an annual
evaluation of the Cargo Inspection Targeting System, Coast
Guard performance, accounting of National Drug Control Policy
Funds, and annual review of grants to states and high-risk
urban areas.
According to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs Committee, the mandates that would be repealed by
S.2651 duplicate other reports conducted by DHS Components. By
eliminating these mandates, the Office of Inspector General
could use finite resources on other audit priorities. The
legislation rescinding these mandates does not prohibit the DHS
Office of Inspector General from conducting periodic audits on
these issues.
Legislative History
S. 2651 was introduced in the Senate on July 24, 2014, by
Mr. Coburn, and Mr. Carper and referred to the Senate Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 2651 on September 16, 2014, and ordered
the measure reported to the Senate, amended.
The Senate considered S. 2651 on September 17, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by unanimous consent.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 2651 to the Senate on September 18, 2014,
as S. Rpt. 113-261.
S. 2561 was received in the House on September 18, 2014,
and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within in the Committee, S. 2651 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Homeland
Security would agree to waive further consideration of S. 2651.
The letter further requested the appointment of Conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be called. On that same date,
the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Homeland Security and the support for Conferees, should a
House-Senate Conference be called.
The House considered S. 2651 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 10, 2014 and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 2651 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed S. 2651 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-284.
TO AMEND TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE, TO PROVIDE FOR LIMITATIONS ON
THE FEES CHARGED TO PASSENGERS OF AIR CARRIERS.
Pub. Law 113-294, H.R. 5462
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for
limitations on the fees charged to passengers of air carriers.
Summary
In an effort to streamline the September 11th passenger
security fee and move away from a ``per-enplanement'' fee
structure, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Pub. L. 113-67)
applied a flat fee of $5.60 per one-way trip. The intent of
Congress in modifying the fee structure was to have passengers
pay the fee once, per one-way trip. While the law has
previously capped fees for one-way trips and remained silent on
a round trip cap, the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) has always correctly interpreted the law and maintained a
commonsense policy of capping the fees for round-trip journeys
to twice the cost of a one-way trip. This interpretation should
have continued under the new fee structure. Despite
congressional intent, TSA eliminated the round-trip cap.
By explicitly defining a round-trip, H.R. 5462 requires TSA
to uphold its longstanding policy of capping round-trip air
travel at twice the cost of a one-way trip. If TSA is allowed
to continue ignoring Congressional intent and enforcing its
misguided regulations, travelers will pay upwards of $60
million in additional unauthorized fees every year. According
to air carriers, this would have a disproportionate impact on
individuals from rural and underserved areas, who are already
paying higher fares to reach their final destinations.
Legislative History
H.R. 5462 was introduced in the House on September 15,
2014, by Mr. Hudson, Mr. McCaul, Mr Thompson of Mississippi,
and Mr. Richmond and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 5462 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The House considered H.R. 5462 under Suspension of the
Rules on September 16, 2014, and on September 17, 2014, passed
the measure by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 423 yeas and 0 nays,
(Roll No. 505).
H.R. 5462 was received in the Senate on September 18, 2014,
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 of
H.R. 5462 on December 4, 2014, and passed by unanimous consent.
Clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 5462 was presented to the President on December 9,
2014. The President signed H.R. 5462 into law on December 19,
2014, as Public Law 113-294.
TSA LOOSE CHANGE ACT
H.R. 1095
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. 1095 directs the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) to transfer unclaimed monies recovered at
airport security checkpoints to nonprofit organizations
providing places of rest and recuperation at airports for
members of the Armed Forces and their families, and establishes
a request for proposals (RFP) process to select such
organizations.
Section 44945 of title 49, U.S.C., enacted as part of
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub.
L. 108-334), authorized and directed unclaimed money collected
at airport security checkpoints to be used for civil aviation
security. According to the TSA report ``FY 2012 Unclaimed Money
at Airports,'' which was prepared by TSA, from FY 2009 through
FY 2012, TSA has collected an average of $465,285 from airport
security checkpoints annually. Just in FY 2012 alone, TSA
collected $531,395. However as of March 1, 2013, TSA only
expended $6,539 for the purpose of civil aviation security.
The Explanatory Statement contained in the Conference
Report (H. Rpt. 112-492) that accompanied the Consolidated and
Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, (Pub. L. 113-6),
required TSA to issue a report on the feasibility of
transferring the unclaimed money recovered at airport
checkpoints to non-profit organizations that are selected on a
competitive basis. According to the report, it would cost the
Federal Government approximately $201,000 for the first year
alone if TSA was to transfer the money to a nonprofit
organization selected on a competitive basis. Further, the
report concluded that to minimize administrative overhead, TSA
would prefer to award the use of funding to one nonprofit
organization. After reviewing TSA's report, the Committee
believes that in order to ensure fairness of opportunity while
minimizing administrative overhead, TSA should transfer the
funds after a RFP is issued. Currently, United Services
Organizations (USO) is the sole non-profit operating airport
lounges for military service members and their families.
However, any non-profit organization that provides these kinds
of services can submit a proposal to TSA to seek these
unclaimed funds.
Legislative History
112th Congress
H.R. 2179 was introduced in the House on June 14, 2011, by
Mr. Miller of Florida and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2179 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
On March 7, 2012, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security considered H.R. 2179 and reported the measure to the
Full Committee with a favorable recommendation, without
amendment, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2179 on March 28, 2012,
and ordered the measure to be favorably reported to the House,
amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 2179 to the House on May 8,
2012, as H. Rpt. 112-468.
113th Congress
H.R. 1095 was introduced in the House on March 12, 2013, by
Mr. Miller of Florida and Mr. Rogers of Alabama; and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R. 1095 was referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security.
On October 29, 2013, the Chair discharged the Subcommittee
on Transportation Security from further consideration of H.R.
1095.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 1095 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1095 to the House on November
21, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-274.
The House considered H.R. 1095 under Suspension of the
Rules, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 1095 was received in the Senate on December 9, 2013,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
S. 1804
S. 1804, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on December 11, 2013, Mr. Mr. Tester and Mr. Begich
and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation considered S. 1804 on July 23, 2014, and ordered
the measure to be reported to the Senate, amended, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation reported S, 1804 to the Senate on November 17,
2014, as S. Rpt. 113-273. Placed on the Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 598.
BORDER SECURITY RESULTS ACT OF 2013
H.R. 1417 (S. 683)
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a
comprehensive strategy to gain and maintain operational control
of the international borders of the United States, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1417 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
develop a comprehensive strategy to gain and maintain
situational awareness and operational control of the border,
and sets the requirement of achieving operational control in
high traffic areas within two years and nine months of
enactment and across the entire Southwest border within five
years. Operational Control of the border, as defined by the
bill, means a condition where there is a 90 percent
effectiveness rate for the apprehension of illegal border
crossers and a significant reduction in the movement of illicit
drugs and other contraband.
This legislation sets the requirements for the Secretary to
consider when developing the strategy; outlines the benchmarks
and timetables for achieving situational awareness and
operational control; and requires metrics to measure
effectiveness. H.R. 1417 also requires the Secretary to issue a
baseline assessment of the current level of situational
awareness and operational control of the border and
periodically thereafter until the border is deemed to be under
operational control. Following the baseline assessment, the
Secretary would be required to submit a comprehensive strategy
and subsequent plan to gain situational awareness and
operational control. The plan would be comprised of
implementation plans for each of the Department's border
security components and a comprehensive border security
technology plan outlining a justification for technology
choices and a timetable for procurement and deployment. This
legislation also calls for periodic updates of the strategy and
implementation plan following the publication of future
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.
H.R. 1417 requires the Secretary to implement a series of
metrics to measure the effectiveness of security between the
ports of entry, at ports of entry, and in the maritime
environment. H.R. 1417 also requires a Department of Homeland
Security National Laboratory and a Department of Homeland
Security Center of Excellence to provide an independent
assessment of the suitability of the metrics the Department
develops, and to make recommendations for additional metrics to
measure border security effectiveness.
Finally, the legislation requires the Government
Accountability Office to review and report to Congress on the
suitability and validity of the Secretary's strategy, plan,
metrics, and the certification of operational control.
Legislative History
H.R. 1417 was introduced in the House on April 9, 2013, by
Mr. McCaul, Mrs. Miller of Michigan, Ms. Jackson Lee, and Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1417 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security. S. 683,
the Senate companion measure was introduced in the House on
April 9, 2013, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security considered
H.R. 1417 on April 24, 2013, and ordered the measure reported
to the Full Committee with a favorable recommendation, as
amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 1417 on
May 15, 2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the
House with a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice
vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1417 to the House on May 20,
2013 as H. Rpt. 113-87, and placed on the Union Calendar,
Calendar No. 62.
WMD INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING ACT OF 2013
H.R. 1542
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
H.R. 1542 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-296) to direct the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct
information sharing activities relevant to threats from weapons
of mass destruction (WMD). H.R. 1542 requires the Department to
support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of
terrorist actors, their claims, and their plans to conduct
attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, and
nuclear materials against the Nation and of global infectious
disease, public health, food, agricultural, and veterinary
issues. The act also requires DHS to support homeland security-
focused risk analysis and risk assessments of such homeland
security hazards by providing relevant quantitative and
qualitative threat information. Additionally, the act requires
DHS to leverage homeland security intelligence capabilities and
structures to enhance prevention, protection, response, and
recovery efforts with respect to a chemical, biological,
radiological, or nuclear attack. Furthermore, the act requires
DHS to share information and provide tailored analytical
support on these threats to State, local, and tribal
authorities as well as other national biosecurity and
biodefense stakeholders.
H.R. 1542 requires coordination within the Department and
with the Intelligence Community, Federal, State, local, and
Tribal authorities where appropriate. The act further directs
the Secretary of DHS to report annually on: (1) Intelligence
and information sharing activities to counter the threat from
weapons of mass destruction, and (2) DHS's activities in
accordance with relevant intelligence strategies.
Legislative History
112th Congress
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 reported to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2764 on March 28, 2012,
and ordered the measure to be favorably reported to the House,
amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 2764 to the House on May 8,
2012, as H. Rpt. 112-466.
The House considered H.R. 2764 on May 30, 2012, under
Suspension of the Rules, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 2764 was received in the Senate on June 4, 2012, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
113th Congress
H.R. 1542 was introduced in the House on April 24, 2013, by
Mr. Meehan, Ms. Speier, Mr. McCaul, Mr. King of New York, and
Mr. Higgins, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1542 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
The House considered H.R. 1542 on July 22, 2013, under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by a \2/3\
record vote of 388 yeas and 3 nays, (Roll No. 375).
H.R. 1542 was received in the Senate on July 23, 2013, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS ALLOWABLE USE ACT
H.R. 1791
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority
under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area
Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program
funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge
capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.
Summary
H.R. 1791 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-296) to ensure that grants funds may continue to be used
for medical preparedness activities.
Legislative History
112th Congress
H.R. 5997 was introduced in the House on June 21, 2012, by
Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Clarke of Michigan, Mr. Turner of New York,
and Mr. Rogers of Alabama; and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 5997 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The House considered H.R. 5997 under Suspension of the
Rules on November 27, 2012, and passed the bill, amended, by a
\2/3\ recorded vote of 397 yeas and 1 nay, (Roll No. 609).
113th Congress
H.R. 1791 was introduced in the House on April 26, 2013, by
Mr. Bilirakis, Mrs. Brooks of Indiana, and Mr. King of New
York; and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 1791 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
On October 29, 2013, the Chair discharged the Subcommittee
on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications from
further consideration of H.R. 1791.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 1791 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1791 to the House on November
21, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-273.
The House considered H.R. 1791 under Suspension of the
Rules on February 3, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 391 yeas and 2 nays, (Roll No. 32).
H.R. 1791 was received in the Senate on February 4, 2014,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
HOMELAND SECURITY CYBERSECURITY BOOTS-ON-THE-GROUND ACT
H.R. 3107
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish
cybersecurity occupation classifications, assess the
cybersecurity workforce, develop a strategy to address
identified gaps in the cybersecurity workforce, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3107 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to
establish cybersecurity occupation classifications and to
ensure that such classifications may be used throughout the
Department and are made available to other Federal agencies.
H.R. 3107 also requires the Secretary to create a workforce
strategy that enhances the readiness, capacity, training,
recruitment, and retention of the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) cybersecurity workforce, including a multi-phase
recruitment plan and a 10-year projection of federal workforce
needs. This legislation would also create a process to verify
that employees of independent contractors who serve in DHS
cybersecurity positions receive initial and recurrent
information security and role-based security training
commensurate with assigned responsibilities.
Legislative History
H.R. 3107 was introduced in the House on September 17,
2013, by Ms. Clarke, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3107 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies.
On September 18, 2013, the Subcommittee considered H.R.
3107 and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a
favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3107 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 3107 to the House on December
12, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-294.
The House considered H.R. 3107 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 395 yeas and 8 nays, (Roll No. 457).
Received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
ESSENTIAL TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT
ACT
H.R. 3202
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare a
comprehensive security assessment of the transportation
security card program, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3202 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to
submit to Congress and the Comptroller General a comprehensive
assessment of the effectiveness of the transportation security
card program at enhancing security and reducing security risks
for maritime facilities and vessels. The assessment is to be
conducted by a National Laboratory within the DHS laboratory
network or a maritime security university-based center within
the Department's centers of excellence network.
The bill further prohibits the Secretary from issuing a
final rule requiring the use of transportation security card
readers until: (1) the Comptroller General informs Congress
that the submission is responsive to their recommendations, and
(2) the Secretary issues an updated list of transportation
security card readers that are compatible with active
transportation security cards.
Finally, H.R. 3202 requires the Comptroller General to
report to Congress on implementation of the plan at least 18
months after it is issued, and every 6 months thereafter for
the ensuing 3-year period.
Legislative History
H.R. 3202 was introduced in the House on September 27,
2013, by Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Mrs.
Miller of Michigan, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3202 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, and the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure
Protection.
On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security considered H.R. 3202 and forwarded the measure to the
Full Committee for consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3202 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter on July 8, 2014, to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 3202. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded, agreeing to the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
and the agreement to not seek a sequential referral of H.R.
3202.
The Committee reported H.R. 3202 to the House on July 18,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-528.
The House considered H.R. 3202 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 400 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 456).
Received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2013
H.R. 3283
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.
Summary
H.R. 3283 authorizes the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to
ensure timely and effective alerts and warnings.
Legislative History
H.R. 3283 was introduced in the House on October 10, 2013,
by Mr. Bilirakis and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure. Within the Committee, H.R. 3283 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications.
On March 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications considered H.R.
3283, and forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for
consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3283 on April 30, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
by voice vote.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION ACT
H.R. 3410
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to secure critical
infrastructure against electromagnetic pulses, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3410 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
include the threat of Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) events in
national planning scenarios, and to conduct outreach to educate
owners and operators of critical infrastructure, emergency
planners, and emergency responders of the threat of EMP events.
This legislation also requires the Secretary to conduct
research and development to mitigate the consequences of EMP
events, including: 1) An objective scientific analysis of the
risks of a range of EMP events' impact on critical
infrastructure; 2) a determination of the critical national
security assets and vital civic utilities at risk from EMP
events; 3) an evaluation of the emergency planning and response
technologies that would address the findings and recommendation
of experts; 4) an analysis of the technology options that are
available to improve the resiliency of critical infrastructure
to EMP events and 5) an analysis of the restoration and
recovery capabilities of critical infrastructure under
differing levels of damage and disruption from various EMP
events.
H.R. 3410 also requires the Secretary to submit a
recommended strategy to protect and prepare critical
infrastructure against EMP events (including acts of
terrorism), and provide biennial updates on the status of the
recommended strategy.
Legislative History
H.R. 3410 was introduced in the House on October 30, 2013,
by Mr. Franks of Arizona and Mr. Sessions, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3410
was referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.
On December 1, 2014, the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 3410. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded, acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and the agreement to not seek a sequential
referral.
On December 1, 2014, the House considered H.R. 3410 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, amended, by
voice vote.
Received in the Senate on December 2, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
NATIONAL LABORATORIES MEAN NATIONAL SECURITY ACT
H.R. 3438
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize use of
grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State
Homeland Security Grant Program to work in conjunction with a
Department of Energy national laboratory.
Summary
H.R. 3438 clarifies that grant funding under the State
Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security
Initiative may be used to fund activities done in conjunction
with the National Laboratories.
Legislative History
H.R. 3438 was introduced in the House on October 30, 2013,
by Mr. Swalwell of California, and six original co-sponsors,
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 3438 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.
On December 1, 2014, the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 3438. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded, acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and the agreement to not seek a sequential
referral.
The House considered H.R. 3438 on December 1, 2014, under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 386 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 533).
H.R. 3438 was received in the Senate on December 2, 2014.
H.R. 3488
To establish the conditions under which the Secretary of
Homeland Security may establish preclearance facilities,
conduct preclearance operations, and provide customs services
outside the United States, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3488 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to
establish new U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance
operations in foreign countries. The bill consists of a series
of benchmarks and timelines necessary to establish a
preclearance operation and ensure transparency while the
Department engages with foreign governments.
H.R. 3488 requires the Secretary to certify to Congress,
within 90 days of entering into an agreement, the homeland
security benefits of the preclearance operation; that at least
one United States passenger carrier operates at that location,
and all United States passenger carriers have the same access
as non-United States passenger carriers; there are no alternate
options to preclearance that would be more effective; that
foreign government screening procedures meet or exceed United
States screening requirements; that new airport preclearance
operations will not increase customs processing times at United
States airports; and that other objectives will be served by
establishing preclearance operations.
The intent of this bill is to set the contours for CBP
while expanding future preclearance operations by incorporating
a series of notifications and certifications, including a
justification that outlines the homeland security benefit and
impact to domestic staffing and wait times of any new
preclearance operations.
Legislative History
H.R. 3488 was introduced in the House on November 14, 2013,
by Mr. Meehan and 61 original co-sponsors and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Ways and
Means. Within the Committee, H.R. 3488 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee considered H.R. 3488 and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for consideration,
amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3488 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on June 26,
2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration on the
House Floor, the Committee on Ways and Means would waive
further consideration of H.R. 3488. The Chair of the Committee
on Homeland Security responded on June 30, 2014, agreeing to
the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Ways and
Means, and supporting the request for Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3488 to
the House on July 3, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-511, Pt. I.
The House considered H.R. 3488 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 8, 2014, and passed measure, by voice vote.
H.R. 3488 was received in the Senate, on July 9, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
UNITED STATES U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION AUTHORIZATION ACT
H.R. 3846
To provide for the authorization of border, maritime, and
transportation security responsibilities and functions in the
Department of Homeland Security and the establishment of United
States U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3846 authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) within the Homeland Security Act of 2002, for the first
time. This bill is intended to clearly authorize the current
authorities, responsibilities, and functions of CBP. The
measure would provide a base authorization of the border
security offices within CBP which have not been previously
authorized, including: The Border Patrol, Office of Air and
Marine, Office of Field Operations, the National Targeting
Center, Office of Intelligence and Investigative Liaison,
Office of International Affairs, and Office of Internal
Affairs.
H.R. 3846 requires transparency, accountability, and
additional oversight for CBP by developing standard operating
procedures for: searching electronic devices at or between
ports of entry, use of force, and streamlining complaints about
officers, agents and employees of CBP. Furthermore, it
establishes training requirements, short term detention
standards and wait time transparency.
Legislative History
H.R. 3846 was introduced in the House on January 10, 2014,
by Mrs. Miller of Michigan, Mr. McCaul, and Ms. Jackson Lee and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition
to the Committee on Ways and Means. Within the Committee, H.R.
3846 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security.
On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee considered H.R. 3846 and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for consideration,
amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3846 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on June 26,
2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration on the
House Floor, the Committee on Ways and Means would waive
further consideration of H.R. 3846. The Chair of the Committee
on Homeland Security responded on June 30, 2014, agreeing to
the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Ways and
Means, and supporting the request for Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
The Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on July 24,
2014, agreeing to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3846.
On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security responded, acknowledging the jurisdictional interests
of the Committee on the Judiciary, and supporting the request
for Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Committee reported H.R. 3846 to the House on July 24,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-555, Pt. I.
The House considered H.R. 3846 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 3846 was received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
DHS ACQUISITION ACCOUNTABILITY AND EFFICIENCY ACT
H.R. 4228
To require the Department of Homeland Security to improve
discipline, accountability, and transparency in acquisition
program management.
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security spends billions of
taxpayer dollars each year in major acquisition programs to
help protect the homeland. Since 2005, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) has identified DHS's acquisition
management as an activity on its ``High-Risk List'' which
identifies programs highly susceptible to fraud, waste, abuse,
and mismanagement or most in need of broad reform. Numerous GAO
and Inspector General reports have identified significant
issues in how DHS manages its acquisition programs. H.R. 4228
provides senior DHS officials necessary authorities to hold
programs accountable, increases transparency for Congress on
troubled programs, and requires a departmental strategy to help
ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in the most efficient and
effective manner.
Legislative History
H.R. 4228 was introduced in the House on March 13, 2014, by
Mr. Duncan of South Carolina, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Barber, and Mr.
Daines, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 4228 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency.
On March 26, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Management Efficiency considered H.R. 4228 and forwarded the
measure to the Full Committee with a favorable recommendation,
amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 4228 on April 30, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 4228 to the House on May 6,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-436.
The House considered H.R. 4228 under Suspension of the
Rules and agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4228,
amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 4228 was received in the Senate on June 10, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
SOCIAL MEDIA WORKING GROUP ACT OF 2014
H.R. 4263
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the
Department of Homeland Security to establish a social media
working group, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4263 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
authorize and enhance the Department of Homeland Security's
Virtual Social Media Working Group.
Legislative History
H.R. 4263 was introduced in the House on March 14, 2013, by
Mrs. Brooks, Mr. Payne, Mr. Palazzo, and Mr. Swalwell of
California, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 4263 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
On March 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications considered H.R.
4263, and forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for
consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 4263 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 4263 was reported to the House on June 19, 2014, as H.
Rpt. 113-480.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on July 7, 2014, agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration of H.R. 4263, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 4263. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
and the agreement to not seek a sequential referral.
The House considered H.R. 4263 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 8, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 375 yeas and 19 nays, (Roll No. 369).
H.R. 4263 was received in the Senate, on July 9, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS ACT
H.R. 4289
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Under
Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security
to take administrative action to achieve and maintain
interoperable communications capabilities among the components
of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
include, among the responsibilities of the Department's Under
Secretary for Management (USM), achieving and maintaining
interoperable communications among the Department of Homeland
Security's components.
Legislative History
H.R. 4289 was introduced in the House on March 24, 2014, by
Mr. Payne and Mrs. Brooks of Indiana and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4289
was referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications.
On March 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications considered H.R.
4289, and forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for
consideration, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 4289 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, without amendment by voice vote.
H.R. 4289 was reported to the House on June 19, 2014, as H.
Rpt. 113-484.
The House considered H.R. 4289 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 8, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 393 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 370).
H.R. 4289 was received in the Senate, on July 9, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
TRAVEL PROMOTION, ENHANCEMENT, AND MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2014
H.R. 4450 (S. 2250)
To extend the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The purpose of H.R. 4450 is to reauthorize and increase
transparency and accountability metrics for Brand USA, a
public-private partnership originally created by the Travel
Promotion Act of 2009 (TPA), in executing its mission of
encouraging increased international visitation to the United
States and to grow America's share of the global travel market
at no cost to taxpayers. The current program is funded through
Fiscal Year 2015, and public contributions are capped at $100
million per year.
Legislative History
H.R. 4450 was introduced in the House on April 10, 2014, by
Mr. Bilirakis and 40 original cosponsors and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4450
was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security.
The Committee on Energy and Commerce considered H.R. 4450
on July 14 and July 15, 2014 and ordered the measure to be
reported to the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce on
July 16, 2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration of H.R. 4450 on the House Floor, the Committee on
Homeland Security would agree to waive further consideration of
H.R. 4450. The Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
responded on July 17, 2014, acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Homeland Security and the
agreement to waive further consideration of H.R. 4450.
The Committee on Energy and Commerce reported H.R. 4450 to
the House on July 22, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-542, Pt. I.
On July 22, 2014, the Committee on Homeland Security was
discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4450.
The House considered H.R. 4450 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 22, 2014, and passed the measure, amended, by a
\2/3\ recorded vote of 347 yeas and 57 nays, (Roll No. 433).
H.R. 4450 was received in the Senate on July 31, 2014, read
twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar, Calendar
No. 521.
S. 2250
S. 2250, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on April 10, 2014 by Ms. Klobuchar and 24 original
cosponsors and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation reported S. 2250 to the Senate on July 31, 2014,
as S. Rpt. 113-234.
AIRPORT SECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2014
H.R. 4802
To improve intergovernmental planning for and communication
during security incidents at domestic airports, and for other
purposes.
Summary
On November 1, 2013, a lone gunman entered Terminal 3 at
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and began a shooting
rampage, which left Transportation Security Officer Gerardo
Hernandez dead and three other individuals wounded. While the
response by law enforcement, Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) personnel, and emergency responders was
heroic and impressive, after-action reports conducted on the
incident showed gaps in communications and coordination
procedures.
H.R. 4802 seeks to improve security incident preparedness
by directing TSA to verify that airports across the United
States have incorporated procedures for responding to active
shooters targeting security checkpoints into their existing
incident plans. Additionally, the legislation would direct the
Administrator of TSA to report to the appropriate Congressional
committees the Administration's findings regarding the levels
of preparedness at airports. The bill would also mandate that
TSA establish a mechanism by which best practices in security
incident mitigation can be shared with airports across the
country and requires that the agency certify to the appropriate
Congressional committees that all screening personnel have
participated in training for active shooter scenarios.
Additionally, TSA would be required to provide an analysis to
the appropriate Congressional committees on how agency cost
savings can be used to increase funding for reimbursable
agreements for airport law enforcement over the next five
years. Finally, the legislation would require TSA to conduct a
review of the interoperable communications capabilities of the
law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel responsible for
responding to a security incident at airports in the United
States.
Legislative History
H.R. 4802 was introduced in the House on June 5, 2014, by
Mr. Hudson and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 4802 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Chair discharged the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security from further consideration of H.R. 4802 on June 11,
2014. The Full Committee considered H.R. 4802 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 4802 to
the House on July 3, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-512.
The House considered H.R. 4802 under Suspension of the
Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 4802 was received in the Senate on July 23, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
TSA OFFICE OF INSPECTION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
H.R. 4803
To require the Transportation Security Administration to
conform to existing Federal law and regulations regarding
criminal investigator positions, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4803 addresses issues identified by the Department of
Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (DHS OIG) in
its report Transportation Security Administration Office of
Inspection's Efforts to Enhance Transportation Security [OIG-
13-123], released in September 2013, as well as testimony
received during the Subcommittee on Transportation Security's
January 28, 2014, hearing entitled ``Examining TSA's Cadre of
Criminal Investigators.'' The premium pay and other benefits
afforded to Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
criminal investigators within the Office of Inspection (OOI)
who are incorrectly classified as such will cost the taxpayer
as much as $17,000,000 over 5 years if TSA fails to make any
changes to the number of OOI criminal investigators, according
to the DHS OIG.
This legislation requires TSA to certify to the Congress
and the DHS OIG to validate, that only TSA employees who meet
the relevant legal and regulatory requirements are classified
as criminal investigators and receive premium pay. If the
Inspector General finds that TSA is using inadequate or invalid
data and methods to classify criminal investigators, TSA may
not hire any new employee to work in OOI until TSA makes a new
certification and the DHS OIG submits to Congress a finding
that TSA utilized adequate and valid data and methods to make
its certification. It also requires TSA to reclassify any
criminal investigators who do not meet the legal requirements
and report to Congress on any associated cost savings. In
addition, this legislation would require TSA to submit to
Congress any materials associated with OOI's review of the use
of a Federal Firearms License by Federal Air Marshal Service
(FAMS) officials to obtain discounted or free firearms for
personal use. Furthermore, it requires TSA to submit
information on specific actions that will be taken to prevent
FAMS officials from using a Federal Firearms License and the
agency's relationships with private vendors to obtain
discounted or free firearms for personal use.
Legislative History
H.R. 4803 was introduced in the House on June 5, 2014, by
Mr. Sanford and Mr. Hudson and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4803 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Chair discharged the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security from further consideration of H.R. 4803 on June 11,
2014. The Full Committee considered H.R. 4803 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 4803 to
the House on July 3, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-513.
The House considered H.R. 4803 under Suspension of the
Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 4803 was received in the Senate on July 23, 2014, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING DETECTION ACT OF 2014
H.R. 5116
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to train
Department of Homeland Security personnel how to effectively
deter, detect, disrupt, and prevent human trafficking during
the course of their primary roles and responsibilities, and for
other purposes.
Summary
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
human trafficking ranks as the second most profitable form of
transnational crime and is a $32 billion per year industry. DHS
is responsible for investigating human trafficking, arresting
traffickers, and protecting victims. According to DHS,
increased anti-trafficking awareness and training leads to more
tips to law enforcement, resulting in more victims being
identified. To that end, DHS established the Blue Campaign to
raise awareness and offer training to law enforcement and
others.
This legislation ensures that the Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other
DHS personnel the Secretary deems appropriate are trained to
effectively detect, intercept, and disrupt human trafficking in
a manner relevant to their professional roles and
responsibilities. Additionally, the bill seeks to provide such
personnel with the most current trends and information on
matters pertaining to the detection of human trafficking. The
bill would establish annual reviews, evaluations, and updates
to ensure that the training is consistent with current trends,
patterns, and techniques associated with human trafficking.
Additionally, the legislation would require the Secretary to
certify to the relevant committees that all described personnel
have received the training, as well as submit a report to the
committees on the overall effectiveness of the program and the
number of reported cases by DHS personnel. The Secretary would
also be authorized to assist State, local and Tribal
governments, as well as private organizations, in establishing
training programs regarding trafficking in persons upon request
from such entities.
Legislative History
H.R. 5116 was introduced in the House on July 15, 2014, by
Mr. Meadows, Mr. McCaul, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Mr.
Hudson, and Mr. O'Rourke and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary. Within the Committee, H.R. 5116 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and the Subcommittee on
Border and Maritime Security.
The Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on July 17,
2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration on the
House Floor, the Committee on the judiciary would waive further
consideration of H.R. 5116. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on the Judiciary and the agreement
to waive further consideration of H.R. 5116, and further
supporting the request for Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
The House agreed to Suspend the Rules and passed H.R. 5116
on July 23, 2014.
H.R. 5116 was received in the Senate on July 24, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
H.R. 5230 (H.R. 2398/H.R. 5137)
Making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2014, and for other purposes.
Summary
Title III of Division B of H.R. 5230 contains provisions of
H.R. 2398, as referred to the Committee.
As introduced, H.R. 2398 grants the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection access to Federal lands to conduct various
activities including: (1) road and barrier construction and
maintenance; (2) use of patrol vehicles; (3) installation,
maintenance, and operation of surveillance equipment and
sensors; and (4) deployment of temporary tactical
infrastructure. The bill further provides the Secretary of
Homeland Security with a waiver over various Federal laws with
respect to the enforcement of the international borders of the
United States.
Legislative History
H.R. 5230 was introduced in the House on July 29, 2014 by
Mr. Rogers of Kentucky.
Provisions of H.R. 2398 were included in Title III of
Division B of H.R. 5230, as introduced; and in Section 16 of
H.R. 5137, as introduced.
H.R. 2398
H.R. 2398 was introduced in the House on June 17, 2013, by
Mr. Bishop of Utah and seven original cosponsors and referred
to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the
Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2398 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
H.R. 5137
H.R. 5137 was introduced in the House on July 17, 2014, by
Mr. Chaffetz, Mr. Goodlatte, Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr. Chabot,
and Mr. Farenthold, and referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Natural
Resources, and the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 5137 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border
and Maritime Security.
STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC NUCLEAR SECURITY ACT OF 2014
H.R. 5629
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to strengthen the
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5629 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-296) to authorize the creation of the Domestic Nuclear
Detection Office for two years. This legislation authorizes the
program at $291 million for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016.
In carrying out the mission of the Office, the Director would
be required to provide comprehensive support to Federal, State,
and local entities to assist in implementing radiological and
nuclear detection capabilities in the event of an attack. These
capabilities would be required to be integrated into the
enhanced global nuclear detection architecture. Moreover, the
Director is required to establish the ``Securing the Cities''
(STC) program to enhance the ability of the U.S. to detect and
prevent a radiological or nuclear attack in high-risk urban
areas. The Director is required to consider jurisdictions
designated as high-risk urban areas for the STC program and
notify Congress within 30 days of any changes or additions to
the program. Within one year of the bill's enactment, the GAO
is required to submit a report to Congress on the program's
effectiveness.
This legislation also requires the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) to complete and sign a Mission Need Statement
and Operational Requirements Document in the event of the
acquisition of a new system for use under this Act. H.R. 5629
also changes the reporting requirements of the Joint
Interagency Review of Global Nuclear Detection Architecture.
Under current law, the report is submitted annually. This
legislation would require the report be submitted biennially.
Legislative History
H.R. 5629 was introduced in the House on September 18,
2014, by Mr. Meehan and Mr. McCaul, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 5629
was referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.
On December 1, 2014, the House considered H.R. 5629 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, amended, by a
\2/3\ recorded vote of 374 yeas and 11 nays, (Roll No. 532).
Received in the Senate on December 3, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Committee
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, President George
W. Bush declared: ``We're fighting a new kind of war against
determined enemies. And public servants long into the future
will bear the responsibility to defend Americans against
terror.'' Over a decade later, our enemies continue to evolve.
We see this especially in the Middle East and these groups are
becoming aligned with other terrorists groups around the world.
Therefore, we must continue to adapt. The Department of
Homeland Security has the major role in defending our Nation
from vulnerabilities our enemies wish to exploit. It is this
Committee's responsibility, pursuant to House Rule X, Clause
3(g), to ``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.'' In addition, the Committee
is to ``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.''
In addition to the threats facing the homeland, the
Committee has continued and will pursue aggressive oversight
and investigations of waste, fraud, and abuse in the Department
of Homeland Security, opening new and wide ranging
investigations of DHS programs and policies.
THREATS TO THE HOMELAND
The Committee has continued to focus on the present and
persistent threat of terrorism. Scattered across the globe are
an increasing number of individuals and organizations
sympathetic to al Qaeda's ideology, who embrace their radical
view and are actively looking to engage in jihad. Further,
threats from new groups, like the Islamic State of Iraq and
Syria (ISIS), intensify everyday.
On February 13, 2013, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``A New Perspective on Threats to the Homeland.'' The Committee
received testimony from ADM Thad Allen (Ret. USCG), Senior Vice
President, Booz Allen Hamilton; Mr. Shawn Henry, President,
CrowdStrike Services; Hon. Michael E. Leiter, Private Citizen;
Hon. David M. Walker, Founder and CEO, The Comeback America
Initiative; and Mr. Clark Kent Ervin, Partner, Patton Boggs,
LLP. The Committee will continue to focus on protecting the
homeland from threats of terrorism both domestically and
abroad, and will conduct rigorous oversight of efforts to
counter these threats.
Throughout the 113th Congress, Members of the Committee
received regular monthly classified briefings from the National
Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), the Department of Homeland
Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to stay
abreast of the latest intelligence and threats to the homeland.
On January 15, 2014, the Full Committee held a hearing
entitled ``A False Narrative Endangers the Homeland.'' The
Committee received testimony from Hon. Joseph I. Lieberman,
Former Senator from the State of Connecticut; Hon. Jane Harman,
Former Representative from the State of California; General
John M. ``Jack'' Keane (Ret. U.S. Army), Chairman of the Board,
Institute for the Study of War; and Dr. Seth G. Jones,
Associate Director, International Security and Defense Policy
Center, the Rand Corporation.
On July 23, 2014, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``The Rising Terrorist Threat and the Unfulfilled 9/11
Recommendation.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon.
Thomas H. Kean, Jr., Co-Chair, Homeland Security Project,
Bipartisan Policy Center and former Chair, National Commission
on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States; Hon. Jamie S.
Gorelick, Former Commissioner, National Commission on Terrorist
Attacks Upon the United States.
On September 17, 2014, the Committee held a hearing
entitled ``Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.'' The Committee
received testimony from Hon. Jeh C. Johnson, Secretary, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Hon. James B. Comey, Director,
Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice;
and Hon. Matthew G. Olsen, Director, National Counterterrorism
Center.
NATIONAL NETWORK OF FUSION CENTERS
The National Network of Fusion Centers (Network) was
developed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to close
the gaps in information sharing between Federal, State, and
local law enforcement and emergency responders. The Network
includes 78 fusion centers across 49 states, three territories
and the District of Columbia. On July 26, 2013, the Committee
released a Majority Staff Report entitled ``The National
Network of Fusion Centers,'' detailing the Committee's findings
and recommendations based on a comprehensive study of fusions
centers across the Nation. The report concludes months of work
by the Committee which included visits to 32 fusion centers,
briefings and discussions with Federal partners and the
National Fusion Center Association. The Committee's review
concludes that the Network is not functioning as cohesively as
it should be and fusion centers are facing numerous challenges
that prevent the Network from realizing its full potential to
help secure the Homeland. The Committee will continue to work
with Federal, State, and local stakeholders in an effort to
further mature and develop the Network as a national homeland
security asset.
BOKO HARAM
Boko Haram is an Islamic jihadist militant organization
based in the northeast of Nigeria, north Cameroon, and Niger
that seeks to establish a ``pure'' Islamic state ruled by
sharia law, putting a stop to what it deems ``Westernization.''
Boko Haram has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to waging
violent jihad. The organization's growing capacity and alliance
with al Qaeda make it a threat to the Homeland and U.S.
interests abroad. In September 2014, the Chair of the Full
Committee and the Chairs of the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Intelligence,
released a report entitled ``Boko Haram: Growing Threat to the
U.S. Homeland.'' The Committee concluded that designating Boko
Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) will ensure
support for the group's activities is prohibited by Federal
law. Subsequently, the Department of State designated Boko
Haram an FTO on November 13, 2013.
THE BOSTON BOMBINGS
On April 15, 2013, two improvised explosive devices
detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. This
attack killed three innocent victims and injured an estimated
260 others. Local police, fire departments, medical personnel,
members of the National Guard, as well as the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI), and officials from the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the scene, and began to
coordinate efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
The suspects, identified several days later as Tamerlan and
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, were eventually cornered in Watertown,
Massachusetts in the early hours of Friday, April 19, 2013.
Tamerlan Tsarnaev sustained fatal injuries during his attempt
to flee authorities, while his younger brother evaded capture
for another several hours by hiding in a nearby boat. In the
aftermath of Dzhokhar's arrest and his brother's death, the
Committee--responding to public reports that Tamerlan Tsarnaev
had been previously identified as a potential terrorist
threat--initiated an investigation into what Federal agencies
knew about the danger he posed, what was done with that
information, and how to ensure this type of situation does not
occur again.
The Committee released a report entitled ``The Road to
Boston: Counterterrorism Challenges and Lessons from the
Marathon Bombings'' on March 26, 2014, which expanded the
attacks and provided recommendations to improve the security of
the United States. This effort resulted in multiple briefings
from representatives of DHS, the FBI, and other Federal
officials. The effort also consisted of discussions with State
and local law enforcement, document requests and multiple
Committee hearings and site visits.
On May 9, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing entitled
``The Boston Bombings: A First Look.'' The Committee received
testimony from Hon. Joseph I. Lieberman, former Senator from
the State of Connecticut; Mr. Edward F. Davis, III,
Commissioner, Boston Police Department; Hon. Kurt N. Schwartz,
Undersecretary, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security,
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and Dr. Erroll G. Southers,
Professor and Associate Director of Research Transition, DHS
National Center for Risk & Economic Analysis of Terrorism
Events (CREATE), Sol Price School of Public Policy, University
of Southern California. After the initial assessment from the
hearing, the Committee traveled twice to Boston to meet with
representatives from the Boston Police Department, DHS, and the
Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Additionally, the Committee
met with the Intelligence Community Inspector General to
coordinate investigative efforts.
The Committee continued its examination into the Boston
bombings with a hearing on July 10 and 11, 2013, entitled
``Assessing Attacks on the Homeland: From Fort Hood to
Boston.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon. Rudolph
``Rudy'' W. Giuliani, former Mayor, New York City; Hon. Michael
Leiter, former Director, National Counterterrorism Center; Dr.
Bruce Hoffman, Professor and Director, Center for Peace and
Security Studies and Security, Georgetown University; Hon. John
Cohen, Deputy Counterterrorism Coordinator and Senior Advisor
to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and
Hon. Matthew G. Olsen, Director, National Counterterrorism
Center. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the testimony,
portions of this hearing were held in Executive Session.
On April 2, 2014, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``The Boston Marathon Bombings, One Year On: A
Look Back to Look Forward.'' The Committee received testimony
from Mr. Edward F. Davis, III, Former Commissioner, Boston
Police Department and Fellow, John F. Kennedy School of
Government, Harvard University; Mr. Edward P. Deveau, Chief of
Police, Watertown Police Department; Mr. Jeffrey J. Pugliese,
Sergeant, Watertown Police Department; and Dr. Herman ``Dutch''
B. Leonard, Professor of Public Management, John F. Kennedy
School of Government, Harvard University.
After the hearings, the Committee on Homeland Security
continued its investigation into the actions of the Federal
Government prior to the Boston bombings and post bombings. The
Committee sent a series of letters to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the
National Counterterrorism Center on their particular actions
and insights into the terrorists and events that occurred prior
to the attack. Additionally Members of the Committee and staff
have received a series of briefings regarding the bombing and
information sharing between agencies. Committee staff traveled
to Moscow, the Russian Federation, and Georgia to investigate
Tamerlan Tsarnaev's travel and speak with officials on the
ground to gain insight into the radicalization of the suspects.
Committee is currently conducting a follow-up investigation to
examine how the Committee's recommendations have been
implemented.
The Committee continues to follow-up its initial
investigation into the Boston Marathon Bombings to ensure
compliance by agencies with recommendations made into the
Committee's initial investigations.
From August 18 through 20, 2014, Committee staff conducted
a site visit to the Boston Regional Intelligence Center and the
Massachusetts State Police Headquarters to examine information
sharing between federal agencies and state and local partners
at Fusion Centers and JTTFs in the wake of the bombing and
since the release of the Committee's report and the
Intelligence Community's Inspector General reports.
On November 17, 2014, the Chair of the Full Committee sent
letters to DHS and FBI to share findings from Committee staff
site visits to New York City, New York; Austin, Texas; and
Boston, Massachusetts. The Committee's investigation is on-
going. The Committee is assessing how Federal, State, and local
agencies are addressing the recommendations included in the
Committee's report.
2014 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES SECURITY
On February 3, 2014, the Members of the Committee on
Homeland Security, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the
Committee on Armed Services received a classified briefing on
the security situation and U.S. assistance at the 2014 Winter
Olympics. Members were briefed by representatives from the
Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the
National Counterterrorism Center.
On February 6, 2014, Committee staff received a classified
briefing from DHS regarding additional aviation security
measures linked to security concerns associated with the
Olympic Games.
On November 6 and 7, 2013, the Committee sent a staff
delegation to visit Sochi, Russian Federation, to investigate
security at the 2014 Olympic Games venues and determine how the
Department of Homeland Security may support this event. The
Committee is also investigating the threats from the Caucasus
Emirate (Imarat Kavkaz--Russian name), a Chechnyan terrorist
group affiliated with al Qaeda, which threatened the 2014
Winter Olympic games.
From January 18 through 23, 2014, the Chair of the
Committee led a Congressional Delegation to the Russian
Federation. The trip focused on the security situation
surrounding the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russian
Federation.
IMPLICATIONS OF SYRIA CRISIS ON HOMELAND SECURITY
In August 2013, the Syrian government used chemical agents
on civilians in the Ghouta area of Damascus. As the United
States and its allies considered an international military
response, the Committee held numerous meetings and briefings to
understand the security implications of this response on the
Homeland. On September 10, 2013, the Committee held a hearing
entitled ``Crisis in Syria: Implications for Homeland
Security.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon.
Christopher Shays, Former Representative in Congress from the
4th District of Connecticut; Major General Robert H. Scales,
Jr. (Ret. U.S. Army), former Commandant of the U.S. Army War
College; Mr. Thomas Joscelyn, Senior Fellow, Foundation for
Defense of Democracies; and Dr. Stephen Biddle, Adjunct Senior
Fellow for Defense Policy, Council on Foreign Relations. The
Committee will continue to closely monitor the Syrian crisis,
especially given the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and
Syria (ISIS) to understand potential threats to the Homeland
from foreign fighters and the possibility of chemical weapons
falling into extremists' hands.
EFFECTS OF WESTERNERS JOINING TERROR GROUPS
In September 2013, Americans watched as hundreds ran for
cover and 68 people were murdered by vicious terrorists who
invaded a shopping mall in the Republic of Kenya. Al-Shabaab
militants, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, were
responsible for terrorizing these innocent civilians. The most
striking concern for Americans is that within the ranks of al-
Shabaab are 40-50 Americans, who have previously resided in the
United States, and are now fighting alongside these jihadists
in Africa.
On October 9, 2013, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How Westerners Joining Terror
Groups Overseas Affect the Homeland.'' The Committee received
testimony from Prof. Michael Scheuer, Adjunct Professor, Center
for Peace and Security Studies, Georgetown University,
testifying on his own behalf; Ms. Lauren Ploch Blanchard,
Specialist in African Affairs, Congressional Research Service,
The Library of Congress; Mr. Brett Lovegrove, Chief Executive,
City Security and Resilience Network (CSARN); Mr. Richard W.
Stanek, Sheriff, Hennepin County, Minnesota; Mr. Richard
Mellor, Vice President, Loss Prevention, National Retail
Federation; and Ms. Stephanie Sanok Kostro, Senior Fellow and
Acting Director, Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies. More
than one hundred Americans are known to be fighting overseas in
support of terrorist organizations, from the Middle East and
Africa. This issue is especially relevant in Syria where ISIS
has thousands of Westerners, including a number of Americans,
fighting with ISIS. The Committee is following this issue
closely to ensure those aiding terrorists abroad cannot return
to the United States and conduct attacks in the homeland.
Committee Members and staff attended multiple briefings
regarding the threat of foreign fighters--particularly those
from Western countries--joining Islamist terror groups in Syria
and Iraq. Briefings include a September 18th interagency
foreign fighter briefing, an October 8th National Security
Council briefing, and an October 21st briefing by the Defense
Intelligence Agency.
COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM
The Committee initiated an investigation into U.S. efforts
to counter violent extremism (CVE). On December 4, 2013, the
Chair of the Full Committee and the Chair of the Subcommittee
on Counterterrorism and Intelligence sent a letter to the
Attorney General requesting updated arrest statistics for
individuals indicted on terrorism-related charges during Fiscal
Years 2011 and 2012.
The Committee met with a number of current and former
government officials regarding CVE. On February 20, 2014,
Committee staff met with the Acting Principal Deputy
Undersecretary Department of Homeland Security CVE initiatives.
On May 30, 2014, the Chairman of the Full Committee sent a
letter to the President's Homeland Security Advisor regarding
the Committee's intentions to conduct an assessment of the
Administration's CVE efforts and to measure progress in meeting
the objectives laid out in the 2011 CVE strategy and
corresponding implementation plan.
On July 15, 2014, Committee staff met with a former
Administration official regarding programs to counter violent
extremism (CVE). On August 12, 2014, Committee staff met with
officials across the government representing an interagency
effort on CVE.
On September 12, 2014, the Chair of the Full Committee sent
a letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
raising concerns about the lack of a direct budget allocation
for government-wide CVE efforts and requesting that one be
included in the Fiscal Year 2016 budget request to Congress.
On October 22, 2014, Committee staff participated in a site
visit to the National Counterterrorism Center to receive
briefings on: Terrorists' use of social media for propaganda
and recruitment, and on-going concerns with radicalization
within U.S. prisons.
From November 6-7, 2014 Committee staff traveled to
Minneapolis, Minnesota to attend a Community Resiliency
Exercise (CREx) hosted by DHS and DOJ as part of their
community outreach and CVE efforts. This trip also included a
meeting with the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota,
as well as attending a community roundtable between Federal
officials and members of the local Muslim community.
On November 18, 2014, the Chairman of the Full Committee
gave a keynote speech on the challenges associated with CVE and
the importance of the Administration recognizing the threat
from homegrown Islamist extremists.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FOREIGN FIGHTER PROGRAMS
The Committee is currently conducting a review of the U.S.
Government's preparedness to deter, detect, and disrupt the
travel of foreign fighters and potential terrorists from
violent Islamist safe havens, particularly Syria and Iraq, into
the United States. This review will explore the
Administration's strategy, all Government agency actions--
specifically the Department of Homeland Security and
interagency preparedness to combat the threat--and gaps which
remain in our defenses. On November 7, 2014, the Chair of the
Full Committee sent a letter to the White House announcing the
review.
BORDER SECURITY
Border security is about much more than illegal
immigration; it is about safeguarding this country from
terrorism, drug cartels, weapons and human smuggling and
ensuring the free flow of legitimate trade. It is important to
know who and what is coming into the United States. The
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has never created a
National strategy to secure our borders. In the absence of a
complete border security strategy that encompasses the entire
border, illicit cross-border activity quickly adapts and moves
from one area to another. Throughout the 113th Congress, the
Committee has actively examined the key elements of border
security including the definition of a secure border, border
security metrics and measures, visa security and overstays, the
implementation of a biometric exit system, cargo security,
maritime security, and the future of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC).
As the Senate considered reform of the U.S. immigration
system, the Committee examined proposals to enhance border
security. S. 744, the Senate's immigration bill included some
provisions related to border security. The Senate's approach
puts a heavy emphasis on spending resources, with limited
accountability or ability to measure outcomes of those applied
resources. The Senate bill spends an additional $46 billion
dollars to: Double the size of the Border Patrol; build
additional miles of fence; and purchase new technology. H.R.
1417, the Committee's bipartisan border security legislation,
calls for a strategy and an implementation plan to be produced
prior to the expenditure of additional resources. It also
requires metrics to increase accountability, and applies a
standard of no less than 90 percent effectiveness to hold the
Department accountable.
On July 30, 2014, the Members of the Committee received a
classified briefing from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
on the state of the border. On October 6, 2014, the Chair of
the Committee released the ``Blueprint for Southern Border
Security'' which provided sector-by-sector recommendations on
resource allocation and capability improvements to achieve
situational awareness of the border.
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION
Staff of the Committee met with representatives from the
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture on January 27, and February 6, 2014, to discuss the
screening and importation of plants and animals to protect
against dangerous diseases and pathogens.
ABU DHABI PRE-CLEARANCE
The Department of Homeland Security and the United Arab
Emerites began bilateral negotiations in August 2012 to
establish U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance
operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Preclearance
operations would allow uniformed CBP officers to inspect and
clear commercial passengers on foreign soil, prior to boarding
an aircraft bound for the United States. Once cleared on
foreign soil, passengers do not have to clear customs upon
arrival to the United States.
On January 9, 2014, the Members of the Full Committee
received a classified briefing on the status of the pre-
clearance program. Representatives from CBP and the
Transportation Security Administration were present to respond
to Member questions. From May 11 through 19, 2014, the Chair of
the Full Committee led a Congressional Delegation to Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates to examine the CBP Preclearance facility.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
On March 20, 2014, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a field hearing in Houston, Texas entitled ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.'' Testimony was received from
Mr. Brian M. Moskowitz, Houston Special Agent in Charge, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Steve McCraw, Director, Texas Department
of Public Safety; Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Sheriff's Office,
Harris County, Texas; Ms. Ann Johnson, Assistant District
Attorney, Office of the District Attorney, Harris County,
Texas; Mr. Charles A. McClelland, Jr., Chief, Houston Police
Department, Houston, Texas; Dr. Robert ``Bob'' Sanborn,
President, Children At Risk; Reena Isaac, M.D., Assistant
Professor, Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas
Children's Hospital; Ms. Cheryl Briggs, Founder and Chief
Executive Officer, Mission at Serenity Ranch; and Ms. Kathryn
Griffin-Townsend, Founder, We've Been There Done That.
UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN
On June 24, 2014, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Dangerous Passage: The Growing Problem of Unaccompanied
Children Crossing the Border.'' The Committee received
testimony from The Honorable Jeh C. Johnson, Secretary, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; The Honorable W. Craig Fugate,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. Ronald D. Vitiello,
Deputy Chief, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
The Committee continued its examination into unaccompanied
children on July 3, 2014, with a field hearing in McAllen,
Texas entitled ``Crisis on the Texas Border: Surge of
Unaccompanied Minors.'' The Committee received testimony from
Hon. Rick Perry, Governor, State of Texas; Mr. Kevin W. Oaks,
Chief Patrol Agent, Rio Grande Valley Sector, Border Patrol,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Steven C. McCraw. Director, Texas Department of
Public Safety; Mr. J. E. ``Eddie'' Guerra, Interim Sheriff,
Sheriff's Office, Hidalgo County, Texas; The Honorable Ramon
Garcia, Hidalgo County Judge, Hidalgo County, Texas; and the
Most Reverend Mark J. Seitz, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of El
Paso, Texas, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
While in McAllen, Texas, Members conducted a site visit to
the Unaccompanied Alien Intake Center in McAllen, Texas and
examined the processing of unaccompanied children apprehended
by the Border Patrol.
On September 9, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing
from the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis regarding
their Unaccompanied Alien Children threat assessment.
CARTELS
On April 2, 2014, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``Taking Down the Cartels: Examining United
States--Mexico Cooperation.'' The Committee received testimony
from Mr. James A. Dinkins, Executive Associate Director,
Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigrations and Customs
Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. John D.
Feeley, Principal Deputy, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs,
U.S. Department of State; Mr. Christopher Wilson, Associate,
Mexico Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for
Scholars; and Hon. Alan D. Bersin, Assistant Secretary of
International Affairs and Chief Diplomatic Officer, Office of
International Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
VISITS TO THE BORDER
Members of the Committee conducted a site visit to the
Southwest Border from August 3 through 6, 2013. The purpose of
the site visit was to examine current border security
conditions, including the maritime environment. Members
experienced operations in the maritime domain, urban
environment border security infrastructure, Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle (UAV) operations, and border security challenges in the
Rio Grande Valley. In San Diego, California, Members examined
U. S. Coast Guard port security operations, conducted an aerial
tour of the international border, and a ground operational
environment and infrastructure tour.
While in Tucson, Arizona, Members toured various facilities
including: The Tucson Joint Field Command and Predator
Operations Center; viewed a demonstration of advanced
Integrated Fixed Tower technologies, in Sasabe; and received an
overview of UAV operations at Fort Huachuca.
Members then traveled to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas to
participate in border terrain tours with local law enforcement
and receive briefings on the South Texas Campaign and the Texas
National Guard's RC-26 fixed-wing aerial detection and
monitoring operations which support the Department of Homeland
Security.
During the 113th Congress, the Committee received updates
on the Arizona Technology Plan and had success when the
Department of Defense re-deployed aerostats along the Rio
Grande Valley. The Committee is optimistic that Mexican
government reforms will provide new economic opportunities so
that its citizens will choose stable, viable jobs, especially
in the energy industry, instead of joining criminal cartels
operating along the Mexico-United States Border. The Committee
will continue to push the Department to secure our borders in
the North, South, and the Caribbean region.
PROTECTING THE NATION'S CYBERSECURITY
Other threats to our Nation do not cross our physical
borders; they instead invade our digital networks. Cyberattacks
are increasingly threatening the homeland. Countries steal our
military and intelligence information; there are threats of
cyber-warfare from terrorists, economic cyber attacks from the
Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of China;
and, the possibility of an attack upon our critical
infrastructure is a growing vulnerability. Despite these
continuous and imminent threats, no major cybersecurity
legislation has been enacted since 2002. The Secretary of
Homeland Security was made responsible for ``coordinating the
overall national effort to enhance the protection of our
critical infrastructure'' when the Department itself was
established. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP)
and Executive Order 13636, Improving Critical Infrastructure
Cybersecurity, issued in February 2013, solidified the
Department's role as the lead Federal entity in protecting
domestic critical infrastructure.
Upon issuance of Executive Order 13636 and Presidential
Policy Directive-21, Critical Infrastructure Security and
Resilience, the Committee received briefings on these documents
from DHS. On March 13, 2013, the Committee held a hearing
entitled ``DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and Responsibilities to
Protect the Nation's Critical Infrastructure.'' The Committee
received testimony from Hon. Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Anish B. Bhimani,
Chairman, Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis
Center; Mr. Gary W. Hayes, Chief Information Officer,
Centerpoint Energy; and Ms. Michelle Richardson, Legislative
Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union.
CYBERSECURITY LEGISLATION
The Committee has spent considerable time developing
cybersecurity legislation. The House has passed several
Committee cybersecurity bills after Members and staff held
hundreds of stakeholder meetings with the Department and
technology and privacy organizations to get their insights and
perspectives. The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection and Security Technologies held numerous hearings on
Executive Order 13636, the National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center (NCCIC), the Cybersecurity
Framework, sharing threat information while ensuring privacy
and civil liberties, partnering with the privacy sector, and
coordinating a cyber-incident response.
THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
As the Nation approached key Affordable Care Act milestones
during 2013, the Committee raised security and privacy concerns
prior to the problems healthcare.gov experiences when it went
live in October. The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies held
hearings in July and September on healthcare.gov and the Health
Exchange Data Hub. On November 8, Committee staff also received
a briefing from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
and the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications on the
Department of Homeland Security's role in the implementation of
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. On November 13,
2013, the Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Cyber Side-
Effects: How Secure is the Personal Information Entered into
the Flawed Healthcare.gov?'' The Committee received testimony
from Ms. Roberta ``Bobbie'' Stempfley, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Soraya Correa, Associate
Director, Enterprise Services Directorate, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Luke Chung, President, FMS, Inc.; and Mr. Waylon Krush, Chief
Executive Officer, Lunarline, Inc. In preparation for this
hearing, Committee staff met with stakeholders to discuss
technical flaws with healthcare.gov.
AVIATION THREATS
On July 9, 2014, Members of the Committee received a
classified briefing on current aviation threats. Members were
briefed from representatives from Department of Homeland
Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the
Transportation Security Administration.
On June 20, 2014, Members of the Committee conducted a site
visit to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Members participated in
the Administrator's Daily Intelligence Brief (ADIB).
The ADIB is a 24-hour snapshot of transportation-related
intelligence, comprised of TSA operational and Intelligence
Community reporting. The ADIB also includes a 72-hour No-Fly/
Selectee Review and highlights the number of firearms and other
prohibited items found at checkpoints as well as number of
arrests and checkpoint closures from the previous day's
operations. Mr. Steve Sadler, the Assistant Administrator for
the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and his briefing team
provide the intelligence briefing and develop analysis reports.
Individuals from the Transportation Security Operations Center
report on the day's Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response
and Federal Air Marshal deployments and highlight notable
checkpoint events from the day before.
DHS MANAGEMENT
During the 113th Congress, the Committee actively monitored
the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) management and
operations to ensure that it is functioning efficiently and is
accountable to the American people. The Committee met with DHS
headquarters and many components to examine management
practices in acquisition, financial management, information
technology, human capital, and employee integrity. During the
113th Congress, the Department had to navigate the complex
impacts of sequestration, a government shutdown, and
significant senior leadership resignations. The Committee has
been vocal about the need for key Department leadership
positions to be filled.
On February 26, 2014, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``The Secretary's Vision for the
Future--Challenges and Priorities.'' Testimony was received
from Hon. Jeh C. Johnson, Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security.
DHS BUDGET REQUESTS
FY 2014 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 2014, and on
April 18, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing entitled
``The President's FY 2014 Budget Request for the Department of
Homeland Security.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon.
Janet Napolitano, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
Based on a Committee staff review of the President's budget
request for FY 2014 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.
FY 2015 Budget Request
On March 13, 2014, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a hearing entitled ``The President's FY 2015 Budget Request for
the Department of Homeland Security.'' Testimony was received
from Hon. Jeh C. Johnson, Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security.
Based on a Committee staff review of the President's budget
request for FY 2015 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.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP VACANCIES
On March 5, 2013, the Chair and Ranking Member sent a
letter the President urging swift appointment of an Inspector
General in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With over
40 percent of the senior leadership positions vacant, the Chair
wrote an opinion editorial discussing DHS leadership vacancies
that appeared in the Monday, November 11, 2013, edition of The
Wall Street Journal.
On December 12, 2013, the Full Committee held a hearing
entitled ``Help Wanted at DHS: Implications of Leadership
Vacancies on the Mission and Morale.'' The Committee received
testimony from Hon. Tom J. Ridge, Former Secretary, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Max Stier, President and
CEO, Partnership for Public Service; Mr. David C. Maurer,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government
Accountability Office; and Ms. Colleen M. Kelley, National
President, The National Treasury Employees Union.
GAO'S HIGH RISK LIST
In light of the Government Accountability Office's (GAO)
2013 High-Risk report [GAO-13-283] which identified financial
management within the Department as high risk, on February 20,
2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittees on
Oversight and Management Efficiency, and Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, sent a
letter to DHS's Chief Financial Officer regarding the
Department's financial management systems and efforts to obtain
a clean audit opinion on its financial statements. The
Department provided a response to this letter on March 8, 2013.
On March 11, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from
DHS's Chief Financial Officer. The GAO issued its report DHS
Financial Management: Additional Efforts Needed to Resolve
Deficiencies in Internal Controls and Financial Management
Systems on September 30, 2013, [GAO-13-561]. The report
contained four recommendations for executive action. On July 8,
2013, Committee staff received a briefing from DHS's Chief
Financial Officer regarding DHS's efforts to modernize its
financial systems. To further examine these issues, on November
15, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency held a hearing entitled ``DHS Financial Management:
Investigating DHS's Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Asif Khan, Director,
Financial Management and Assurance, U.S. Government
Accountability Office; and Ms. Anne L. Richards, Assistant
Inspector General for Audits, Office of the Inspector General,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of the
hearing was to examine relevant GAO and Inspector General
findings on DHS financial practices, including steps to obtain
a clean audit opinion and implement financial management
systems.
On May 7, 2014, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``Preventing Waste, Fraud, Abuse and
Mismanagement in Homeland Security--A GAO High-Risk List
Review.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon. Alejandro
N. Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Hon. Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the
United States, Government Accountability Office; and Hon. John
Roth, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT
On August 1, 2013, the Undersecretary for Management, the
Chief Procurement Officer, the Acting Chief Information
Officer, and other senior officials from the Department of
Homeland Security briefed Committee staff on the status of the
Department's acquisition management efforts. As a follow up, on
September 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Management Efficiency held a hearing entitled ``DHS Acquisition
Practices: Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and
Private Sector Lessons Learned.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Hon. Rafael Borras, Undersecretary for
Management, Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Michele
Mackin, Director, Government Accountability Office; Ms. Anne L.
Richards, Assistant Inspector General for Audits, DHS Office of
the Inspector General; Mr. William C. Greenwalt, Visiting
Fellow, American Enterprise Institute; Mr. Stan Soloway,
President and CEO, Professional Services Council; and Mr. David
Berteau, Senior Vice President, Center for Strategic and
International Studies. The purpose of the hearing was to
examine DHS's acquisition practices to determine if the
Department is effectively implementing its policies and to
assess whether DHS could leverage best practices and lessons
learned from the Department of Defense and the private sector.
On November 5, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency raised
concerns, in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security's
Chief Procurement Officer, over the Department's Enterprise
Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge Solutions II (EAGLE II)
and requested additional information. The Department provided a
written response on December 2, 2013.
DHS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Committee reviewed the authorities and activities of
the Department of Homeland Security's Chief Information Officer
(CIO) to ensure the effective management and coordination of
key IT systems planning, investment management, cloud
computing, data consolidating, operations, policy development,
and related personnel management. The Committee also examined
component efforts--particularly U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(ICE), and United States Customs and Immigration Services
(USCIS)--to modernize and implement critical IT systems
supporting Border Patrol agents and immigration officers. On
February 21, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from the
DHS Office of the Inspector General concerning their on-going
IT Audits and IT management issues. Committee staff also
received briefings from various DHS Officials, including: The
DHS Chief Information Officer; the USCIS Chief Information
Officer; and the ICE Chief Information Officer. The Committee
reviewed the Department's efforts to address information
technology (IT) challenges, including the management and
integration of the Department's IT systems. The Committee
monitored the Department's progress in IT architectural
planning, investment management, and cloud computing.
On March 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Management Efficiency held a hearing entitled ``DHS Information
Technology: How Effectively Has DHS Harnessed IT to Secure Our
Borders and Uphold Immigration Laws?'' The purpose of the
hearing was to assess how IT resources are being effectively
utilized to help secure our borders and uphold immigration
laws. It also examined how the Department is exercising proper
management and oversight of its IT investments.
The Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee on
Oversight and Management Efficiency requested on May 23, 2013,
to sign onto an on-going Government Accountability Office
review of the TECS modernization program--the Treasury
Enforcement Communication System. Committee staff also received
a briefing from the Office of the Inspector General regarding
its investigation concerning the DHS Chief Information Officer.
On August 22, 2013, Committee staff were briefed by the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on its
transportation infrastructure modernization efforts, which
seeks to update TSA IT infrastructure in maritime, surface, and
aviation environments.
On November 14, 2013, DHS officials briefed the Committee
on their approach to Integrated Investment Life Cycle
Management (IILCM). The IILCM is the Department's
transformational concept to integrate all phases of the
Department's multi-billion dollar budget and investment/
acquisition management process. The framework provides critical
linkages between Strategy, Capabilities and Requirements,
Programming and Budgeting, and Investment Oversight phases to
ensure the effective execution of Federal funds to support
strategic priorities. The IILCM was signed into policy by
Secretary Napolitano in February 2013 and the framework is
being piloted through March 2014 using the cybersecurity,
biodefense, and common vetting portfolios. The Committee will
continue to monitor the progress of these pilot initiatives.
QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW
On November 15, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee and
the Subcommittees sent a letter to the Acting Secretary to
ensure the second Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR)
addresses critical homeland security issues and relevant
recommendations. During the second session, the Committee
examined the second QHSR, which set the priorities and
direction of the Department for the coming years.
DHS FIELD EFFICIENCIES
The Committee is currently conducting a review of the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) regional and field
office structure and spending to assess whether the Department
has worked to find cost savings by consolidating DHS field
locations. Such efficiencies could include co-location of
component offices, shared services, bulk purchasing, and
related efforts which offer the potential to strengthen
operational collaboration between the agencies and to save
taxpayer dollars. The Chair of the Full Committee sent a letter
to the Secretary of Homeland Security on September 10, 2014,
announcing the review. The Secretary responded with a letter on
October 10, 2014, indicating the Department's willingness to
work with the Committee during the review. Committee staff
conducted site visits to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New
York City, new York from December 17 though 19, 2014. The
Committee expects to release a report detailing its findings
during the 114th Congress.
FIRST RESPONDERS
On June 18, 2014, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``The Critical Role of First Responders: Sharing Lessons
Learned from Past Attacks.'' The Committee received testimony
from Deputy Commissioner John Miller, Intelligence and
Counterterrorism, New York City Police Department, New York
City, New York; Chief James H. Schwartz, Arlington County Fire
Department, Arlington, Virginia; Chief James Hooley, Boston
Emergency Medical Services; and Dr. Brian A. Jackson, Director,
The RAND Safety and Justice Program, The RAND Corporation.
EBOLA
Throughout the Summer and Fall of 2014 Committee staff
attended a number of briefings and participated in a number of
conference calls about the response to the Ebola outbreak in
West Africa and efforts to stop the spread of the disease to
the United States.
On September 16, 2014, the Chair of the Full Committee sent
a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security requesting
information about actions taken by U.S. Customs and Border
Protection at ports of entry to protect against the spread of
Ebola in the United States.
The first case of Ebola was diagnosed in Dallas, Texas on
September 30, 2014. Subsequent to this diagnosis, on October
10, 2014, the Committee held a field hearing in Dallas, Texas,
entitled ``Ebola in the Homeland: The Importance of Effective
International, Federal, State and Local Coordination.'' The
Committee received testimony from Dr. Toby Merlin, Director,
Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infection, National
Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Center
for Disease Control and Prevention; Kathryn Brinsfield, MD,
MPH, FACEP, Acting Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical
Officer, Office of Health Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. John P. Wagner, Acting Assistant Commissioner,
Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Dr. David L. Lakey,
Commissioner of Health, Department of State Health Services,
State of Texas; Dr. Brett P. Giroir, Executive Vice President
and CEO, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University,
Director, Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness
and Response; Hon. Clay Lewis Jenkins, Judge, Dallas County,
Texas; and Catherine L. Troisi, Ph.D., Associate Professor,
Division of Management, Policy, and Community Health, Center
for Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas. At this
hearing, key Federal and State offices discussed the efforts
that have been taken to respond to the first case of Ebola in
the United States. The hearing also examined ways to continue
to improve domestic preparedness and capabilities, particularly
passenger entry screening.
On October 15, 2014, the Chair of the Full Committee, along
with the Chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications, the Chair of the Subcommittee on
Border and Maritime Security, the Chair of the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism, the Chair of the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security, and the Chair of the Subcommittee on
Oversight and Management Efficiency, sent a letter to the
Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security and State
requesting the temporary suspension of visas of individuals
from the affected countries.
The Chair of the Full Committee sent a letter to the
President of the United States on October 15, 2014, urging the
reinstatement of the position of Special Assistant to the
President for Biodefense.
CODELS
From January 18 through 23, 2014, the Chair of the
Committee led a Congressional Delegation to the Russian
Federation. The trip focused on the security situation
surrounding the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russian
Federation.
From May 11 through 19, 2014, the Chair of the Committee
led a Congressional Delegation to the Republic of Turkey,
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the
United Arab Emirates, and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The purpose of the trip was to examine the evolving security
threats to the homeland; border security issues with other
countries to determine best practices which can be applied to
U.S. borders; preclearance issues related to the Transportation
Security Administration; refugee issues; and the health and
welfare of U.S. military and diplomatic service personnel
overseas.
From May 31 through June 8, 2014, the Chair of the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency led a
Congressional Delegation to the Republic of Malta, the Kingdom
of Belgium, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland. The purpose of the trip was to educate key
Congressional Members on homeland security efforts and
cooperation in the U.S. European Command area of operations.
The trip focused on bilateral and multilateral cooperation in
the areas of border security, counterterrorism, and aviation
and supply chain security.
EXECUTIVE ACTION ON IMMIGRATION
On December 2, 2014, the Committee held a hearing entitled
``Open Borders: The Impact of Presidential Amnesty on Border
Security.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon. Jeh C.
Johnson, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
----------
Full Committee Hearings Held
``A New Perspective on Threats to the Homeland.'' February 13,
2013. (Serial No. 113-1)
``DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and Responsibilities to Protect the
Nation's Critical Infrastructure.'' March 6, 2013.
(Serial No. 113-4)
``The President's FY 2014 Budget Request for the Department of
Homeland Security.'' April 18, 2013. (Serial No. 113-
11)
``The Boston Bombings: A First Look.'' May 9, 2013. (Serial No.
113-16)
``Assessing Attacks on the Homeland: From Fort Hood to
Boston.'' July 10 and 11, 2013. (Serial No. 113-16)
``Crisis in Syria: Implications for Homeland Security.''
September 10, 2013. (Serial No. 113-32)
``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How Westerners Joining Terror
Groups Overseas Affect the Homeland.'' October 9, 2013.
(Serial No. 113-38)
``Cyber Side-Effects: How Secure is the Personal Information
Entered into the Flawed Healthcare.gov?'' November 13,
2013. (Serial No. 113-41)
``Help Wanted at DHS: Implications of Leadership Vacancies on
the Mission and Morale.'' December 12, 2013. (Serial
No. 113-46)
``A False Narrative Endangers the Homeland.'' January 15, 2014.
(Serial No. 113-47)
``The Secretary's Vision for the Future - Challenges and
Priorities.'' February 26, 2014. (Serial No. 113-53)
``The President's FY 2015 Budget Request for the Department of
Homeland Security.'' March 13, 2014. (Serial No. 113-
56)
``Combating Human Trafficking in Our Major Cities'' March 20,
2014. Field hearing in Houston, Texas. (Serial No. 113-
57)
``Taking Down the Cartels: Examining United States-Mexico
Cooperation.'' April 2, 2014. (Serial No. 113-60)
``The Boston Marathon Bombings, One Year On: A Look Back to
Look Forward.'' April 9, 2014. (Serial No. 113-64)
``Preventing Waste, Fraud, Abuse and Mismanagement in Homeland
Security--A GAO High-Risk List Review.'' May 7, 2014.
(Serial No. 113-67)
``The Critical Role of First Responders: Sharing Lessons
Learned from Past Attacks.'' June 18, 2014. (Serial No.
113-71)
``Dangerous Passage: The Growing Problem of Unaccompanied
Children Crossing the Border'' June 24, 2014. (Serial
No. 113-74)
``Crisis on the Texas Border: Surge of Unaccompanied Minors''
July 3, 2014. Field hearing in McAllen, Texas. (Serial
No. 113-74)
``The Rising Terrorist Threat and the Unfulfilled 9/11
Recommendation'' July 23, 2014. (Serial No. 113-79)
``Worldwide Threats to the Homeland.'' September 17, 2014.
(Serial No. 113-85)
``Ebola in the Homeland: The Importance of Effective
International, Federal, State and Local Coordination.''
October 10, 2014. Field hearing in Dallas, Texas
(Serial No. 113-87)
``Open Borders: The Impact of Presidential Amnesty on Border
Security.'' December 2, 2014. (Serial No. 113-1)
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania,
Vice Chair
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Curtis Clawson,Florida
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence held nine hearings, receiving
testimony from 32 witnesses.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
WMD INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING ACT OF 2013
H.R. 1542
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
H.R. 1542 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-296) to direct the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct
information sharing activities relevant to threats from weapons
of mass destruction (WMD). H.R. 1542 requires the Department to
support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of
terrorist actors, their claims, and their plans to conduct
attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, and
nuclear materials against the Nation and of global infectious
disease, public health, food, agricultural, and veterinary
issues. The act also requires DHS to support homeland security-
focused risk analysis and risk assessments of such homeland
security hazards by providing relevant quantitative and
qualitative threat information. Additionally, the act requires
DHS to leverage homeland security intelligence capabilities and
structures to enhance prevention, protection, response, and
recovery efforts with respect to a chemical, biological,
radiological, or nuclear attack. Furthermore, the act requires
DHS to share information and provide tailored analytical
support on these threats to state, local, and tribal
authorities as well as other national biosecurity and
biodefense stakeholders.
H.R. 1542 requires coordination within the Department and
with the Intelligence Community, Federal, State, local, and
Tribal authorities where appropriate. The act further directs
the Secretary of DHS to report annually on: (1) Intelligence
and information sharing activities to counter the threat from
weapons of mass destruction, and (2) DHS's activities in
accordance with relevant intelligence strategies.
Legislative History
112th Congress
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 reported to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2764 on March 28, 2012,
and ordered the measure to be favorably reported to the House,
amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 2764 to the House on May 8,
2012, as H. Rpt. 112-466.
The House considered H.R. 2764 on May 30, 2012, under
Suspension of the Rules, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 2764 was received in the Senate on June 4, 2012, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
113th Congress
H.R. 1542 was introduced in the House on April 24, 2013, by
Mr. Meehan, Ms. Speier, Mr. McCaul, Mr. King of New York, and
Mr. Higgins, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1542 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
The House considered H.R. 1542 on July 22, 2013, under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by a \2/3\
record vote of 388 yeas and 3 nays, (Roll No. 375).
H.R. 1542 was received in the Senate on July 23, 2013, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
U.S. COUNTERTERRORISM STRATEGY
The Subcommittee continued its review of homeland security
and counterterrorism efforts across the Federal Government to
counter the threat from al-Qaeda and other terrorist networks.
The Committee conducted a series of meetings, briefings,
and site visits to review U.S. counterterrorism efforts aimed
at disrupting and reducing threats to the U.S. homeland from
al-Qaeda and other Islamic terror groups.
On May 21, 2013, Committee staff met with officials from
New York City, New York (NYC) to discuss on-going
counterterrorism activities and coordination efforts between
NYC and the Department of Homeland Security.
On June 4, 2013, Committee staff met with former U.S.
Government intelligence officials regarding counterterrorism
strategies, as well as current and potential future terror
threats.
On July 30, 2013, Committee staff met with officials from
the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Bombing
Prevention to discuss their role and capability in providing
training and information to State and local law enforcement
regarding identifying and disabling improvised explosive
devices (IEDs). The tragic events of April 15, 2013, where
terrorists exploded two IEDs at the Boston Marathon, as well as
the growing use of vehicle-born improvised explosive devices,
highlight the need for the Nation to increase efforts to detect
and disable these devices.
On September 10, 2013, Committee staff attended a
conference hosted by the American Enterprise Institute on the
current capabilities of al-Qaeda and what changes are necessary
to the current counterterror strategies moving forward.
On October 28, 2013, Committee staff received a classified
briefing from Department of Homeland Security officials
regarding the Department's roles and responsibilities related
to terrorism detainees held at Naval Station at Guantaanamo
Bay, Cuba.
On January 15, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee
received a classified, Member-only, briefing on the growing
terrorist threat in Africa and the threat to the Homeland and
U.S. interests. Representatives from the Department of Defense
and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) briefed Members
on growing terror safe havens throughout Africa, and U.S.
Government efforts to defeat or disrupt terrorist networks
across the continent. From the September 2013, Westgate Mall
attack in Nairobi, the growth of an al Qaeda-linked network in
Mali, and frequent attacks on churches in Nigeria, terrorist
networks in Africa are a threat to U.S. interests in the region
and potentially the U.S. Homeland.
The Subcommittee has continued regular oversight over the
Administration's counterterrorism strategy related to al Qaeda
Core, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, al Nusrah Front, the
growth of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), as well
as other Islamic jihadist groups. Members and staff have
attended briefings and have held numerous hearings on the
threat to the Homeland.
THREATS TO THE U.S. HOMELAND FROM AL-QAEDA
The Committee has examined the continued threat to the U.S.
homeland from: Al Qaeda core; al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
(AQAP); al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM); and other
emerging allied and affiliated organizations. The Committee
receives regular classified briefings from the Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the
National Counterterrorism Center regarding on-going threats to
the Homeland by al-Qaeda and affiliated terror groups.
On May 22, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Assessing the Threat to the Homeland from al-Qaeda Operations
in Iran and Syria.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Seth G. Jones, Ph.D., Associate Director, International
Security and Defense Policy Center, The RAND Corporation; Mr.
Robin Simcox, Research Fellow, The Henry Jackson Society; Mr.
Thomas Joscelyn, Senior Fellow, Foundation for the Defense of
Democracies; and Mr. Barak Barfi, Research Fellow, New America
Foundation.
In preparation for the May 22nd hearing, Committee staff
met with a number of outside experts on the situation in the
Syrian Arab Republic and potential threats to the Nation. These
meetings included: The Institute of the Study of War on May 8,
2013; the RAND Corporation on May 10, 2013; and the Henry
Jackson Society on May 14, 2013.
On June 27, 2013, Members of the Subcommittee received a
classified briefing on terror threats to the Homeland. Members
were briefed by representatives from the Department of Homeland
Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis.
The Subcommittee conducted oversight after an al-Qaeda-
linked threat report in August 2013, lead to the closure of
nearly two-dozen U.S. Embassies across the Middle East and
North Africa for approximately one week with the U.S. Embassy
in Sanaa, the Yemeni Republic remaining closed for two weeks.
Committee staff met with numerous Government and private sector
experts on the threat information and the relationship between
al-Qaeda senior leadership and the affiliate organizations,
particularly AQAP.
On September 18, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Understanding the Threat to the Homeland from
AQAP.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Frank J.
Cilluffo, Associate Vice President, Director, Homeland Security
Policy Institute and Co-Director, Cyber Center for National and
Economic Security, The George Washington University; Ms.
Katherine Zimmerman, Senior Analyst, Critical Threats Project,
The American Enterprise Institute; and Mr. Brian Katulis,
Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress.
On March 19, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the private sector regarding security in Yemen and progress
made securing the supply chain for shipments of Liquefied
Natural Gas to the United States.
AL QAEDA IN THE SINAI
On October 21 and 22, 2013, Committee staff met with
experts from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy on
the presence and capability of jihadist entities in the Arab
Republic of Egypt, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula. The
meetings included a discussion of the impact of
Administration's decision to limit military aid to Egypt.
On October 30, 2013, Committee staff met with experts from
the Council on Foreign Relations regarding security concerns in
the Sinai and the potential threat to the U.S. Homeland and
western interests from terrorist groups operating in the
region.
On February 11, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Al Qaeda's Expansion in Egypt: Implications for U.S.
Homeland Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Dr. Steven A. Cook, Senior Fellow, Middle Eastern Studies,
Council on Foreign Relations; Mr. Thomas Joscelyn, Senior
Fellow, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies; and Mr.
Mohamed Elmenshawy, Resident Scholar, the Middle East
Institute.
MUMBAI-STYLE ATTACKS AND LASHKAR-E-TAIBA
On June 12, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Protecting the Homeland Against Mumbai-Style Attacks and the
Threat from Lashkar-e-Taiba.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Joseph W. Pfeifer, Chief, Counterterrorism
and Emergency Preparedness, Fire Department of New York, New
York City, State of New York; C. Christine Fair, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor, Georgetown University, Security Studies
Program in the Edumnd A. Walsh School of Foreign Service;
Stephen Tankel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, American University
and Nonresident Scholar, South Asia Program, Carnegie Endowment
for International Peace; and Jonah Blank, Ph.D., Senior
Political Analyst, The RAND Corporation.
In preparation for the June 12th hearing, Committee staff
met with a number of outside experts regarding the capability
and intentions of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Additionally, the
Committee staff received a classified briefing on June 5, 2013,
and met with representatives from the Combating Terrorism
Center at West Point U.S. Military Academy regarding the threat
to the homeland posed by LeT.
AL-SHABAAB
The Subcommittee continued its review of the terror threat
posed by Somali-based al-Shabaab. On September 21, 2013,
terrorists entered the Westgate mall in Nairobi, the Republic
of Kenya and killed almost 70 and injured over 200 people
during a four-day period. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility
for the attack.
On September 30, 2013, Committee staff met with an expert
from the Atlantic Council regarding threats from al-Shabaab and
lessons learned regarding the intentions and capability from
the group after the Westgate Mall terror attack.
BOKO HARAM
The Subcommittee has conducted extensive oversight over the
Nigerian terror group Boko Haram and the U.S. process for
designating foreign terrorist organizations (FTO).
On September 13, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee,
and the Subcommittees on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security
Technologies, sent an oversight letter to the Department of
State urging the Department to move forward with a FTO
designation for Boko Haram and Ansar al Sharia, a splinter
group.
On September 11, 2013, Committee staff met with officials
from the Department of Defense's African Command regarding
capabilities and threats to the Nation from Boko Haram.
On September 13, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee and
the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies released a report on the growing threat
to the homeland from Boko Haram. The Members shared a copy of
the report in a letter to the Secretary of State.
On September 30, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee and
the Chair of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation,
and Trade of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, requested
the Government Accountability Office conduct a review of the
FTO designation process. The Department of State designated
Boko Haram as an FTO on November 13, 2013.
In April 2014, members of Boko Haram kidnapped over 200
girls attending school in northeastern Nigeria. The crime
resulted in international condemnation and highlights the
brutal activities the group endorses. On October 15, 2014,
Committee staff met with representatives from legal and non-
profit organizations regarding the kidnapped Nigerian girls and
efforts to locate them.
THREAT TO THE HOMELAND FROM IRAN AND HEZBOLLAH
In February 2013, Committee staff met with a number of
individuals from the Lebanese-American community to discuss the
capability and threat posed by Hezbollah to the U.S. Homeland.
On May 22, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Assessing the Threat to the Homeland from al-Qaeda Operations
in Iran and Syria.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Seth G. Jones, Ph.D., Associate Director, International
Security and Defense Policy Center; Mr. Robin Simcox, Research
Fellow, The Henry Jackson Society; Mr. Thomas Joscelyn, Senior
Fellow, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies; and Mr.
Barak Barfi, Research Fellow, New America Foundation.
In preparation for the May 22nd hearing, Committee staff
met with a number of outside experts on the situation in Syria
and potential threats to the U.S. Homeland. These meetings
include the Institute of the Study of War on May 8, 2013, the
RAND Corporation on May 10, 2013, and the Henry Jackson Society
on May 14, 2013.
On January 6, 2014, Committee staff received a classified
briefing from the Department of Homeland Security Office of
Intelligence and Analysis regarding Iran.
HOMEGROWN TERRORIST THREAT
The Subcommittee continued oversight regarding the threat
from homegrown extremists. On May 6, 2013, Committee staff met
with representatives from the Bipartisan Policy Center
regarding online radicalization recruitment. On July 8, 2013,
Committee staff met with representatives from the Bipartisan
Policy Center regarding the role the internet played in the
radicalizing the terrorists involved in the Boston Bombings.
On April 30, 2014, Committee staff met with former law
enforcement officials regarding radicalization in prisons and
the need for better monitoring and information sharing within
the U.S. government.
On December 4, 2013, the Chair of the Full Committee and
the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Attorney
General requesting updated arrest statistics for individuals
indicted on terrorism-related charges during Fiscal Years 2011
and 2012.
On July 15, 2014, Committee staff met with a former
Administration official regarding programs to counter violent
extremism (CVE).
On August 12, 2014, Committee staff met with officials
across the government representing an interagency effort on
CVE.
On September 9, 2014, Committee staff met with experts from
the Congressional Research Service regarding CVE.
On September 18, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives from Twitter regarding the company's policy
regarding violent material, particular that of or inspired by
Islamist terrorism and their policy regarding sharing
information with the government.
On October 22, 2014, Committee staff participated in a site
visit at the National Counterterrorism Center to receive
briefings on terrorists' use of social media for propaganda and
recruitment and on-going concerns with radicalization within
U.S. prisons.
On November 6 and 7, 2014 Committee staff traveled to
Minneapolis, Minnesota to attend a Community Resiliency
Exercise (CREx) hosted by DHS as part of their community
outreach and CVE efforts. This trip also included a meeting
with the US Attorney for the District of Minnesota, as well as
attending a community roundtable between federal officials and
members of the local Muslim community.
Subcommittee staff are also assisting in the Full
Committee's on-going review of Federal CVE policies and
programs.
ECONOMIC THREATS
The Subcommittee conducted oversight regarding the
Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)
process, including review of a proposal by a state-owned
foreign company to build a factory in the United States.
Committee staff met with officials from CFIUS and the
Intelligence Community, as well as representatives from the
state where the factory was under consideration.
On April 9, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the Department of Treasury and the Department of Homeland
Security regarding CFIUS and the process by which national
security concerns and intelligence information is incorporated
into each review. From the meeting, Committee staff determined
that DHS was not providing the Committee with notifications of
covered transactions that were reviewed where DHS served as a
lead agency. Per the Foreign Investment and National Security
Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-49), a report on the results of a
CFIUS investigation are to be submitted to the Chair and
Ranking Member of the Committee having oversight of the lead
agency. In June, for the first time, DHS provided the Committee
with a report on covered 2014 CFIUS transactions where DHS was
a lead agency.
TERRORIST TRAVEL
On January 17, 2013, Committee staff conducted a conference
call with Department of Homeland Security personnel stationed
overseas regarding the Visa Security Program and
counterterrorism concerns.
On February 25, 2013, Committee staff met with Department
of Homeland Security personnel from U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) regarding their databases used to track travel
into and out of the United States, as well as CBP's policies
and procedures for creating and removing terrorist alerts.
On February 28, 2014, Committee staff attended a classified
demonstration at the Department of Homeland Security Office of
Intelligence and Analysis regarding current and future vetting
capability for high-risk travelers, including potential foreign
fighters seeking to join jihadist groups overseas.
On July 24, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Jihadist Safe Havens: Efforts to Detect and Deter Terrorist
Travel.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Fred
Kagan, Director, Critical Threats Project, American Enterprise
Institute; Mr. Robin Simcox, Research Fellow, The Henry Jackson
Society; Dr. Peter Brookes, Senior Fellow, National Security
Affairs, Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign
Policy, The Heritage Foundation; and Seth G. Jones, Ph.D.,
Director, International Security and Defense Policy Center, The
Rand Corporation.
On September 18, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing
from officials with the National Counterterrorism Center
(NCTC), Federal Buearu of Investigation (FBI), and the
Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and
Analysis regarding efforts to improve collection and
information sharing regarding foreign fighters traveling to
Iraq and Syria to join jihadist groups.
On October 15, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing
from officials from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol regarding
the Pre-Adjudicated Threat Recognition Intelligence Operations
Team (PATRIOT). The PATRIOT initiative is an automated
screening of visa application information against DHS holdings
prior to interview.
From October 23 through 31, 2014, Committee staff traveled
on a Staff Delegation to Turkey, Greece, and Italy to examine
the threat posed by foreign fighters in Syria and the
capability of regional partners and Executive Branch agencies
to mitigate the threat.
TERROR FINANCE
On January 17, 2013, Committee staff met with personnel
from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding past and
current IRS investigations into terror finance cases. The
meeting included an overview of IRS policy and procedures for
investigating non-profit entities with potential ties to
terrorist organizations.
The Committee has been concerned about how the Islamic
State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is financing its operations. The
Committee has received information on this matter during
regular threat briefings. Additionally, Committee staff has met
with numerous outside experts regarding ISIS's black market
sale of oil, criminal enterprises, foreign donations, and
ransom payments. On October 23, 2014, Committee staff attended
a conference with the Under Secretary for Terrorism and
Financial Intelligence within the Department of Treasury
regarding ISIS financing and U.S. efforts to counter their
ability to raise funds.
On September 12, 2014, Committee staff attended a briefing
hosted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs to examine ISIS
finances.
COUNTERINTELLIGENCE PROGRAMS
On March 28, 2013, Committee staff met with the Defense
Security Service within the Department of Defense regarding
their annual classified trends analysis on counterintelligence
threats across the Federal Government, including the Department
of Homeland Security. This session provided staff with
information on several individuals who have damaged National
security or committed tragic acts of violence, emphasizing the
need for reforms and rigorous oversight over the security
clearance process and programs to detect insider threats. In
May 2013, Edward Snowden, a contractor with the National
Security Agency, fled the U.S. to Hong Kong and later to the
Russian Federation leaking a large amount of information on
classified surveillance programs. On September 16, 2013, Aaron
Alexis, a contractor with the Navy shot his way into the
Washington DC. Navy Yard and killed 12 people. Both of these
individuals were vetted, trusted U.S. security professionals
who abused that trust and committed heinous acts.
The Department of Homeland Security has over 120,000
employees holding security clearances. The Subcommittee
conducted oversight over the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) and Federal processes for investigating and adjudicating
security clearances.
On September 27, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing
from the DHS Office of Security on the Department's process for
requesting and adjudicating security clearances and suitability
checks for employees, and how the Office coordinates with
Department component agencies.
On October 28, 2013, Committee staff received a classified
briefing from the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis on
their counterintelligence program.
On October 24, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing
from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Assistant
Commissioner for Internal Affairs regarding CBP programs. The
briefing provided staff with information as to how the
Department determines the suitability of employees, adjudicates
security clearances, and manages the polygraph program.
On November 1, 2013, Committee staff met with officials
from the Government Accountability Office regarding
vulnerabilities in the security clearance process.
On November 12, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives from a private company with contracts to
conduct security clearance background investigations for the
Office of Personnel Management and DHS.
On November 13, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``The Insider Threat to Homeland Security: Examining
Our Nation's Security Clearance Processes.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Merton W. Miller, Associate
Director of Investigations, Federal Investigative Services,
U.S. Office of Personnel Management; Mr. Gregory Marshall,
Chief Security Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Brian Prioletti, Assistant Director, Special Security
Directorate, National Counterintelligence Executive, Office of
Director of National Intelligence; and Ms. Brenda S. Farrell,
Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, Military and DOD
Civilian Personnel Issues, U.S. Government Accountability
Office.
On March 19; June 6, 9, and 24; and July 31, 2014,
Committee staff met with representatives from the private
sector regarding capability and best practices for continuous
monitoring programs to detect potential insider threats.
On April 7, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the DHS Office of Security regarding their FY 2015 budget
request and to receive an update on efforts to enhance the DHS
insider threat program.
On April 22, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the DHS Office of Security and the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis to receive an update on their insider threat detection
and prevention activities.
On June 3, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the Department of Defense (DOD) Defense Security Service (DSS)
regarding their annual counterintelligence report.
On June 3, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the U.S. Coast Guard regarding their insider threat and
counterintelligence programs.
On July 17, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding their insider
threat program.
On October 16, 2014, Committee staff met with the DHS
Office of Security and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis
regarding on-going insider threat activities and plans under
consideration to restructure DHS insider threat and
counterintelligence efforts.
HOMELAND THREAT FROM A CBRN ATTACK
On March 5, 2013, Committee staff received a classified
briefing from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the
threat weapons of mass destruction pose to the Nation.
On April 12, 2013, Committee staff met with officials from
the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) to examine their
FY 2014 budget request.
On April 25, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Counterterrorism Efforts to Combat a Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Attack on the Homeland.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Richard Daddario,
Deputy Commissioner for Counterterrorism, New York City Police
Department; Dr. Huban A. Gowadia, Acting Director, Domestic
Nuclear Detection Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Scott McAllister, Deputy Under Secretary, State and Local
Program Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; and Dr. Leonard Cole, Terror
Medicine and Security, Department of Emergency Medicine,
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
On May 16, 2013, Committee staff met with experts from
Sandia National Laboratories regarding the threat from
biological pathogens and the threat to the Homeland.
The Subcommittee discharged H.R. 1542, the WMD Intelligence
and Information Sharing Act of 2013, legislation designed to
address the issue of CBRN attacks. This bill passed the House
on July 22, 2013, for further information, see the discussion
of this measure listed above.
On September 6, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Bipartisan Policy Center regarding a
new report on emerging threats.
On July 14, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the DHS Science and Technology Directorate regarding the
development of threat assessments for biological and chemical
attacks, as well as the Integrated Terrorism Risk Assessment
(ITRA).
HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE
The Subcommittee conducted oversight over the Department of
Homeland Security Intelligence Enterprise (DHS IE) to evaluate
the capability, functions, and information sharing between all
DHS component intelligence entities. This included multiple
briefings with officials from the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to
examine the structure, mission, and capability of the office,
as well as I&As role in coordinating intelligence within DHS
and State and local law enforcement. Additionally, Committee
staff met with component intelligence offices.
On March 22, 2013, Committee staff received a classified
briefing with officials from I&A regarding the DHS Intelligence
Enterprise and how intelligence analysis responsibilities are
divided between components of the Department.
On April 12, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from I&A and the Office of Operations regarding their FY 2014
budget request and the mission, resources, and capabilities of
their respective offices.
On May 17, 2013, Committee staff met with officials from
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the
capabilities and policies related to the primary database used
by CBP to track travel in and out of the U.S. and identifying
potential terrorists.
On June 6, 2013, Committee staff received a classified
briefing from officials at the National Counterterrorism Center
regarding terrorist watchlisting protocols and information
sharing.
On July 12, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Government Accountability Office regarding a Committee
requested report on the DHS IE.
On July 16, 2013, Committee staff met with officials from
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding the agency's
analytic framework for intelligence.
On July 17, 2013, Committee staff met with officials from
the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the network of
Joint Terrorism Task Forces.
On December 11, 2013, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the President of the United
States urging him to move forward with nominating an Under
Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at DHS. The position
had been vacant for over a year. The White House announced the
nomination of General Frank Taylor to fill the position on
February 12, 2014. General Taylor was confirmed on April 14,
2014.
On January 16, 2014, Committee staff met with officials
from I&A regarding the FY 2014 Program of Analysis, which
describes analytic priorities and planned products for the
fiscal year. On February 26, 2014, the Chair and Ranking Member
of the Full Committee and the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland
Security expressing support for the improvements made to the
Program of Analysis compared to past versions and expressing
concern that more needs to be done to integrate DHS components
into the Program of Analysis process. The Secretary responded
on April 21, 2014.
On January 27, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing
from I&A regarding the agency's structure, capability, primary
missions and relationship with the other DHS component
agencies.
On February 27, 2014, Committee staff met with officials
from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office of Intelligence
regarding their capability, functions, and coordination with
other DHS intelligence components.
On March 10, 2014, Committee staff met with representatives
from I&A and the Office of Operations regarding their FY 2015
budget request, to include a discussion of funding programs
within the Homeland Security Intelligence Program account.
On June 13, 2014, Committee staff participated in a site
visit at I&A to meet with the newly-confirmed Undersecretary
and each main I&A division to receive updates on the I&A
workforce, counterintelligence programs, analytic plans and
programs, support to fusion centers, and other mission areas.
Committee staff participated in a follow up site visit on
September 29, 2014 to receive a threat briefing and updates
each I&A divisions on their current capabilities and
enhancement plans.
INFORMATION SHARING
The Subcommittee conducted extensive oversight over
information sharing between Federal, State, and local law
enforcement.
On March 28, 2013, Committee staff met with officials from
the National Fusion Center Association.
On April 15, 2013, Committee staff met with officials from
the Department of Homeland Security regarding the National
Network of Fusion Centers.
On May 17, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Government Accountability Office regarding their on-
going work reviewing information sharing and counterterrorism
activities between the Joint Terrorism Task Forces and Fusion
Centers.
On June 17, 2013, Committee staff met with the Director of
Analysis for the Office of Intelligence and Analysis within the
Department of Homeland Security to receive a briefing on the
size and mission of the office. The briefing included an
overview of new intelligence products and information sharing
efforts with State and local law enforcement.
On June 26, 2013, the Subcommittee held a classified threat
briefing for Members on terror threats to the Homeland.
Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security,
Office of Intelligence and Analysis provided the threat
briefing and an overview of the analytical products produced by
their office, as well as discussed the process by which threat
information is shared with State and local law enforcement
officials.
On July 26, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee released a Subcommittee Staff Report entitled
``The National Network of Fusion Centers,'' detailing the
Committee's findings and recommendations developed from a
comprehensive study of fusions centers across the country. In
developing the report, Committee staff conducted numerous
briefings and site visits with Fusion Centers, the Department
of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and
other entities.
On September 25, 2013, Committee staff met with officials
from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the 2012
National Network of Fusion Centers Assessment.
On November 14, 2013, Committee staff met with Federal,
State, and local law enforcement regarding security measures
and information sharing efforts in advance of Super Bowl
XLVIII, played on February 2, 2014.
On December 19, 2013, Committee staff met with officials
from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence
and Analysis and officials from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation regarding the Nationwide Suspicious Activity
Reporting Initiative (NSI).
On January 23, 2014, Committee staff met with officials
from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding how
Suspicious Activity Reports have enhanced counterterrorism
cases.
On January 24, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office
regarding the use of homeland security grants to enhance
intelligence and information sharing activities.
On May 2, 2014, Committee staff conducted a site visit at
the Washington Regional Threat Analysis Center (WRTAC), which
is the fusion center for Washington DC. Staff received an
overview of the operation and discussed cooperation with the
DHS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On June 20, 2014, Committee staff participated in a demo at
DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis regarding the Homeland
Security Information Network (HSIN), used to share sensitive
information with State and local law enforcement.
On June 25, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the National Fusion Center Association regarding the
development of National Mission Cells.
On July 21, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the National Fusion Center Association regarding the release of
the National Strategy for the National Network of Fusion
Centers. The strategy was developed based off a recommendation
found in the Committee's report on the National Network of
Fusion Centers.
On August 26, 2014, Committee staff met with DHS I&A
regarding the Fusion Center Assessment for 2013. Staff received
an overview of the landscape of the National Network. This
annual assessment portrayed that the National Network of Fusion
Centers continues to build and sustain core capabilities. The
National Network average overall score was 91.7 out of 100.
On September 26, 2014, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Full Committee and the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland
Security and the Secretary of Defense expressing support for a
recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the
Departments to increase classified information shared with
appropriately cleared State and local law enforcement.
From September 11 through 13, 2014, Committee staff
conducted a site visit to the Austin Regional Intelligence
Center to examine information sharing between federal agencies
and state and local partners at Fusion Centers, and JTTFs.
From August 18 through 20, 2014, Committee staff conducted
a site visit to the Boston Regional Intelligence Center and the
Massachusetts State Police Headquarters to examine information
sharing between federal agencies and state and local partners
at Fusion Centers and JTTFs.
On October 8, 2014, Chair and Ranking Member of the Full
Committee and Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent
a letter to Under Secretary Taylor questioning the Department's
ability to share information between Department's components
and the National Network of Fusion Centers.
On November 7, 2014, Committee staff spoke on a
Congressional panel at the National Fusion Center Association
Training Event in Alexandria, Virginia. Staff talked about the
current role Congress plays in information sharing between
Federal, State, and local partners.
MASS GATHERING SECURITY
On May 6, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from the
Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Office regarding the
process for large sports venues and facilities to apply for
SAFETY Act designation and how threat information is
incorporated into the process.
On August 13, 2014, Committee staff met with the Chief of
the University of Texas at Austin Police Department to discuss
security at special events and large gatherings, as well as the
Safety Act.
On August 21, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate regarding
their programs, guidance, and information sharing related to
mass gathering security.
On August 22, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the DHS Office of Public Affairs regarding the See Something
Say Something campaign to discuss how the program is utilized
to increase awareness at mass gathering events and what
additional steps are being taken to increase participation.
On September 4, 2014, Committee staff conducted a site
visit with the Director of Security for the Washington
Nationals' Baseball team at Nationals Park to discuss mass
gathering security information sharing and mitigation efforts.
On October 6, 2014, Committee staff received an update
briefing from the DHS SAFETY Act Office regarding how sports
teams and large venues are able to utilize the program.
NATIONAL SECURITY LEAKS
Following up on a Committee investigation into the homeland
security impacts of national security leaks that began in the
112th Congress, the Subcommittee held numerous briefings and
oversight letters. This includes February 13, 2013 and a June
18, 2013 meetings with the Department of Defense Inspector
General's Office regarding their review of Department policies
and procedures for working with the media and movie producers.
On August 11, 2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Attorney General raising concerns about on-going
national security leaks within the Administration and
requesting the Department of Justice open an investigation into
a recent leak resulting in the disclosure of classified
national security documents to a media organization.
FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION DESIGNATIONS
Throughout the 113th Congress, the Committee conducted
oversight over the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)
designation process managed by the Department of State with
assistance from other Federal agencies, including the
Department of Homeland Security. On September 11, 2013, the
Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Secretary of
State expressing concern that the al Qaeda-linked group known
as Ansar al-Sharia, responsible for the attack on U.S.
facilities and the deaths of four Americans, had not yet been
designated a FTO. The Department of State officially designated
Ansar al-Sharia as a FTO on January 10, 2014. On June 19, 2014,
the Chairman of the Full Committee and the Chairman of the
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence sent a letter
to the Secretary of State requesting an investigation to
determine if the Iraqi Shiite militant group Asaib Ahl al-Haq
should be designated a FTO. The Department of State responded
on July 23, 2014.
AL QAEDA IN EGYPT
On February 11, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Al Qaeda's Expansion in Egypt: Implications for U.S.
Homeland Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Dr. Steven A. Cook, Senior Fellow, Middle Eastern Studies,
Council on Foreign Relations; Mr. Thomas Joscelyn, Senior
Fellow, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies; and Mr.
Mohamed Elmenshawy, Resident Scholar at the Middle East
Institute.
In preparation for the hearing, Committee staff meet with
representatives from the Egyptian and Israeli Embassies in
Washington DC., as well as a number of national security and
foreign policy experts.
FY 2015 BUDGET REQUEST
On March 12, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee received
a classified briefing on the Department of Homeland Security's
Fiscal Year Budget Request for the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis (I&A).
In preparation for the briefing, on March 10, 2014,
Committee staff met with officials from I&A regarding their FY
2015 classified budget request, to include a discussion of
funding programs within the Homeland Security Intelligence
Program account.
On April 7, 2014, Committee staff met with officials from
the Department of Homeland Security Office of Security
regarding their FY 2015 budget request.
TERRORISM IN THE CAUCASUS'
On April 3, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Assessing Terrorism in the Caucasus and the Threat to the
Homeland.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Gordon M.
Hahn, Ph.D., Analyst and Advisory Board member, Geostrategic
Forecasting Corporation; Mr. William F. Roggio, Senior Fellow,
Foundation for Defense of Democracies; and Andrew C. Kuchins,
Ph.D., Director and Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program,
Center for Strategic and International Studies.
In preparation for the hearing, Committee staff met with
numerous national security experts and academics regarding
terrorism and jihadist-linked groups in the Caucasus' and the
potential threat to the Homeland. Committee staff also met with
representatives from the Embassy of Georgia on March 28, 2014,
to discuss counterterrorism threats in the region.
CYBER THREATS TO THE HOMELAND
On May 21, 2014, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies held a
joint hearing entitled ``Assessing Persistent and Emerging
Cyber Threats to the U.S. Homeland.'' The Subcommittees
received testimony from Mr. Joseph Demarest, Assistant
Director, Cyber Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S.
Department of Justice; Mr. Glenn Lemons, Senior Intelligence
Officer, Cyber Intelligence Analysis Division, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; and Mr. Larry Zelvin, Director, National
Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. Portions of this hearing were held in a
classified Executive Session.
ACTIVE SHOOTER SCENARIOS
On May 21, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee received a
classified Member-only briefing on the threat posed by active
shooters, and DHS policies and training for such scenarios.
In preparation for the hearing, Committee staff received a
briefing with the Department of Homeland Security Office of
Intelligence and Analysis regarding potential cyber threats
posed by vendors and mitigation opportunities.
On August 19, 2014, Committee staff participated in a site
visit to the DHS National Cybersecurity and Communications
Integration Center to learn about DHS' efforts in cybersecurity
to build resiliency within the private sector.
NSSE SECURITY
From September 21 through 23, 2014, Committee staff
attended a Staff Delegation hosted by the U.S. Secret Service
(USSS) in New York, New York during the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA). Staff received briefings on National Special
Security Event planning, USSS protection procedures, cyber
security threats, and DHS coordination of assets for UNGA.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Counterterrorism Efforts to Combat a Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Attack on the
Homeland.'' March 23, 2013. (Serial No. 113-12)
``Assessing the Threat to the Homeland from al Qaeda Operations
in Iran and Syria.'' May 22, 2013. (Serial No. 113-19)
``Protecting the Homeland Against Mumbai-Style Attacks and the
Threat from Lashkar-e-Taiba.'' June 12, 2013. (Serial
No. 113-21)
``Understanding the Threat to the Homeland from AQAP.''
September 18, 2013. (Serial No. 113-34)
``The Insider Threat to Homeland Security: Examining Our
Nation's Security Clearance Processes.'' November 13,
2013. (Serial No. 113-42)
``Al Qaeda's Expansion in Egypt: Implications for U.S. Homeland
Security.'' February 11, 2014. (Serial No. 113-51)
``Assessing Terrorism in the Caucasus and the Threat to the
Homeland.'' April 3, 2014. (Serial No. 113-61)
``Assessing Persistent and Emerging Cyber Threats to the U.S.
Homeland.'' May 21, 2014. Joint with the Subcommittee
on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies. (Serial No. 113-69)
``ihadist Safe Havens: Efforts to Detect and Deter Terrorist
Travel.'' July 24, 2014. (Serial No. 113-80)
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Curtis Clawson,Florida
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security held 13 hearings, receiving testimony from 45
witnesses, and considered four measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
BORDER PATROL AGENT PAY REFORM ACT OF 2014
Pub. L. 113-277, S. 1691
To amend title 5, United States Code, to improve the security
of the United States border and to provide for reforms and
rates of pay for border patrol agents.
Summary
S. 1691 reforms the current Border Patrol overtime pay
system, requiring Border Patrol Agents to elect one of three
new categories for receiving overtime pay. These categories
include: (1) hourly rate of pay equal to 1.25 times the
otherwise applicable hourly rate of basic pay; (2) the hourly
rate of pay equal to 1.125 times the otherwise hourly rate of
basic pay; or (3) the basic border patrol rate of pay, with
additional overtime as needed by CBP. The bill requires the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue
regulations establishing procedures for such elections.
The measure further requires the U.S. Customs and Border
Patrol to ensure that agents do not artificially inflate
overtime for purposes of retirement benefits. The Comptroller
General will report to Congress on the effectiveness of CBP's
plan to ensure that agents are not artificially enhancing their
retirement annuities. CBP is also required to conduct an
analysis of staffing requirements and their costs and submit
for review by the Comptroller General.
This measure also authorizes the Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and establish
positions in the Department's cybersecurity workforce with
comparable salaries for positions in the Department of Defense.
The Secretary is required to report to Congress annually for
five years on the strategy and progress toward recruiting and
retaining qualified employees, including veterans. The measure
requires the Secretary to annually report to the OPM Director
identifying cybersecurity work categories critical to DHS. The
Comptroller General is also directed to report on the
implementation of DHS cybersecurity workforce measures.
Legislative History
S. 1691 was introduced in the Senate on November 13, 2013,
by Mr. Tester and Mr. McCain and referred to the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 1691 on June 25, 2014, and ordered the
measure reported to the Senate, with an Amendment in the Nature
of a Substitute.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 1691 to the Senate on August 26, 2014, as
S. Rpt. 113-248. Placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar, No.
548.
The Senate considered S. 1691 on September 18, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by voice vote.
S. 1691 was received in the House on September 19, 2014 and
referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
and the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
S. 1691 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform on December 4, 2014, agreeing that, in order
to expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Homeland Security would waive further consideration of S. 1691.
The letter further requested the appointment of Conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be held.
The House considered S. 1691 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 10, 2014 and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 1691 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed S. 1691 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-277.
DHS OIG MANDATES REVISION ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-284, S. 2651
To repeal certain mandates of the Department of Homeland
Security Office of the Inspector General.
Summary
The purpose of S.2651 is to eliminate the congressional
mandate for the Department of Homeland Security's Office of
Inspector General to conduct certain audits of the Department.
These mandated audits cover issues including an annual
evaluation of the Cargo Inspection Targeting System, Coast
Guard performance, accounting of National Drug Control Policy
Funds, and annual review of grants to states and high-risk
urban areas.
According to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs Committee, the mandates that would be repealed by
S.2651 duplicate other reports conducted by DHS Components. By
eliminating these mandates, the Office of Inspector General
could use finite resources on other audit priorities. The
legislation rescinding these mandates does not prohibit the DHS
Office of Inspector General from conducting periodic audits on
these issues.
Legislative History
S. 2651 was introduced in the Senate on July 24, 2014, by
Mr. Coburn, and Mr. Carper and referred to the Senate Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 2651 on September 16, 2014, and ordered
the measure reported to the Senate, amended.
The Senate considered S. 2651 on September 17, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by unanimous consent.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 2651 to the Senate on September 18, 2014,
as S. Rpt. 113-261.
S. 2561 was received in the House on September 18, 2014,
and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within in the Committee, S. 2651 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Homeland
Security would agree to waive further consideration of S. 2651.
The letter further requested the appointment of Conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be called. On that same date,
the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Homeland Security and the support for Conferees, should a
House-Senate Conference be called.
The House considered S. 2651 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 10, 2014 and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 2651 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed S. 2651 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-284.
BORDER SECURITY RESULTS ACT OF 2013
H.R. 1417 (S. 683)
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a
comprehensive strategy to gain and maintain operational control
of the international borders of the United States, and for
other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 1417 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
develop a comprehensive strategy to gain and maintain
situational awareness and operational control of the border,
and sets the requirement of achieving operational control in
high traffic areas within two years and nine months of
enactment and across the entire Southwest border within five
years. Operational control of the border, as defined by the
bill, means a condition where there is a 90 percent
effectiveness rate for the apprehension of illegal border
crossers and a significant reduction in the movement of illicit
drugs and other contraband.
This legislation sets the requirements for the Secretary to
consider when developing the strategy; outlines the benchmarks
and timetables for achieving situational awareness and
operational control; and requires metrics to measure
effectiveness. H.R. 1417 also requires the Secretary to issue a
baseline assessment of the current level of situational
awareness and operational control of the border and
periodically thereafter until the border is deemed to be under
operational control. Following the baseline assessment, the
Secretary would be required to submit a comprehensive strategy
and subsequent plan to gain situational awareness and
operational control. The plan would be comprised of
implementation plans for each of the Department's border
security components and a comprehensive border security
technology plan outlining a justification for technology
choices and a timetable for procurement and deployment. This
legislation also calls for periodic updates of the strategy and
implementation plan following the publication of future
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.
H.R. 1417 requires the Secretary to implement a series of
metrics to measure the effectiveness of security between the
ports of entry, at ports of entry, and in the maritime
environment. H.R. 1417 also requires a Department of Homeland
Security National Laboratory and a Department of Homeland
Security Center of Excellence to provide an independent
assessment of the suitability of the metrics the Department
develops, and to make recommendations for additional metrics to
measure border security effectiveness.
Finally, the legislation requires the Government
Accountability Office to review and report to Congress on the
suitability and validity of the Secretary's strategy, plan,
metrics, and the certification of operational control.
Legislative History
H.R. 1417 was introduced in the House on April 9, 2013, by
Mr. McCaul, Mrs. Miller of Michigan, Ms. Jackson Lee, and Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1417 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security. The
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security considered H.R.
1417 on April 24, 2013, and ordered the measure reported to the
Full Committee with a favorable recommendation, as amended, by
voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 1417 on
May 15, 2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the
House with a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice
vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1417 to the House on May 20,
2013 as H. Rpt. 113-87, and placed on the Union Calendar,
Calendar No. 62.
S. 683
S. 683, the Senate companion measure was introduced on
April 9, 2013, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
ESSENTIAL TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT
ACT
H.R. 3202
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare a
comprehensive security assessment of the transportation
security card program, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3202 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to
submit to Congress and the Comptroller General a comprehensive
assessment of the effectiveness of the transportation security
card program at enhancing security and reducing security risks
for maritime facilities and vessels. The assessment is to be
conducted by a National Laboratory within the DHS laboratory
network or a maritime security university-based center within
the Department's centers of excellence network.
The bill further prohibits the Secretary from issuing a
final rule requiring the use of transportation security card
readers until: (1) the Comptroller General informs Congress
that the submission is responsive to their recommendations, and
(2) the Secretary issues an updated list of transportation
security card readers that are compatible with active
transportation security cards.
Finally, H.R. 3202 requires the Comptroller General to
report to Congress on implementation of the plan at least 18
months after it is issued, and every 6 months thereafter for
the ensuing 3-year period.
Legislative History
H.R. 3202 was introduced in the House on September 27,
2013, by Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Mrs.
Miller of Michigan, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3202 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, and the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure
Protection.
On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security considered H.R. 3202 and forwarded the measure to the
Full Committee for consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter on July 8, 2014, to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 3202. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded, agreeing to the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
and the agreement to not seek a sequential referral of H.R.
3202.
The Committee reported H.R. 3202 to the House on July 18,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-528.
The House considered H.R. 3202 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 400 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 456).
Received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
H.R. 3488
To establish the conditions under which the Secretary of
Homeland Security may establish preclearance facilities,
conduct preclearance operations, and provide customs services
outside the United States, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3488 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to
establish new U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance
operations in foreign countries. The bill consists of a series
of benchmarks and timelines necessary to establish a
preclearance operation and ensure transparency while the
Department engages with foreign governments.
H.R. 3488 requires the Secretary to certify to Congress,
within 90 days of entering into an agreement, the homeland
security benefits of the preclearance operation; that at least
one United States passenger carrier operates at that location,
and all United States passenger carriers have the same access
as non-United States passenger carriers; there are no alternate
options to preclearance that would be more effective; that
foreign government screening procedures meet or exceed United
States screening requirements; that new airport preclearance
operations will not increase customs processing times at United
States airports; and that other objectives will be served by
establishing preclearance operations.
The intent of this bill is to set the contours for CBP
while expanding future preclearance operations by incorporating
a series of notifications and certifications, including a
justification that outlines the homeland security benefit and
impact to domestic staffing and wait times of any new
preclearance operations.
Legislative History
H.R. 3488 was introduced in the House on November 14, 2013,
by Mr. Meehan and 61 original co-sponsors and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Ways and
Means. Within the Committee, H.R. 3488 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee considered H.R. 3488 and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for consideration,
amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3488 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on June 26,
2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration on the
House Floor, the Committee on Ways and Means would waive
further consideration of H.R. 3488. The Chair of the Committee
on Homeland Security responded on June 30, 2014, agreeing to
the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Ways and
Means, and supporting the request for Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3488 to
the House on July 3, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-511, Pt. I.
The House considered H.R. 3488 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 8, 2014, and passed measure, by voice vote.
H.R. 3488 was received in the Senate, on July 9, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
UNITED STATES U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION AUTHORIZATION ACT
H.R. 3846
To provide for the authorization of border, maritime, and
transportation security responsibilities and functions in the
Department of Homeland Security and the establishment of United
States U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3846 authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) within the Homeland Security Act of 2002, for the first
time. This bill is intended to clearly authorize the current
authorities, responsibilities, and functions of CBP. The
measure would provide a base authorization of the border
security offices within CBP which have not been previously
authorized, including: the Border Patrol, Office of Air and
Marine, Office of Field Operations, the National Targeting
Center, Office of Intelligence and Investigative Liaison,
Office of International Affairs, and Office of Internal
Affairs.
H.R. 3846 requires transparency, accountability, and
additional oversight for CBP by developing standard operating
procedures for: searching electronic devices at or between
ports of entry, use of force, and streamlining complaints about
officers, agents and employees of CBP. Furthermore, it
establishes training requirements, short term detention
standards and wait time transparency.
Legislative History
H.R. 3846 was introduced in the House on January 10, 2014,
by Mrs. Miller of Michigan, Mr. McCaul, and Ms. Jackson Lee and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition
to the Committee on Ways and Means. Within the Committee, H.R.
3846 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security.
On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee considered H.R. 3846 and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for consideration,
amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3846 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on June 26,
2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration on the
House Floor, the Committee on Ways and Means would waive
further consideration of H.R. 3846. The Chair of the Committee
on Homeland Security responded on June 30, 2014, agreeing to
the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Ways and
Means, and supporting the request for Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
The Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on July 24,
2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration on the
House Floor, the Committee on Ways and Means would waive
further consideration of H.R. 3846. On that same date, the
Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security responded,
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
the Judiciary, and supporting the request for Conferees should
a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Committee reported H.R. 3846 to the House on July 24,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-555, Pt. I.
The House considered H.R. 3846 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
Received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
TRAVEL PROMOTION, ENHANCEMENT, AND MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2014
H.R. 4450 (S. 2250)
To extend the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, and for other
purposes.
Summary
The purpose of H.R. 4450 is to reauthorize and increase
transparency and accountability metrics for Brand USA, a
public-private partnership originally created by the Travel
Promotion Act of 2009 (TPA), in executing its mission of
encouraging increased international visitation to the United
States and to grow America's share of the global travel market
at no cost to taxpayers. The current program is funded through
Fiscal Year 2015, and public contributions are capped at $100
million per year.
Legislative History
H.R. 4450 was introduced in the House on April 10, 2014, by
Mr. Bilirakis and 40 original cosponsors and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4450
was referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security.
The Committee on Energy and Commerce considered H.R. 4450
on July 14 and July 15, 2014 and ordered the measure to be
reported to the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce on
July 16, 2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration of H.R. 4450 on the House Floor, the Committee on
Homeland Security would agree to waive further consideration of
H.R. 4450. The Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
responded on July 17, 2014, acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Homeland Security and the
agreement to waive further consideration of H.R. 4450.
The House considered H.R. 4450 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 22, 2014, and passed the measure, amended, by a
\2/3\ recorded vote of 347 yeas and 57 nays, (Roll No. 433).
H.R. 4450 was received in the Senate on July 31, 2014, read
twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar, Calendar
No. 521.
S. 2250
S. 2250, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on April 10, 2014 by Ms. Klobuchar and 24 original
cosponsors and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation reported S. 2250 to the Senate on July 31, 2014,
as S. Rpt. 113-234.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING DETECTION ACT OF 2014
H.R. 5116
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to train
Department of Homeland Security personnel how to effectively
deter, detect, disrupt, and prevent human trafficking during
the course of their primary roles and responsibilities, and for
other purposes.
Summary
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
human trafficking ranks as the second most profitable form of
transnational crime and is a $32 billion per year industry. DHS
is responsible for investigating human trafficking, arresting
traffickers, and protecting victims. According to DHS,
increased anti-trafficking awareness and training leads to more
tips to law enforcement, resulting in more victims being
identified. To that end, DHS established the Blue Campaign to
raise awareness and offer training to law enforcement and
others.
The legislation seeks to ensure that the Transportation
Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
and other DHS personnel the Secretary deems appropriate are
trained to effectively detect, intercept, and disrupt human
trafficking in a manner relevant to their professional roles
and responsibilities. Additionally, the bill seeks to provide
such personnel with the most current trends and information on
matters pertaining to the detection of human trafficking. The
bill would establish annual reviews, evaluations, and updates
to ensure that the training is consistent with current trends,
patterns, and techniques associated with human trafficking.
Additionally, the legislation would require the Secretary to
certify to the relevant committees that all described personnel
have received the training, as well as submit a report to the
committees on the overall effectiveness of the program and the
number of reported cases by DHS personnel. The Secretary would
also be authorized to assist State, local and Tribal
governments, as well as private organizations, in establishing
training programs regarding trafficking in persons upon request
from such entities.
Legislative History
H.R. 5116 was introduced in the House on July 15, 2014, by
Mr. Meadows, Mr. McCaul, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Mr.
Hudson, and Mr. O'Rourke and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary. Within the Committee, H.R. 5116 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and the Subcommittee on
Border and Maritime Security.
The Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on July 17,
2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration on the
House Floor, the Committee on the judiciary would waive further
consideration of H.R. 5116. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on the Judiciary and the agreement
to waive further consideration of H.R. 5116, and further
supporting the request for Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
The House agreed to Suspend the Rules and passed H.R. 5116
on July 23, 2014, by voice vote.
Received in the Senate on July 24, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
SECURE BORDER
Security of the Nation hinges in large part on how well the
Department of Homeland Security can control who and what comes
into this country. A porous border is a conduit for not only
drug smugglers and human traffickers, but is also a
vulnerability that terrorists may exploit. The Department's
lack of a comprehensive national strategy to secure the border
and no defined measurable goals limits its ability to fulfill
this critical mission. The number of Border Patrol agents,
miles of fence, and various technology that Congress has funded
to help shore up security at the border is a means to an end.
The border is not necessarily ``secure'' because 21,370 agents
are on the border, nor is it necessarily secure because
apprehensions are the lowest they have been since the 1970s.
Instead, the Department must define the characteristics of a
secure border and establish a desired border security end-state
the Department can plan for and execute against.
On February 26, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``What Does a Secure Border Look Like?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Michael J. Fisher,
Chief, Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Kevin K. McAleenan, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; RAdm William D. Lee, Deputy,
Operations Policy and Capabilities, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Rebecca Gambler, Acting
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government
Accountability Office; and Marc R. Rosenblum, PhD, Specialist
in Immigration Policy, Congressional Research Service, The
Library of Congress. The purpose of this hearing was to take a
holistic look at the border to define what a secure border
looks like, assess what the Department needs to do to achieve a
secure border and how to measure border security progress.
STATE OF BORDER SECURITY
More than ten years after the creation of the Department of
Homeland Security, the Department does not have a comprehensive
national strategy to secure the border. Since the attacks of
September 11, 2001, Congress has appropriated billions of
dollars to enhance border security, primarily through new
investments in personnel, technology, and infrastructure. These
investments were made without the benefit of a national border
security strategy, so funds were often expended in an ad hoc
way, without a well-defined end state. Achieving greater border
security must be based on a solid understanding of current
border threats, particularly as they relate to illegal border
crossings and trafficking of contraband, and the coordination
of components.
Committee staff met with representatives from the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations and
Office of Air and Marine, Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Government
Accountability Office, to discuss topics related to border
security including: technology, strategy, metrics, and reuse of
DOD equipment.
On March 13, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee received
a briefing on the state of border security. Representatives
from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Coast Guard were present to
provide Members with an update on border security efforts and
respond to Member concerns. The purpose of this briefing was to
better understand the current state of border security efforts
from all the Department of Homeland Security components with a
role in border security and to identify the need for a National
strategy to secure the border.
BORDER SECURITY MEASURES
In 2010, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stopped
reporting the number of miles border under ``operational
control.'' Since that time, DHS has failed to introduce the
``Border Condition Index'' (BCI), a new measure intended to
demonstrate border security in a more holistic way, or another,
alternative metric. Instead, the Department has relied on
incomplete or inconsistent measures of border security
progress, such as the resources sent to the border or the
number of people apprehended. The development of outcome-based
border security metrics at and between the ports of entry and
in the maritime environment are necessary to increase
confidence that the Nation's border security efforts are based
on measurable data.
Committee staff met with representatives from U.S. Customs
and Border Protection Office of Field Operations and Office of
Air and Marine, Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Government
Accountability Office to discuss how the Department's border
security components measure effectiveness.
On March 20, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Measuring Outcomes to Understand the State of Border
Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.
Michael J. Fisher, Chief, Border Patrol, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Kevin K. McAleenan, Acting Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Mark Borkowski, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Technology
Innovation and Acquisition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Hon. Veronica
Escobar, County Judge, El Paso County, Texas. The purpose of
this hearing was to examine the status of the Border Condition
Index (BCI), and further examine outcome-based ways to measure
the state of border security.
VISA SECURITY AND OVERSTAYS
Much of the focus on border security is devoted to the
southwest border; however, estimates show approximately 40
percent of the estimated 11-12 million aliens unlawfully
present in the United States entered legally and subsequently
overstayed their visas. According to the Department of Justice,
approximately 10 percent of all the individuals who have been
convicted on terrorism-related charges in the decade since the
attacks of September 11, 2001, were legal visitors who
overstayed their visas demonstrating a significant
vulnerability. All of the 9/11 hijackers entered the United
States on legally valid visas and at least four had overstayed
or were in violation of their status.
Committee staff met with representatives from the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Government
Accountability Office to receive briefs as to how the
Department accounts for the population of persons who overstay
their visas and how to make progress in providing for exit
data.
On May 21, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Visa Security and Overstays: How Secure is America?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. John P. Wagner, Acting
Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. James A. Dinkins, Executive Associate Director,
Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Rebecca
Gambler, Director of the Homeland Security and Justice,
Government Accountability Office; and Mr. Shonnie Lyon, Acting
Director, Office of Biometric Identity Management, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. The purpose of this hearing was to examine
the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to secure
the border by addressing challenges in identifying individuals
who overstay their visas.
THE FUTURE OF THE TWIC PROGRAM
Implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential (TWIC) continues to be plagued by challenges due to
poor planning, technological hurdles, and lack of leadership by
the Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Coast
Guard (USCG). Pilot programs that were designed to assist the
USCG to issue the required regulatory rules to make the program
operate as envisioned by the Congress have been less than
successful. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has
issued several reports on the shortfalls of the TWIC program
and called into question the overall security value of the
program stating, ``DHS has not demonstrated how, if at all,
TWIC will improve maritime security.'' [GAO-13-198]. Millions
of dollars of previously allocated and future grant spending
are predicated on the TWIC providing a tangible security
benefit at the Nation's ports and maritime facilities.
Committee staff met with representatives from TSA, USCG and
GAO to discuss the challenges facing the TWIC program and what
the intent is for future deployment of technologies and
improved customer service.
On June 18, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Threat, Risk and Vulnerability: The Future of the TWIC
Program.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from RADM Joseph
A. Servidio, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, U.S.
Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen
Sadler, Assistant Administrator, Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, Transportation Security Administration, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen M. Lord, Director,
Forensic Audits and Investigative Services, U.S. Government
Accountability Office; and Capt. Marcus Woodring, (ret. USCG),
Managing Director, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental,
Port of Houston Authority. The purpose of this hearing was to
reexamine the security value of the TWIC card and determine the
future of the program.
BORDER SECURITY
It is imperative that lessons learned from prior
immigration reform efforts inform current proposals for
immigration reform. The Senate's immigration bill, S. 744,
emphasizes resources, with limited accountability or
requirements to measure outcomes of those resources. The Senate
bill spends an additional $46 billion dollars to: Double the
size of the Border Patrol; build additional miles of fence; and
purchase new technology.
H.R. 1417, the Committee's border security legislation,
calls for a strategy and an implementation plan to be produced
prior to the expenditure of additional resources. It also
requires metrics to increase accountability, and applies a
standard of no less than 90 percent effectiveness to hold the
Department accountable.
Committee staff met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Office of Field Operations, Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard,
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Government
Accountability Office for briefings on the effect that various
border security bills would have on their components.
On June 23, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``A Study in Contrasts: House and Senate Approaches to Border
Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. John
Cornyn, Senator, State of Texas; Hon. Xavier Bercerra, a
Representative in Congress from the 34th District, State of
California; Mr. Jayson Ahern, Principal, Chertoff Group; Mr.
Edward Alden, Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow, Council on
Foreign Relations; and Mr. Richard M. Stana, Former Director,
Homeland Security and Justice, Government Accountability
Office. The purpose of this hearing was to assess the two
disparate border security approaches of the House and Senate,
and to better inform the legislation that is presented to the
Congress which seeks to achieve the outcome of a secure border.
For further action on H.R. 1417, see discussion above.
BIOMETRIC EXIT
Biometrics are an important border security tool because
they cannot be easily manipulated or falsified, providing DHS
greater certainty and understanding as to who is actually in
the country at any point in time. The 9/11 Commission Report
said that such a capability could have assisted law enforcement
and intelligence officials in August and September 2001 in
conducting a search for two of the 9/11 hijackers that were in
the U.S. on expired visas.
While most of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations have
been implemented in some fashion, among the few incomplete
recommendations is that ``DHS, properly supported by the
Congress, should complete, as quickly as possible, a biometric
entry-exit screening system.'' Creating such a biometric exit
system remains a challenge for the Department of Homeland
Security although Congress has reaffirmed its commitment to
establish a biometric exit system several times, most recently
in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act
of 2007.
Mandates for an electronic exit system designed to verify
when aliens on a valid visa depart the United States have
existed since 1996. While progress has been made on the
collection of fingerprints and photographs of aliens entering
the United States, the Department still does not collect
biometric information from individuals exiting the country.
Despite longstanding Congressional mandates, DHS has not
implemented a biometric exit system. Instead the Department has
focused on a less expensive ``biographic'' (matching names of
airline manifests) option. As a result, DHS has more than one
million ``unmatched'' records--records where the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection has entry, but no exit information on
aliens who entered into the country on a valid visa. Estimates
indicate that as many as 40 percent of all individuals
unlawfully present in the U.S. enter the country on a valid
visa and overstay their period of admittance. Any attempt to
fully secure the border must also address the challenge of
identifying and then removing visa overstays.
Committee staff met with representatives from the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations to
receive briefings on the implementation of a biographic exit
program at air, land, and sea ports of entry/exit.
On September 26, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Fulfilling A Key 9/11 Commission Recommendation:
Implementing Biometric Exit.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. John P. Wagner, Acting Deputy Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
John Woods, Assistant Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Ms.
Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office. The purpose of
this hearing was to engage the Department of Homeland Security
leadership on the current state of biometric exit and to chart
a path forward to implement a system that is both a
counterterrorism and border security tool.
Committee Staff met with representatives from DHS Office of
Biometric Identity, Office of Science and Technology, and U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations and
industry partners to receive briefs on the potential
implementation of a biometric exit system. Committee Staff also
conducted a site visit at the Air Entry/Exit Re-Engineering
(AEER) Project facility to examine DHS measures.
On January 28, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee
received a briefing from industry experts on the biometric exit
program to discuss the current state of biometric exit
technology. The purpose of this brief was to solicit input from
leaders in the biometrics field on implementation of an
effective and viable biometric exit solution in different
travel environments as well as examine emerging biometric
technologies.
MARITIME SECURITY
As progress is made preventing illegal border crossings
along the land borders of the United States, Transnational
Criminal Organizations and have sought the path of least
resistance and have been utilizing maritime means to enter the
country. A serious threat to homeland security continues to be
the movement of illegal drugs in bulk through the Transit Zone
from South America through the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean.
Trafficking organizations are using advanced methods of
smuggling such as semi-submersibles and other small vessels
that are increasingly difficult to detect. In constrained
fiscal environment, cooperative efforts to gain intelligence,
situational awareness across the Department's maritime agencies
is critical to securing the vast maritime borders of the
Nation.
Committee Staff met with representatives from the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Air and Marine,
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Government Accountability
Office, to discuss the following topics related to maritime
security: maritime domain awareness, threats in the maritime
environment, USCG and CBP asset recapitalization, maritime
strategy, and metrics.
On November 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``What Does a Secure Maritime Border Look Like?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from RADM William D. Lee,
Deputy, Operations Policy and Capabilities, U.S. Coast Guard,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen L. Caldwell,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government
Accountability Office; and Capt. Marcus Woodring, (Ret. USCG),
Managing Director, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental,
Port of Houston Authority. The purpose of this hearing was to
examine: what DHS maritime components are doing to interdict
maritime threats before they arrive on shore or in U.S. ports:
what is being done to increase the Nation's understanding of
illicit networks that move in the maritime domain: DHS' layered
approach to secure the maritime environment; and how progress
is being measured.
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) allocates much as 50 percent of
its budget on core homeland security missions. Specifically,
following September 11th, 2001, the USCG increased its maritime
security operations, including a major focus on Ports,
Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS) and defense readiness
missions. The declining budget environment has significantly
hindered the USCG's ability to replace its aging air and
surface fleet. The USCG is undergoing the Service's largest
recapitalization effort to date to replace the service's oldest
assets and remain mission ready in all of its mission sets.
Committee Staff met with representatives from the USCG to
discuss the capability of Ports, Waterways, and Coastal
Security operational assets such as the Maritime Security
Response Team, and discussed future recapitalization of
cutters, aircraft and small boats.
On February 4, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Future of the Homeland Security Missions of the
Coast Guard.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from ADM
Robert J. Papp, Jr., Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. The focus of this hearing was
on the future missions of the USCG. Admiral Papp provided his
vision for the service, specifically regarding the future
homeland security missions of the USCG and highlighted the need
to balance competing priorities, in a resource strained
environment.
ARIZONA BORDER SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY PLAN
Technology has been an integral part of the proposed
solution to secure the vast and rugged terrain of the Southwest
border. A series of miscues and missteps plagued U.S. Customs
and Border Protection's previous efforts to produce a large-
scale technological border security solution known as the
Secure Border Initiative (SBInet). The Department's inability
to finalize this program highlighted CBP's inability to manage
a large scale acquisition and procurement project. More than
three years after the cancellation of SBInet, the contract for
Integrated Fixed Towers (IFT) was awarded as part of the
Arizona Technology Plan on February 26th, 2014.
Committee staff met with representatives from the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, Office of Technology, Innovation
and Acquisition, the Border Patrol and the Government
Accountably Office to receive briefings on the need for
additional resources along the border, the implementation of
the Arizona Technology Plan and the Integrated Fixed Towers
(IFT) contract as well as the procurement processes.
On March 12, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan and its
Impact on Border Security.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Mark Borkowski, Assistant Commissioner,
Office of Technology Innovation and Acquisition, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
and Ms. Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and
Justice Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office. The
purpose of this hearing was to ensure that technology being
acquired by CBP will be delivered on time, that the Department
corrected lessons learned from previous acquisition failures,
and that the new technology will provide tangible, measurable
border security benefit.
PASSPORT FRAUD
The 9/11 Commission concluded, ``For terrorists, travel
documents are as important as weapons.'' The disappearance of
Malaysian flight 370 on March 8, 2014 revealed international
travel document security vulnerabilities. Two Iranian men used
lost or stolen passports to board Malaysia Airlines Flight MH
370. These documents had been reported to INTERPOL's lost and
stolen passport database and this event highlighted failure of
the international community to screen for fraudulent travel
documents. Only three countries in the world routinely screen
INTERPOL's Stolen and Lost Travel Document (SLTD) database--The
United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, when it comes to submitting timely data to this
database, generally only Visa Waiver Program countries provide
regular passport information to INTERPOL, creating a gap in
U.S. screening efforts.
Committee staff met with representatives from the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations,
INTERPOL, and the State Department to receive briefings on
passport security and fraud detection, the Stolen and Lost
Travel Document (SLTD) database and the Visa Waiver Program.
On April 4, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Passport Fraud: An International Vulnerability.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Alan D. Bersin,
Assistant Secretary of International Affairs and Chief
Diplomatic Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
John P. Wagner, Acting Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Brenda S. Sprague, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Passport Services, Bureau of Consular
Affairs, U.S. Department of State; and Hon. Shawn A. Bray,
Director, INTERPOL Washington, U.S. National Central Bureau,
U.S. Department of Justice. The purpose of this hearing was to
ensure that CBP and the State Department can assure persons
attempting to use lost, stolen and fraudulent passports will be
prevented from getting on a plane bound for the United States.
This hearing examined what leverage the U.S. can bear on other
countries to increase security throughout the international
aviation system and increase use of the INTERPOL Stolen and
Lost Travel Document (SLTD) database.
CBP AND ICE AUTHORIZATION
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have never been
formally authorized to perform the missions they carry out
today. As a result, CBP and ICE each operate on devolved
authority granted to the Secretary of Homeland Security and on
guidance provided by the appropriators, rather than from
specific authority granted to the agency by its authorizing
committee. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296)
(HSA) transferred the relevant funding and most of the
personnel of 22 agencies and offices to the newly created
Department of Homeland Security. As a result of no further
guidance in this Act, DHS was organized into four main
directorates: Border and Transportation Security (BTS);
Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR); Science and
Technology (S&T); and Information Analysis and Infrastructure
Protection (IAIP).
Within the BTS, a new agency known as U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) was created. CBP consolidated
inspection and border related functions conducted by the former
U.S. Customs Service; the inspection functions of the former
Immigration and Naturalization Service; the Border Patrol; and
the inspection functions of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) program. Similarly, the HSA created
a Bureau of Border Security within the BTS Directorate. The
Bureau of Border Security and the BTS Directorate were
dismantled in 2005, and their functions were reorganized within
the Department.
Committee staff met with representatives from offices
within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement to receive briefings on the
current organization and authorizations of each component.
On April 8, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Kevin K. McAleenan, Acting Deputy
Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. Daniel H. Ragsdale,
Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of this hearing
was to examine the first attempt by the Congress, since the HSA
was enacted, to clearly delineate the current authorities and
responsibilities of two of the largest law enforcement agencies
in the Nation. The hearing focused on the Committee's
authorizing legislation: H.R. 3846 the United States U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Authorization Act, which
authorizes the border security functions and offices of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, including: the Office of Border
Patrol, Office of Field Operations, Office of Air and Marine,
the Office of Intelligence, and the Office of International
Affairs; and H.R. 4279, the United States U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement Authorization Act, which authorizes the
basic functions and offices of U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, including: the Office of Homeland Security
Investigations, the Office of Enforcement and Removal
Operations, and the Office of Professional Responsibility.
PORTS OF ENTRY
Port of entry infrastructure is vital to the efficient
movement of people and goods, as well as to the Nation's
homeland security. Despite an austere budgetary climate, novel
authorities, like Public Private Partnerships and reimbursable
fee agreements, can be utilized to modernize our nation's ports
of entry and improve our nation's homeland security and
economic prosperity. CBP is the lead federal agency charged
with keeping terrorists, criminals and inadmissible aliens out
of the Country while facilitating the flow of legitimate travel
and commerce at the Nation's border. CBP's Office of Field
Operations (OFO) is responsible for processing the flow of
people and goods that enter the country through Air, Land and
Sea Ports of Entry. CBP officers inspect travelers and goods to
determine whether they may be legally admitted into the United
States. CBP operates 168 official land ports of entry (POE)
along the northern and southern borders. The majority of
travelers, nearly 70 percent, enter the United States at a Land
POE.
Committee staff met with representatives from the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations and
the General Services Administration to receive briefings on the
need and process for improving infrastructure at land ports of
entry.
On July 16, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Port of Entry Infrastructure: How Does the Federal Government
Prioritize Investments?'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr. John P. Wagner, Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; accompanied by Mr. Eugene H.
Schied, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Administration, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Hon. Michael Gelber, Deputy Commissioner, Public
Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration; and
Hon. Oscar Leeser, Mayor, City of El Paso, Texas. The purpose
of this hearing was to examine how CBP and the General Services
Administration (GSA) prioritize investments in port of entry
infrastructure and how Public Private Partnerships are being
utilized along the border to the benefit of the nation's
homeland security and economic prosperity of border
communities.
PASSPORT AND ISIS
Many members of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)
terrorist group are not Syrian or Iraqi, but rather foreign
fighters from countries throughout the world, including the
United States and European nations. In August 2014, the State
Department estimated that over 12,000 fighters from over 50
different nations had traveled to Syria to fight alongside
Islamic foreign fighters, including those from ISIS.
Westerners who have joined ISIS present a unique threat to the
homeland because they may be able to travel to the United
States without the requirement of an in-person visa interview
through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). VWP allows travelers
from 38 countries to enter the United States as temporary
visitors for business or pleasure for up to 90 days.
On September 10, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``One Flight Away: An Examination of the Threat posed
by ISIS Terrorists with Western Passports.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. John P. Wagner, Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Troy Miller, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Intelligence and
Investigative Liaison, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Jennifer A. Lasley, Deputy
Under Secretary for Analysis, Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Ms. Hillary
Batjer Johnson, Acting Deputy Coordinator, Homeland Security
and Multilateral Affairs, Bureau of Counterterrorism, U.S.
Department of State. This hearing examined the programs and
mechanisms such as the National Targeting Center, Advance
Passenger Information System, the Electronic System Travel
Authorization (ESTA) and terrorist screening, put in place by
the Federal Government to identify foreign fighters and ensure
they are prevented from traveling to the United States.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``What Does a Secure Border Look Like?'' February 26, 2013.
(Serial No. 113-3)
``Measuring Outcomes to Understand the State of Border
Security.'' March 20, 2013. (Serial No. 113-8)
``Visa Security and Overstays: How Secure is America?'' May 21,
2013. (Serial No. 113-18)
``Threat, Risk and Vulnerability: The Future of the TWIC
Program.'' June 18, 2013. (Serial No. 113-23)
``A Study in Contrasts: House and Senate Approaches to Border
Security.'' July 23, 2013. (Serial No. 113-28)
``Fulfilling A Key 9/11 Commission Recommendation: Implementing
Biometric Exit.'' September 26, 2013. (Serial No. 113-
37)
``What Does a Secure Maritime Border Look Like?'' November 19,
2013. (Serial No. 113-45)
``Future of the Homeland Security Missions of the Coast
Guard.'' February 4, 2014. (Serial No. 113-49)
``The Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan and its
Impact on Border Security'' March 12, 2014. (Serial No.
113-55)
``Passport Fraud: An International Vulnerability.'' April 4,
2014. (Serial No. 113-62)
``Authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement.'' April 8, 2014.
(Serial No. 113-63)
``Port of Entry Infrastructure: How Does the Federal Government
Prioritize Investments?'' July 16, 2014. (Serial No.
113-78)
``One Flight Away: An Examination of the Threat posed by ISIS
Terrorists with Western Passports.'' September 10,
2014. (Serial No. 113-84)
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies held 15 hearings, receiving testimony from 62
witnesses, and considered four measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
CYBERSECURITY WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT ACT
Pub. Law 113-246, H.R. 2952
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make certain
improvements in the laws relating to the advancement of
security technologies for critical infrastructure protection,
and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2952 directs the Department of Homeland Security to
facilitate the development of a research and development (R&D)
strategy for critical infrastructure security technologies.
This strategy will help our nation prioritize its investments
in those aspects of the infrastructure that are most at risk.
H.R. 2952 also directs the Secretary to explore the feasibility
of expanding the use of public-private R&D consortiums to
accelerate new security technologies and spur innovation and
economic competitiveness. In addition, CIRDA will designate a
`Technology Clearinghouse' where proven security tools for
protecting infrastructure can be rapidly shared amongst
government and private partners.
Legislative History
H.R. 2952 was introduced in the House on August 1, 2013, by
Mr. Meehan, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 2952 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies.
On September 18, 2013, the Subcommittee considered H.R.
2952 and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a
favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2952 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on January 8, 2014, agreeing to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 2952. On that same date, the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the
Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 2952.
The Committee reported H.R. 2952 to the House on January 9,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-324.
The House considered H.R. 2952 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 2952 was received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2952
on December 10, 2014. The Senate then proceeded to the
consideration of H.R. 2952 and passed the measure, amended, by
unanimous consent.
The House concurred in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2952 on
December 11, 2014, under Suspension of the Rules and passed the
measure, by voice vote. Clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 2952 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed H.R. 2952 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-246.
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION AND
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 119-254, H.R. 4007
To recodify and reauthorize the Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Standards Program.
Summary
H.R. 4007 authorizes the Department of Homeland Security's
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program (CFATS) for
three years at present funding levels in order to provide the
stability and certainty both the Department and industry argue
is necessary to ensure the program's success, while at the same
time, using the authorization as a vehicle to mandate certain
fundamental programmatic improvements. CFATS was enacted under
an Appropriations rider, Pub. L. 109-295, the Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, Sec. 550, and has
technically never been authorized. Thus, chemical facility
security hangs in the balance with each new appropriations
cycle. H.R. 4007 incorporates CFATS into the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.), under Title XXI, and gives
the program official status under law.
Legislative History
H.R. 4007 was introduced in the House on February 6, 2014,
by Mr. Meehan, Mr. McCaul, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Gene
Greene of Texas, Mrs. Miller of Michigan, and Mr. Rogers of
Alabama, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and
in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Within the
Committee, H.R. 4007 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies.
On February 27, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
H.R. 4007. The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms. Caitlin
Durkovich, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; accompanied by Mr. David Wulf,
Deputy Director, Infrastructure Security Compliance Division,
National Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen L. Caldwell, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice, U.S. Government Accountability
Office; Ms. Marcia Hodges, Chief Inspector, Office of the
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Clyde Miller, Director for Corporate Security, BASF
Corporation, testifying on behalf of BASF and The American
Chemistry Council; Ms. Kate Hampford Donahue, President,
Hampford Research, Inc., testifying on behalf of the Society of
Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates; and Ms. Anna Fendley,
Legislative Representative, United Steelworkers.
On April 3, 2014 the Subcommittee considered H.R. 4007, and
ordered the measure forwarded to the Full Committee for
consideration, with a favorable recommendation, amended, by
voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 4007 on April 30, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on
June 20, 2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce would forego consideration of H.R. 4007. On that same
date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded, acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce and the agreement to forego
consideration. The letter further agreed to support the request
for Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Committee reported H.R. 4007 to the House on June 23,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-491, Pt. 1 . On that same date, the
Committee on Energy and Commerce was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 4007.
The House considered H.R. 4007 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 8, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 4007 was received in the Senate on July 9, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered H.R. 4007 on July 30, 2014, and ordered the
measure reported to the Senate, amended, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported H.R. 4007 to the Senate on September 18, 2014,
as S. Rpt. 1113-263. Placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar,
Calendar No. 578.
The Senate considered H.R. 4007 on December 10, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by unanimous consent.
The House agreed to Suspend the Rules and concurred to the
Senate amendment to H.R. 4007 on December 11, 2014, by voice
vote. Clearing the measure for the President.
The President signed H.R. 4007 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-254.
NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY PROTECTION ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-282, S. 2519 (H.R. 3696 /S. 2354)
To codify an existing operations center for cybersecurity.
Summary
S. 2519 reflects a continuation of legislation begun in the
House as H.R. 3696, which codifies and strengthens the National
Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) and
Cyber Incident Response Teams; directs DHS to leverage
industry-led organizations to facilitate critical
infrastructure protection and incident response; codifies the
public-private partnership framework for Critical
Infrastructure Security and Resilience; amends the SAFETY Act
(Subtitle G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-
296) to clarify that cybersecurity technologies and services
may be certified by the DHS SAFETY Act Office; and, directs the
Secretary to establish cybersecurity occupation categories,
assess the readiness and capacity of the Department's cyber
workforce, and develop a comprehensive strategy to enhance the
readiness, capacity, training, recruitment, and retention of
the Department's cybersecurity workforce.
Legislative History
S. 2519, was introduced in the Senate on June 24, 2014, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
On June 25, 2014, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs considered S. 2519 and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate, amended, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 2519 to the Senate on July 31, 2014, as S.
Rpt. 113-240. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 526.
The Senate considered S. 2519 on December 10, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by unanimous consent.
The House considered S. 2519 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 11, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 2519 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed S. 2519 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-282.
H.R. 3696
H.R. 3696 was introduced in the House on December 11, 2013,
by Mr. McCaul, Mr. Meehan, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Ms.
Clarke, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and
in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Within
the Committee, H.R. 3696 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies.
On January 15, 2014, the Subcommittee considered H.R. 3696
and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
On February 5, 2014, the Full Committee considered H.R.
3696 and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, as
amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on February 24, 2014, agreeing to waive
consideration of H.R. 3696. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
and supporting the request to seek Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
The Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on
July 22, 2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3696. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
responded agreeing to the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce and to support any request for
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security on July 22, 2014, agreeing to waive further
consideration of H.R. 3696. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform and agreeing to support any request for
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3696 to
the House on July 23, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-550, Pt. I.
The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform were subsequently
discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3696.
The Committee reported H.R. 3696 to the House on July 23,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-550, Pt. I.
The House considered H.R. 3696 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 3696 was received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
S. 2354
S. 2354, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on May 20, 2014, by Mr. Carper, and referred to the
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
On May 21, 2014, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs considered S. 2354 and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate, amended, by voice vote.
HOMELAND SECURITY CYBERSECURITY BOOTS-ON-THE-GROUND ACT
H.R. 3107
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish
cybersecurity occupation classifications, assess the
cybersecurity workforce, develop a strategy to address
identified gaps in the cybersecurity workforce, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3107 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to
establish cybersecurity occupation classifications and to
ensure that such classifications may be used throughout the
Department and are made available to other federal agencies.
H.R. 3107 also requires the Secretary to create a workforce
strategy that enhances the readiness, capacity, training,
recruitment, and retention of the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) cybersecurity workforce, including a multiphased
recruitment plan and a 10-year projection of federal workforce
needs. This legislation would also create a process to verify
that employees of independent contractors who serve in DHS
cybersecurity positions receive initial and recurrent
information security and role-based security training
commensurate with assigned responsibilities.
Legislative History
H.R. 3107 was introduced in the House on September 17,
2013, by Ms. Clarke, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3107 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies.
On September 18, 2013, the Subcommittee considered H.R.
3107 and reported the measure to the Full Committee with a
favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3107 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 3107 to the House on December
12, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-294.
The House considered H.R. 3107 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 395 yeas and 8 nays. (Roll No. 457).
Received in the Senate on July 29, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION ACT
H.R. 3410
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to secure critical
infrastructure against electromagnetic pulses, and for other
purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3410 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to
include the threat of Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) events in
national planning scenarios, and to conduct outreach to educate
owners and operators of critical infrastructure, emergency
planners, and emergency responders of the threat of EMP events.
This legislation also requires the Secretary to conduct
research and development to mitigate the consequences of EMP
events, including: 1) An objective scientific analysis of the
risks of a range of EMP events' impact on critical
infrastructure; 2) a determination of the critical national
security assets and vital civic utilities at risk from EMP
events; 3) an evaluation of the emergency planning and response
technologies that would address the findings and recommendation
of experts; 4) an analysis of the technology options that are
available to improve the resiliency of critical infrastructure
to EMP events and 5) an analysis of the restoration and
recovery capabilities of critical infrastructure under
differing levels of damage and disruption from various EMP
events.
H.R. 3410 also requires the Secretary to submit a
recommended strategy to protect and prepare critical
infrastructure against EMP events (including acts of
terrorism), and provide biennial updates on the status of the
recommended strategy.
Legislative History
H.R. 3410 was introduced in the House on October 30, 2013,
by Mr. Franks of Arizona and Mr. Sessions, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3410
was referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.
On December 1, 2014, the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 3410. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded, acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and the agreement to not seek a sequential
referral.
On December 1, 2014, the House considered H.R. 3410 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, amended, by
voice vote.
Received in the Senate on December 2, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
STRENGTHENING DOMESTIC NUCLEAR SECURITY ACT OF 2014
H.R. 5629
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to strengthen the
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5629 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-296) to authorize the creation of the Domestic Nuclear
Detection Office for two years. This legislation authorizes the
program at $291 million for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016.
In carrying out the mission of the Office, the Director would
be required to provide comprehensive support to Federal, State,
and local entities to assist in implementing radiological and
nuclear detection capabilities in the event of an attack. These
capabilities would be required to be integrated into the
enhanced global nuclear detection architecture. Moreover, the
Director is required to establish the ``Securing the Cities''
(STC) program to enhance the ability of the U.S. to detect and
prevent a radiological or nuclear attack in high-risk urban
areas. The Director is required to consider jurisdictions
designated as high-risk urban areas for the STC program and
notify Congress within 30 days of any changes or additions to
the program. Within one year of the bill's enactment, the GAO
is required to submit a report to Congress on the program's
effectiveness.
This legislation also requires the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) to complete and sign a Mission Need Statement
and Operational Requirements Document in the event of the
acquisition of a new system for use under this Act. H.R. 5629
also changes the reporting requirements of the Joint
Interagency Review of Global Nuclear Detection Architecture.
Under current law, the report is submitted annually. This
legislation would require the report be submitted biennially.
Legislative History
H.R. 5629 was introduced in the House on September 18,
2014, by Mr. Meehan and Mr. McCaul, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 5629
was referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.
On December 1, 2014, the House considered H.R. 5629 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, amended, by a
\2/3\ recorded vote of 374 yeas and 11 nays, (Roll No. 532).
Received in the Senate on December 3, 2014, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
CYBER THREATS FROM CHINA, RUSSIA, AND IRAN
American critical infrastructure is under persistent cyber
attack from criminals, activists, and nation states intent on
compromising sensitive data or causing damage. One of the most
consequential cyber threats is a concentrated attack by a
nation state against key segments of American critical
infrastructure. In late 2012 and early 2013 a series of cyber
attacks, reportedly emanating from the Islamic Republic of
Iran, targeted the American financial services sector and
compromised the integrity and operation of several banks.
The Chair of the Subcommittee and Committee staff traveled
to New York City, New York from February 7 through 8, 2013, to
receive briefings from representatives of the financial
services sector to examine the extent of the attacks and
effective remediation strategies, including improved Federal
cooperation.
On March 20, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Cyber Threats from China, Russia and Iran: Protecting
American Critical Infrastructure.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Frank J. Cilluffo, Director, Homeland
Security Policy Institute and Co-Director, Cyber Center for
National and Economic Security, The George Washington
University; Mr. Richard Bejtlich, Chief Security Officer and
Security Services Architect, Mandiant; Mr. Ilan Berman, Vice
President, American Foreign Policy Council; and Mr. Martin C.
Libicki, Senior Management Scientist, The RAND Corporation. The
purpose of this hearing was to examine the cybersecurity
threats to American critical infrastructure from key nation
states.
On October 20, 2014 Subcommittee staff received a
classified briefing from Estonian and U.S. Government officials
in Tallinn, Estonia regarding cyber and physical threats from
Russia.
DHS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and
Technology (S&T) Directorate is the primary research and
development arm of the Department and manages science and
technology research, from development through transition, for
the Department's operational components and first responders to
protect the homeland.
On March 21, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee received
a briefing from representative from the Department's Science
and Technology Directorate. The purpose of this briefing was to
examine S&T's efforts to develop and promulgate new
technologies. As a result of this briefing, the Chair of the
Subcommittee introduced H.R. 2952, the Critical Infrastructure
Research and Development Advancement (CIRDA) Act of 2013, which
requires DHS to develop a strategic research and development
plan. See discussion of H.R. 2952, listed above.
On February 7, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from the Acting Under Secretary for Science and Technology, on
long-term research and development investments.
On April 25, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from the Director of the S&T Office of National Laboratories on
the status of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and
other DHS National Lab programs.
On June 5, 2014, Subcommittee staff met with the Under
Secretary for Science and Technology to discuss the
Directorate's current status, successes and shortcomings, and
the vision for the Directorate moving forward.
On June 12, 2014, Subcommittee staff received briefings
from representatives of the Homeland Security Advanced Research
Projects Agency (HSARPA), First Responders Group and Chief
Technology Officer in preparation for developing authorizing
legislation for the Directorate. Additional meetings were held
on June 17, 2014 with the HSARPA Director and S&T Deputy Under
Secretary.
CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY
The Subcommittee's effort to improve the Department of
Homeland Security's ability to oversee the cybersecurity of
Federal networks and other critical infrastructures is driven
by the paramount importance of protecting the integrity of
sensitive data, including personally identifiable information
(PII).
On April 25, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Striking the Right Balance: Protecting Our Nation's Critical
Infrastructure from Cyber Attack and Ensuring Privacy and Civil
Liberties.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms. Mary
Ellen Callahan, Partner, Jenner & Block and Former Chief
Privacy Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Ms.
Cheri F. McGuire, Vice President, Global Government Affairs &
Cybersecurity Policy, Symantec; and Ms. Harriet Pearson,
Partner, Hogan Lovells. The purpose of this hearing was to
inform Members of the various privacy issues to be addressed in
crafting cybersecurity policy and proposed legislation.
On November 1, 2013, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the National Cybersecurity &
Communications Integration Center to examine the policies and
procedures used by the Department to protect PII.
Additionally, Committee staff held a series of meetings
with privacy experts, advocates, and other stakeholders to
inform oversight and craft legislative language to ensure the
Department adequately protects private information.
CYBER THREAT INFORMATION SHARING
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the declared
mission, and an FY 2013 budget of $896 million, to oversee the
security of Federal civilian networks (the ``.gov'' domain) and
aid private sector owners and operators of critical
infrastructure in protecting their systems from cyber threats.
The Subcommittee examined the existing cybersecurity
information sharing and response capabilities at DHS used to
fulfill these roles and evaluated the budget for the DHS Office
of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) to determine whether
resources were being effectively utilized. The Subcommittee
emphasized reviewing the authorities and activities of the CS&C
National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center
(NCCIC), which includes DHS information sharing and incident
response units, in order to inform legislation currently in
draft form.
On May 16, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Facilitating Cyber Threat Information Sharing and Partnering
with the Private Sector to Protect Critical Infrastructure: An
Assessment of DHS Capabilities.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Ms. Roberta ``Bobbie'' Stempfley, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Office of Cybersecurity and
Communications, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Larry
Zelvin, Director, National Cybersecurity and Communications
Integration Center, National Protection and Programs
Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Mr.
Charles K. Edwards, Acting Inspector General, Office of the
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The
purpose of this hearing was to inform Members of the
cybersecurity authorities, capabilities and limitations at DHS.
On May 21, 2013, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and
Communications held a joint classified Member tour and briefing
at the Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity
and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC). This briefing
provided Members an opportunity to assess the capabilities and
impediments of operations at the NCCIC in order to inform
authorizing legislation.
On February 20, 2014 Subcommittee staff received a
classified briefing from the White House regarding on-going
interagency cybersecurity efforts.
CYBER INCIDENT RESPONSE
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers technical
assistance to owners and operators of critical infrastructure,
including State and local governments, on a voluntary basis in
the event of cyber incidents. The Subcommittee is concerned
about the adequacy and effectiveness of DHS's efforts,
including education and outreach efforts to State and local
emergency planners.
On October 30, 2013, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications and the Subcommittee
on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies held a joint hearing entitled ``Cyber Incident
Response: Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and Emergency
Management.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms.
Roberta ``Bobbie'' Stempfley, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, National Protection
and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Charley English, Director, Georgia Emergency Management
Agency, testifying on behalf of the National Emergency
Management Association; Mr. Craig Orgeron, Chief Information
Officer and Executive Director, Department of Information
Technology Services, State of Mississippi, testifying on behalf
of the National Association of State Chief Information
Officers; Mr. Mike Sena, Deputy Director, Northern California
Regional Intelligence Center, testifying on behalf of the
National Fusion Center Association; and Mr. Paul Molitor,
Assistant Vice President, National Electrical Manufacturers
Association. This hearing examined the extent of cyber threat
information sharing and response capabilities to a cyber
incident with physical consequences. The purpose of the hearing
was to examine ways to improve the ability of DHS to aid state
and local emergency responders in the event of a significant
cyber incident.
In preparation for this hearing, Committee staff met with
stakeholders to discuss information sharing related to cyber
threats and cyber incident response capabilities. On September
18, 2013, Committee staff also received a briefing from
representatives from DHS's Office of Cybersecurity and
Communications on the Department's efforts to share cyber
threat information with emergency response providers.
PRIVACY CONCERNS WITH THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
The implementation of systems associated with the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare),
including healthcare.gov, the Federal Health Insurance Exchange
and the Federal Data Services Hub, raised concerns that these
systems do not properly secure sensitive personal data.
On July 17, 2013, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies and the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on
Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements held a joint
hearing entitled ``Evaluating Privacy, Security, and Fraud
Concerns with ObamaCare's Information Sharing Apparatus.'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from Mr. Alan R. Duncan,
Assistant Inspector General for Security and Information
Technology Services, Inspector General for Tax Administration,
Department of the Treasury; Mr. Terence V. Milholland, Chief
Technology Officer, Internal Revenue Service; Hon. Danny
Werfel, Principal Deputy Commissioner, Internal Revenue
Service; Hon. Marilyn B. Tavenner, Administrator, Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services; Mr. Henry Chao, Deputy Chief Information
Officer, Deputy Director of the Office of Information Services,
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services; and Mr. John Dicken, Director,
Health Care, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
On September 11, 2013, the Subcommittee continued to
examine the issue of the security of personal information
through a hearing entitled ``The Threat to Americans' Personal
Information: A Look into the Security and Reliability of the
Health Exchange Data Hub.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr. Michael Astrue, Former Social Security Commissioner,
Former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services General
Counsel; Stephen T. Parente, Ph.D., Minnesota Insurance
Industry Chair of Health Finance, Director, Medical Industry
Leadership Institute and Professor, Department of Finance,
Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota; Ms. Kay
Daly, Assistant Inspector General, Audit Services, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services; and Mr. Matt Salo,
Executive Director, National Association of Medicaid Directors.
In preparation for these hearings, Subcommittee staff met
with stakeholders to examine what measures were being taken by
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to protect
personal identifiable information and whether those measures
were adequate. Despite assurances from CMS, the Subcommittee
continues to be concerned that adequate security measures and
certifications have yet to be implemented.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 13636
Executive Order 13636, Improving Critical Infrastructure
Cybersecurity, has directed the National Institutes for
Standards and Technology (NIST) to work with stakeholders to
develop a voluntary framework for reducing cyber risks to
critical infrastructure.
On July 18, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Oversight of Executive Order 13636 and Development of the
Cybersecurity Framework.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr. Robert Kolasky, Director, Implementation Task Force,
National Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security; Charles H. Romine, PhD, Director,
Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of
Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce; and Eric
A. Fischer, PhD, Senior Specialist, Science and Technology,
Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress.
From July 10 through 12, 2013, Committee staff attended the
third Cybersecurity Framework workshop in San Diego, California
hosted by the University of California, San Diego and the
National Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (NH-
ISAC). At this workshop, NIST presented an annotated outline of
the initial draft Cybersecurity Framework for discussion.
From September 11 through 13, 2013, Committee staff
attended the fifth Cybersecurity Framework workshop in
Richardson, Texas hosted by the University of Texas at Dallas.
At this workshop, NIST presented the draft Preliminary
Cybersecurity Framework for discussion. The purpose of
attending the workshops was to participate in the development
of the framework and meet with other stakeholders to inform
continuing oversight of the development of the EO framework.
In preparation for the hearing and workshops, Subcommittee
Members and staff held a series of meetings with stakeholders
participating in the development of the framework.
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the statutory
authority, which currently expires on January 15, 2014, to
regulate chemical facilities for security purposes. While the
Subcommittee supports reauthorizing Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Standards (CFATS), a number of concerns exposed by
Congress and reports from both the DHS Office of the Inspector
General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
must be addressed. Concerns include the adequacy and
effectiveness of DHS efforts including program management.
The explosion on April 17, 2013, at the West Fertilizer
Company fertilizer distribution facility in West, Texas, led to
additional focus on DHS's ability to identify noncompliant
facilities as the company had not reported to DHS under the
CFATS program even though it appeared to have possessed more
than the threshold quantities of chemicals of interest. DHS had
no knowledge of the facility's existence.
On August 1, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``West Fertilizer, Off the Grid: The Problem of Unidentified
Chemical Facilities.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr. David Wulf, Director, Infrastructure Security Compliance
Division, National Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen L. Caldwell,
Deputy Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S. Government
Accountability Office; Mr. Donnie Dippel, President, Texas Ag
Industries Association; Mr. Paul Derig, Environmental Health
and Safety Manger III, J.R. Simplot Company, testifying on
behalf of the Agricultural Retailers Association; Mr. Timothy
J. Scott, Chief Security Officer, Corporate Director, Emergency
Services and Security, The Dow Chemical Company; and Mr. Sean
Moulton, Director, Open Government Policy, Center for Effective
Government. The purpose of this hearing was to examine DHS
efforts to improve their ability to identify other ``outlier''
facilities not currently identified.
Subcommittee staff received two bicameral, multi-Committee
briefings from DHS, Infrastructure Security Compliance
Division. In addition, Subcommittee staff held a series of
meetings with stakeholders to inform efforts to draft
reauthorization legislation.
DOMINO
The DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate,
Network Security Deployment Branch is currently in the process
of developing an approximately $920 million Request for
Proposal (RFP) for the Development, Operations and Maintenance
(DOMino) Federal Enterprise Network Security Program. The
Subcommittee has concerns regarding the size, scope,
effectiveness and cost of the program. On August 6, 2013,
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of the
Department of Homeland Security on this acquisition to update
timeline for the release of the RFP.
CONTINUOUS DIAGNOSTIC AND MITIGATION (CDM) PROGRAM
The Subcommittee examined the progress of the Government-
wide adoption of the $6 billion the Continuous Diagnostic and
Mitigation Program, which will consolidate Federal
cybersecurity practices under one set of requirements. On
October 30, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives of the Department of Homeland Security on the
CDM program to ascertain contract awards and timelines for
deployment.
DOMESTIC NUCLEAR DETECTION OFFICE
The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) has the
mandate to develop technologies to detect radiological threats
within the United States. On March 14, 2013, Members of the
Subcommittee received a briefing from representatives from the
DNDO to investigate the adequacy of the office's $200 million
and the effectiveness of technologies under development.
On January 29, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a
classified briefing from representatives of the Domestic
Nuclear Detection Office on their efforts related to the Global
Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA).
On March 7, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a classified
brief of on-going DNDO programs, providing information on the
DNDO programs and their budgetary needs.
On April 29, 2014, Subcommittee Members received a
classified briefing on the Global Nuclear Detection
Architecture (GNDA) and the various threats, risk pathways, and
vulnerabilities that DNDO has identified through the GNDA.
On September 16, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a
briefing on DNDO coordination with the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Union.
On October 1, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
on the DNDO strategic plan for implementing their
responsibilities in the GNDA.
NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY AND COMMUNICATIONS INTEGRATION CENTER (NCCIC)
On Tuesday, January 14, 2014, Members of the Subcommittee
received a classified briefing on the National Cybersecurity
and Communications Integration Center. Representatives from the
Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity
and Communications Integration Center were present to respond
to Member questions.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTIONS
The Subcommittee held a field hearing in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, on April 16, 2014, entitled ``Protecting Your
Personal Data: How Law Enforcement Works With the Private
Sector to Prevent Cybercrime.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Ari Baranoff, Assistant Special Agent in
Charge, Criminal Investigative Division, United States Secret
Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Richard P.
Quinn, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Field
Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, US. Department of
Justice; Mr. Jack Whelan, District Attorney, Delaware County,
Pennsylvania; Mr. Ted Peters, Chairman and CEO, Bryn Mawr
Trust; Mr. Thomas Litchford, Vice President, Retail Technology,
National Retail Federation; and Mr. Matthew Rhoades, Director,
Cyberspace and Security Program, Truman National Security
Project and Center for National Policy.
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE
On May 8, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP): Threat to Critical
Infrastructure.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon.
Trent Franks, a Representative in Congress from the Eighth
District of Arizona; Dr. Peter Vincent Pry, Congressional EMP
Commission, Congressional Strategic Posture Commission,
Executive Director of the Task Force on National and Homeland
Security; Dr. Michael J. Frankel, Senior Scientist, Penn State
University, Applied Research Laboratory; and Dr. Chris Beck,
Vice President, Policy and Strategic Initiatives, The Electric
Infrastructure Security Council.
CYBER THREATS TO THE HOMELAND
On May 21, 2014, the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies held a
joint hearing entitled ``Assessing Persistent and Emerging
Cyber Threats to the U.S. Homeland.'' The Subcommittees
received testimony from Mr. Joseph Demarest, Assistant
Director, Cyber Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S.
Department of Justice; Mr. Glenn Lemons, Senior Intelligence
Officer, Cyber Intelligence Analysis Division, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; and Mr. Larry Zelvin, Director, National
Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. Portions of this hearing were held in a
classified Executive Session.
DATA MINING
On June 25, 2014, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies and the
Committee on Education and the Workforce's Subcommittee on
Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a
joint hearing entitled ``How Data Mining Threatens Student
Privacy.'' The Subcommittees received testimony from Mr. Joel
R. Reidenberg, Stanley D. and Nikki Waxberg Chair and Professor
of Law, Founding Academic Director, Center on Law and
Information Policy, Fordham University School of Law; Mr. Mark
MacCarthy, Vice President, Public Policy, Software and
Information Industry Association; Ms. Joyce Popp, Chief
Information Officer, Department of Education, State of Idaho;
and Mr. Thomas Murray, Director, State and District Digital
Learning Policy and Advocacy, Alliance for Excellent Education.
NUCLEAR AND RADIOLGICAL THREATS
On July 29, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Protecting the Homeland from Nuclear and Radiological
Threats.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Huban
A. Gowadia, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office,
Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. David C. Trimble,
Director, Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Government
Accountability Office.
NUCLEAR AND RADIOLGICAL THREATS
On September 9, 2014, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on
Research and Technology held a joint hearing entitled
``Strategy and Mission of the DHS Science and Technology
Directorate.'' The Subcommittees received testimony from Hon.
Reginald Brothers, Under Secretary for Science and Technology,
Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. David C. Maurer,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S. Government
Accountability Office.
CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE
From October 13 through 22, 2014, a delegation of
Subcommittee staff met with cybersecurity experts in the United
Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Estonia to discuss their
efforts and coordination with United States government
entities. In addition to meetings with US embassy staff in each
country, other meetings included the United Kingdom Home
Office, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-UK), Cabinet
Office, and National Crime Agency; European Parliament Members
and staff, private technology companies operating in the US and
Europe, the US mission to the European Union; representatives
of the European Cybersecurity Center, the Dutch Cybersecurity
Policy Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NATO Cyber
Defense Center of Excellence; and, representatives of the
Estonian government, private sector and academia.
In preparation for the staff delegation, Subcommittee staff
received briefings from representatives from the Domestic
Nuclear Detection Office, United States Secret Service,
European Union and British government.
ELECTRIC GRID SECURITY
On June 10, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from representatives of Argonne National Laboratory on their
work on the security of the electric grid.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Cyber Threats from China, Russia and Iran: Protecting
American Critical Infrastructure.'' March 20, 2013.
(Serial No. 113-9)
``Striking the Right Balance: Protecting Our Nation's Critical
Infrastructure from Cyber Attack and Ensuring Privacy
and Civil Liberties.'' April 25, 2013. (Serial No. 113-
13)
``Facilitating Cyber Threat Information Sharing and Partnering
with the Private Sector to Protect Critical
Infrastructure: An Assessment of DHS Capabilities.''
May 16, 2013. (Serial No. 113-17)
``Evaluating Privacy, Security, and Fraud Concerns with
ObamaCare's Information Sharing Apparatus.'' Joint
hearing with the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and
Entitlements. July 17, 2013. (Serial No. 113-25)
``Oversight of Executive Order 13636 and Development of the
Cybersecurity Framework.'' July 18, 213. (Serial No.
113-27)
``West Fertilizer, Off the Grid: The Problem of Unidentified
Chemical Facilities.'' August 1, 2013. (Serial No. 113-
30)
``The Threat to Americans' Personal Information: A Look into
the Security and Reliability of the Health Exchange
Data Hub.'' September 11, 2013. (Serial No. 113-33)
``Cyber Incident Response: Bridging the Gap Between
Cybersecurity and Emergency Management.''Joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications. October 30, 2013. (Serial
No. 113-39)
H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
Authorization and Accountability Act of 2014. February
27, 2014. (Serial No. 113-54)
``Protecting Your Personal Data: How Law Enforcement Works With
the Private Sector to Prevent Cybercrime.'' April 16,
2014. Field hearing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Serial No. 113-65)
``Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP): Threat to Critical
Infrastructure.'' May 8, 2014. (Serial No. 113-68)
``Assessing Persistent and Emerging Cyber Threats to the U.S.
Homeland.'' May 21, 2014. Joint with the Subcommittee
on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. (Serial No. 113-
69)
``How Data Mining Threatens Student Privacy.'' June 25, 2014.
Joint with the Committee on Education and the
Workforce's Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Elementary, and Secondary Education. (Serial No. 113-
75)
``Protecting the Homeland from Nuclear and Radiological
Threats.'' July 29, 2014. (Serial No. 113-82)
``Strategy and Mission of the DHS Science and Technology
Directorate.'' September 9, 2014. (Serial No. 113-83)
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana, Vice Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Management Efficiency held 15 hearings, receiving testimony
from 65 witnesses, and considered one measure.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
DHS OIG MANDATES REVISION ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-__ , S. 2651
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Public Law number not available at the time of filing.
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To repeal certain mandates of the Department of Homeland
Security Office of the Inspector General.
Summary
The purpose of S.2651 is to eliminate the congressional
mandate for the Department of Homeland Security's Office of
Inspector General to conduct certain audits of the Department.
These mandated audits cover issues including an annual
evaluation of the Cargo Inspection Targeting System, Coast
Guard performance, accounting of National Drug Control Policy
Funds, and annual review of grants to states and high-risk
urban areas.
According to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs Committee, the mandates that would be repealed by
S.2651 duplicate other reports conducted by DHS Components. By
eliminating these mandates, the Office of Inspector General
could use finite resources on other audit priorities. The
legislation rescinding these mandates does not prohibit the DHS
Office of Inspector General from conducting periodic audits on
these issues.
Legislative History
S. 2651 was introduced in the Senate on July 24, 2014, by
Mr. Coburn, and Mr. Carper and referred to the Senate Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 2651 on September 16, 2014, and ordered
the measure reported to the Senate, amended.
The Senate considered S. 2651 on September 17, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by unanimous consent.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 2651 to the Senate on September 18, 2014,
as S. Rpt. 113-261.
S. 2561 was received in the House on September 18, 2014,
and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within in the Committee, S. 2651 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Homeland
Security would agree to waive further consideration of S. 2651.
The letter further requested the appointment of Conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be called. On that same date,
the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Homeland Security and the support for Conferees, should a
House-Senate Conference be called.
The House considered S. 2651 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 10, 2014 and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 2651 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed S. 2651 into law on December 18,
2014.
DHS ACQUISITION ACCOUNTABILITY AND EFFICIENCY ACT
H.R. 4228
To require the Department of Homeland Security to improve
discipline, accountability, and transparency in acquisition
program management.
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security spends billions of
taxpayer dollars each year in major acquisition programs to
help protect the homeland. Since 2005, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) has identified DHS's acquisition
management as an activity on its ``High-Risk List'' which
identifies programs highly susceptible to fraud, waste, abuse,
and mismanagement or most in need of broad reform. Numerous GAO
and Inspector General reports have identified significant
issues in how DHS manages its acquisition programs. H.R. 4228
provides senior DHS officials necessary authorities to hold
programs accountable, increases transparency for Congress on
troubled programs, and requires a departmental strategy to help
ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in the most efficient and
effective manner.
Legislative History
H.R. 4228 was introduced in the House on March 13, 2014, by
Mr. Duncan of South Carolina, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Barber, and Mr.
Daines, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 4228 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency.
On March 26, 2014, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Management Efficiency considered H.R. 4228 and forwarded the
measure to the Full Committee with a favorable recommendation,
amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 4228 on April 30, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 4228 to the House on May 6,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-436.
The House considered H.R. 4228 under Suspension of the
Rules and agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4228,
amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 4228 was received in the Senate on June 10, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
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Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
PRIVACY ISSUES
The protection of the privacy of American citizens is
critically important especially when implementing programs and
policies to secure the Nation. Specifically, ensuring that the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) information gathering
and analysis functions and other programs across its components
adhere to established standards is a critical responsibility of
DHS through its Chief Privacy Officer. On February 6, 2013,
Members of the Subcommittee received a classified briefing on
privacy issues and the role of the Department and the National
Counterterrorism Center in collecting, analyzing, and storing
intelligence on U.S. persons. Members learned how the Center is
implementing its new ``Guidelines for Access, Retention, Use,
and Dissemination of U.S. Persons Information.''
On June 19, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from
officials from the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
on civil liberties concerns at border checkpoints. On January
8, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing from the Chief
Privacy Officer to discuss the Department's on-going privacy
efforts and Freedom of Information Act backlog.
Based on concerns related to searches and seizures
conducted at the nation's borders and the related privacy
implications, on February 18, 2014, the Chair and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Acting U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner and Acting Director
of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requesting more
information on the implementation of border search policies.
The Department responded on April 8, 2014. On August 13, 2014,
Subcommittee staff met with the Chief Privacy Officer and
Freedom of Information Act Director for an update on the
Privacy Office's current activities.
DHS SPENDING
The terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, forced the
United States to fundamentally rethink the threats it faces and
its approach to defending the Nation. Today, the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) has a budget of almost $60 billion,
employs more than 225,000 people, operates in more than 75
countries, and is the third largest Federal Department. At a
time when the Nation stands at over $17 trillion in debt, a
rigorous assessment is needed to review how the Department
spends taxpayer dollars. On February 15, 2013, the Subcommittee
held a hearing entitled ``Assessing DHS 10 years later: How
Wisely is DHS Spending Taxpayer Dollars?'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Hon. James Gilmore, III, President,
Free Congress Foundation; Mr. Shawn Reese, Analyst, Emergency
Management and Homeland Security Policy, Congressional Research
Service, The Library of Congress; Mr. Rick ``Ozzie'' Nelson,
Vice President for Business Development, Cross Match
Technologies; Ms. Cathleen Berrick, Managing Director, Homeland
Security and Justice Issues, U.S. Government Accountability
Office. The purpose of the hearing was to address the
Department's progress and shortcomings in implementing its
various missions 10 years after its creation, integrating its
components, and diligence in making sure taxpayer dollars are
being spent efficiently.
In addition, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter on
February 28, 2013, to the Undersecretary for Management on the
Department's conference spending. The letter noted concerns
over DHS's conference spending and previous data provided to
the Committee. The Department provided a response on May 28,
2013. Additionally, on November 6, 2013, the Chair of the
Subcommittee requested the Comptroller General of the U.S.
review DHS's management of fee based programs.
In light of egregious waste related to Internal Revenue
Service training videos uncovered by the Inspector General of
the Department of the Treasury, the Chair of the Subcommittee
sent a letter on June 6, 2013, to the Undersecretary for
Management, requesting that the Department provide the cost and
types of internal training materials, especially videos,
created by DHS and its components. To date, the Department has
not provided a response.
As a follow up to an audit by the Office of the Inspector
General, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter on July
31, 2014, to the Acting Under Secretary for Management
regarding DHS management challenges with the Federal Employees'
Compensation Act. The Department responded on August 22, 2014.
In light of media reports of wasted taxpayer dollars on gym
memberships by the Department, the Chair of the Subcommittee
sent a letter on August 26, 2014, requesting detailed
information on these procurements. The Department responded on
September 10, 2014; a follow up letter was sent on October 3,
2014, and the Department responded on October 27, 2014.
TSA'S PASSENGER SCREENING TECHNOLOGIES
After the 2009 Christmas Day Northwest Flight 253 bombing
attempt, deployment of the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)
machines at airports Nation-wide accelerated, resulting in a
total of 841 such machines being deployed to 208 airports.
These machines were deployed to enhance TSA's capability to
identify non-metallic and liquid explosives, akin to the bomb
used in the Flight 253 bombing attempt. Due to privacy
concerns, in January 2012, Congress mandated in the FAA
Modernization Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-95) that all advanced
imaging technology be equipped with Automated Target
Recognition. Because of this, all backscatter AIT units, which
were unable to meet the new mandate, were removed from airports
at the vendor's expense.
In an effort to review the TSA's Passenger Screening
Technologies, on February 5, 2013, the Members of the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and the Subcommittee on
Oversight and Management Efficiency received a joint classified
briefing. The Subcommittees were briefed by representatives
from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the
Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector
General (OIG). The briefing addressed the development of the
technology, challenges with the acquisition process, among
other issues. Subsequent to the briefing, the OIG released a
report on TSA's deployment and use of AIT machines [OIG-13-
120]. The OIG Report found that TSA did not develop a
comprehensive deployment strategy to ensure all AIT units were
effectively deployed and fully used for screening passengers
due to the agency failing to have a policy or process requiring
program offices to prepare strategic deployment plans for new
technology that align with the overall goals of its Passenger
Screening Program and lacking adequate internal controls to
ensure accurate data on Advanced Imaging Technology
utilization.
As a result of the briefing, the Chair of the Subcommittee
sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA. The TSA provided the
Subcommittee with a response on March 15, 2013. The
Subcommittee Chair also signed onto on-going GAO work
evaluating TSA's AIT program. On March 31, 2014, GAO issued its
report titled Advanced Imaging Technology: TSA Needs Additional
Information Before Procuring Next Generation Systems [GAO-14-
357]. The report contained four recommendations for executive
action. The Subcommittee intends to further review and monitor
TSA's Passenger Screening Technologies in conjunction with the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
DHS HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stands as the
third largest department in the Federal Government, with its
components scattered at over 50 locations throughout the
National Capital Region. In an effort to consolidate locations
and increase a unified organization, construction is currently
underway for a new headquarters facility. The construction of
the Department's Headquarters at the St. Elizabeths campus, in
Washington, DC. is the largest Federal construction project to
occur in the National Capital Region since the construction of
The Pentagon. To date, over $1 billion has been appropriated
for this project.
On March 1, 2013, officials from the Department briefed
Committee staff on construction efforts at the St. Elizabeths
facility and discussed budget requests. On March 15, 2013, the
Members of the Subcommittee conducted a site visit to the
Department of Homeland Security Consolidated Headquarters at
St. Elizabeths. While on campus, Members toured the facility
and were briefed by the Department on construction progress and
the status of consolidation efforts. As a follow up to this
site visit, on March 20, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee
requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a
comprehensive review of the consolidation project. GAO issued
its report on September 19, 2014, titled Federal Real Property:
DHS and GSA Need to Strengthen Management of the DHS
Headquarters Consolidation [GAO-14-648]. The report contained
four recommendations for Executive Action and one Matter for
Congressional Consideration. On May 30, 2013, Committee staff
were briefed by officials from the General Services
Administration (GSA) on the St. Elizabeths consolidated
headquarters effort. Committee staff received separate
briefings related to GSA contracts awarded for this project.
The Subcommittee will continue to closely monitor this major
project.
On January 10, 2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee released
a majority staff report titled Reality Check Needed: Rising
Costs and Delays in Construction of New DHS Headquarters at St.
Elizabeths. The report examined DHS's planning process for its
new headquarters and detailed how taxpayer dollars have been
spent on the project to date. It questioned why DHS had not
conducted a major reassessment of the effort.
On September 19, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Oversight of the DHS Headquarters Project at St.
Elizabeths: Impact on the Taxpayer.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. David Maurer, Director, Homeland Security
and Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Hon. Chris
Cummiskey, Acting Under Secretary, Management Directorate, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. Norman Dong,
Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services
Administration.
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
The Subcommittee examined the homeland security operations
of the United States Secret Service (USSS), including its
critical role of protecting the President of the United States,
particularly during the Presidential inauguration, and other
duties. The Committee is also monitoring the upgrading and
modernizing of USSS information technology (IT) capabilities,
and issues related to employee integrity and morale. On January
18, 2013, the Committee staff traveled to the U.S. Secret
Service, James J. Rowley Training Center in Beltsville,
Maryland to receive a briefing on preparations for the 2013
Presidential inauguration. Committee Staff visited the Multi-
Agency Communications Center and received a briefing on the
planning and logistical details of the inauguration from
cognizant Secret Service officials.
On April 17, 2013, Members of the Subcommittee received a
briefing with the Secret Service Director to discuss: The
Director's goals and priorities; budget issues; the Cartagena,
Columbia, employee misconduct investigation; among other
topics.
Committee staff received a briefing from Secret Service
officials on June 27, 2013 on the agency's information
technology modernization efforts. On August 8, 2013, Committee
staff also received a briefing on the next generation
Presidential limousine program and conducted a site visit at
the Secret Service mail screening facility in Washington DC. On
November 12, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee conducted a
site visit to the Secret Service training facility in
Beltsville, Maryland. Members toured the facility and were
briefed by Secret Service officials on their training programs.
On December 17, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Comptroller General requesting a review of the
Secret Service's current field office structure. The Government
Accountability Office acknowledged receipt of this request.
On April 10, 2014, Committee staff received a classified
briefing on counterintelligence efforts at the agency.
On April 10, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing with
the Director of the Secret Service to discuss on-going
misconduct issues.
On May 6, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing on the
United States Trade Representative's upcoming protective detail
to Abjua, Nigeria.
On July 16, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing on
the Secret Service's protective operations and investigative
missions.
On August 6, 2014, Committee staff observed security
preparations for the Africa Leaders Summit held in Washington,
DC. On September 26, 2014, the Chair of the Full Committee sent
a letter to the Director of the Secret Service requesting
additional information regarding the September White House
security breach. The Department responded on November 5, 2014.
On November 13, 2014, the Deputy Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security met with Members and staff of
the Committee to discuss the results of Department's
investigation into the September 19, 2014, White House security
incident.
DHS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Subcommittee reviewed the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS) overall efforts to address information
technology (IT) challenges, including the management and
integration of the Department's IT systems. The Committee
reviewed the authorities and activities of the Chief
Information Officer (CIO) to ensure the effective management
and coordination of key IT systems planning, investment
management, cloud computing, data consolidating, operations,
policy development, and related personnel management. The
Subcommittee also examined component CIOs--particularly U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE), and United States Customs and
Immigration Services (USCIS)--and their efforts to modernize
and implement critical IT systems supporting our border agents
and immigration officers. On February 21, 2013, Committee staff
received a briefing from the DHS Office of the Inspector
General concerning their on-going IT Audits and IT management
issues. From March 13 through 15, 2013, in preparation for the
March 19, 2013 hearing, Committee staff received briefings from
representatives from DHS, including: The DHS Chief Information
Officer; USCIS, including the USCIS Chief Information Officer;
CBP; and ICE, including the ICE Chief Information Officer. On
August 22, 2013, Committee staff were briefed by the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on its
transportation infrastructure modernization efforts, which
seeks to update TSA IT infrastructure in maritime, surface, and
aviation environments.
On March 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``DHS Information Technology: How Effectively Has DHS Harnessed
IT to Secure Our Borders and Uphold Immigration Laws?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Ms. Margaret H. Graves,
Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. David Powner, Director, Information Technology
Management Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office; and
Mr. Charles K. Edwards, Deputy Inspector General, Department of
Homeland Security. The purpose of the hearing was to assess how
IT resources are being effectively utilized to help secure our
borders and uphold immigration laws and how the Department is
exercising proper management and oversight of its IT
investments.
As a follow up to this hearing, the Chair and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee requested on March 21, 2013, that
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine the
Department's tactical communication acquisition programs. The
Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee additionally
requested on May 23, 2013, to sign onto an on-going GAO review
of the TECS modernization program--the Treasury Enforcement
Communication System. Committee staff also received a briefing
from the Office of the Inspector General regarding its
investigation related to the DHS Chief Information Officer.
On December 5, 2013, GAO issued its report titled Border
Security: DHS's Efforts to Modernize Key Enforcement Systems
Could be Strengthened [GAO-14-62]. The report contained eight
recommendations for executive action.
As a follow up to the GAO report, the Chair and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Under Secretary
for Management requesting more rigorous oversight of the TECS
program by DHS and additional information. To-date, the
Department has not responded.
On February 6, 2014, the Subcommittee also held a hearing
entitled ``Examining Challenges and Wasted Taxpayer Dollars in
Modernizing Border Security IT Systems.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. David Powner, Director, Information
Technology Management Issues, U.S. Government Accountability
Office; Mr. Charles Armstrong, Assistant Commissioner, Office
of Information and Technology, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Mr.
Thomas Michelli, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
On February 10, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a
briefing from the Chief Information Officer on information
technology efforts and high-risk programs. As a follow up, on
March 26, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing on DHS's
efforts to consolidate data centers. On April 4, 2014, the
Subcommittee Chair, along with other Congressional requesters,
wrote a letter to the Comptroller General to request GAO review
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service's efforts to modernize
its information technology programs. GAO acknowledged receipt
of this request.
On May 21, 2014 Subcommittee staff received a briefing on
Management Cube which is an initiative that will integrate the
Department's financial, acquisition, human capital,
procurement, asset, and security data into a single location.
On May 22, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from the Government Services Administration on that agency's
attempts to improve federal IT services. On June 16, 2014,
Subcommittee staff received a briefing from TSA's Chief
Information Officer on on-going efforts to modernize TSA IT
systems.
On July 29, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing from
the DHS CIO on on-going activities. On August 26, 2014, the
Associate Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
briefed Subcommittee staff on USCIS management efforts,
including USCIS IT transformation.
DHS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The Subcommittee conducted oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security's (DHS) progress to properly manage financial
systems and data to minimize inefficient and wasteful spending,
make more informed decisions to manage its programs and
implement Department policies. The Subcommittee also reviewed
the Department's efforts to enhance its managerial cost
accounting, address internal control weaknesses in financial
reporting, achieve a clean audit opinion on its financial
statements, and reduce the reliance on manual data calls to
collect cost information from the various components and
compile consolidated, reliable data. In light of the Government
Accountability Office's (GAO) 2013 High-Risk report which
identified financial management within the Department as high
risk, on February 20, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee
and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency,
and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Security Technologies, sent a letter to DHS's
Chief Financial Officer regarding the Department's financial
management systems and efforts to obtain a clean audit opinion
on its financial statements. The Department provided a response
to this letter on March 8, 2013. On March 11, 2013, Committee
staff received a briefing from DHS's Chief Financial Officer.
The Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Comptroller
General on June 6, 2013, to sign onto an on-going review of DHS
financial management efforts being performed at the request of
the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee. GAO issued its report DHS Financial Management:
Additional Efforts Needed to Resolve Deficiencies in Internal
Controls and Financial Management Systems on September 30,
2013, [GAO-13-561]. The report contained four recommendations
for executive action. On July 8, 2013, Committee staff received
a briefing from DHS's Chief Financial Officer regarding DHS's
efforts to modernize its financial systems.
To further examine these issues, on November 15, 2013, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``DHS Financial
Management: Investigating DHS's Stewardship of Taxpayer
Dollars.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Chip
Fulghum, Acting Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Asif Khan, Director, Financial
Management and Assurance, U.S. Government Accountability
Office; and Ms. Anne Richards, Assistant Inspector General for
Audits, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. The purpose of the hearing was to examine
relevant GAO and Inspector General findings on DHS financial
practices, including steps to obtain a clean audit opinion and
implement financial management systems.
On February 21, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a
briefing from the Department of Interior's Interior Business
Center on its efforts as a federal shared service provider for
financial management. On April 16, 2014, Subcommittee staff
also received a briefing from the DHS Chief Financial Officer
on the Department's efforts to modernize its financial systems.
On August 25, 2014, the Chief Financial Officer and senior
Coast Guard officials updated Subcommittee staff on DHS
financial systems modernization efforts. On September 10, 2014,
the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for
Strategy, Planning, Analysis, and Risk briefed Committee staff
on the Department's unity of effort initiative.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
The Subcommittee is concerned with, and is monitoring, the
safety and security of Federal buildings and facilities,
including: The lead role and effectiveness of the Federal
Protective Service (FPS); its implementation of a risk-
assessment Modified Infrastructure Survey Tool; its
collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate; its use of and
documenting of qualifications for contracting officers; and
other issues related to its best practices in management and
conducting effective risk assessment reviews. As part of on-
going FPS oversight, the Committee requested that the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine the sources that
inform how Federal agencies conduct their physical security
programs, and the management practices that agencies use to
oversee physical security activities and allocation physical
security resources. In response to this request, on January 24,
2013, GAO issued its report entitled Facility Security: Greater
Outreach by DHS on Standards and Management Practices Could
Benefit Federal Agencies [GAO-13-122]. The report contained two
recommendations. The GAO also released a supplement to the
report [GAO-13-22SP], which presented the results of GAO's web-
based survey of Executive Branch agencies about how they
approach the physical security of facilities that FPS is not
responsible for protecting. The Chair of the Subcommittee
signed onto on-going work by the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) examining FPS contract guard management, Federal
facility risk assessment process, and Federal facility
evacuation preparedness. The GAO issued its report on FPS
contract guard management on September 17, 2013, Federal
Protective Service Challenges with Oversight of Contract Guard
Program Still Exist, and Additional Management Controls are
Needed, [GAO-13-694]. The report contained three
recommendations for executive action. The GAO issued its report
on Federal facility evacuation preparedness on October 25,
2013, Federal Facilities: Selected Facilities Emergency Plans
Generally Reflect Federal Guidance, [GAO-14-101]. On March 5,
2014, GAO also issued its report entitled Federal Facility
Security: Additional Actions Needed to Help Agencies Comply
with Risk Assessment Methodology Standards [GAO-14-86]. The
report contained two recommendations for executive action.
On February 13, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing
from the GAO concerning their on-going work related to the FPS.
On March 4, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from the
Federal Protective Services Union. On March 20, 2013,
Subcommittee Majority Staff received a briefing from FPS, DHS
Deputy Director for Policy and Planning, and Deputy Director
for Operations at the Federal Protective Service. On April 4,
2013, Committee staff visited FPS headquarters to receive a
briefing on FPS's risk assessment process and toured security
operations at a local federal Facility. On May 23, 2013, the
Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Management Efficiency, and the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies Subcommittee, requested the GAO to review physical
and information security efforts at Federal facilities. On June
12, 2013, Chairs and Ranking Members of the Full Committee and
the Subcommittee, requested the Comptroller General of the
United States review the coordination and sharing of Federal
facility security and threat information. On July 18, 2013,
Committee staff visited FPS operations at its C St. Facility in
Washington DC. to learn more about how FPS protects Federal
buildings. Committee staff received a separate briefing from
FPS officials related to its activities based cost modeling
efforts.
In light of the tragic shooting at the Washington Naval
Yard on September 16, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
October 30, 2013, entitled ``Facility Protection: Implications
of the Navy Yard Shooting on Homeland Security.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. L. Eric Patterson,
Director, Federal Protective Service, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Gregory Marshall, Chief Security
Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Caitlin
Durkovich, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, testifying on behalf of the
Interagency Security Committee; and Mr. Mark Goldstein,
Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, U.S. Government
Accountability Office. The purpose of the hearing was to
examine the state of physical security at Federal facilities
and identify opportunities to prevent similar tragedies in the
future.
As part of the Subcommittee's on-going oversight, Committee
staff met with senior FPS officials on April 1, 2014, at the
Service's headquarters in Washington, DC. to receive a briefing
on the Modified Infrastructure Survey Tool (MIST 2.0), and
received a demonstration on their the Activity Based Costing/
Management Model. On April 24, 2014, Committee staff toured a
facility protected by FPS personnel to better understand how
the Service conducts facility security assessments. On May 9,
2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the DHS
Under Secretary for the National Protection and Programs
Directorate regarding misconduct allegations by senior FPS
officials. FPS provided an oral briefing to respond to the
questions in the letter. In addition, the Chair of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the DHS Inspector General on June
17, 2014 to audit FPS's utilization of its automobile fleet.
The DHS Inspector General provided an interim response on June
24, 2014. On September 16, 2014, the FPS Deputy Director and
Chief of Staff briefed Subcommittee Staff on FPS on-going
activities.
SEQUESTRATION
In March 2013, sequestration took effect resulting in a
series of automatic, across the board spending cuts. The
Department provided conflicting public statements on the
impacts of these cuts. Initial plans to furlough Department
employees were later avoided yet public statements from the
Department on compromised border security and impassible
airport screening lines caused undue alarm among the American
people. As a result of these concerns, on April 12, 2013, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``The Impact of
Sequestration on Homeland Security: Scare Tactics or Possible
Threat?'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Rafael
Borras, Under Secretary for Management, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Thomas S. Winkowski, Deputy
Commissioner, Performing the duties of the Commissioner, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. John Halinski, Deputy Administrator,
Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Daniel H. Ragsdale, Deputy Director,
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; and Mr. Brandon Judd, President, National
Border Patrol Council. The purpose of this hearing was to
examine the Department's preparations for sequestration and its
conclusions on the possible impacts to homeland security.
In light of an Inspector General report on ICE's decision
to release over 2,000 detainees in response to sequestration,
the Subcommittee Chair, along with the Chair of the Full
Committee and Chair of the Border and Maritime Security
Subcommittee, sent a letter to the DHS Secretary requesting
additional information on the planned actions of DHS to
implement the report's recommendations.
DUPLICATION AND WASTEFUL SPENDING
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the
Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
have issued numerous reports identifying duplication and waste
within DHS. Private sector best management practices also
offer opportunities for DHS to improve operations. With the
National debt at about $17 trillion, rigorous oversight to
identify and eliminate duplicative and wasteful programs is
essential. As a result, on April 26, 2013, the Subcommittee
held a hearing entitled ``Cutting DHS Duplication and Wasteful
Spending: Implementing Private Sector Best Practices and
Watchdog Recommendations.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Ms. Cathleen Berrick, Managing Director, Homeland Security
and Justice Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Ms.
Anne L. Richards, Assistant Inspector General for Audits,
Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Paul G. Stern, Ph.D., Board Director, Business
Executives for National Security; Mr. Craig Killough, Vice
President, Organization Markets, Project Management Institute;
and Henry H. Willis, Ph.D., Director, The RAND Homeland
Security and Defense Center. The purpose of the hearing was to
assess the findings of the GAO and the Inspector General
related to duplication and waste within the Department and
examine best practices identified by the private sector to
improve DHS's efficiency and effectiveness. As a follow up to
this hearing, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter on
May 17, 2013, to the Secretary of Homeland Security summarizing
the hearing's findings and requesting additional information on
steps the Department has taken to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of its programs. The Department provided a
response on December 15, 2013.
Committee staff also received a briefing on March 26, 2013,
from Department officials on DHS's ``See Something, Say
Something'' campaign to examine the campaign's effectiveness
and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
On September 23, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing
from GAO officials on the Department's progress in addressing
GAO's High-Risk List area of ``Strengthening Department of
Homeland Security Management Functions.'' The area includes
issues related to DHS acquisition management, financial
management, information technology management, human capital
management, and management integration. The GAO's High-Risk
List includes areas at high risk due to vulnerabilities to
fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. The GAO has included
DHS management functions in its High-risk List since 2003.
On January 9, 2014, the Chairs of the Subcommittee and the
Full Committee, sent a letter to the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget to review information from FLETC in
regards to a proposal to construct a new diplomatic security
training center. The letter encouraged OMB to limit potential
duplication and fully review all information. The Chairs sent a
follow up letter on May 19, 2014. On September 12, 2014, the
Chairs requested the Comptroller General conduct an independent
review of the project. On September 17, 2014, the Chairs sent a
letter to Secretary of State requesting that funding be halted
for the project until GAO can complete its review.
On February 28, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a
briefing from Department officials on its common vetting task
force. This initiative is intended to reduce duplication and
foster consistency across DHS's vetting programs. To oversee
duplication regarding DHS training programs, the Chair of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland
Security on May 30, 2014, requesting the Department conduct a
comprehensive review of its training programs for opportunities
to consolidate. DHS provided an interim response on June 24,
2014. Based on concerns regarding duplication and wasteful
spending, on June 26, 2014, Committee staff met with officials
from DHS, GSA, and FBI regarding a newly proposed civilian
cyber security campus. Staff questioned officials on the extent
to which the costs and benefits had been analyzed. On September
4, 2014, the DHS Inspector General provided Subcommittee staff
a briefing on on-going audits, investigations, as well as
management initiatives within the Office.
DHS WORKFORCE MORALE
Rigorous oversight of the Department of Homeland Security's
(DHS) efforts to improve workforce morale has been conducted
since the Department continues to perform poorly in the Office
of Personnel Management's Federal Human Capital Survey and the
Department's own personnel surveys. As a result, the Chair of
the Subcommittee signed onto on-going Government Accountability
Office (GAO) work assessing the Department's recruitment and
hiring strategies. The GAO issued its report on September 17,
2013, DHS Recruiting and Hiring: DHS Is Generally Filling
Mission-Critical Positions, but Could Better Track Costs of
Coordinated Recruiting Efforts, [GAO-13-742]. The report
included one recommendation for executive action. On May 7,
2013, Committee staff were briefed by the Chief Human Capital
Officer on the Employee Engagement Executive Steering Committee
and Department leadership training to address the morale issues
at the Department.
On September 11, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing
from officials of the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academies. On September 12, 2013, the Institute of Medicine
released a report titled A Ready and Resilient Workforce for
the Department of Homeland Security: Protecting America's Front
Line. The report contained seven recommendations to improve the
readiness and resilience (the ability to withstand, recover,
and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands) of DHS.
On January 30, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from the Chief Human Capital Officer on steps the Department is
taking to analyze and address morale issues. On February 6,
2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee, along with the Chair of
the Full Committee, sent a letter to the Under Secretary for
Management to encourage the Department to improve its workforce
resilience efforts. The Department responded on April 2, 2014.
On March 20, 2014, Subcommittee staff organized a DHS focus
group on morale issues hosted by the Partnership for Public
Service. The focus group improved the Committee staff's
understanding of why employee morale is low in DHS and
potential solutions. On April 16, 2014, Committee staff
received a briefing from the DHS Chief Human Capital Officer on
the Department's Human Resources Information Technology (HRIT)
program. As a follow up, on June 20, 2014, the Chair and
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
Comptroller General requesting GAO review the HRIT program. GAO
acknowledged receipt of the request. On September 23, 2014, the
Chief Human Capital Officer briefed Subcommittee staff on on-
going activities to improve morale and other human capital
issues.
EMPLOYEE INTEGRITY
Strong employee integrity within the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) is essential to homeland security. Although the
vast majority of Department employees reflect the Department's
core values, even one corrupt employee represents a management
challenge. As a result, the Chair of the Subcommittee signed on
to GAO work evaluating employee misconduct issues at the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA). On July 30, 2013,
GAO issued its report entitled Transportation Security: TSA
Could Strengthen Monitoring of Allegations of Employee
Misconduct [GAO-13-624]. The report contained four
recommendations for executive action.
To examine these findings, the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Management Efficiency and the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security held a joint hearing on July 31, 2013,
entitled ``TSA Integrity Challenges: Examining Misconduct by
Airport Security Personnel.'' The Subcommittees received
testimony from Mr. John Halinski, Deputy Administrator,
Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen M. Lord, Director, Forensic
Audits and Investigative Services, U.S. Government
Accountability Office; and Ms. Deborah Outten-Mills, Acting
Assistant Inspector General for Inspections, Office of the
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland. The purpose of
the hearing was to examine the scope of misconduct within TSA
and determine to what extent the Administration is taking
action to address employee integrity issues. On July 30, 2014,
Committee staff received a briefing from TSA officials on on-
going efforts to address misconduct. On August 19, 2013, the
Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Secretary of
Homeland Security requesting an update on the Department's
mandated report on investigating corruption in DHS. The
Department provided a response on December 5, 2013.
On April 9, 2014, Subcommittee staff were briefed by
colleagues at the Senate Homeland Security and Government
Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting
Oversight's investigation and subsequent report concerning
allegations of misconduct by the former acting Deputy Inspector
General of the Department.
On June 17, 2014, the Chairs of the Full Committee, the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, and the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, sent a letter to
the Commissioner of CBP regarding misconduct allegations
against the Assistant CBP Commissioner for the Office of
Internal Affairs. CBP provided a response on July 2, 2014. As a
follow up to the Subcommittee's July 2013 hearing, on July 30,
2014, Subcommittee staff received an update by TSA officials on
employee misconduct. On August 12, 2014, ICE's Office of
Professional Responsibility provided Subcommittee staff an
update on efforts to investigation misconduct by DHS employees.
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OVERSIGHT
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the largest
law enforcement agency in the Federal Government. According to
the 2008 Census of Federal Law Enforcement Officers, DHS had
more than 45 percent of all Federal law enforcement officers
with arrest and firearms authority--with the number of officers
totaling approximately 60,000. On May 23, 2013, Member of the
Subcommittee conducted a site visit to the Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Cheltenham, Maryland.
The site visit provided Members the opportunity to tour the
facility and receive briefings on FLETC operations. As a follow
up to this visit, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter
to the Director of FLETC on June 14, 2013, related to FLETC
training, the letter specifically requested information on the
types of training FLETC provided to agencies outside DHS.
FLETC provided a response to the Subcommittee on July 22, 2013.
In addition, the Chair of the Subcommittee met with the
Director of FLETC on June 19, 2013, to obtain an overview of
FLETC's operations. On July 26, 2013, Committee staff received
a briefing from FLETC officials regarding training provided to
the Department of State.
In response to concerns regarding the Federal Flight Deck
Officer program, the Chairs of the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Management Efficiency and the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security, sent a letter to the Secretary of
Homeland Security on June 6, 2013, requesting obtain
information on the future of the program, including to what
extent the Department plans to use FLETC to continue this
essential training for pilots. A response was provided to the
Subcommittees on July 29, 2013.
Media reports of ammunition and weapons acquisitions by DHS
spurred public interest and led to wide-ranging questions
regarding the amounts of ammunition purchased by the
Department. As a result, the Chairs of the Full Committee and
the Subcommittee requested GAO to examine the Department's
ammunition and weapons procurements. On January 13, 2014, GAO
issued its report titled Department of Homeland Security:
Ammunition Purchases Have Declined since 2009 [GAO-14-119].
On Wednesday May 14, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a
briefing from FLETC on DHS Training Centers. Subcommittee staff
conducted visits to: CBP's advanced training center in Harpers
Ferry, West Virginia; and FLETC's training center in Artesia,
New Mexico; on August 7, and October 1, 2014, respectively.
DHS COMMUNICATIONS
Effective communication is critical to implementing the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) mission of defending
the Nation. However, numerous recent incidents indicated the
Department was unresponsive to certain concerns from the
American people. A sound communication strategy is important to
help DHS's credibility, implement policy, respond to natural
disasters, and protect the homeland. On June 14, 2013, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Why Can't DHS Better
Communicate with the American People?'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Robert Jensen, Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary, Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security; Ms. Tamara Kessler, Acting Officer for
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Bill Braniff, Executive Director, National
Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to
Terrorism, University of Maryland; and Mr. Doug Pinkham,
President, Public Affairs Council. The purpose of this hearing
was to assess the Department's strategy for communicating on
issues of importance and concern to the general public and key
stakeholders.
With continued concerns over the Department's transparency
with the American people, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to DHS's Acting Chief Privacy Officer on June 13, 2013,
requesting information on how the Department manages requests
submitted under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The
Department provided a response on July 22, 2013. Due to the
importance of this issue, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Comptroller General of the United States on
August 6, 2013, requesting a comprehensive review of DHS's
management of FOIA.
On November 19, 2014, GAO issued its report Freedom of
Information Act: DHS Should take Steps to Improve Cost
Reporting and Eliminate Duplicative Processing [GAO-15-82]. The
report contained four recommendations for executive action.
On June 21, 2013, Committee staff were briefed by Assistant
Secretary for the Office of Policy for Strategy, Planning,
Analysis, and Risk regarding the Department's strategic
planning efforts as part of the Quadrennial Homeland Security
Review. Officials from the Department responded to questions
regarding to what extent the Department is seeking input from
the public, industry, and other groups regarding the strategy,
among other things. As a follow up, on November 15, 2013, the
Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittees sent a
letter to the Acting Secretary to ensure the review addresses
critical homeland security issues and relevant recommendations.
On February 25, 2014, the Chairs and Ranking Members of the
Full Committee and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency, and the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security
regarding a report due to Congress by the end of 2013 on visa
overstay data. To date, the Department has not responded.
IRAN IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE
The Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense
have previously raised significant concerns regarding the
Islamic Republic of Iran's presence in Latin America and the
threat this presence poses to National security. A June 2013
State Department report responding to the Countering Iran in
the Western Hemisphere Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-220) conflicted
these findings by stating that the Iranian presence in the
hemisphere is ``waning.'' To examine these important issues, on
July 9, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Threat
to the Homeland: Iran's Extending Influence in the Western
Hemisphere.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Ilan
Berman, Vice President, American Foreign Policy Council; Mr.
Joseph M. Humire, Executive Director, Center for a Secure Free
Society; Mr. Blaise Misztal, Acting Director of Foreign Policy,
Bipartisan Policy Center; Mr. Douglas Farah, President, IBI
Consultants. The purpose of the hearing was to examine these
findings and assess the threat to U.S. homeland security from
Iran's presence in the Western Hemisphere. On July 31, 2014,
the Members of the Subcommittee received a classified briefing
from officials from DHS, DOD, and the State Department on
threats in Latin America facing the U.S. Homeland.
Additionally, the Chair of Full Committee and the Chair of
the Subcommittee requested the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) examine the extent to which the Department of Homeland
Security conducts covert testing to determine weaknesses in
border security. On July 17, 2014, the Members of the
Subcommittee received a classified briefing from U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office,
and the Government Accountability Office on the Department of
Homeland Security's efforts to combat nuclear smuggling.
In February 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to sign onto on-going work being conducted for the Chair
of the Full Committee by the GAO related to Iran's presence in
Latin America and DHS's international counterterrorism
activities. The GAO issued its report on DHS's international
counterterrorism activities on September 25, 2013, Combating
Terrorism: DHS Should Take Action to Better Ensure Resources
Abroad Align with Priorities, [GAO-13-681]. It contained three
recommendations for executive action. The GAO issued its report
on Iran's presence in Latin America on September 29, 2014. It
contained one recommendation for executive action.
DHS ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) invests
extensively in major acquisition programs to develop new
systems that help the Department execute its many critical
missions. The Department is acquiring systems to help secure
the border, facilitate trade, screen travelers, enhance cyber
security, and improve disaster response, among other things.
Oversight and accountability of these important acquisition
programs is critical to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted.
In February 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee requested to
sign onto on-going Government Accountability (GAO) work related
to U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) acquisition of
border surveillance technology and DHS's multiyear acquisition
planning process. On March 3, 2014, GAO issued its report
titled Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan: Additional
Actions Needed to Strengthen Management and Assess
Effectiveness [GAO-14-368). The report contained six
recommendations for executive action. On April 17, 2014, GAO
also issued its report entitled Homeland Security Acquisitions:
DHS Could Better Manage Its Portfolio to Address Funding Gaps
and Improve Communications with Congress [GAO-14-332]. The
report contained nine recommendations for executive action. On
March 21, 2013, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee requested GAO conduct a review of the tactical
communication acquisition programs underway in DHS.
The Assistant Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border
Protection briefed Committee staff on July 15, 2013, on the
status of several acquisition programs related to border
security. On August 1, 2013, the Undersecretary for Management,
the Chief Procurement Officer, Chief Information Officer, and
other senior officials briefed Committee staff on the status of
the Department's acquisition management efforts. On February 7,
2014, Subcommittee staff met with Acting Under Secretary for
Science and Technology to discuss research and development
efforts within DHS. As a follow up, on November 5, 2013, the
Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee raised
concerns, in a letter to the Chief Procurement Officer, over
the Department's Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading
Edge Solutions II (EAGLE II) and requested additional
information. The Department provided a written response on
December 2, 2013.
On December 16, 2013, the Chairs and Ranking Members of the
Subcommittee and Full Committee, along with Members of the
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee,
sent a letter to the Comptroller General requesting a review of
the effectiveness of the Program Accountability and Risk
Management Office. GAO's review is on-going. On April 30, 2014,
the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee, along with Members of the Senate Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, sent a letter to
the Comptroller General requesting a review of DHS's major
acquisition programs. GAO's review is on-going.
To more closely examine challenges related to DHS
acquisition management, on September 19, 2013, the Subcommittee
held a hearing entitled ``DHS Acquisition Practices: Improving
Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and Private Sector Lessons
Learned.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Rafael
Borras, Undersecretary for Management, Department of Homeland
Security; Ms. Michele Mackin, Director, GAO; Ms. Anne Richards,
Assistant Inspector General for Audits, DHS Office of the
Inspector General; Mr. William C. Greenwalt, Visiting Fellow,
American Enterprise Institute; Mr. Stan Soloway, President and
CEO, Professional Services Council; Mr. David Berteau, Senior
Vice President, Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine DHS's acquisition
practices to determine if the Department is effectively
implementing its policies and to assess whether DHS could
leverage best practices and lessons learned from the Defense
Department and the private sector. To continue past oversight,
Committee staff received a briefing from DHS and CBP officials
on June 10, 2014 regarding DHS's uniform contract. In addition,
on June, 25, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing from the
Acting Assistant Secretary for the DHS Private Sector Office to
review on-going Office activities. In light of egregious waste
identified by the Inspector General, the Chair and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the CBP
Commissioner to receive information on steps CBP is taking to
improve management of CBP housing in Ajo, Arizona. CBP provided
a response on October 24, 2014.
QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW
On June 20, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Stakeholder Perspectives on Priorities for the Quadrennial
Homeland Security Review.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Hon. Stewart A. Baker, Former Assistant Secretary for
Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Frank J.
Cilluffo, Director, Homeland Security Policy Institute, The
George Washington University; Hon. Elaine C. Duke, Former Under
Secretary for Management, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
and Dr. Henry H. Willis, Director, The RAND Homeland Security
and Defense Center, The RAND Corporation.
On July 23, 2014, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Comptroller General
requesting a review of the 2014 QHSR. The GAO acknowledged this
request.
ORGAN MOUNTAINS-DESERT PEAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT
On July 10, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The Executive Proclamation Designating the Organ Mountains-
Desert Peaks a National Monument: Implications for Border
Security.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from the Hon.
Stevan Pearce, Representative in Congress from the 2nd
District, State of New Mexico; Mr. Brandon Judd, President,
National Border Patrol Council; Mr. Todd Garrison, Sheriff,
Sheriff's Office, Donna Ana County, New Mexico; and Marc R.
Rosenblum, Ph.D., Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration Policy
Program, Migration Policy Institute.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine potential border
security vulnerabilities on Federal lands.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
On Friday, November 21, 2014, Subcommittee held a field
hearing in Clemson, South Carolina, entitled ``Emergency
Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century Hugo?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Robert J. Fenton, Jr.,
Acting Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Response and
Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security; Dr. Jeffrey L. Payne, Acting Director,
Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration; MG Robert Livingston, Jr., Adjutant General,
State of South Carolina; Mr. Kim Stenson, Director, Emergency
Management Division, State of South Carolina; Mr. John Skipper,
Sheriff, Anderson County, South Carolina; Dr. Clifton R. Lacy,
Director, University Center for Disaster Preparedness and
Emergency Response, Rutgers University; Mr. Jim Bottum, Chief
Information Officer and Vice Provost, Computing and Information
Technology, Clemson University; Mr. Thomas Louden, General
Secretary, North and South Carolina Division, The Salvation
Army; Dr. Jason Hallstrom, Deputy Director, Institute of
Computational Ecology, Clemson University; and Ms. Emily
Bentley, Associate Professor, Homeland Security and Emergency
Management Program, Savannah State University.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Assessing DHS 10 years later: How Wisely is DHS Spending
Taxpayer Dollars?'' February 15, 2013. (Serial No. 113-
2)
``DHS Information Technology: How Effectively Has DHS Harnessed
IT to Secure Our Borders and Uphold Immigration Laws?''
March 19, 2013. (Serial No. 113-7)
``The Impact of Sequestration on Homeland Security: Scare
Tactics or Possible Threat?'' April 12, 2013. (Serial
No. 113-10)
``Cutting DHS Duplication and Wasteful Spending: Implementing
Private Sector Best Practices and Watchdog
Recommendations.'' April 26, 2013. (Serial No. 113-14)
``Why Can't DHS Better Communicate with the American People?''
June 14, 2013. (Serial No. 113-22)
``Threat to the Homeland: Iran's Extending Influence in the
Western Hemisphere.'' July 9, 2013. (Serial No. 113-22)
``TSA Integrity Challenges: Examining Misconduct by Airport
Security Personnel.'' Joint hearing with the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security. July 31, 2013.
(Serial No. 113-29)
``DHS Acquisition Practices: Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers
Using Defense and Private Sector Lessons Learned.''''
September 19, 2013. (Serial No. 113-3)
``Facility Protection: Implications of the Navy Yard Shooting
on Homeland Security.'' October 30, 2013. (Serial No.
113-40)
``DHS Financial Management: Investigating DHS's Stewardship of
Taxpayer Dollars.'' November 15, 2013. (Serial No. 113-
44)
``Examining Challenges and Wasted Taxpayer Dollars in
Modernizing Border Security IT Systems.'' February 6,
2014. (Serial No. 113-49)
``Stakeholder Perspectives on Priorities for the Quadrennial
Homeland Security Review.'' June 20, 2014. (Serial No.
113-72)
``The Executive Proclamation Designating the Organ Mountains-
Desert Peaks a National Monument: Implications for
Border Security.'' July 10, 2014. (Serial No. 113-77)
``Oversight of the DHS Headquarters Project at St. Elizabeths:
Impact on the Taxpayer.'' September 19, 2014. (Serial
No. 113-87)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?'' November 21, 2014. (Serial No. 113-90)
Subcommittee on Transportation Security
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama, Vice Chair
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Eric Swalwell,California
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security held 12 hearings, receiving testimony
from 75 witnesses, and considered two measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
HELPING HEROES FLY ACT
Pub. Law 113-27, H.R. 1344 (S. 1367, S. 1403)
To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant
Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security
Administration) to provide expedited air passenger screening to
severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and
severely injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes.
Summary
This law directs the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) to develop and implement a process to ease travel and, to
the extent possible, provide expedited passenger screening
services for severely injured or disabled Armed Forces members
and veterans, and their accompanying family members or non-
medical attendants. The TSA is required to maintain an
operations center to provide for the movement of such members
and veterans through screening before boarding a domestic or
foreign passenger aircraft. Additionally, the law requires TSA
to establish and publish certain protocols to contact the
operations center to request expedited screening services for
the service member or veteran. Furthermore, the TSA is directed
to annually report to Congress on the implementation of the
program. The TSA retains its flexibility to require additional
screening of any individual if intelligence or law enforcement
information indicates that additional screening is necessary.
As of March 2013, TSA began implementing the policies
codified in this law at security screening checkpoints. This
law seeks to facilitate the screening of our Nation's wounded
warriors' through airports and free up TSA screeners to focus
on real threats to our aviation systems. The Committee has long
advocated for less onerous airport screening for our men and
women in uniform. In fact, this bill builds upon past
legislation promoted by the Committee, including the Risk-Based
Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act (Pub. L.
112-86), which requires TSA to provide expedited screening to
active duty military traveling on official orders.
Legislative History
H.R. 1344 was introduced in the House on March 21, 2013, by
Ms. Gabbard, Mr. Joyce, and Mr. Richmond, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1344
was referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The House considered H.R. 1344 on May 21, 2013, under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 413 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 166).
H.R. 1344 was received in the Senate on May 22, 2013, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
On August 1, 2013, the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 1344 by unanimous consent. The Senate
then passed H.R. 1344, with an amendment, by unanimous consent.
The House concurred in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1344,
on August 2, 2013, by unanimous consent.
H.R. 1344 was presented to the President on August 6, 2013,
and signed into law on August 9, 2013, as Public Law 113-27.
S. 1367
S. 1367, a Senate companion measure, was introduced in the
Senate on July 25, 2013, by Mr. Pryor and Ms. Ayotte; and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
S. 1403
S. 1403, a second Senate companion measure, was introduced
in the Senate on July 31, 2013, by Mr. Pryor and Ms. Ayotte;
and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation. The text of S. 1403 was adopted by the Senate
during consideration of H.R. 1344 on August 1, 2013.
HONOR FLIGHT ACT
Pub. Law 113-221 H.R. 4812 (S. 2659/S. 2671)
To amend title 49, United States Code, to require the
Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to
establish a process for providing expedited and dignified
passenger screening services for veterans traveling to visit
war memorials built and dedicated to honor their service, and
for other purposes.
Summary
The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization that
works to transport veterans on charter flights operated by
commercial airlines to Washington, DC, to visit memorials built
and dedicated in honor of their service. Currently, the Honor
Flight Network prioritizes transporting WWII veterans, as well
as veterans from any war who have a terminal illness, but the
organization intends to expand the program to transport
veterans who served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars,
eventually extending to veterans of more current wars.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) supports
the Honor Flight Network by expediting the screening process
for veterans visiting their memorials in the District of
Columbia, saving the veterans time and showing them their due
respect and appreciation. H.R. 4812 statutorily authorizes the
collaboration between TSA and the Honor Flight Network, as well
as with other non-profit organizations that transport veterans
to visit memorials, so that the agency's practice of ensuring
expedited and dignified screening for veterans continues.
Legislative History
H.R. 4812 was introduced in the House on June 9, 2014, by
Mr. Richmond, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. Palazzo, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4812
was referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Chair discharged the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security from further consideration of H.R. 4812 on June 11,
2014. The Full Committee considered H.R. 4812 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 4812 to
the House on July 3, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-516.
The House considered H.R. 4812 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 22, 2014, and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 4812 was received in the Senate on July 23, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Technology.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation was discharged from further consideration of
H.R. 4812 on December 4, 2014, and passed by unanimous consent.
Clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 4812 was presented to the President on December 9,
2014. The President signed H.R. 4812 into law on December 16,
2014, as Public Law 113-221.
S. 2659
S. 2659, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on July 24, 2014, by Mr. Murphy of Connecticut, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
S. 2671
S. 2671, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on July 28, 2014, by Mr. Toomey, and referred to the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
AVIATION SECURITY STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION ACT OF 2014
Pub. Law 113-238, H.R. 1204 (S. 1804)
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. 1204 authorizes the Aviation Security Advisory
Committee (ASAC) and requires Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) to consult with the ASAC on aviation
security matters, including on the development and
implementation of policies, programs, rulemakings and security
directives. Additionally, the bill requires the ASAC to submit
recommendations to TSA.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established the
ASAC in 1989 following the bombing of Pan American World
Airways Flight 103. Upon the establishment of TSA, sponsorship
of the ASAC was transferred to TSA. However, despite strong
support from aviation security stakeholders who participated in
the ASAC, TSA has allowed the ASAC's charter to expire. On July
7, 2011, TSA published an announcement in the Federal Register
to re-establish the ASAC, providing a setting for the aviation
industry to formally communicate with TSA and on October 27,
2011, the Secretary of Homeland Security appointed 24 new
members to the ASAC. On June 11, 2013, TSA published a notice
of charter renewal in the Federal Register to announce the
renewal of the ASAC. This legislation not only codifies current
Department and TSA policy but also ensures that the ASAC
remains intact.
It is imperative that TSA interact with industry
stakeholders for input on security procedures and technology to
ensure that the Administration is implementing policies that
are effective, workable, and will enhance aviation security for
the traveling public.
Legislative History
112th Congress
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.
The House considered H.R. 1447 under Suspension of the
Rules, on June 26, 2012, and passed the bill on June 28, 2012
by voice vote.
H.R. 1447 was received in the Senate on June 29, 2012, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
113th Congress
H.R. 1204 was introduced in the House on March 14, 2013, by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Richmond, Ms. Jackson Lee, and
Mr. Swalwell of California and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1204 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Subcommittee considered H.R. 1204 on July 24, 2013, and
forwarded H.R. 1204 to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 1204 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1204 to the House on December
2, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-278.
The House considered H.R. 1204 under Suspension of the
Rules, and passed the measure by a \2/3\ record vote of 411
yeas and 3 nays, (Roll No. 617).
H.R. 1204 was received in the Senate on December 9, 2013,
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 of
H.R. 1204; the Senate then proceeded to the consideration of
H.R. 1204 and passed the measure, amended, by unanimous
consent.
The House concurred to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204 on
December 10, 2014. under Suspension of the Rules, by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 416 yeas and 5 nays (Roll No. 560). Clearing
the measure for the President.
H.R. 1204 was presented to the President on December 1,
2014. The President signed H.R. 1204 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-238.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACQUISITION REFORM ACT
Pub. Law 113-245, H.R. 2719 (S. 1893)
To require the Transportation Security Administration to
implement best practices and improve transparency with regard
to technology acquisition programs, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 2719 was developed with valuable input from
stakeholders across the Federal Government and industry. The
bill introduces greater transparency and accountability for the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spending decisions
through a series of commonsense reforms. Specifically, it
requires TSA to develop and share with the public, for the
first time: A strategic, multiyear technology investment plan;
share key information with Congress on technology acquisitions,
including cost overruns, delays, or technical failures within
30 days of identifying the problem; establish principles for
managing equipment in inventory to eliminate expensive storage
of unusable or outdated technologies; and report on its goals
for contracting with small businesses.
H.R. 2719 requires TSA to do a better job of not only
managing its own resources, but also leveraging resources
outside of the Department of Homeland Security.
Legislative History
H.R. 2719 was introduced in the House on July 18, 2013, by
Mr. Hudson, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Richmond, and Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2719 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Subcommittee considered H.R. 2719 on July 24, 2013, and
forwarded H.R. 2719 to the Full Committee with a favorable
recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2719 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 2719 to the House on November
21, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-275.
The House considered H.R. 2719 under Suspension of the
Rules, and passed the measure by a \2/3\ record vote of 416
yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 616).
H.R. 2719 was received in the Senate on December 9, 2013,
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 of
H.R. 2719; the Senate then proceeded to the consideration of
H.R. 2719 and passed the measure, amended, by unanimous
consent.
The House concurred to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2719 on
December 10, 2014, under Suspension of the Rules, by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 425 yeas and 0 nays (Roll No. 559). Clearing
the measure for the President.
H.R. 2719 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014. The President signed H.R. 2719 into law on December 18,
2014, as Public Law 113-245.
S. 1893
S. 1893, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on December 20, 2013, and referred to the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation considered
S. 1893 on July 23, 2014, and ordered the measure to be
reported to the Senate with an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, reported S. 1893 on November 17, 2014, as S.
Rpt. 113-274.
TO AMEND TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE, TO PROVIDE FOR LIMITATIONS ON
THE FEES CHARGED TO PASSENGERS OF AIR CARRIERS.
Pub. Law 113-294, H.R. 5462
To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for
limitations on the fees charged to passengers of air carriers.
Summary
In an effort to streamline the September 11th passenger
security fee and move away from a ``per-enplanement'' fee
structure, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Pub. L. 113-67)
applied a flat fee of $5.60 per one-way trip. The intent of
Congress in modifying the fee structure was to have passengers
pay the fee once, per one-way trip. While the law has
previously capped fees for one-way trips and remained silent on
a round trip cap, the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) has always correctly interpreted the law and maintained a
commonsense policy of capping the fees for round-trip journeys
to twice the cost of a one-way trip. This interpretation should
have continued under the new fee structure. Despite
congressional intent, TSA eliminated the round-trip cap.
By explicitly defining a round-trip, H.R. 5462 requires TSA
to uphold its longstanding policy of capping round-trip air
travel at twice the cost of a one-way trip. If TSA is allowed
to continue ignoring Congressional intent and enforcing its
misguided regulations, travelers will pay upwards of $60
million in additional unauthorized fees every year. According
to air carriers, this would have a disproportionate impact on
individuals from rural and underserved areas, who are already
paying higher fares to reach their final destinations.
Legislative History
H.R. 5462 was introduced in the House on September 15,
2014, by Mr. Hudson, Mr. McCaul, Mr Thompson of Mississippi,
and Mr. Richmond and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 5462 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The House considered H.R. 5462 under Suspension of the
Rules on September 16, 2014, and on September 17, 2014, passed
the measure by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 423 yeas and 0 nays,
(Roll No. 505).
H.R. 5462 was received in the Senate on September 18, 2014,
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 of
H.R. 5462 on December 4, 2014, and passed by unanimous consent.
Clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 5462 was presented to the President on December 9,
2014. The President signed H.R. 5462 into law on December 19,
2014, as Public Law 113-294.
TSA LOOSE CHANGE ACT
H.R. 1095
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. 1095 directs the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) to transfer unclaimed monies recovered at
airport security checkpoints to nonprofit organizations
providing places of rest and recuperation at airports for
members of the Armed Forces and their families, and establishes
a request for proposals (RFP) process to select such
organizations.
Section 44945 of title 49, U.S.C., enacted as part of
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub.
L. 108-334), authorized and directed unclaimed money collected
at airport security checkpoints to be used for civil aviation
security. According to the TSA report ``FY 2012 Unclaimed Money
at Airports,'' which was prepared by TSA, from FY 2009 through
FY 2012, TSA has collected an average of $465,285 from airport
security checkpoints annually. Just in FY 2012 alone, TSA
collected $531,395. However as of March 1, 2013, TSA only
expended $6,539 for the purpose of civil aviation security.
The Explanatory Statement contained in the Conference
Report (H. Rpt. 112-492) that accompanied the Consolidated and
Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, (Pub. L. 113-6),
required TSA to issue a report on the feasibility of
transferring the unclaimed money recovered at airport
checkpoints to non-profit organizations that are selected on a
competitive basis. According to the report, it would cost the
Federal Government approximately $201,000 for the first year
alone if TSA was to transfer the money to a nonprofit
organization selected on a competitive basis. Further, the
report concluded that to minimize administrative overhead, TSA
would prefer to award the use of funding to one nonprofit
organization. After reviewing TSA's report, the Committee
believes that in order to ensure fairness of opportunity while
minimizing administrative overhead, TSA should transfer the
funds after a RFP is issued. Currently, United Services
Organizations (USO) is the sole non-profit operating airport
lounges for military service members and their families.
However, any non-profit organization that provides these kinds
of services can submit a proposal to TSA to seek these
unclaimed funds.
Legislative History
112th Congress
H.R. 2179 was introduced in the House on June 14, 2011, by
Mr. Miller of Florida and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2179 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
On March 7, 2012, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security considered H.R. 2179 and reported the measure to the
Full Committee with a favorable recommendation, without
amendment, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2179 on March 28, 2012,
and ordered the measure to be favorably reported to the House,
amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 2179 to the House on May 8,
2012, as H. Rpt. 112-468.
113th Congress
H.R. 1095 was introduced in the House on March 12, 2013, by
Mr. Miller of Florida and Mr. Rogers of Alabama; and referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee,
H.R. 1095 was referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security.
On October 29, 2013, the Chair discharged the Subcommittee
on Transportation Security from further consideration of H.R.
1095.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 1095 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1095 to the House on November
21, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-274.
The House considered H.R. 1095 under Suspension of the
Rules, and passed the measure by voice vote.
H.R. 1095 was received in the Senate on December 9, 2013,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
S. 1804
S. 1804, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on December 11, 2013, and referred to the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation considered
S. 1804 on July 23, 2014, and ordered the measure to be
reported to the Senate with an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute, favorably.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, reported S. 1804 on November 17, 2014, as S.
Rpt. 113-273.
ESSENTIAL TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT
ACT
H.R. 3202
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare a
comprehensive security assessment of the transportation
security card program, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 3202 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to
submit to Congress and the Comptroller General a comprehensive
assessment of the effectiveness of the transportation security
card program at enhancing security and reducing security risks
for maritime facilities and vessels. The assessment is to be
conducted by a National Laboratory within the DHS laboratory
network or a maritime security university-based center within
the Department's centers of excellence network.
The bill further prohibits the Secretary from issuing a
final rule requiring the use of transportation security card
readers until: (1) the Comptroller General informs Congress
that the submission is responsive to their recommendations, and
(2) the Secretary issues an updated list of transportation
security card readers that are compatible with active
transportation security cards.
Finally, H.R. 3202 requires the Comptroller General to
report to Congress on implementation of the plan at least 18
months after it is issued, and every 6 months thereafter for
the ensuing 3-year period.
Legislative History
H.R. 3202 was introduced in the House on September 27,
2013, by Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Mrs.
Miller of Michigan, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3202 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, and the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security considered H.R. 3202 and forwarded the measure to the
Full Committee for consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3202 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter on July 8, 2014, to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 3202. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded, agreeing to the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
and the agreement to not seek a sequential referral of H.R.
3202.
The Committee reported H.R. 3202 to the House on July 18,
2014, as H. Rpt. 113-528.
The House considered H.R. 3202 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 400 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 456).
AIRPORT SECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2014
H.R. 4802
To improve intergovernmental planning for and communication
during security incidents at domestic airports, and for other
purposes.
Summary
On November 1, 2013, a lone gunman entered Terminal 3 at
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and began a shooting
rampage, which left Transportation Security Officer Gerardo
Hernandez dead and three other individuals wounded. While the
response by law enforcement, Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) personnel, and emergency responders was
heroic and impressive, after-action reports conducted on the
incident showed gaps in communications and coordination
procedures.
H.R. 4802 seeks to improve security incident preparedness
by directing TSA to verify that airports across the United
States have incorporated procedures for responding to active
shooters targeting security checkpoints into their existing
incident plans. Additionally, the legislation would direct the
Administrator of TSA to report to the appropriate Congressional
committees the Administration's findings regarding the levels
of preparedness at airports. The bill would also mandate that
TSA establish a mechanism by which best practices in security
incident mitigation can be shared with airports across the
country and requires that the agency certify to the appropriate
Congressional committees that all screening personnel have
participated in training for active shooter scenarios.
Additionally, TSA would be required to provide an analysis to
the appropriate Congressional committees on how agency cost
savings can be used to increase funding for reimbursable
agreements for airport law enforcement over the next five
years. Finally, the legislation would require TSA to conduct a
review of the interoperable communications capabilities of the
law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel responsible for
responding to a security incident at airports in the United
States.
Legislative History
H.R. 4802 was introduced in the House on June 5, 2014, by
Mr. Hudson and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 4802 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Chair discharged the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security from further consideration of H.R. 4802 on June 11,
2014. The Full Committee considered H.R. 4802 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 4802 to
the House on July 3, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-512.
The House considered H.R. 4802 on July 22, 2014, under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 4802 was received in the Senate on July 23, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
TSA OFFICE OF INSPECTION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014
H.R. 4803
To require the Transportation Security Administration to
conform to existing Federal law and regulations regarding
criminal investigator positions, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4803 addresses issues identified by the Department of
Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (DHS OIG) in
its report Transportation Security Administration Office of
Inspection's Efforts to Enhance Transportation Security [OIG-
13-123], released in September 2013, as well as testimony
received during the Subcommittee on Transportation Security's
January 28, 2014, hearing entitled ``Examining TSA's Cadre of
Criminal Investigators.'' The premium pay and other benefits
afforded to Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
criminal investigators within the Office of Inspection (OOI)
who are incorrectly classified as such will cost the taxpayer
as much as $17,000,000 over 5 years if TSA fails to make any
changes to the number of OOI criminal investigators, according
to the DHS OIG.
This legislation requires TSA to certify to the Congress
and the DHS OIG to validate, that only TSA employees who meet
the relevant legal and regulatory requirements are classified
as criminal investigators and receive premium pay. If the
Inspector General finds that TSA is using inadequate or invalid
data and methods to classify criminal investigators, TSA may
not hire any new employee to work in OOI until TSA makes a new
certification and the DHS OIG submits to Congress a finding
that TSA utilized adequate and valid data and methods to make
its certification. It also requires TSA to reclassify any
criminal investigators who do not meet the legal requirements
and report to Congress on any associated cost savings. In
addition, this legislation would require TSA to submit to
Congress any materials associated with OOI's review of the use
of a Federal Firearms License by Federal Air Marshal Service
(FAMS) officials to obtain discounted or free firearms for
personal use. Furthermore, it requires TSA to submit
information on specific actions that will be taken to prevent
FAMS officials from using a Federal Firearms License and the
agency's relationships with private vendors to obtain
discounted or free firearms for personal use.
Legislative History
H.R. 4803 was introduced in the House on June 5, 2014, by
Mr. Sanford and Mr. Hudson and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4803 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
The Chair discharged the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security from further consideration of H.R. 4803 on June 11,
2014. The Full Committee considered H.R. 4803 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 4803 to
the House on July 3, 2014, as H. Rpt. 113-513.
The House considered H.R. 4803 on July 22, 2014, under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 4803 was received in the Senate on July 23, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING DETECTION ACT OF 2014
H.R. 5116
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to train
Department of Homeland Security personnel how to effectively
deter, detect, disrupt, and prevent human trafficking during
the course of their primary roles and responsibilities, and for
other purposes.
Summary
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
human trafficking ranks as the second most profitable form of
transnational crime and is a $32 billion per year industry. DHS
is responsible for investigating human trafficking, arresting
traffickers, and protecting victims. According to DHS,
increased anti-trafficking awareness and training leads to more
tips to law enforcement, resulting in more victims being
identified. To that end, DHS established the Blue Campaign to
raise awareness and offer training to law enforcement and
others.
The legislation seeks to ensure that the Transportation
Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
and other DHS personnel the Secretary deems appropriate are
trained to effectively detect, intercept, and disrupt human
trafficking in a manner relevant to their professional roles
and responsibilities. Additionally, the bill seeks to provide
such personnel with the most current trends and information on
matters pertaining to the detection of human trafficking. The
bill would establish annual reviews, evaluations, and updates
to ensure that the training is consistent with current trends,
patterns, and techniques associated with human trafficking.
Additionally, the legislation would require the Secretary to
certify to the relevant committees that all described personnel
have received the training, as well as submit a report to the
committees on the overall effectiveness of the program and the
number of reported cases by DHS personnel. The Secretary would
also be authorized to assist State, local and Tribal
governments, as well as private organizations, in establishing
training programs regarding trafficking in persons upon request
from such entities.
Legislative History
H.R. 5116 was introduced in the House on July 15, 2014, by
Mr. Meadows, Mr. McCaul, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Mr.
Hudson, and Mr. O'Rourke and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the
Judiciary. Within the Committee, H.R. 5116 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and the Subcommittee on
Border and Maritime Security.
The Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on July 17,
2014, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration on the
House Floor, the Committee on the judiciary would waive further
consideration of H.R. 5116. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded, acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on the Judiciary and the agreement
to waive further consideration of H.R. 5116, and further
supporting the request for Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
The House agreed to Suspend the Rules and passed H.R. 5116
on July 23, 2014, by voice vote.
H.R. 5116 was received in the Senate on July 24, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
TSA SCREENING TECHNOLOGIES
On February 5, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security and the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Management Efficiency received a joint classified briefing on
the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Passenger
Screening Technologies. The Subcommittees were briefed by
representatives from the Government Accountability Office and
the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector
General.
The Subcommittee on Transportation Security continued to
examine this issue with a second classified Member briefing on
March 18, 2013. Representatives from TSA were present to
respond to Member questions.
On December 6, 2013, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Full Committee, and the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to Acting Secretary of the
Department of Homeland Security and the Administrator of TSA
regarding the revelation that a security technology
manufacturer violated terms of an existing procurement contract
with TSA. On February 11, 2014, the Committee received a
response from the Department of Homeland Security, which
included documents requested by the Committee.
On February 25, 2014, TSA's Office of Security Capabilities
briefed Subcommittee staff on the agency's five-year plan for
procuring security-related technologies and other passenger
screening measures.
On February 27, 2014, the Subcommittee held a classified
Members-only briefing on TSA's Advanced Imaging Technology with
Automated Target Recognition. Representatives from TSA and GAO
were present to brief Members and respond to questions.
On June 16, 2014 Committee staff met with TSA's Chief
Information Officer to discuss the Office of Information
Technology's priorities, challenges, and mission objectives.
On November 3, 2014, Subcommittee staff visited TSA
Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia where TSA's Office of
Security Capabilities and TSA's Office of Acquisitions jointly
briefed staff on TSA's on-going acquisition efforts, including
technology and services, and how these offices are working to
save taxpayer dollars.
TSA'S RISK-BASED SECURITY INITIATIVES
Since 2011, the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) has launched a series of risk-based security (RBS)
initiatives aimed at improving passenger experience and
security, including but not limited to Pre-Check. TSA
PreTM is a risk-based initiative that allows
lower-risk travelers to experience expedited security screening
at participating U.S. airport checkpoints. During the 113th
Congress, the Subcommittee conducted numerous hearings,
briefings, and site-visits to examine the nationwide rollout of
this initiative.
In addition, TSA has applied a risk-based strategy to
achieve the 100 percent screening of international inbound
cargo on passenger aircraft, and continues to work with the air
cargo industry on implementing RBS initiatives. Unfortunately,
to date, TSA has not made similar efforts to streamline and
reform its surface transportation programs, such as the Visible
Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) Program or develop a
method by which the agency can display the value or cost-
effectiveness of the programs. It has also not applied risk-
based security principles to the screening of checked baggage.
On March 14, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-Based Security.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. John S. Pistole,
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of the hearing was
to provide an opportunity for the TSA Administrator to discuss
efforts of applying a risk-based approach to TSA's aviation and
surface transportation programs and on-going efforts to make
TSA more effective and efficient. The Subcommittee also
examined the Administrator's decision to modify the Prohibited
Items List to allow passengers to carry small knives and
certain sports equipment onboard commercial flights.
The Subcommittee continued its oversight with a hearing on
April 11, 2013, entitled ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-Based
Security: Stakeholder Perspectives.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Ken Dunlap, Global Director, Security &
Travel Facilitation, International Air Transport Association;
Ms. Sharon L. Pinkerton, Senior Vice President, Legislative and
Regulatory Policy, Airlines for America; Mr. Geoff Freeman,
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, U.S.
Travel Association; Mr. Michael C. Mullen, Executive Director,
Express Association of America; Mr. Christopher U. Browne,
Airport Manager, Washington Dulles International Airport,
testifying on behalf of the American Association of Airport
Executives; and Mr. David A. Borer, General Counsel, American
Federation of Government Employees. This hearing was the second
in a two-part series focused on TSA's RBS initiatives. This
hearing provided an opportunity to hear from industry
stakeholders on their perspectives of the initiatives. In
addition, on April 9, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent
a letter to the President of the Association of Professional
Flight Attendants, regarding the association's concerns on
TSA's changes to the Prohibited Items List.
On December 4, 2013, TSA opened its first application site
for its TSA PreTM application program at the
Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Since then TSA has
opened hundreds of application centers nationwide. On January
31, 2014, the Subcommittee held a staff site visit to Dulles
International Airport to visit and observe operations at the
TSA PreTM application center located at the
airport.
On March 5, 2014, the Subcommittee held a breakfast meeting
with the Administrator of TSA to discuss transportation
security issues and receive an update from the Administrator on
TSA PreTM and TSA's FY 15 budget request.
On April 10, 2014, TSA officials provided Subcommittee
staff with an update on risk-based security and TSA
PreTM. The discussion included new airlines
and populations gaining access to the program, including
Department of Defense civilian employees who opt-in to the
program.
On May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee hosted a roundtable
discussion on the future of TSA's PreTM
program. The purpose of the roundtable was to: Explore how TSA
can more effectively market the program to travelers to
increase awareness and participation; evaluate TSA's approach
to expanding enrollment, including the utilization of private
companies; examine what techniques and programs TSA is using to
decide which passengers do not pose a threat to aviation; and
understand how TSA determines the appropriate number of TSA
PreTM lanes and what changes can be made to
more effectively utilize those lanes. In addition to the Chair
and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, representatives from
the Administration and other stakeholders were present.
The Subcommittee held a Member briefing on June 19, 2013,
on TSA's PreTM Program.
On June 20, 2014, Subcommittee staff met with the Technical
Director from the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects
Agency at DHS Science and Technology and a representative from
the Office of Security Capabilities at TSA to discuss S&T's
findings with regard to how TSA could enroll additional
passengers in TSA PreTM by partnering with
the private sector. Discussion topics included whether or not
TSA would collect biometrics from enrollees, what type of
biometrics would be collected, and other privacy and security-
related issues.
Staff met with representatives from GAO on September 25,
2014, to discuss GAO's work to assess the effectiveness and
evolution of TSA PreTM.
On October 6, 2014, TSA's Chief Risk Officer provided
Subcommittee staff with a briefing on expansion of TSA
PreTM enrollment to include third party
vetting. Another briefing with the Chief Risk Officer was held
on October 10, 2014 regarding an upcoming GAO report on TSA
PreTM and issues involving Managed Inclusion.
Subcommittee staff met with the Assistant Administrator for
Civil Rights and Liberties, Ombudsman, and Traveler Engagement
on November 6, 2014, to discuss current initiatives, staffing
levels, and other issues. The briefing also included a
discussion of TSA PreTM. and the Department
of Homeland Security's deliberations regarding biometric
collection under the planned third-party TSA
PreTM enrollment.
TSA PROCUREMENT REFORM
Technology procurement missteps have a large quantifiable
cost to taxpayers. The Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) must take immediate steps to address its technology
procurement challenges and implement necessary reforms in order
to eliminate the wasteful technology expenditures that do not
make the traveling public safer.
The Subcommittee held a hearing on May 8, 2013, entitled
``TSA Procurement Reform: Saving Taxpayer Dollars Through
Smarter Spending Practices.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Ms. Karen Shelton Waters, Assistant
Administrator, Office of Acquisition, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Paul
Benda, Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency, Science and
Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Stephen M. Lord, Director, Forensic Audits and
Investigative Services, U.S. Government Accountability Office;
and Mr. Charles K. Edwards, Deputy Inspector General, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of this hearing
was to address how TSA can improve and streamline its internal
processes for procurement and increase small business
participation while engaging the private sector in the research
and development of new security technologies.
The TSA expends significant funds each year on developing,
purchasing, and maintaining screening technology. For example,
in FY 2012, TSA spent more than $550 million for explosives
detection screening technology, about two-thirds of which was
for equipment procurements, and the rest for maintenance. The
TSA is by far the largest purchaser of detection equipment in
the Department of Homeland Security, with approximately $3
billion in inventories, deployed across all major U.S. airports
and multiple storage locations. The Government Accountability
Office and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the
Inspector General have found, through numerous studies, that
TSA is not effectively implementing government best practices
and DHS policy for acquiring new security capabilities. This
has resulted in acquisitions that have failed to meet security
performance objectives and have wasted taxpayers dollars.
The Subcommittee held a hearing on July 17, 2013, entitled
``Stakeholder Perspectives on TSA Acquisition Reform.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Marc Pearl, President
and CEO, Homeland Security & Defense Business Council; Ms.
Shenee Commodore, Government Contracts and Business Manager,
Intertek, testifying on behalf of the Security Industry
Association; and Mr. Dolan P. Falconer, Jr., Co-Founder,
Chairman and General Manger, Scan Tech Holdings. The focus of
this hearing was to obtain industry perspective on how TSA can
improve and streamline its internal processes for technology
acquisition.
PERIMETER SECURITY, ACCESS CONTROL, AND PASSENGER EXIT LANES
The Department of Homeland Security's Fiscal Year 2014
budget request included a proposal to shift the responsibility
for exit lane monitoring from TSA to airport operators at those
airports where the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
is currently responsible for monitoring exit lanes. This shift
would have resulted in an estimated taxpayer savings of $100
million annually; however, airport operators strongly opposed
this proposal due to the costs of assuming exit lane
responsibilities, the timeline for implementation, the fact
that TSA chose not to utilize the formal rulemaking process, as
well as other factors.
The Subcommittee held a Member briefing on June 27, 2013,
on TSA's plans to transfer the responsibility of monitoring
passenger exit lanes to airport operators. Representatives from
TSA were present to respond to Member questions. On October 18,
2013, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Administrator of TSA regarding the process the
agency chose to follow to implement the transition. TSA
provided a response on November 4, 2013.
On December 26, 2013, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013
(Pub. L. 113-67) was signed into law, which included a
provision requiring TSA to continue monitoring exit lanes at
the 155 airports where TSA performed this function as of
December 1, 2013. This forced TSA to cancel the plan it had
begun to execute to amend Airport Security Programs (ASP) and
transit exit lane responsibilities to certain airports. On May
20, 2014, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent
a letter to the Administrator of TSA regarding TSA's
interpretation of section 603 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of
2013. On June 10, 2014, the Subcommittee received a response
from the Administrator of TSA.
Subcommittee staff received a briefing from TSA's Office of
Security Operations and Office of Security Policy and Industry
Engagement on October 6, 2014, regarding concerns expressed by
a labor group over the security of catering trucks and access
to the sterile areas of domestic airports.
On November 3, 2014, Subcommittee staff visited TSA
Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia and received a briefing on
the security of airport exit lanes from TSA's Office of
Security Police and Industry Engagement and the Office of
Security Capabilities. The briefing included a discussion of
potential exit lane security technology and funding solutions.
On December 3 2014, the Subcommittee hosted a roundtable
discussion on the future of exit lane security. The purpose of
the roundtable was to work toward identifying a viable long-
term transition plan for exit lanes that encourages airports
and TSA to invest in and deploy cost-effective exit lane
solutions, including technology. In addition to Members of the
Subcommittee, key public and private sector stakeholders
participated in the discussion.
TSA WORKFORCE
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is one of
the most publicly visible components of the Department of
Homeland Security. With TSA assuming a front-line, high-profile
position in the fight against terrorism, the agency is often in
the spotlight when allegations of misconduct arise.
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency and
the Subcommittee on Transportation Security held a joint
hearing on July 31, 2013, entitled ``TSA Integrity Challenges:
Examining Misconduct by Airport Security Personnel.'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from Mr. John Halinski, Deputy
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen M. Lord, Director,
Forensic Audits and Investigative Services, Government
Accountability Office; and Ms. Deborah Outten-Mills, Acting
Assistant Inspector General for Inspections, Office of the
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The
purpose of this hearing was to examine how TSA handles
allegations of misconduct among its employees including its
investigation and adjudication process and to discuss the
hiring practices, policies and training it has in place to
deter criminal or negligent behavior.
In September 2013, the Department of Homeland Security
Office of the Inspector General (DHS OIG) issued a report
entitled, Transportation Security Administration Office of
Inspection's Efforts to Enhance Transportation Security. Among
other things, the report found that Office of Inspection (OOI)
did not use its staff and resources efficiently to conduct
inspections, internal reviews, and covert testing.
Specifically, the report states that TSA classified over 100
employees as criminal investigators (i.e. law enforcement
officers) even though TSA could not confirm that those
individuals spent the majority of their time on criminal
investigative duties.
On January 13, 2014, in response to the September 2013 DHS
OIG report on TSA's Office of Inspection, the Chair and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Administrator
of the TSA seeking additional information on TSA's Office of
Inspection. This letter specifically asked for numbers related
to cases opened and investigated, as well as employee
classifications. On January 24, 2014, the Subcommittee received
a response from the Administrator of TSA.
On January 28, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled, ``Examining TSA's Cadre of Criminal Investigators.''
This hearing focused on how TSA can improve the management of
its Office of Inspection (OOI) to ensure that its criminal
investigator positions are meeting the requirements set forth
by Federal law and regulations. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Roderick Allison, Assistant Administrator,
Office of Inspection, Transportation Security Administration,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Karen Shelton Waters,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Human Capital,
Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; Ms. Anne L. Richards, Assistant Inspector
General, Office of Audits, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
On June 5, 2014, Subcommittee staff met with TSA's Office
of Training and Workforce Engagement to discuss the specialized
security training received by TSA personnel, as well as other
types of training that TSA employees undergo.
On July 30, 2014, Committee staff conducted a conference
call with the Deputy Assistant Administrator of TSA's Office of
Security Operations to discuss what action TSA has taken to
address the findings and recommendations outlined in the GAO
report entitled, TSA Could Strengthen Monitoring of Allegations
of Employee Misconduct [GAO-13-624].
The DHS Office of the Inspector General provided a
classified briefing on October 9, 2014, to Subcommittee staff
on recent covert testing activities measuring the effectiveness
of TSA checked baggage screening at domestic airports. The
report found human and technology based failures that led to
vulnerabilities in screening. Subcommittee staff subsequently
met with TSA officials on November 14, 2014, to discuss the DHS
OIG's covert testing results.
On November 6, 2014, Subcommittee staff visited TSA
Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia to meet with several TSA
offices and receive updates on programs of interest.
Specifically, subcommittee staff met with the Deputy Assistant
Administrator of TSA's Office of Security Operations to receive
a briefing on the Office's current capabilities, operations,
staffing levels, and planned development. This briefing
provided a big picture view of the current structure of TSA's
frontline workforce.
Subcommittee staff also met with TSA's Office of Training
and Workforce Engagement on November 6, 2014, to discuss how
TSA is optimizing training efforts for its employees, as well
as how the agency is working to unify training efforts.
Specifically, TSA officials outlined the roles and
responsibilities of Security Training Instructors who operate
at airports across the country to train and develop the TSA
workforce.
Staff met with TSA's Office of Public Affairs to receive a
briefing on the Office's efforts to improve TSA's public image
and provide the public with timely information pertaining to
transportation security. Staff also met with the Assistant
Administrator of TSA's Office of Inspection and the Assistant
Administrator of TSA's Office of Professional Responsibility to
discuss progress made since the Subcommittee's January 28, 2014
hearing and the issuance of the DHS OIG's September 2013 report
entitled, Transportation Security Administration Office of
Inspection's Efforts to Enhance Transportation Security.
Additionally, TSA's Office of Professional Responsibility
briefed staff on the agency's efforts to promote integrity
within the workforce.
DHS RESEARCH LABORATORIES
On November 6, 2013, Members of the Subcommittee conducted
a site visit to Duke University in Durham, North Carolina to
examine the University's homeland security research
laboratories and receive a briefing by researchers on their on-
going Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology
Directorate-funded research, which seeks to develop future
generations of airport screening technologies.
INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SECURITY
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee reviewed TSA's
efforts to mitigate the ever-evolving threats emanating from
overseas. This included an examination of how TSA issues
security directives/emergency amendments, performs airport
assessments and air carrier inspections, and engages our
international partners.
The leadership of the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) receives a daily classified aviation
intelligence briefing at the TSA headquarters in Arlington,
Virginia every morning. On February 14, 2013, the Chair of the
Subcommittee attended this briefing to better understand the
terrorist threats to U.S. transportation systems.
On March 7, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Comptroller General of the U. S. requesting to be
a co-requestor of the Government Accountability Offices (GAO)
review of TSA's Secure Flight Program.
In 2003, Congress directed the Department of Homeland
Security through the Vision 100-Century Aviation
Reauthorization Act (Pub. L. 108-176) to develop a program to
ensure security of domestic and international aircraft repair
stations. After no action was taken, in 2007 Congress mandated
through the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission
Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-53), that TSA issue a final rule on
aircraft repair station security by August 2008, otherwise the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would no longer be
authorized to certificate new foreign repair stations for U.S.-
bound aircraft. The TSA missed the deadline, and FAA
certifications of new foreign repair stations were halted. In
November 2009, TSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) for repair station security, with the comment period
ending on February 19, 2010. Three years later, on March 14,
2013, the TSA Administrator announced to the Subcommittee at
the hearing entitled ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-Based
Security,'' that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
received the final rule. In response to the announcement, the
Chair and Vice Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter on April
18, 2013, to the Deputy Director for Management of the Office
of Management and Budget regarding the status of the Aircraft
Foreign Repair Station Rulemaking. On January 13, 2014, TSA
issued the final rule [Federal Register DOC #: 2014-00415].
The Department of Homeland Security's FY 2014 budget
request eliminated funding for TSA's Federal Flight Deck
Officer (FFDO) program. On June 6, 2013, the Chairs of the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and the Subcommittee on
Oversight and Management Efficiency sent a letter to the
Secretary of Homeland Security expressing concern over the
proposed elimination of funding for the FFDO program. The
Department provided a response on July 29, 2013.
On September 25, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Comptroller General of the U.S. requesting to be
a co-requester of GAO's review of TSA's PreTM
trusted traveler program.
On January 22, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from TSA on the final rule for foreign aircraft repair station
security. Subcommittee staff also visited a foreign aircraft
repair station in Copenhagen, Denmark during a May 2014 staff
delegation to Europe to observe implementation and compliance
with the rule.
Committee staff participated in a conference call with TSA
officials on January 6, 2014, on efforts surrounding the 2014
Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. This briefing included
security measures implemented for chartered U.S. air carriers
transporting American citizens to Sochi, as well as an overview
of how TSA's Office of Global Strategies worked with Russian
Federation officials to assess the security of the airport in
Sochi.
On March 11, 2014, the Committee was informed that TSA
formally entered into a preclearance screening agreement with
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for passenger screening at Abu
Dhabi International Airport. On March 18, 2014, the Chair and
Ranking Member of the Full Committee and the Chair and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Administrator
of TSA requesting a copy of the preclearance screening
agreement between TSA and the U.A.E. for passenger screening at
Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Committee received a
response letter from TSA, along with the requested screening
agreement on April 1, 2014.
From May 11 through 17, 2014, Subcommittee staff conducted
a staff delegation to Germany, Denmark, and the United Kingdom
to assess TSA and DHS efforts to work with foreign partners in
protecting critical transportation systems from threats
emanating from overseas. Staff met with various U.S. government
representatives in each of the countries visited, as well as
foreign government security and transportation officials in
each country. For example, in Frankfurt, staff held a
roundtable discussion with representatives of TSA's Regional
Operations Center-Europe to understand how TSA inspects,
assesses, and implements security directives at foreign last
point of departure (LPD) airports. Staff also met with the
heads of security at Frankfurt International Airport,
Copenhagen International Airport, and Heathrow International
Airport and toured security operations at each location. Staff
also observed air cargo screening operations in Frankfurt and
toured an aircraft repair station in Copenhagen with
representatives from Scandinavian Airlines and the Danish Civil
Aviation Authority. In the United Kingdom, staff met with
representatives from the Home Office to discuss threats to
aviation security and mutual cooperation between the UK
government and TSA.
On June 20, 2014, the Full Committee conducted a Member
site visit to TSA Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The
purpose of the visit was to participate in the Administrator's
Daily Intelligence Brief (ADIB). Mr. Stephen Sadler, Assistant
Administrator for TSA's Office of Intelligence and Analysis,
and other officials from TSA, provided the intelligence
briefing.
On July 9, 2014, the Full Committee held a classified
briefing on worldwide aviation-related threats. Representatives
from DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis and TSA were
present to respond to Member questions.
On October 30, 2014, Committee staff visited TSA
Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia to meet with several TSA
offices and receive updates on programs of interest. Staff met
with TSA's Office of Global Strategies, Office of Intelligence
and Analysis, and Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal
Service to discuss how these offices are identifying and
responding to evolving international aviation security threats,
including foreign fighters returning from Iraq and Syria.
BEHAVIOR DETECTION AND ANALYSIS
The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA)
Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT)
program involves Behavior Detection Officers (BDO) observing
passenger behavior inside the airport. BDOs are trained to
detect individuals exhibiting suspicious behaviors that
indicate they may be a threat to transportation security.
The Subcommittee held a hearing on November 14, 2013,
entitled ``TSA's SPOT Program and Initial Lessons From the LAX
Shooting.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. John
S. Pistole, Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Dr.
Daniel Gerstein, Acting Under Secretary, Science and Technology
Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen
M. Lord, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Investigative
Service, Government Accountability Office; and Mr. Charles K.
Edwards, Deputy Inspector General, Office of the Inspector
General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of
this hearing was to examine challenges with TSA's SPOT Program
and to gauge whether SPOT is a scientifically valid program.
On May 29, 2013, the Department of Homeland Security's
Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on the
SPOT program entitled Transportation Security Administration's
Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques [OIG-13-91].
The OIG concluded in its report that: TSA did not assess the
effectiveness of the SPOT program; have a comprehensive
training program for SPOT; ensure outreach to its partners
regarding the implementation and operation of SPOT; or have a
financial plan for the SPOT Program prior to Nation-wide
implementation.
On September 9, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Comptroller General of the U.S. requesting to be
a co-requester of a Government Accountability Office (GAO)
review of TSA's SPOT program.
On November 13, 2013, GAO released a report entitled, TSA
Should Limit Future Funding for Behavior Detection Activities.
[GAO-14-158T] The report found, among other things, that
available evidence does not conclusively support whether
behavioral indicators, which are used in the SPOT program, can
be used to identify persons who may pose a risk to aviation
security.
On March 3, 2014, TSA initiated a new Proof of Concept
(POC) called the BDO Targeted Conversation (BTC) at Baltimore
Washington International Airport (BWI). On March 25, 2014,
Subcommittee staff received a briefing from TSA on the BTC POC.
On April 10, 2014, the Ranking Members of the Committees on
Homeland Security, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government
Reform sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA inquiring into
why the agency was expanding the use BDOs without having
addressed the findings and recommendations of OIG-13-91 and
GAO-14-158T. On April 17, 2014, Subcommittee staff conducted a
staff site visit to BWI to observe TSA's BTC POC.
On June 4, 2014, Subcommittee staff met with TSA's Privacy
Officer and the Assistant Administrator pf TSA's Office of
Civil Rights and Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement
to discuss privacy implications associated with TSA's BTC POC.
On October 10, 2014, Subcommittee staff received an update
from TSA officials on the Behavior Detection and Analysis (BDA)
program, including planned changes to the number of behavioral
indicators used, reduction in the number of behavior detection
officers, and changes to the deployment locations of officers.
AVIATION PASSENGER VETTING PROGRAMS
On June 2, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from GAO on its audit of TSA's Secure Flight program in advance
of a Subcommittee hearing on the topic. The Committee requested
that GAO review the current status of the Secure Flight
program's privacy efforts, as well as the overall evolution of
the Secure Flight program since its inception. In Secure
Flight: TSA Could Take Additional Steps to Strengthen Privacy
Oversight Mechanisms [GAO-14-647], GAO found that TSA has
implemented a number of planned privacy oversight mechanisms to
the program, but should ensure that all Secure Flight program
personnel receive job-specific privacy training. Also, GAO
recommended that the agency establish a process by which it can
track privacy-related issues. The report also focused on the
Department of Homeland Security Redress Inquiry Program (DHS
TRIP), which is the traveling public's means of redress, if
they feel they have been wrongly identified as a high-risk
passenger in the Terrorist Screening Database. GAO found that
DHS has made progress on shortening the length of time for
redress applicants' appeals, but that the average processing
time for an appeal is about 276 days.
In its other report, Secure Flight: TSA Should Take
Additional Steps to Determine Program Effectiveness [GAO-14-
531], GAO reviewed how Secure Flight has evolved into a program
which deems passengers as either high risk, low risk, or
unknown risk, as well as how such determinations are
implemented at screening checkpoints by screeners. The report
found that TSA has made errors in implementing risk
determinations at checkpoints and could make progress in
establishing ways to better track performance measures and
examine the root causes of such screening errors.
Subcommittee staff met with the Assistant Administrator of
TSA's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and DHS officials on
September 9, 2014, to discuss the Secure Flight program in
advance of a Subcommittee hearing on the topic. The briefers
discussed the traveler redress process, as well as the threat
posed by foreign fighters seeking to travel to the United
States.
On September 11, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a
briefing from representatives of the Terrorist Screening Center
to discuss the watch listing and traveler redress processes in
advance of a hearing on TSA's Secure Flight program.
On September 18, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Safeguarding Privacy and Civil Liberties While
Keeping our Skies Safe.'' This hearing examined the processes
and procedures surrounding the No Fly and Selectee Lists with a
focus on TSA's Secure Flight Program and DHS' Traveler Redress
Inquiry Program. The hearing covered findings of two GAO
reports: Secure Flight: TSA Should Take Additional Steps to
Determine Program Effectiveness [GAO-14-531] and Secure Flight:
TSA Could Take Additional Steps to Strengthen Privacy Oversight
Mechanisms [GAO-14-647]. The hearing also assessed TSA's work
in protecting passenger data and the government's role in
preventing terrorist travel, in light of the on-going threat
posed by foreign fighters. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr. Stephen Sadler, Assistant Administrator, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Christopher M. Piehota, Director, Terrorist Screening Center,
Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice;
and Ms. Jennifer A. Grover, Acting Director, Homeland Security
and Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
AVIATION SECURITY FEES
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Pub. L. 113-67) made
minor modifications to the September 11th Security Fee
(Passenger Fee) in an effort to streamline the process and
eliminate a ``per enplanement'' fee structure. Under the
Bipartisan Budget Act, Congress applied a flat fee of $5.60 per
one-way trip. However, TSA misinterpreted congressional intent
and subsequently eliminated the longstanding cap on round trip
fees through regulations.
On June 16, 2014, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Full
Committee, and the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee
sent a letter to the Acting Director of the Office of
Management and Budget regarding TSA's interpretation and
proposed implementation of the Bipartisan Budget Act's
modifications to the September 11th Security Fee.
On June 20, 2014, the TSA published an Interim Final Rule
in the Federal Register to implement changes to the TSA
September 11th Security Fee. On July 17, 2014, the Chair and
Ranking Member of the Full Committee, and the Chair and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Docket Clerk,
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
to provide comment on the Interim Final Rule issued by TSA for
the adjustment of the Passenger Civil Aviation Security Service
Fee. Bipartisan legislation to clarify Congressional intent on
the passenger fee was also unanimously passed by the House on
September 17, 2014. See discussion of H.R. 5462, above.
NATIONAL EXPLOSIVES DETECTION CANINE TEAM PROGRAM
TSA trains and deploys explosives detection canine teams in
support of aviation security and surface transportation
security. During the 113th Congress, the Committee explored
ways in which TSA's National Explosives Detection Canine Team
(NEDCT) program can be streamlined and enhanced, including
through the certification of third-party vendors to train new
canine teams for use in the all-cargo screening environment.
Staff received a briefing from representatives from TSA and
the DHS Science and Technology Directorate on June 16, 2014, to
update the Committee on the NEDCT Program in advance of a
Subcommittee hearing on the topic.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) canceled
its explosive detection canine breeding program at Lackland Air
force Base based on a determination that the program was not
producing enough explosives detection canines to justify the
annual costs. In response to TSA's decision, on June 18, 2013,
the Chair and Vice Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to
the Secretary of Homeland Security expressing concerns about
how the research and development that was achieved under the
program would be used in the future. The Department provided a
response on July 15, 2013.
On June 24, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Utilizing Canine Teams to Detect Explosives and Mitigate
Threats.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms.
Annmarie Lontz, Division Director, Office of Security Services
and Assessments, Transportation Security Administration, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Melanie Harvey, Director,
Threat Assessment Division, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Ms.
Jennifer A. Grover, Acting Director, Homeland Security and
Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office; and Mr. Chris
Connell, President, Commodity Forwarders, Inc., testifying on
behalf of the Airforwarders Association.
SHOOTING AT THE LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
On November 1, 2013, a gunman entered Terminal 3 of the Los
Angeles International Airport (LAX), approached the passenger
screening area and shot and killed Gerardo I. Hernandez, a
Transportation Security Officer (TSO) who was checking
passenger boarding passes. After shooting and killing Officer
Hernandez, the first TSA employee to be killed while performing
his duties, the gunman shot and injured two additional TSOs and
one passenger, none of whom were fatally wounded. Upon
engaging, shooting, and taking the gunman down, Officers of the
Los Angeles World Airport's Police Division found a note on the
gunman's person expressing anti-government views and his intent
to target and kill TSA employees.
On November 15, 2013, the Mr. McCaul, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Richmond, Mr. McKeon, and Ms.
Waters introduced H.Res. 415, expressing the sense of the House
of Representatives with respect to the tragic shooting at LAX
and honoring the dedicated public service of the TSO killed and
the TSOs injured in the incident.
On March 28, 2014, the Subcommittee conducted a site visit
and held a field hearing at the Los Angeles International
Airport entitled ``Lessons from the LAX Shooting: Preparing for
and Responding to Emergencies at Airports.'' This site visit
and hearing examined the shooting that occurred at LAX on
November 1, 2013. The hearing also focused on lessons learned
and whether security policies and procedures should be changed
to better protect the airport environment from an active
shooter. While the response by law enforcement, TSA personnel,
and emergency responders was heroic and impressive, after-
action reports conducted by TSA and the airport operator showed
gaps in communications and coordination procedures. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. John S. Pistole,
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Gina Marie, Lindsey,
Executive Director, Los Angeles World Airports; Mr. Patrick M.
Gannon, Chief of Airport Police, Los Angeles World Airports;
and Mr. J. David Cox, Sr., National President, American
Federation of Government Employees.
The Subcommittee continued its oversight of airport
preparedness and response issues with a hearing on May 29,
2014, entitled ``Lessons from the LAX Shooting: Airport and Law
Enforcement Perspectives.'' This hearing built upon the
Subcommittee's site visit and field hearing of March 28th by
continuing to examine the shooting that occurred at LAX. This
hearing looked at security incident management and response
procedures at commercial airports across the U.S. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Frank Capello,
Director of Security, Fort Lauderdale--Hollywood International
Airport; Mr. Michael J. Landguth, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, Raleigh-Durham
International Airport; Mr. Kevin Murphy, President, Airport Law
Enforcement Agencies Network; and Mr. Marshall McClain,
President, Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association.
As a result of the hearings and site visit, Mr. Hudson
introduced H.R. 4802, the Airport Security Enhancement Act of
2014, to implement lessons learned in the wake of the airport
shooting and provide for the sharing of security incident
prevention and response best practices to airports. Mr.
Richmond, Mr. McCaul, and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi all
signed onto this legislation.
FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL SERVICE
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee conducted
oversight of the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) to promote
efficiency, examine office closures and other changes, and
ensure accountability for FAMS employees, including senior
leadership.
Subcommittee staff received a briefing on February 27, 2014
from TSA's Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal
Service (FAMS) to discuss FAMS' pending workforce realignment.
On April 4, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from the Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service
to discuss the agency's FY 2015 budget request.
On April 10, 2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Administrator of TSA regarding allegations of
unethical activity within the Federal Air Marshal Service
(FAMS) involving free or discounted firearms. On April 18,
2014, the Subcommittee Chairman received a response from the
Administrator of TSA.
On May 20, 2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Administrator of TSA requesting a copy of the
Settlement Agreement reached between the FAMS Director and TSA
prior to the Director's retirement announcement. On June 9,
2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee received a response from
the Administrator of TSA, which included a copy of the
Settlement Agreement.
On September 9, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a
briefing from TSA's Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air
Marshal Service on domestic flight coverage.
On October 30, 2014, TSA's Office of Law Enforcement/
Federal Air Marshal Service provided a briefing on the Visible
Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) program, including
the composition of each team and how TSA determines when and
where VIPR operations should occur.
On November 3, 2014, TSA's Office of Law Enforcement/
Federal Air Marshal Service briefed Subcommittee staff on the
Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement program, including
historic funding levels, eligibility criteria, and airport law
enforcement engagement efforts.
SCREENING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Currently, 18 domestic airports participate in TSA's
Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which allows private
companies to perform screening functions at those airports with
direct oversight from TSA. During the 113th Congress, the
Committee examined TSA's acquisition processes for SPP
contracts and the comparison of total costs between federal and
private screeners, among other issues.
On December 18, 2013, the Chair of the Full Committee, and
the Chairs of the Subcommittees on Transportation Security, and
Oversight and Management Efficiency sent a letter to the
Comptroller General of the United States requesting that the
Government Accountability Office perform a review of TSA's
management of SPP. The letter also asked that GAO consider what
cost savings could be achieved if SPP was implemented at
smaller airports across the U.S.
On July 11, 2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security regarding TSA's
contracting process for the Screening Partnership Program
(SPP). In addition, the letter notified the Secretary of the
Subcommittee's intent to hold a hearing on the program. On July
31, 2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee received a response
from the Administrator of TSA.
On July 17, 2014, Subcommittee staff met with the Director
of SPP to discuss the overall management of the program in
preparation of the July 29, 2014 Subcommittee hearing. TSA
personnel from TSA's Office of Acquisition and the Office of
the Chief Financial Officers were also present to answer
questions.
On July 29, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Examining TSA's Management of the Screening Partnership
Program.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms. Cindi
Martin, C.M., Airport Director, Glacier Park International
Airport; Mr. Mark VanLoh, A.A.E., Director, Aviation
Department, Kansas City International Airport; Mr. Steve
Amitay, Executive Director/General Counsel, National
Association of Security Companies; Mr. J. David Cox, Sr.,
National President, American Federation of Government
Employees; Mr. William Benner, Director, Screening Partnership
Program, Office of Security Operations, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Ms.
Jennifer A. Grover, Acting Director, Homeland Security and
Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office. The purpose of
the hearing was to discuss on-going challenges and
opportunities with respect to how TSA works with the private
sector to perform screening. Over the last several years,
public and private stakeholders have criticized TSA on its
management of SPP, including: The methodology it uses to
compare the performance and cost of private screeners to
federal screeners and evaluate SPP bids; and the time it takes
to award a new SPP contract once an application is approved.
The hearing also focused on the steps TSA is taking to address
those concerns and other changes it plans to make to improve
the program as a whole.
FY 2015 BUDGET REQUEST
On March 12, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
on TSA's FY 2015 Budget Request.
On April 4, 2014, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from the Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service
(FAMS) on the agency's FY 2015 budget request.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has
jurisdiction over the security of surface modes of
transportation, including mass transit, pipelines, and
railroads. While the vast majority of TSA's resources and
priorities are directed to aviation security efforts, the
Subcommittee is aware of the continuing threat posed to the
surface transportation sector, which faces unique security
challenges.
Subcommittee staff conducted a site visit to a pipeline
pumping station in Rockville, Maryland on August 27, 2013, in
order to tour security measures in place at the facility and
meet with Washington Gas and TSA officials to discuss pipeline
security efforts.
On September 12, 2013, Committee staff conducted a site
visit to Washington's Union Station to observe a demonstration
of explosive detection canines, observe TSA passenger screening
operations, and receive a briefing from Amtrak officials
regarding on-going efforts to secure passenger rail.
During the Subcommittee's Staff Delegation to Europe on May
16, 2014, staff met with officials from the London Underground
to tour the transit system's security operations center and
discuss threats to mass transportation, as well as to
understand international efforts to secure surface
transportation modes and share information between transit
agencies, emergency first responders, and law enforcement.
Subcommittee staff met with Amtrak officials on September
15, 2014, to discuss security challenges and priorities of
Amtrak, as well as Amtrak's relationship with TSA. Amtrak's
chief of police briefed staff on security efforts relating to
active shooter scenarios, explosive detection, and human
trafficking, as well as coordination with TSA VIPR teams.
On Thursday, September 19, 2014, Subcommittee staff visited
the Association of American Railroads' security operations
center to observe how the railroad industry receives threat
intelligence from TSA and works to mitigate threats to surface
transportation. The visit involved a demonstration of the
industry's common operating environment for railroad security
incidents across the country, as well as a briefing on how the
industry disseminates threat advisories to its stakeholders and
personnel.
On November 3, 2014, Subcommittee staff visited TSA
Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia to meet with several TSA
offices and receive updates on programs of interest. TSA's
Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement and TSA's
Office of Security Operations jointly briefed staff on the
Surface Transportation Security Inspectors program. The
discussion also included efforts to secure pipeline, rail, and
mass transit systems.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-Based Security.'' March 14,
2013. (Serial No. 113-5)
``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-Based Security: Stakeholder
Perspectives.'' April 11. (Serial No. 113-5)
``TSA Procurement Reform: Saving Taxpayer Dollars Through
Smarter Spending Practices.'' May 8, 2013. (Serial No.
113-15)
``Stakeholder Perspectives on TSA Acquisition Reform.'' July
17, 2013. (Serial No. 113-26)
``TSA Integrity Challenges: Examining Misconduct by Airport
Security Personnel.'' Joint hearing with the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security. July 31, 2013.
(Serial No. 113-29)
``TSA's SPOT Program and Initial Lessons From the LAX
Shooting.'' November 14, 2013. (Serial No. 113-43)
``Examining TSA's Cadre of Criminal Investigators.'' January
28, 2014. (Serial No. 113-48)
``Lessons from the LAX Shooting: Preparing for and Responding
to Emergencies at Airports.'' March 28, 2014. Field
hearing in Los Angeles, California. (Serial No. 113-59)
``Lessons from the LAX Shooting: Airport and Law Enforcement
Perspectives.'' May 29, 2014. (Serial No. 113-59)
``Utilizing Canine Teams to Detect Explosives and Mitigate
Threats.'' June 24, 2014. (Serial No. 113-75)
``Examining TSA's Management of the Screening Partnership
Program.'' July 29, 2014. (Serial No. 113-81)
``Safeguarding Privacy and Civil Liberties While Keeping our
Skies Safe.'' September 18, 2014. (Serial No. 113-86)
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi,
Vice Chair
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
----------
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications held 12 hearings,
receiving testimony from 56 witnesses; and considered three
measures.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS ALLOWABLE USE ACT
H.R. 1791
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority
under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area
Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program
funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge
capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.
Summary
H.R. 1791 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-296) to ensure that grants funds may continue to be used
for medical preparedness activities.
Legislative History
112th Congress
H.R. 5997 was introduced in the House on June 21, 2012, by
Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Clarke of Michigan, Mr. Turner of New York,
and Mr. Rogers of Alabama; and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 5997 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The House considered H.R. 5997 under Suspension of the
Rules on November 27, 2012, and passed the bill, amended, by a
\2/3\ recorded vote of 397 yeas and 1 nay, (Roll No. 609).
113th Congress
H.R. 1791 was introduced in the House on April 26, 2013, by
Mr. Bilirakis, Mrs. Brooks of Indiana, and Mr. King of New
York; and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 1791 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
On October 29, 2013, the Chair discharged the Subcommittee
on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications from
further consideration of H.R. 1791.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 1791 on October 29,
2013, and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 1791 to the House on November
21, 2013, as H. Rpt. 113-273.
The House considered H.R. 1791 under Suspension of the
Rules on February 3, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 391 yeas and 2 nays, (Roll No. 32).
H.R. 1791 was received in the Senate on February 4, 2014,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2013
H.R. 3283
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.
Summary
H.R. 3283 authorizes the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to
ensure timely and effective alerts and warnings.
Legislative History
H.R. 3283 was introduced in the House on October 10, 2013,
by Mr. Bilirakis and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure. Within the Committee, H.R. 3283 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications.
On March 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications considered H.R.
3283, and forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for
consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 3283 on April 30, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, amended,
by voice vote.
SOCIAL MEDIA WORKING GROUP ACT OF 2014
H.R. 4263
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the
Department of Homeland Security to establish a social media
working group, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4263 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
authorize and enhance the Department of Homeland Security's
Virtual Social Media Working Group.
Legislative History
H.R. 4263 was introduced in the House on March 14, 2013, by
Mrs. Brooks, Mr. Payne, Mr. Palazzo, and Mr. Swalwell of
California, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Within the Committee, H.R. 4263 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
On March 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications considered H.R.
4263, and forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for
consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 4263 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 4263 was reported to the House on June 19, 2014, as H.
Rpt. 113-480.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on July 7, 2014, agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration of H.R. 4263, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 4263. The letter further requested the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
called. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security responded acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
and the agreement to not seek a sequential referral.
The House considered H.R. 4263 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 8, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 375 yeas and 19 nays, (Roll No. 369).
H.R. 4263 was received in the Senate, on July 9, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS ACT
H.R. 4289
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Under
Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security
to take administrative action to achieve and maintain
interoperable communications capabilities among the components
of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Summary
This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-296) to include, among the responsibilities of the
Department's Under Secretary for Management (USM), achieving
and maintaining interoperable communications among the
Department of Homeland Security's components.
Legislative History
H.R. 4289 was introduced in the House on March 24, 2014, by
Mr. Payne and Mrs. Brooks of Indiana and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4289
was referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications.
On March 27, 2014, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications considered H.R.
4289, and forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for
consideration, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 4289 on June 11, 2014,
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House, with a
favorable recommendation, without amendment, by voice vote.
H.R. 4289 was reported to the House on June 19, 2014, as H.
Rpt. 113-484.
The House considered H.R. 4289 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 8, 2014, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 393 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 370).
H.R. 4289 was received in the Senate, on July 9, 2014, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
NATIONAL LABORATORIES MEAN NATIONAL SECURITY ACT
H.R. 3438
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize use of
grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State
Homeland Security Grant Program to work in conjunction with a
Department of Energy national laboratory.
Summary
H.R. 3438 clarifies that grant funding under the State
Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security
Initiative may be used to fund activities done in conjunction
with the National Laboratories.
Legislative History
H.R. 3438 was introduced in the House on October 30, 2013,
by Mr. Swalwell of California, and six original co-sponsors,
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 3438 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.
On December 1, 2014, the Chair of the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology would not seek a sequential
referral of H.R. 3438. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security responded, acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and the agreement to not seek a sequential
referral.
The House considered H.R. 3438 under on December 1, 2014,
under Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 386 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 533).
H.R. 3438 was received in the Senate on December 2, 2014.
DHS OIG MANDATES REVISION ACT OF 2014
S. 2651
To repeal certain mandates of the Department of Homeland
Security Office of the Inspector General.
Summary
The purpose of S.2651 is to eliminate the congressional
mandate for the Department of Homeland Security's Office of
Inspector General to conduct certain audits of the Department.
These mandated audits cover issues including an annual
evaluation of the Cargo Inspection Targeting System, Coast
Guard performance, accounting of National Drug Control Policy
Funds, and annual review of grants to states and high-risk
urban areas.
According to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs Committee, the mandates that would be repealed by
S.2651 duplicate other reports conducted by DHS Components. By
eliminating these mandates, the Office of Inspector General
could use finite resources on other audit priorities. The
legislation rescinding these mandates does not prohibit the DHS
Office of Inspector General from conducting periodic audits on
these issues.
Legislative History
S. 2651 was introduced in the Senate on July 24, 2014, by
Mr. Coburn, and Mr. Carper and referred to the Senate Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 2651 on September 16, 2014, and ordered
the measure reported to the Senate, amended.
The Senate considered S. 2651 on September 17, 2014, and
passed the measure, amended, by unanimous consent.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 2651 to the Senate on September 18, 2014,
as S. Rpt. 113-261.
S. 2561 was received in the House on September 18, 2014,
and referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within in the Committee, S. 2651 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, the
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration on the House Floor, the Committee on Homeland
Security would agree to waive further consideration of S. 2651.
The letter further requested the appointment of Conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be called. On that same date,
the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Homeland Security and the support for Conferees, should a
House-Senate Conference be called.
The House considered S. 2651 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 10, 2014 and passed the measure by voice vote.
Clearing the measure for the President.
S. 2651 was presented to the President on December 12,
2014.
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Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
SUPERSTORM SANDY
Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New Jersey on October 29,
2012. Impacting the East Coast from Florida to Maine, the
National Hurricane Center cites damage estimates of $50
billion, the second costliest disaster in U.S. history. In
response to the storm, Congress passed the Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act, which the President signed on January 29,
2013 (Pub. L. 113-2). This Act appropriated $50 billion to fund
response and recovery efforts related to the storm. To date,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided
more than $1.4 billion in Individual Assistance to disaster
survivors and $3.2 billion in Public Assistance to state,
local, and tribal governments for emergency protective
measures, debris removal, and repair and replacement of
infrastructure in the hardest hit areas. Throughout the 113th
Congress, the Subcommittee has conducted oversight of Federal
efforts to assist states, localities, tribes, and individuals
impacted by the storm.
On January 11, 2013, Committee staff attended the FEMA
Office of Response and Recovery's quarterly briefing and
received an update on changes to the National Flood Insurance
Program and Hurricane Sandy recovery.
On February 12, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee
conducted a site visit to FEMA's National Response Coordination
Center in Washington, DC. This visit provided Members with an
overview of FEMA's mission, operations, and efforts to work
with its State, local, and private sector partners as well as
on-going Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts. Members met with
the FEMA Administrator and other officials from throughout the
agency. Following the briefing, Members toured the National
Response Coordination Center.
The Members of the Subcommittee conducted a site visit to
the American Red Cross' Disaster Operations Center and Digital
Disaster Operations Center on March 12, 2013. The visit
provided information on the Red Cross' role in disaster
response and services it provides through its local chapters,
including an update on the Red Cross' response to Superstorm
Sandy.
On March 15, 2013, Committee staff attended the FEMA Office
of Response and Recovery's quarterly briefing and received an
update on implementation of the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act
of 2013 (Title B, Pub. L. 113-2), changes to the National Flood
Insurance Program, and Tribal declarations.
On March 25, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
of the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the
Inspector General to discuss oversight of Hurricane Sandy
response and recovery efforts.
The Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
Comptroller General of the U.S. on April 22, 2013, requesting
that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review
Individual Assistance provided by FEMA after Superstorm Sandy
to ensure there were no improper payments. The GAO agreed to
this request and is expected to release this report in December
2014.
On June 10, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Comptroller General of the
U.S. requesting that GAO conduct a review of FEMA's response to
Superstorm Sandy, including a comparison with the Agency's
response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The GAO has agreed to
this request and the review is on-going.
Committee staff attended the FEMA Office of Response an
Recovery's quarterly briefing on June 28, 2013, and received an
update on the implementation of the Sandy Recovery Improvements
Act (Title B, Pub. L. 113-2) and the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program.
On August 26, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives from GAO to discuss their review of improper
Individual Assistance payments made by the FEMA in the
aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
The Chair of the Subcommittee met with representatives of
the American Red Cross on October 2, 2013, to discuss on-going
Red Cross response and recovery efforts to Superstorm Sandy.
On October 21, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services'
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
regarding its efforts in response to Superstorm Sandy and
lessons learned for future response efforts.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Since the beginning of the 113th Congress, States and
localities have experienced a number of disasters including: a
terrorist attack in Boston, tornadoes in multiple states,
wildfires, and 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.
Members of the Subcommittee attended a briefing conducted
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on March 21,
2013, to obtain information on National Flood Week.
On March 28, 2013, Committee staff attended a briefing on
the implementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform
Act of 2012 (Subtitle A of Title II, of Pub. L. 113-41).
On June 6, 2013, Committee staff attended a briefing
conducted by FEMA on the roll out of the Planning Frameworks
mandated by Presidential Policy Directive-8, National
Preparedness.
On June 10, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Comptroller General of the
U.S. requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
review the use of disaster assistance funding for direct
administrative costs. The GAO agreed to this request and is
expected to release its report in December 2014.
On June 21, 2013, the Chairs of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and
Communications the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and
the Chair of the Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on
Emergency Management, Intergovernmental Affairs, and the
District of Columbia, sent a letter to the Administrator of
FEMA, regarding its Public Assistance program. The Committee
received an interim response to this letter on November 26,
2013.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Department of Homeland Security's National Protection and
Programs Directorate and the United States Secret Service, the
Department of Education, and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation on July 31, 2013, on interagency school security
efforts.
On August 6, 2013, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
Carmel, Indiana entitled ``Assessing Central Indiana's
Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Andrew Velasquez, III, Regional
Administrator, FEMA Region 5, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. John Hill, Executive Director, Indiana Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Mark Bowen, Sheriff, Hamilton County,
Indiana; Mr. Steven Orusa, Fire Chief, Fishers, Indiana; Ms.
Diane Mack, University Director, Emergency Management and
Continuity, Indiana University; Mr. Chad Priest, Chief
Executive Officer, MESH Coalition, Inc.; Dr. Virginia Caine,
Director, Public Health Administration, Marion County Public
Health Department, State of Indiana; Louis Profeta, M.D.,
F.A.C.E.P., Medical Director of Disaster Preparedness, St.
Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana; Dr. H. Clifton Knight,
Chief Medical Officer, Community Health Network; R. Lawrence
Reed, II, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.C.C., Director of Trauma Services,
Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital; and Dr. Mercy
Obeime, Director, Community and Global Health, Franciscan St.
Francis Health, Indianapolis, Indiana. This hearing explored
on-going efforts at the Federal, State, local, and non-profit
level to secure our most vital assets from a wide range of
threats, including mass casualty events.
The Chair of the Subcommittee addressed the Hazus Users
Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 7, 2013.
On August 28, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of FEMA regarding preparations for
addressing the needs of children during disasters.
On September 4, 2013, Committee staff conducted a site
visit of the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in
Virginia to receive a tour and briefing of the Federal
Government's continuity of operations programs.
Committee staff participated in a conference call held by
the FEMA on September 17, 2013, regarding the response to the
wildfires in Colorado.
On September 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Assessing the Nation's State of Preparedness: A
Federal, State, and Local Perspective.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Hon. Timothy Manning, Deputy
Administrator, Protection and National Preparedness, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Mark Ghilarducci, Director, California Governor's
Office of Emergency Services, testifying on behalf of the
National Governors Association and the Governors Homeland
Security Advisors Council; Mr. Jeffrey W. Walker, Senior
Emergency Manager, Licking County, Ohio,testifying on behalf of
the International Association of Emergency Managers; Chief
James H. Schwartz, Fire Chief, Arlington County Fire
Department, Arlington, Virginia, testifying on behalf of the
International Association of Fire Chiefs; Ms. Kathy Spangler,
Vice President, U.S. Programs, Save the Children. This hearing
provided Subcommittee Members with an opportunity to reflect on
the gains the nation has made in preparedness over the past 12
years and the challenges that still remain.
Committee staff received a classified briefing from
representatives of FEMA regarding its continuity of operations
and continuity of government operations on September 23, 2013.
On November 19, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee
participated in a panel discussion hosted by POLITICO in
Washington, DC. on emergency and disaster response.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Indiana University
regarding Hazus and its use to aid in mitigation planning
activities on December 16, 2013.
On January 16, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing on
the FEMAStat program from representatives of FEMA.
On January 22, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Science and Technology Directorate's
First Responder Division to receive a briefing on research and
development related to first responders.
On March 25, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The Federal Emergency Management Agency's FY2015 Budget
Request: Ensuring Effective Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This hearing
provided Members with an opportunity to take an in depth look
at the Fiscal Year 2015 budget request for the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
In preparation for this hearing, on March 10, 2014,
Committee staff met with representatives from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency to receive a briefing on the
President's Fiscal Year 2015 budget request for FEMA.
On March 12, 2014, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Comptroller General
requesting that the Government Accountability Office update its
2007 report on school security to assess the current state of
schools' emergency preparedness plans. The GAO has agreed to
this request and the review is on-going.
Committee staff visited the Washington Regional Threat
Analysis Center in Washington, DC, on May 2, 2014, to receive a
briefing on the fusion center's operations.
On July 8, 2014, the Full Committee and Subcommittee Chairs
visited the American Red Cross in Washington, DC. where they
received a briefing on disaster response operations and toured
the Disaster Operations Center and Digital Disaster Operations
Center.
Committee staff met with representatives from the
Government Accountability Office on July 23, 2014, to discuss
their on-going work to assess the National Network of Fusion
Centers.
On July 25, 2014, Committee staff attended FEMA's Office of
Response and Recovery Quarterly briefing and received an update
on FEMA's Strategic Plan.
The Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Administrator of FEMA on August 1, 2014,
inquiring about efforts to update of the National Incident
Management System guidance. The Committee received a response
on August 20, 2104.
Committee staff traveled to FEMA Region IX in Oakland,
California, on August 21, 2014, and met with the Regional
Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator and other
subject matter experts to discuss on-going operations.
On September 19, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee
received a briefing on school security. Representatives from
the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Education, and
Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of
Investigation were present to respond to Member questions. In
preparation for this briefing, on September 9, 2014, Committee
staff met with representatives of the Department of Homeland
Security, Department of Education, Department of Health and
Human Services, and Federal Bureau of Investigation to receive
a briefing on Federal efforts to work with state and local
education officials to enhance school security.
On September 30 2014, Committee staff attended the National
Preparedness Day Symposium.
On October 2, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives of FEMA's Office of International Affairs to
receive a briefing on current operations.
Committee staff met with representatives of FEMA's Office
of National Capital Region Coordination on October 14, 2014, to
receive an update on the Office's current operations.
Committee staff met with representatives of FEMA's Office
of Policy on October 28, 2014, to receive a briefing on the
implementation of FEMA's Strategic Plan.
Committee staff met with representatives of FEMA's National
Preparedness Division on October 29, 2014, to receive a
briefing on the 2014 National Preparedness Report.
MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS
The mission of the Department of Homeland Security's Office
of Health Affairs is to provide health and medical expertise in
support of the Department's mission to prepare for, respond to,
and recover from all hazards impacting the Nation's health
security. As a result, the Subcommittee conducted a number of
oversight activities related to the Office of Health Affairs
and other vital medical preparedness and response activities,
including the Ebola outbreak.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Health
Affairs (OHA) on February 28, 2013, on OHA's mission and
programs, including BioWatch, the National Biosurveillance
Integration Center, and workforce health initiatives.
On April 3, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
On April 11, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from OHA to discuss the President's Fiscal Year 2014 budget
request for OHA.
The Chair of the Subcommittee met with the Director, Office
of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention on April 18, 2013, to discuss medical
preparedness and the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).
On May 6, 2013, Committee staff met with the DHS Acting
Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs to discuss medial
preparedness and OHA priorities.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Department
of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary
for Preparedness and Response to receive a briefing on current
operations.
The Chair of the Subcommittee gave the keynote address at
the National Emergency Support Function 8 conference in
Indianapolis, Indiana on June 25, 2013.
On July 2, 2013, Committee staff participated in a
conference call held by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention regarding the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
(MERS) virus and H7N9 influenza.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Emergency
Services Coalition on Medical Preparedness on July 9, 2013, to
discuss medical countermeasures for first responders.
On September 3, 2013, Committee staff met with the Acting
Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs to discuss on-going
activities within the Office of Health Affairs.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Institute of Medicine on September 11, 2013, regarding
their report on the resilience of the Department of Homeland
Security workforce.
On January 15, 2014, the Chair of the Subcommittee met with
the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security's
Office of Health Affairs.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority on
March 19, 2014, on efforts to research, develop, and deploy
medical countermeasures.
On May 20, 2014, Members of the Subcommittee conducted a
site visit to the National Biosurveillance Integration Center
in Washington, DC
On July 24, 2014, Committee staff met with representatives
of the Institute of Medicine to receive a briefing on the
Department of Homeland Security's workforce health initiatives.
On September 11, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security's
Office of the Inspector General to discuss the findings of
their report, DHS Has Not Effectively Manage Pandemic Personal
Protective Equipment and Antiviral Medical Countermeasures,
[OIG-14-129].
Subsequent to this briefing, on September 16, 2014, the
Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications and the Chair and
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security
regarding the findings of OIG-14-129. The Members received an
interim response to this letter on October 14, 2014, and
additional response on October 30, 2014.
Committee staff attended a briefing conducted by the UPMC
Center for Health Security on the response to the Ebola
outbreak in West Africa on September 24, 2014.
On October 1, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the Department's Management Directorate
and Office of Health Affairs on the findings of OIG-14-129.
Throughout Fall 2014, Committee staff monitored the
response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the cases in
the United States. On October 16, 2014, the Chair of the
Subcommittee and the Chair of the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security sent a letter to the Director of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requesting that
healthcare workers who cared for Ebola patients be placed on
the Transportation Security Administration's Do Not Board List
for the duration of their 21 day monitoring period. The
Committee has yet to receive a response.
The Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
President of the United States on October 21, 2014, urging him
to reappoint a Special Assistant to the President for
Biodefense. The Committee has yet to receive a response.
OUTREACH TO STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, AND THE PRIVATE
SECTOR
Throughout the 113th Congress, Committee staff met with
various Federal agencies and stakeholder groups representing
the first responder and emergency management communities to
discuss issues of concern to their membership. These meetings
included the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the
National Emergency Management Association, the International
Association of Emergency Managers, the National Sheriff's
Association, the Major Cities Chiefs, the Jewish Federations of
North America, and the American Red Cross.
On February 11, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee visited
the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center to learn more about
their mission and their experience sharing information with
Federal, State, and local partners.
On February 15, 2013, Committee staff conducted a
conference call with the Executive Director of the Indiana
Department of Homeland Security to receive an update on the
Department's priorities.
On March 20, 2013, Committee staff participated in a panel
discussion at the National Emergency Management Association's
(NEMA) Mid Year Conference. Subsequently, on March 21, 2013,
Committee staff attended a briefing with NEMA leadership to
receive an update on their priorities.
The Chair of the Subcommittee addressed a roundtable held
by the Congressional Fire Services Institute on May 9, 2013.
The Chair of the Subcommittee visited emergency management
officials within Indiana on numerous occasions throughout the
113th Congress; including in Hamilton County, on May 29, 2013,
and Madison County on June 21, 2013.
On August 7, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee addressed
the National Association of State Fire Marshals Annual
Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Committee staff met with representatives of the 9/11 Museum
Commission to discuss security efforts at the 9/11 Memorial
site on November 21, 2013.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Chamber of
Commerce on January 23, 2014, to discuss disaster resilience.
On January 28, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives of FEMA's Private Sector Division to receive a
briefing on the Division's current operations.
Committee staff met with representatives of the leadership
of the National Emergency Management Association on March 13,
2014, to receive an update on their priorities.
EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS AND INDIVIDUALS
The Department of Homeland Security has distributed nearly
$40 billion in grants to States and localities since the
attacks of September 11, 2001. Administered by Federal
Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grant Programs
Directorate, this funding is used to help jurisdictions
prevent, prepare for, mitigate, and respond to terrorist
attacks.
In furtherance of the Subcommittee's work to ensure that
grant expenditures are appropriately measured and monitored, on
February 22, and 28, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives from FEMA to learn about its grants monitoring
procedures and efforts to measure the effectiveness of these
grants.
Subsequent to these meetings, on March 19, 2013, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Homeland Security
Grants: Measuring Our Investments.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Hon. Timothy Manning, Deputy Administrator,
Protection and National Preparedness, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Ms.
Anne L. Richards, Assistant Inspector General for Audits,
Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; and Mr. David C. Maurer, Director, Homeland Security
and Justice Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office. This
hearing examined the effectiveness and efficiency of homeland
security grants and provided Members an opportunity to examine:
The impact of these grants; how these grant dollars are
utilized; how the impact is being; measured and how the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA are ensuring
that grants are being used in a manner appropriate to their
intent.
On March 28, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
of the National Fusion Center Association regarding the use of
grants by fusion centers.
Committee staff met with representatives of numerous local
stakeholder groups on April 26, 2013, to discuss the proposed
National Preparedness Grant Program.
On May 9, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives of
the National Governors' Association to discuss grants.
Committee staff received a briefing from the FEMA's Grant
Programs Directorate on May 20, 2013, on the Fiscal Year 2013
guidance for the Homeland Security Grant Program and other FEMA
administered programs.
On June 13, 2013, Committee staff met with the Assistant
Administrator of FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate to discuss
FEMA's preparedness grants.
Committee staff participated in a conference call held by
FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate on June 17, 2013, regarding
Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments.
On June 18, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee received
a classified briefing on the risk formula employed by FEMA to
allocate State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Areas
Security Initiative grants. Representatives from the FEMA's
Grant Programs Directorate, the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, the Office of Infrastructure Protection, and U.S.
Customs and Border Protection were present to respond to Member
questions.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives
from FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate on Fiscal Year 2013
grant awards on August 22, 2013.
Committee staff participated in a panel discussion at the
National Governors Association Governors Homeland Security
Advisors Council annual meeting on September 20, 2013,
regarding homeland security grants.
On September 25, 2013, Committee staff attended a briefing
with representatives DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis
regarding the National Network of Fusion Centers Assessment,
including the use of grants to fund fusion centers.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate on efforts to monitor grant
funds on November 12, 2013.
On January 27, 2014, the Chair and Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Administrator of FEMA
regarding the implementation of the Threat and Hazard
Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA). The Committee
received a response on February 24, 2014.
Committee staff met with representatives of FEMA's Grant
Programs Directorate on January 30, 2014, to discuss the Fiscal
Year 2014 grant cycle.
On March 17, 2014, Committee staff participated in a
conference call with representatives from FEMA's Grant Programs
Directorate to receive information on Fiscal Year 2014 grant
allocations.
On April 29, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Stakeholder Assessments of the Administration's National
Preparedness Grant Program Proposal.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ms. Kris Eide, Director, Homeland
Security and Emergency Management, State of Minnesota,
testifying on behalf of the Governors Homeland Security
Advisory Council and the National Emergency Management
Association; Hon. Steven M. Fulop, Mayor, Jersey City, New
Jersey; Mr. Troy Riggs, Director, Department of Public Safety,
City of Indianapolis, Indiana; William R. Metcalf, EFO, CFI,
FIFireE, Fire Chief, North County Fire Protection District,
Fallbrook, State of California, testifying on behalf of the
International Association of Fire Chiefs; and Mr. Randy
Parsons, Director of Security, Port of Long Beach, testifying
on behalf of the American Association of Port Authorities.
After discussing the President's proposal to consolidate a
number of grant programs into a new National Preparedness Grant
Program at length with Administrator Fugate at the
Subcommittee's hearing on the Fiscal Year 2015 budget request
for FEMA, this hearing will provided Subcommittee Members with
an opportunity to hear from the stakeholders who would be
impacted by the reforms.
In an effort to inform the grants hearing, the Chair and
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
Administrator of FEMA on April 9, 2014, requesting answers to
questions about the National Preparedness Grant Program. The
Committee received a response on April 24, 2014.
In preparation for this hearing, on March 18, and 24, 2014,
Committee staff met with representatives of stakeholder
organizations and FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate to discuss
the Administration's National Preparedness Grant Program
proposal.
On July 24, 2014, Committee staff met with representatives
from FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate to receive additional
information on Fiscal Year 2014 grant allocations.
Committee staff met with representatives of FEMA's Grant
Programs Directorate and the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis on November 18, 2014, to receive a briefing about the
use of grant funding to support fusion centers.
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
the Nation's efforts to protect the Nation for 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 received a briefing from representatives
from Sandia National Laboratory regarding BioWatch and
Generation--3 on January 29, 2013.
On February 1, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives of the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
to receive a briefing on agricultural security.
On February 25, 2013, Committee staff met with the Director
of Texas A&M University's Foreign and Zoonotic Disease Defense
(FAZD) Center to receive a briefing of FAZD's biosurveillance
efforts.
On March 5, 2013, the Subcommittee held a Member briefing
on the Office of Health Affairs' BioWatch program. The
Assistant Secretary, Office of Health Affairs conducted the
briefing and responded to Member questions.
On March 25, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from GAO to discuss their work on BioWatch.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Health
Affairs on April 3, 2013, regarding the National
Biosurveillance Integration Center.
On May 6, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives from FEMA on the Radiological Emergency
Preparedness Program.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Center for
Strategic and International Studies and Sandia National
Laboratory on May 16, 2013, regarding the release of their
report, A Biological Threat Prevention Strategy.
The Chair of the Subcommittee met with the DHS's
Undersecretary for Science and Technology on August 1, 2014, to
discuss chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
threats.
On September 25, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the Office of Health Affairs regarding
its Chemical Defense Program.
The Chair and Ranking Member of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Comptroller General of the
U.S. on September 25, 2013, requesting that GAO review the
progress made by the National Biosurveillance Integration
Center, including an update of its December 2009 report,
Biosurveillance: Developing a Collaboration Strategy is
Essential to Fostering Interagency Data and Resource Sharing.
On November 15, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee
received a classified briefing on the Office of Health Affairs
Chemical Defense Program. Representatives from the Office of
Health Affairs, along with representatives from DHS's Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, were present to brief the Members
and respond to their questions.
On January 29, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives of the Institute of Defense Analyses to discuss
the Analysis of Alternatives for the BioWatch Generation 3
acquisition. Subsequent to this meeting, on February 5, 2014,
Committee staff met with representatives from the Government
Accountability Office to discuss the BioWatch Gen-3 Program.
On February 11, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Bioterrorism: Assessing the Threat.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Robert P. Kadlec,
Former Special Assistant to the President for Biodefense; Dr.
Tom Inglesby, CEO and Director, University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center for Health Security; and Dr. Leonard Cole,
Director, Terror Medicine and Security, Department of Emergency
Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. As part of the
Subcommittee's on-going oversight of federal biosurveillance
efforts, this hearing provided an assessment of the current
bioterrorism threat from experts in the biodefense field.
On March 12, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee received
a classified briefing on the threat of bioterrorism.
Representatives from the National Counterterrorism Center, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland
Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis were present.
On April 9, 2014, Committee staff traveled to the National
Biosurveillance Integration Center in Washington, DC. to
receive a briefing on the Center's operations and view the
various pilot projects that are underway.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Office of
Health Affairs on May 1, 2014, to discuss the future of the
BioWatch program in light of the cancellation of the Gen-3
acquisition.
On June 10, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``BioWatch: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Kathryn Brinsfield,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Health Affairs, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security; Hon. Reginald Brothers, Under
Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Chris Cummiskey, Acting Under
Secretary, Management Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Chris Currie, Acting Director, Homeland Security
and Justice Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office; and
Dr. Deena S. Disraelly, Research Staff, Strategy, Forces and
Resources Division, Institute for Defense Analyses. This
hearing examined the future of the BioWatch Program in light of
the cancellation of the Gen-3 acquisition and considered the
best path forward to ensure the United States is prepared to
address bioterrorism threats.
Following the hearing, in response to discussion about the
National Biosurveillance Strategy Implementation Plan with
witnesses, the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee,
the Chair and Ranking Member of the Full Committee, and other
Committee Members sent a letter to the Assistant to the
President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism requesting
information on the implementation plan. The Committee received
a response from Department of Homeland Security Deputy
Secretary Majorkas on August 11, 2014.
On July 14, 2014, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives of the Science and Technology Directorate on
the Integrated Terrorism Risk Assessment.
On July 16, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee received
a classified briefing from the Department of Homeland
Security's Office of Health Affairs on the capabilities of the
BioWatch Gen-2 System.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Office of Health Affairs on August 13, 2014, on the
Office's responsibilities pursuant to the National Strategy for
Biosurveillance Implementation Plan.
Committee staff participated in a table top exercise
relating to the response to the release of a bioweapon on
September 8, 2014.
Committee staff attended the BioWatch Workshop in Leesburg,
Virginia on October 7, 2014.
On October 22, 2014, Committee staff attended a briefing at
Dahlgren Naval Base on testing of the BioWatch system.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Department
of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Department of
Health and Human Services on November 14, 2014, to receive a
briefing on the respective roles and responsibilities of the
agencies under the National Biosurveillance Strategy
Implementation Plan.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Office of
Health Affairs on November 20, 2014, to receive a classified
briefing on the results of live agent testing of the BioWatch
system.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, exposed
communications failures with catastrophic implications.
Communications challenges persisted during Hurricane Katrina.
Since that time, great strides have been made in interoperable
communications, including through the National Emergency
Communications Plan and its associated goals and the
establishment of the First Responder Network Authority
(FirstNet). However, communications challenges remain.
On January 28, 2013, Committee staff attended a roundtable
to get stakeholder perspectives on the FirstNet and the
development of the National Public Safety Broadband Network
(PSBN).
Committee staff met with representatives of the Office of
Emergency Communications on February 22, 2013, to discuss the
Department of Homeland Security's role on the FirstNet board
and with the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC).
On April 11, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
(APCO) International to discuss SAFECOM and the National Public
Safety Broadband Network.
On April 12, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from the Office of Emergency Communications to receive a
briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2014 budget request for
the Office.
The Subcommittee held a Member briefing on April 16, 2013,
on the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Emergency
Communications. The Director of the Office of Emergency
Communications, provided Members with an overview of OEC and
its role in the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
Committee staff met with representatives of the Interagency
Communications Interoperability System on May 22, 2013,
regarding the Public Safety Broadband Network and the T-Band.
On July 18, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives of the Department of Commerce's National
Telecommunications and Information Administration and the
Department of Homeland Security's Office of Emergency
Communications on FirstNet and the development of the Public
Safety Broadband Network.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Office of Emergency Communications regarding OEC's efforts
to update the National Emergency Communications Plan on
September 6, 2013.
On September 24, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives from the Association of Public-Safety
Communications Officials (APCO) International to discuss public
safety communications issue.
On November 20, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee sent a
letter to the Director of the Office of Emergency
Communications, regarding the need to update the National
Emergency Communications plan and requesting additional
information on the Office of Emergency Communications' efforts
to do so. The Committee received as response on December 23,
2013. The Office of Emergency Communications released an
updated National Emergency Plan on November 12, 2014.
The Chair of the Subcommittee met with the Deputy General
Manager of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) on
January 14, 2014, to receive a briefing on the status of
FirstNet's efforts to develop a nationwide public safety
broadband network, including its plan for outreach to States.
On January 31, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives of the Department of Homeland Security's Joint
Wireless Program Management Office to discuss efforts to
achieve and maintain interoperability between and among DHS
component agencies.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Office of
Emergency Communications to on March 5, 2014, to receive a
briefing on the Office's current operations and efforts to
update the National Emergency Communications Plan.
As a result of the Subcommittee's oversight of efforts to
achieve and maintain interoperable communications among the
Department of Homeland Security's component agencies, the
Subcommittee Ranking Member, joined by the Subcommittee Chair,
introduced H.R. 4289, the Department of Homeland Security
Interoperable Communications Act. (For further action on H.R.
4289, see the legislation section above).
On May 8, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee received a
briefing from FirstNet on the First Responder Network Authority
and efforts to develop and build a nationwide public safety
broadband network.
The Chair of the Subcommittee met with the Chairman of the
Board of the First Responder Network Authority on July 15,
2014, to discuss FirstNet operations.
On November 18, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Interoperable Communications: Assessing Progress
Since 9/11.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from RADM
Ronald Hewitt, (USCG Ret.), Director, Office of Emergency
Communications, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr. TJ
Kennedy, Acting General Manager, First Responder Network
Authority; and Mr. Mark A. Grubb, Director, Division of
Communications, Department of Safety and Homeland Security,
State of Delaware. This hearing provided Subcommittee Members
with an opportunity to hear from federal and state officials
about on-going efforts to enhance interoperable communications.
In advance of this hearing, on October 1, 2014, the Chair
of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding the use of grants
to enhance communications capabilities and whether FEMA and the
Office of Emergency Communications have entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement regarding roles and responsibilities
regarding grant expenditures on communications capabilities.
The Committee received a response on November 11, 2014.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND NEW TECHNOLOGY
In today's technology driven world, social media and other
types of new technology are becoming one of the primary ways
people receive, process, and relay information. Studies have
shown that more than 60 percent of the people in the United
States have at least one social media account, with many having
multiple accounts including Facebook pages, Twitter profiles,
and Pinterest boards. While social media originally started out
as a way to share information among friends, it is evident that
it has evolved to serve other functions, and is a prevalent
source for news, advertising, and entertainment. There were
numerous stories from Hurricane Sandy, the Boston Marathon
bombings, and the Oklahoma tornadoes of how citizens used
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to relay information to first
responders, communicate with loved ones, and request
assistance. The management of ``big data'' and the use of
social media can provide enormous opportunities for
efficiencies in emergency management.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on April 11, 2013, to
discuss the Agency's use of social media, particularly as an
aid in disaster response operations.
On June 4, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How #SocialMedia & New Tech are
Transforming Preparedness, Response, & Recovery #Disasters
#Part1 #Privatesector.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr. Matthew Stepka, Vice President, Technology for Social
Impact, Google.org; Mr. Jason Matthew Payne, Philanthropy Lead,
Palantir Technologies; Mr. Michael Beckerman, President and
CEO, The Internet Association; and Mr. Jorge L. Cardenas, Vice
President, Asset Management and Centralized Services, Public
Service Enterprise Group, Inc. This hearing examined advances
in social media and technology and their applications for
disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
The Subcommittee continued its hearing on Emergency
Management 2.0, with a hearing on July 9, 2013, entitled
``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How #SocialMedia & New Tech are
Transforming Preparedness, Response, & Recovery #Disasters
#Part2 #Govt/NGOs.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr. Shayne Adamski, Senior Manager, Digital Engagement, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Ms. Suzanne C. DeFrancis, Chief Public Affairs
Officer, American Red Cross; Mr. Albert Ashwood, Chairman, NEMA
Legislative Committee, Director, Oklahoma Department of
Emergency Management, testifying on behalf of the National
Emergency Management Association; and Sergeant W. Greg Kierce,
Director, Jersey City Office of Emergency, Management and
Homeland Security, Jersey City, New Jersey. This hearing
continued the discussion that began at the June 4th hearing and
examined how emergency management practitioners are leveraging
social media and new technology and working with the private
sector to enhance their preparedness, response, and recovery
capabilities, particularly through the lens of recent
disasters.
In preparation for these hearings, Committee staff met with
various stakeholders in the public and private sectors to learn
more about the applications of social media and new technology
for disaster response and recovery.
On June 12, 2013, the Chair of the Subcommittee met with
the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology
Undersecretary and the Director of the First Response Division
to discuss advancements in technology for disaster preparedness
and first responders.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Department
of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate on
June 27, 2013,to discuss the Virtual Social Media Working
Group.
On July 31, 2013, Committee staff met with representatives
from FEMA to discuss FEMA's implementation of Executive Order
13642, Making Open and Machine Readable the New Default for
Government Information.
Committee staff attended the Social Media in Emergency
summit at George Washington University on August 13, 2013.
As a result of testimony about the need for open and
machine readable disaster related data received by the
Subcommittee at the June 4th Emergency MGMT 2.0 hearing, on
November 19, 2013, the Chair and the Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications, the Chair of the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence, the Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies, and other Members of the Committee, sent
a letter to the Administrator of FEMA, regarding implementation
of the requirements of Executive Order 13642. The Committee
received a response on December 20, 2013.
As a result of the Subcommittee's examination of the rising
role of the use of social media in disaster preparedness and
response, on March 14, 2014, the Subcommittee Chair and Ranking
Member, along with Representatives Palazzo and Swalwell of
California, introduced the Social Media Working Group Act of
2014 (H.R. 4263). (For further action on H.R. 4263. see the
legislation section above).
On July 29, 2014, the Members of the Subcommittee conducted
a site visit to the Washington DC. headquarters of Facebook.
Members and staff wet with senior Facebook officials and
learned how Facebook is assisting first responders and
survivors before, during, and after disasters.
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 of potential threats and hazards can help
to direct the public to seek safety. The benefit of alerts and
warnings were evident during the November 2013 outbreak of
tornadoes in the Midwest. Messages through sirens, television,
radio, and cell phones alerted citizens to seek shelter from
the storm and many noted that those messages got them out of
harm's way.
On April 22, 2013, Committee staff held a conference call
with representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) to discuss the Integrated Public Alert and Warning
System (IPAWS).
On May 7, 2013, the Subcommittee held a Member briefing on
FEMA's IPAWS. The Assistant Administrator of FEMA's National
Continuity Programs (NCP) Directorate responded to Member
concerns.
Committee staff also met with stakeholders regarding alerts
and warnings on numerous occasions throughout the 113th
Congress.
Committee staff participated in a conference call with
representatives from FEMA to discuss IPAWS and the application
of new technologies.
Committee staff met with stakeholders to discuss
legislation to authorize the Integrated Public Alert and
Warning System on November 19, 2013.
Committee staff met with representatives from the National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children on April 15, 2014, to
discuss the use of the IPAWS system for Amber Alerts.
On July 24, 2014, Committee staff met with representatives
of FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System program
office to receive an update on the program's activities.
TRAINING AND EXERCISES
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its
National Exercise Division and partners such as the National
Preparedness Consortium, supports training and exercises for
emergency response providers. As terrorist continually change
their tactics, these programs are vital for emergency response
providers so they are prepared for the threats and hazards they
face.
On February 11, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives of Texas A&M University, a member of the
National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, to receive an update
on current operations and training programs.
On February 15, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives of New Mexico Tech's Center for Explosives
Research and Education, a member of the National Domestic
Preparedness Consortium, to receive an update on its training
programs.
Committee staff attended a briefing held by member
universities in the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium
on April 29, 2013.
On July 15, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives of FEMA's National Exercise Division on the
National Exercise Program.
Committee staff visited Texas A&M University on August 14
and 15, 2013, to observe homeland security and emergency
management training programs at the Texas Engineering Extension
Service and learn about other homeland security programs
conducted by Texas A&M. The visit included a tour of Disaster
City.
On November 1, 2013, Committee staff visited the Maryland
Fire Rescue Institute to observe and participate in firefighter
training and response activities.
Committee staff met with representatives of FEMA's National
Exercise Division to discuss changes to the National Exercise
Program on February 12, 2014.
On February 26, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives of the National Domestic Preparedness
Consortium to receive a briefing on the various training
opportunities offered by Consortium partners.
Committee staff observed the NLE 2014 Capstone event on
March 28, 2014. Staff traveled to the Master Control Cell to
receive a briefing from FEMA and Department of Defense
representatives on the disaster scenario.
On June 3, 2014, Committee staff met with representatives
of NDPC Member, New Mexico Tech, to discuss the university's
training offerings.
Committee staff attended a briefing given by the National
Domestic Preparedness Consortium on June 18, 2014.
On August 13, 2014, Committee staff met with
representatives from FEMA's National Exercise Division to
receive a briefing on lessons learned from NLE 2014.
CYBER INCIDENT RESPONSE
A cyber attack on critical infrastructure could have
damaging cascading physical effects, and as such, state and
local emergency management officials must be prepared to
respond. While gains in cyber incident response capabilities
have been made, the 2013 National Preparedness Report again
highlights States' concerns about their cybersecurity
capabilities. It is vital that the Federal Government share
information with emergency response providers about the cyber
threat so they are prepared to respond.
On April 25, 2013, Committee staff attended a workshop held
by CNA on cyberpreparedness.
On May 21, 2013, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies and the
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and
Communications held a joint classified Member tour and briefing
at the Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity
and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC).
Committee staff attended a briefing held by the National
Governors Association's Resource Center for State Cybersecurity
on September 26, 2013 on the release of its report, Act and
Adjust: A Call to Action for Governors for Cybersecurity.
On October 30, 2013, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications and the Subcommittee
on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies held a joint hearing entitled ``Cyber Incident
Response: Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and Emergency
Management.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms.
Roberta ``Bobbie'' Stempfley, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, National Protection
and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Charley English, Director, Georgia Emergency Management
Agency, testifying on behalf of the National Emergency
Management Association; Mr. Craig Orgeron, Chief Information
Officer and Executive Director, Department of Information
Technology Services, State of Mississippi, testifying on behalf
of the National Association of State Chief Information
Officers; Mr. Mike Sena, Deputy Director, Northern California
Regional Intelligence Center, testifying on behalf of the
National Fusion Center Association; and Mr. Paul Molitor,
Assistant Vice President, National Electrical Manufacturers
Association. This hearing examined the extent of cyber threat
information sharing and response capabilities to a cyber
incident with physical consequences.
In preparation for this hearing, Committee staff met with
stakeholders to discuss information sharing related to cyber
threats and cyber incident response capabilities. On September
18, 2013, Committee staff also received a briefing from
representatives of the Department of Homeland Security's Office
of Cybersecurity and Communications on the Department's efforts
to share cyber threat information with emergency response
providers.
Committee staff met with representatives of the National
Governors Association to discuss cyber incident response on May
29, 2014.
On August 27, 2014, Committee staff attended the National
Science Foundation's Cybersecurity Summit.
DEFENSE SUPPORT TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES
In times of emergency, Federal, State, and local civilian
response agencies can greatly benefit from the experience and
capabilities of the United States Military, be it active duty,
National Guard, or reserve forces. It is vital that civilian
agencies are aware of, and can leverage, the support that the
military is willing and able to provide.
Committee staff received a briefing from representatives of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of
Defense on April 2, 2013, regarding the use of the Defense
Production Act (Pub. L. 81-774) for disaster response
activities.
On October 3, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing
from representatives of the National Governors Association
regarding the issue of dual status command.
Committee staff attended a briefing with the United States
Army Reserve on November 20, 2013, to discuss the role of the
military in disaster response and the military's response to
Superstorm Sandy.
On August 4 and 5, 2014, Committee staff traveled to
Indiana to observe the Department of Defense's Vibrant Response
2014 exercise, which tests the military's chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear incident response capabilities. Staff
received briefings from senior military officials at Camp
Atterbury and observed an exercise at the Muscatatuk Urban
Training Center.
MASS GATHERING SECURITY
On April 30, 2014, Committee staff met with representatives
of the Department of Homeland Security's SAFETY Act program
office to receive a briefing on the parameters of the program
and participating entities
On June 23, 2014, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
Newark, New Jersey entitled ``Mass Gathering Security: A Look
at the Coordinated Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New
Jersey and Other Large Scale Events.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Andrew McLees, Special Agent in
Charge, Federal Coordinating Officer, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Lt.
Col. Edward Cetnar, Deputy Superintendent, Operations, New
Jersey State Police; Chief Louis Koumoutsos, Chief of Security,
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Mr. Dan Grossi,
Director, Event Security, National Football League; Mr. Daniel
DeLorenzi, Director, Security and Safety Services, MetLife
Stadium; Mr. J. Douglas Boles, President, Indianapolis Motor
Speedway; and Dr. Fred S. Roberts, Director, Department of
Homeland Security Center of Excellence, Command, Control and
Interoperability Center, for Advanced Data Analysis, Rutgers
University. This hearing examined the security considerations
and planning necessary for a successful and secure mass
gathering event through the lens of Super Bowl XLVIII and the
Indianapolis 500.
Committee staff traveled to Nationals Stadium in
Washington, DC. on September 4, 2014, to receive a tour and
briefing from security officials on efforts to secure the
stadium and its visitors.
From September 21 to September 23, 2014, Committee staff
traveled to New York, New York to receive briefings and tours
from the United States Secret Service on its efforts to secure
the United Nations General Assembly Meeting.
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Efficient and effective management of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) is vital to ensuring its ability to
meet its mission. Without the successful execution of
management and operations, the Agency will not be able to
fulfill its mission.
On April 8, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from
representatives from FEMA on its Qualification System and other
workforce initiatives.
Committee staff met with representatives of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency on April 12, 2013, to receive a
briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2014 budget request for
FEMA.
On November 21, 2013, Committee staff met with
representatives of FEMA's Mission Support Bureau to receive a
briefing on the Bureau's functions and operations.
Committee staff met with representatives of FEMA's Office
of the Chief Human Capital Officer on December 6, 2013, to
receive a briefing on issues related to hiring, training,
performance management, and employee morale.
On December 17, 2013, Committee staff participated in a
conference call with representatives of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency to discuss FEMA's 2014-2018 Strategic Plan.
Committee staff met with FEMA's Chief Financial Officer on
February 20, 2014, to receive a briefing on efforts to enhance
financial monitoring and efficiencies.
On July 17, 2014, Committee staff met with FEMA's Chief
Information Officer to receive a briefing on efforts to
modernize FEMA's information technology systems. Committee
staff again met with FEMA's Chief Information Officer on
December 1, 2014.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Homeland Security Grants: Measuring Our Investments'' March
19, 2013. (Serial No. 113-6)
``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How #SocialMedia & New Tech are
Transforming Preparedness, Response, & Recovery
#Disasters #Part1 #Privatesector.'' June 4, 2013.
(Serial No. 113-20)
``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How #SocialMedia & New Tech are
Transforming Preparedness, Response, & Recovery
#Disasters #Part2 #Govt/NGOs.'' July 9, 2013. (Serial
No. 113-20)
``Assessing Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty
Event.'' Field hearing in Carmel, Indiana, August 6,
2013. (Serial No. 113-31)
``Assessing the Nation's State of Preparedness: A Federal,
State, and Local Perspective.'' September 19, 2013.
(Serial No. 113-35)
``Cyber Incident Response: Bridging the Gap Between
Cybersecurity and Emergency Management.''Joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Security Technologies. October 30,
2013. (Serial No. 113-39)
``Bioterrorism: Assessing the Threat'' February 11, 2014.
(Serial No. 113-51)
``The Federal Emergency Management Agency's FY2015 Budget
Request: Ensuring Effective Preparedness, Response, and
Communications.'' March 24, 2014. (Serial No. 113-58)
``Stakeholder Assessments of the Administration's National
Preparedness Grant Program Proposal.'' April 29, 2014.
(Serial No. 113-66)
``BioWatch: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward.'' June 20,
2014. (Serial No. 113-70)
``Mass Gathering Security: A Look at the Coordinated Approach
to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New Jersey and Other
Large Scale Events'' Field hearing on Newark, New
Jersey, June 23, 2014. (Serial No. 113-73)
``Interoperable Communications: Assessing Progress Since 9/
11.'' November 19, 2014. (Serial No. 113-88)
Oversight Plan of the Committee on Homeland Security for the 113th
Congress
Clause 2(d), Rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives for the 113th 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.
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 113th Congress which the Full
Committee considered and adopted by unanimous consent on
January 23, 2013, 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 113th 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
This is the oversight plan for the Committee on Homeland
Security for the 113th Congress. It includes the areas in which
the Committee expects to conduct oversight during the 113th
Congress, but does not preclude oversight or investigation of
additional matters as needs arise. The Full Committee will
examine the following four key priorities, among other issues.
PREVENTING A TERRORIST ATTACK ON THE HOMELAND
Our enemies continuously plot to harm Americans. As we saw
warning signs prior to the 9/11 attacks including the bombings
of our embassies in Africa and attack on the USS Cole, we are
experiencing events today, which should cause concern. The Arab
spring has brought some welcome changes to the Middle East.
However, the region has also witnessed some dangerous warning
signs, such as the assassination of our US Ambassador in
Benghazi along with three other Americans. We now see radical
and dangerous groups achieving political prominence in the
Middle East. This is a dangerous time for our nation and we
cannot become complacent about the threats against us.
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the
persisting threats to Americans and American interests from Al
Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and new and emerging
threats such as Iran and Hezbollah in the Western hemisphere.
The Committee will assess the various vulnerabilities of our
nation's systems and mechanisms that dangerous people and
entities aspire to exploit, such as our aviation and other
transit systems, our cyber networks, and critical
infrastructure control systems. The Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) has the responsibility to protect Americans from
these dangers and the Committee intends to examine the
Department's relevant strategies and capabilities.
The Committee will also continue to evaluate the Obama
Administration's policy concerning the Detention Center at the
US Naval Station Guantaanamo Bay, Cuba. This oversight will
include a review of the Secretary of Homeland Security's role
as a member of the President's Guantaanamo Detention Task
Force, as outlined in Executive Order 13492. Furthermore, 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 as part of the Guantaanamo Review Task Force.
securing our borders
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue to
examine the Department's efforts to secure land and maritime
borders of the United States. The Committee will assess
programs and technologies used to secure U.S. land borders on
the north and the south, as well as the Caribbean region. The
Committee will also examine how the Department is leveraging
defense technologies to effectively secure the borders and how
best to utilize equipment coming re-deployed from Iraq and
Afghanistan. The Committee will continue to monitor the threat
of spill-over violence stemming from the rise of drug cartels
and the violent conflict throughout Mexico.
protecting against cyber attacks
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the
Department's role in hardening our national critical
infrastructure against cyber attacks by fortifying Federal and
civilian networks and collaborating with the private sector to
reduce vulnerabilities. The Committee will review the
integration of the various cyber missions carried out across
the Federal government and will monitor the Department's role
in fulfilling its goals in order to prevent a catastrophic
cyber attack. The Committee will ensure that the Department
facilitates the improved security of our Nation's critical
infrastructure while earning and building on the trust of the
owners and operators of that infrastructure.
managing dhs with a business-model approach
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will oversee the
Department of Homeland Security's management and operations to
ensure that it is functioning in the most efficient manner
possible and accountable to the American people. The Committee
will work to identify potential opportunities to leverage
proven private sector best practices, find efficiencies that
will contribute to the Department's ability to meet its vital
missions, and identify areas for cost savings. The Committee
intends to conduct oversight and ensure better business
practices in areas, such as acquisition, financial management,
information technology, and employee morale.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
counterterrorism
The security of the American homeland is linked to
international security as vulnerabilities in one part of the
world can quickly become security threats in another. During
the 113th Congress, the Committee will review the Department's
international counterterrorism activities. This review will
include examining the roles, responsibilities, and resources
devoted by the Department and its components to achieving
United States goals to combat terrorism overseas.
The Committee will examine the counterterrorism policies of
the US government, with a focus on the Department of Homeland
Security. This examination will include an assessment of the
worldwide threat against the US homeland from various groups,
such as 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), Boko
Haram, and other emerging terrorist groups. The Committee will
also examine Iran's sponsorship of terrorism via its proxies,
most notably Hezbollah, including expanding ties in the western
hemisphere. This examination will include the extent to which
the Department's strategic planning efforts address these
threats. The Committee will monitor the homeland security
ramifications of potential military action against the illicit
Iranian nuclear program and the geopolitical ramifications
across the Middle East and North Africa. The Committee will
also monitor issues related to homegrown terrorist threats,
economic threats, and terrorist travel and financing issues.
counterintelligence
Throughout the 113th Congress, the Committee will track the
development of the Department of Homeland Security
Counterintelligence Program, to ensure it is fully meeting the
Department's needs. DHS's counterintelligence efforts are
intended to prevent adversaries from penetrating the Department
to exploit sensitive information, operations, programs,
personnel, and resources.
unconventional and emerging threats
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the
capabilities and efforts of the Department to identify,
prevent, deter, and respond to emerging future threats. For
example, GPS navigation systems have a significant impact on
the daily lives of most Americans but these systems are highly
susceptible to being jammed and hijacked. These threats could
disrupt civil aviation and emergency communications, attack
global financial exchanges, and corrupt the energy grid. The
Committee will monitor the extent to which the Department
effectively coordinates and collaborates with other relevant US
agencies to mitigate these threats to the homeland.
homeland security intelligence enterprise
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will conduct
oversight of the Department of Homeland Security's Intelligence
Enterprise, including intelligence activities throughout the
Department and component agencies. This will include a focus on
the coordination and collaboration across intelligence offices
and personnel within the Headquarters' elements and component
agencies. Additionally, the Committee will review efforts to
build the intelligence, analytical, and assessment capabilities
of the Department and to ensure its full participation in the
Intelligence Community as part of its homeland security
mission. This will include an examination of the hiring
authorities, practices, and career-development of intelligence
analysts and professionals within Headquarters elements and
component agencies. The Committee will examine the Department's
role in managing, distributing, and otherwise using terrorist
threat information in furtherance of its homeland security
mission. The Committee will also examine national security
clearance policies and processes within the Department.
information sharing
During the 113th 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 will examine the Department of Homeland Security's
efforts to coordinate information sharing efforts from across
the Federal government to and from state and local fusion
centers throughout the country. As part of this examination,
the Committee will review the efficacy and efficiency of state
and local fusion centers to determine their impact on securing
the homeland.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
border security
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue to
examine the Department's efforts to secure 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 US land borders on the north
and the south, as well as the Caribbean region, from illegal
entry by persons or contraband. The Committee will monitor the
extent to which the Department can measure its performance in
securing the borders and how these measures reflect the state
of border security.
The Committee will also examine the technologies used to
secure the borders. Specifically, the Committee will conduct
oversight of the Department's acquisitions of border
technologies, such as those used in the Arizona Border
Surveillance Technology Plan, and examine the extent to which
the Department is leveraging defense technologies, such as
unmanned aerial systems, to effectively secure the borders.
This oversight will also include the Department's use of aerial
assets in support of border security. The Committee will
continue to monitor the threat of spill-over violence stemming
from the rise of drug cartels and the violent conflict
throughout Mexico. The Committee will also examine the
Department's efforts to identify, detain, prioritize, and
remove criminal aliens from the United States, including those
apprehended at or near US borders and ports of entry who are
subject to deportation, particularly those from special
interest countries.
border screening and terrorist travel
In the 113th Congress, the Committee intends to review
efforts to ensure the deployment and implementation of 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. 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 continue to explore challenges
associated with 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 and exit this
country, to include advanced passenger information and the
United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology
(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 at ports
of entry for detecting high-risk passengers and cargo
transported within the United States and across our borders,
including efforts to better facilitate travel and trade such as
implementation of ``trusted traveler'' programs and the Beyond
the Border Agreement. The Committee will also examine the
Department's security efforts between ports of entry and the
extent to which it collaborates with other federal, state, and
local agencies regarding border security.
port and maritime security
In the 113th 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; nuclear detection efforts; the development of
international security standards for shipping and containers;
and the implementation and operation, including technology
utilized, of the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential. The Committee also plans to review how the
Department manages risk emerging from maritime threats and
vulnerabilities such as small boats and semi-submersible
submarines.
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 the homeland. 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
During the 113th 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.
The Committee will monitor the Coast Guard's efforts to
address threats from small vessels, issues from offshore oil
rigs, and essential vulnerable vessels such as tankers.
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 to
ensure major procurements remain on schedule without a
reduction in readiness throughout the service.
Furthermore, the Committee will 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
aviation security
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the risks
to the aviation system, as well as the development and
implementation 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.
In addition, the Committee will examine the Department's
global strategy for securing the aviation system including its
cooperation with foreign countries on security procedures and
technologies and the harmonization of aviation security
standards worldwide. The Committee will identify international
best practices to aviation security that could result in
efficiencies in the United States. The Committee also remains
concerned about weaknesses in the Alien Flight Student program
and will continue to monitor the Department's progress in
correcting these weaknesses. The Committee will continue to
pursue options for strengthening the security process for US
citizens enrolled in flight training.
passenger and baggage screening
During the 113th 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; transportation
security information sharing within the Federal interagency
process; 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.
reforming transportation security
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine
additional options for the Department to allow the private
sector more flexibility to innovate transportation security
including the Screening Partnership Program. The Committee will
explore the costs and benefits of these options. The Committee
will continue to examine the extent to which a risk-based
security approach can increase efficiencies in the TSA
workforce without compromising security. This examination will
include the effectiveness of the Department's outreach to the
public on its transportation security measures. The Committee
will also monitor the progress of the Department to implement
risk-based screening initiatives, such as TSA's Pre-Check
program, at airports nationwide to increase efficiencies in the
screening process. This includes assessing the effectiveness of
these initiatives.
The Committee will review the Department's acquisition and
procurement policies, practices, and procedures for screening
technologies to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
The Committee will continue to seek input from independent
groups outside the Department to help ensure a leaner, smarter,
more efficient organization. In addition, the Committee will
monitor the extent to which the Department enlists the private
sector to modernize and, to the extent feasible, automate the
passenger screening process to reduce invasive pat-downs;
implements privacy software on all Advanced Imaging Technology
machines; sponsors an independent analysis of the potential
health impacts of AIT machines; and further validates the
Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques program and
assesses the value added to aviation security.
surface transportation
In the 113th 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 options to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the surface transportation inspection program.
The Committee will also examine the efficacy and impact of
Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams. The Committee
will also monitor the extent to which the Department
effectively coordinates with other Federal partners, such as
the Department of Transportation, the Federal Rail
Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration to
secure our nation's transportation systems. The Committee will
continue to monitor the implementation of the Transportation
Worker Identification Credential and its impact on those
required to obtain the credential.
transportation security regulations
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine
transportation security regulations in order to reduce the
burden on the economy and improve American global
competitiveness. The Committee will examine the challenges to
finalize guidance related to foreign-aircraft repair-station
security. The Committee will continue to seek perspectives from
the private sector on the impact of transportation security
regulations and options for the Department to become more
efficient and effective.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
preparedness and response
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the
Administration's efforts to implement Presidential Policy
Directive 8 (PPD-8), and the required National Preparedness
System, which includes the various frameworks and the National
Preparedness Goal. Additionally, the Committee will review the
Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) response and
recovery efforts for declared disasters to ensure capabilities
are enhanced by lessons learned and Federal resources are used
appropriately. The Committee will investigate issues, if any,
of waste, fraud, and abuse associated with FEMA's disaster
response efforts.
assistance to state and local governments and first responders
Throughout the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine
FEMA's allocation and administration of grants to enhance the
ability of state and local governments and emergency response
providers to prevent, prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and
recover from a terrorist attack, including proposals for
reforms to these programs. The Committee will review the
coordination of grant programs across the Federal government;
coordination within the Department of Homeland Security in
developing guidance and administering grants; the ability of
state and local governments to access, obligate, and expend
funds; strength of regional partnerships developed through
grants; and the risk-based distribution and expenditure of such
grants at the state and local levels. The Committee will
examine options to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of
grant programs. The Committee will also review on-going efforts
to comprehensively assess these investments and the impact on
preparedness capabilities through the lens of the National
Preparedness Goal, National Preparedness Report, State
Preparedness Reports, and other related measures.
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear planning, preparedness,
and response
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the
significant challenges posed by chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons to homeland security
and assess the Department'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 predict and respond to the evolving CBRN threat
landscape, and ensure that CBRN expenditures are risk-based,
coordinated, and in general represent wise use of taxpayer
dollars. The Committee will examine the Department's capability
to mitigate CBRN risks through appropriate means including
detection of, preparedness for, and response to CBRN threats.
The Committee will continue its oversight of those activities
needed to ensure the safety of the public and the first
responder community in the event of an attack, such as through
the development of medical countermeasures programs. The
Committee will also oversee preparedness for agricultural
terrorism events.
communications
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine the
coordination of the various communications programs and offices
within the Department of Homeland Security. The Committee will
monitor activities of the First Responder Network Authority
(FirstNet) and the development of the public safety
interoperable wireless broadband network. In addition, the
Committee will review the Department's programs in the
establishment of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
to ensure timely and effective alerts and warnings are provided
to the public in the event of an emergency.
emergency response provider training
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will review the
Department's terrorism preparedness training programs,
including awareness of these resources among first responders
and state and local governments and the level of coordination
among Federal, state, and local training programs. The
Committee will also review existing training centers and
determine whether the Department is optimally utilizing these
facilities to enhance first responder terrorism preparedness.
exercises and simulations
The Committee will examine the Department's efforts to
streamline and improve the National Exercise Program to ensure
the program enhances the preparedness of the Nation. The
Committee will monitor the extent to which FEMA is
incorporating lessons learned from national exercises into
future training, planning, and response, recovery, and
mitigation activities.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
cybersecurity
In the 113th 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.
The Department has been delegated authority by the White
House to develop cybersecurity policy across the civilian
government agencies. The Committee will monitor that this
policy is effective, efficient and scalable to ensure the
security of government networks. In addition, the Committee
will examine the Department's ability to foster research and
development cybersecurity technology as well as developing a
substantial and capable professional cybersecurity workforce.
The Department has recently reorganized the offices tasked with
carrying out its cybersecurity mission so the Committee will
review the efficiencies in these offices to make sure that the
bureaucracy enables, and doesn't hinder, the mission. The
Committee will also examine the resiliency of national critical
infrastructure to withstand cyber attacks and the need to
optimize supply chain risk management in order to protect
against manipulation without unnecessarily impeding commerce.
The Committee will also review the integration of the
various cyber missions carried out across the Federal
government, including its collaboration with the defense and
intelligence agencies. Similarly the Committee will monitor the
Department's role in fulfilling the goals of the Homeland
Security blueprint for cybersecurity, as well as the
development and the implementation of the National Cyber
Incident Response Plan, which expands upon the National
Response Framework. The Committee will ensure that the
Department facilitates the improved security of our Nation's
critical infrastructure while earning and building on the trust
of the owners and operators of that infrastructure.
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 113th
Congress, Committee oversight will focus on 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.
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.
chemical facility security
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue to
review the Department's efforts to secure chemical facilities
and take action, as appropriate, to optimally balance the
program's effectiveness in reducing risk posed by certain
chemical facilities and the everyday demands for chemicals in
commerce. The Committee will review the management challenges
associated with the Department's related chemical facility
security program and the progress in increasing its efficiency
and effectiveness.
science and technology
During the 113th 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 the Department, 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 Federally 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.
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will also continue
to review the Directorate's implementation of the Support Anti-
terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (the SAFETY
Act), to determine its impact on homeland security and
facilitation of jobs in the private sector.
technology to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
threats
During the 113th 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 at the Federal, state, and local
levels. 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 US 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
United States and the Department's coordination with state and
local partners to reduce the risk of these threats. 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 AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
departmental efficiency and waste, fraud, abuse, and duplication
In the 113th 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 Rule X, 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 investigate
homeland security programs and practices, as warranted. For
example, the Committee will continue to monitor the safety and
security of Federal buildings and facilities, including the
role and effectiveness of the Federal Protective Service. The
Committee's oversight will include monitoring the extent to
which the Department is responsive to the Committee's requests.
acquisition management
During the 113th Congress, the Committee will review the
efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to improve
acquisition outcomes, 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
Undersecretary for Management and Chief Procurement Officer to
ensure the effective management of these key functions. The
Committee will monitor the cost, schedule, and performance
status of major Department acquisition programs. The Committee
will also examine the impact of the Department's acquisition
initiatives to enhance processes and improve outcomes related
to its major acquisition programs.
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. The Committee will continue
to monitor the Department's efforts to leverage strategic
sourcing, as outlined in Federal guidance, to increase
efficiencies.
financial management
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will continue its
oversight of the Department of Homeland Security's progress to
properly manage financial systems and data to minimize
inefficient and wasteful spending, make more informed decisions
to manage its programs and implement Department policies. The
Committee will also review the Department's efforts to enhance
its managerial cost accounting, address internal control
weaknesses in financial reporting, achieve a clean audit
opinion on its financial statements, and reduce the reliance on
manual data calls to collect cost information from the various
components and compile consolidated, reliable data.
information technology management
During the 113th 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, cloud computing, policy development,
operations, and related personnel management.
departmental workforce
Throughout the 113th 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 continue
to examine the Department's Balanced Workforce Initiative,
which seeks to convert contractor positions into Federal
positions, to ensure an appropriate balance is struck between
Federal employees and private contracts and guard against any
unnecessary elimination of private sector jobs.
The Committee will continue to monitor the Department's
efforts to effectively and efficiently consolidate its
headquarters from more than 40 locations throughout the
National Capital Region, known as the St. Elizabeth's
Headquarters Consolidation Project.
employee integrity
In the 113th Congress, the Committee will examine employee
corruption and misconduct issues and their effect on homeland
security. Although the vast majority of Department employees
reflect the agency's core values, even one corrupt employee
represents a significant management challenge. The Committee
will review Department statistics and case studies associated
with employee integrity issues, as well as, the effectiveness
of policies, procedures, and practices the Department utilizes
to address such issues.
united states secret service
In the 113th 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, among other duties. The
Committee will also monitor issues related to employee
integrity.
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
113th Congress, the Committee will continue to 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 US citizens. For example, the Committee will continue
to monitor the Department's role in oversight of the domestic
use of unmanned aerial systems.
PART B--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY OVERSIGHT
PLAN FOR THE 113TH 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 113th 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.
PREVENTING A TERRORIST ATTACK ON THE HOMELAND
During the 113th Congress, the Committee continued its
focus on the security of the United States Homeland. On April
15, the landscape of American security was greatly impacted
when two American persons who used improvised explosive devices
(IED), killed three people and injured approximately 260 others
at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Since this attack,
the Committee has been working on a report on the events that
led to the attack as well as recommendations for how the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other U.S.
Governmental agencies can make adjustments to their operating
procedures to reduce the likelihood this atrocity could be
repeated. The Committee held two hearings on the Boston
Marathon Bombing, one on May 23 and the other on July 10, sent
Committee staff to Moscow, Russia, and twice to Boston,
Massachusetts to obtain additional details on the bombing and
the suspects. The Committee expects a report, one classified
and one open version to be released in early 2014.
This major National security event continued to drive the
Committee to conduct preemptive oversight of other major
Homeland security events and issues. In August 2013, the
Committee conducted oversight after al-Qaeda-linked threat to
United States' interests throughout the Middle East and North
Africa. During this threat, Committee staff met with Government
officials and private sector experts on al-Qaeda's growing
spider web of affiliates and the threat they pose to the
Homeland. This continued into September when the Committee,
raised awareness of the growing level of al-Qaeda and Islamist
extremists in the Syrian conflict. The Committee conducted a
hearing on the subject entitled ``Crisis in Syria: Implications
on the Homeland'' on September 10, 2013. This hearing affected
the national debate of the Syrian conflict and its impact on
homeland security.
During the Committee's investigation into the Syrian
conflict, the Committee became increasing concerned, as Syria
was the world's third largest holder of chemical weapons. As
parts of Syria fell to the opposition, the Committee, working
with DHS and intelligence organizations, as well as private
companies, raised the National debate on the affects of
chemical weapons falling into the growing hands of Islamist
extremists. The Committee held classified meetings with DHS,
FBI, and Intelligence Community members to discuss this issue
and raise awareness. The Committee held meetings and attended
meetings with government officials from intelligence
organizations from August to November 20, 2013 on issues
related to Syria that have the potential to affect the
Homeland. The Committee is continuing to monitor the impact
from this crisis.
International tragedy continued in September when al-
Shabaab, a Somali based al-Qaeda linked terrorist organization
attacked a mall in Kenya. The soft target or Mumbai-style
attack was quickly recognized by the Committee as having
implications on the Homeland and a hearing was held on October
9, entitled ``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How Westerners
Joining Terror Groups Overseas Affect the Homeland.'' Experts
from private industry attended speaking of the threat to the
Homeland and Sheriff Stanek from Minneapolis area of Minnesota
spoke as a senior law enforcement official dealing with
citizens who have participated in al-Shabaab.
The Committee continued to investigate and push the
Administration on the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)
designation for Western Africa (Nigeria) terrorist group, Boko
Haram. The Committee issued letters to the Secretary of State
on 13 and 30 September urging the Department to rethink its
stance on the terrorist organization and issued an update to
the Committee's report from the 112th Congress on Boko Haram.
On November 13 2013, the Department of State issued the FTO
designation making it more difficult for Boko Haram to obtain
support. The Committee, during the 113th Congress, will
continue to move the Administration to isolate terrorist
organizations such as al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, in order to
better safeguard the homeland.
Designating these groups as FTOs provides the Federal
Government with additional tools to fight terrorism and to
protect the Homeland, something this Committee has continued to
do in the First Session of this Congress. Ensuring information
sharing from the highest levels to the lowest has been a
priority, and another key to preventing attacks on the
Homeland. On July 26, 2013, the Committee issued its year long
investigative report on the National Network of Fusion Centers,
the hub of information sharing for State and Local law
enforcement and emergency management. The Committee's
evaluation found that while the Network of fusion centers is a
vital part of our Nation's counterterrorism efforts, it is not
currently functioning at its full potential. The Committee will
continue to monitor the progress of the Fusion Centers to
ensure that they continue to improve and add to the national
collection, analysis and sharing of critical information that
will protect the Homeland.
In the beginning of 2014, the Olympic Games will be held in
Sochi, Russia, close to the Caucus region. The Caucuses have
been a hot bed of extremism, and have connections to conflict
zones throughout the world, as well as the suspects believed
responsible for the Boson Marathon bombing. In November 2013
sent staff members to Sochi, as well as neighboring Georgia, to
further investigate the region and the Islamist extremists
there. The Committee released a report in late November
detailing the unclassified portion of the trip and plans to
continue monitoring these groups as well as the threat they
pose to the nearly 15,000 American athletes and attendees at
the Olympic Games.
securing our borders
During the 113th Congress, the Committee examined the
Department's efforts to secure the Nation's land and maritime
borders. As result of this oversight, the Committee unanimously
approved legislation that would require the Department to
develop a comprehensive border security strategy to gain and
maintain situational awareness and operational control of the
border. The legislation requires tangible metrics for the
apprehension of illegal border crossings and a significant
reduction in the movement of illegal drugs and contraband.
From August 3 through 6, 2013, the Committee conducted a
site visit to the southwest border. The purpose of the site
visit was to examine current border security conditions,
including the maritime environment. Members experienced
witnessed border security operations in the maritime domain,
urban environment, border security infrastructure, Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations, and border security challenges
in the Rio Grande Valley. In San Diego, Members examined United
States Coast Guard port security operations, conducted an
aerial tour of the international border, and examined tactical
infrastructure and counter tunneling operations. In Tucson,
Arizona Members toured various facilities including: the Tucson
Joint Field Command and Predator Operations Center; a
demonstration of advanced Integrated Fixed Tower technologies,
in Sasabe; and received an overview of UAV operations at Fort
Huachuca. Members then traveled to the Rio Grande Valley to
participate in border terrain tours with local law enforcement,
receive briefings on the South Texas Campaign, and the Texas
National Guard on RC-26 fixed-wing aerial detection and
monitoring operations supporting the Department of Homeland
Security.
Throughout the First Session, the Committee has actively
examined the key elements of border security including the
definition of a secure border, border security metrics and
measures, visa security and overstays, the implementation of a
biometric exit system, cargo security, maritime security, and
the future of the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential (TWIC).
From August 3 through 6, 2013, the Committee conducted a
site visit to the Southwest border. The purpose of the site
visit was to examine current border security conditions,
including the maritime environment. Members witnessed border
security operations in the maritime domain, urban environment,
border security infrastructure, UAV operations, and border
security challenges in the Rio Grande Valley. In San Diego,
Members examined United States Coast Guard port security
operations, conducted an aerial tour of the international
border, and examined tactical infrastructure and counter
tunneling operations. In Tucson, Arizona Members toured various
facilities including: the Tucson Joint Field Command and
Predator Operations Center; a demonstration of advanced
Integrated Fixed Tower technologies, in Sasabe; and received an
overview of UAV operations at Fort Huachuca. Members then
traveled to the Rio Grande Valley to participate in border
terrain tours with local law enforcement, receive briefings on
the South Texas Campaign, and the Texas National Guard on
fixed-wing aerial detection and monitoring operations
supporting the Department of Homeland Security.
During the First Session, the Committee received updates on
the Arizona Technology Plan and successfully pushed for the
Department of Defense to re-deploy aerostats to DHS for
assessment in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The Committee is
optimistic that Mexican government reforms will provide new
economic opportunities so that citizens will choose stable,
viable jobs, especially in the energy industry, instead of
joining criminal cartels. The Committee will continue to
recommend to the Department to secure our borders in the north,
south, and the maritime domain.
protecting against cyber attacks
During the first session of the 113th Congress, the
Committee met extensively with the Department and various
stakeholders to examine the Department's role in the hardening
our national critical infrastructure against cyber attacks by
fortifying Federal and civilian networks and collaborating with
the private sector to reduce vulnerabilities.
The National Infrastructure Protection Plan and Executive
Order 13636, Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
solidified the Department's role as the lead Federal entity in
protecting domestic critical infrastructure. The Committee held
numerous briefings to understand the role of the Department in
implementing the Executive Order. Upon issuance of Executive
Order 13636 and Presidential Policy Directive--21 on Critical
Infrastructure Security and Resilience, the Committee received
briefings from DHS to understand the role of the Department in
implementing these documents. On March 13, 2013, the Committee
held a hearing entitled ``DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and
Responsibilities to Protect the Nation's Critical
Infrastructure.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon.
Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Anish B. Bhimani, Chairman, Financial Services
Information Sharing and Analysis Center; Mr. Gary W. Hayes,
Chief Information Officer, Centerpoint Energy; and Ms. Michelle
Richardson, Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties
Union.
As the Nation approached key Affordable Care Act milestones
during 2013, the Committee raised security and privacy concerns
prior to problems as healthcare.gov went live in October. The
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and
Security Technologies held hearings in July and September on
healthcare.gov and the Health Exchange Data Hub. On November 8,
Committee staff also received a briefing from the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Office of
Cybersecurity and Communications on Department of Homeland
Security roles in the implementation of the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act. On November 13, 2013, the Full
Committee held a hearing entitled ``Cyber Side-Effects: How
Secure is the Personal Information Entered into the Flawed
Healthcare.gov?'' The Committee received testimony from Ms.
Roberta ``Bobbie'' Stempfley, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security; Ms. Soraya Correa, Associate Director,
Enterprise Services Directorate, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Luke Chung, President, FMS, Inc.; and Mr. Waylon Krush, Chief
Executive Officer, Lunarline, Inc. In preparation for this
hearing, Committee staff met with stakeholders to discuss
technical flaws with healthcare.gov.
managing dhs with a business-model approach
During the first session of the 113th Congress, the
Committee has been actively monitoring the Department of
Homeland Security's (DHS) management and operations to ensure
that it is functioning more efficiently and is accountable to
the American people. The Chairman and Ranking Member have
attended Subcommittee hearings on management issues. The
Committee met with DHS headquarters and many components to
examine management practices in acquisition, financial
management, information technology, human capital, and employee
integrity.
Integrated Investment Life Cycle Management (IILCM) is the
Department's transformational concept to integrate all phases
of the Department's multi-billion dollar budget and investment/
acquisition management process--more like a business would do.
The framework provides critical linkages between Strategy,
Capabilities and Requirements, Programming and Budgeting, and
Investment Oversight phases to ensure the effective execution
of federal funds to support strategic priorities. IILCM was
signed into policy by Secretary Napolitano in February 2013 and
the framework is being piloted through March 2014 using the
cybersecurity, biodefense, and common vetting portfolios. On
November 14, 2013, DHS officials briefed the Committee on their
approach to IILCM.
On August 1, 2013, the Undersecretary for Management, the
Chief Procurement Officer, Chief Information Officer, and other
senior officials briefed Committee staff on the status of the
Department's acquisition management efforts. As a follow up, on
September 19, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Management Efficiency held a hearing entitled ``DHS Acquisition
Practices: Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and
Private Sector Lessons Learned.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Hon. Rafael Borras, Undersecretary for
Management, Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Michele
Mackin, Director, Government Accountability Office; Ms. Anne
Richards, Assistant Inspector General for Audits, Office of the
Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security; Mr. William
C. Greenwalt, Visiting Fellow, American Enterprise Institute;
Mr. Stan Soloway, President and CEO, Professional Services
Council; Mr. David Berteau, Senior Vice President, Center for
Strategic and International Studies. The purpose of the hearing
was to examine DHS's acquisition practices to determine if the
Department is effectively implementing its policies and to
assess whether DHS could leverage best practices and lessons
learned from the Defense Department and the private sector.
In light of the Government Accountability Office's (GAO)
2013 High-Risk report which identified financial management
within the Department as high risk, on February 20, 2013, the
Chairs of the Full Committee and the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Management Efficiency, and the Subcommittee on
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security
Technologies, sent a letter to DHS's Chief Financial Officer
regarding the Department's financial management systems and
efforts to obtain a clean audit opinion on its financial
statements. The Department provided a response to this letter
on March 8, 2013. On March 11, 2013, Committee staff received a
briefing from DHS's Chief Financial Officer. The GAO issued its
report DHS Financial Management: Additional Efforts Needed to
Resolve Deficiencies in Internal Controls and Financial
Management Systems on September 30, 2013, [GAO-13-561]. The
report contained four recommendations for executive action. On
July 8, 2013, Committee staff received a briefing from DHS's
Chief Financial Officer regarding DHS's efforts to modernize
its financial systems. To further examine these issues, on
November 15, 2013, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency held a hearing entitled ``DHS Financial Management:
Investigating DHS's Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Asif Khan, Director,
Financial Management and Assurance, U.S. Government
Accountability Office; and Ms. Anne Richards, Assistant
Inspector General for Audits, Office of the Inspector General,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of the
hearing was to examine relevant GAO and Inspector General
findings on DHS financial practices, including steps to obtain
a clean audit opinion and implement financial management
systems.
The Committee reviewed the authorities and activities of
the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to ensure the effective
management and coordination of key IT systems planning,
investment management, cloud computing, data consolidating,
operations, policy development, and related personnel
management. The Committee also examined component CIOs--
particularly U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and United States
Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS)--and their efforts to
modernize and implement critical IT systems supporting our
border agents and immigration officers. On February 21, 2013,
Committee staff received a briefing from DHS Office of the
Inspector General concerning their on-going IT Audits and IT
management issues. Committee staff also received briefings from
representatives from DHS, including: The DHS Chief Information
Officer; USCIS, including the USCIS Chief Information Officer;
CBP; and ICE, including the ICE Chief Information Officer. The
Committee reviewed the Department's efforts to address
information technology (IT) challenges, including the
management and integration of the Department's IT systems. The
Committee monitored the Department's progress in IT
architectural planning, investment management, and cloud
computing. On March 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``DHS Information Technology: How Effectively Has DHS
Harnessed IT to Secure Our Borders and Uphold Immigration
Laws?'' The purpose of the hearing was to assess how IT
resources are being effectively utilized to help secure our
borders and uphold immigration laws and how the Department is
exercising proper management and oversight of its IT
investments. The Chairs of the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee on Oversight & Management Efficiency additionally
requested on May 23, 2013, to sign onto an on-going GAO review
of the TECS modernization program--the Treasury Enforcement
Communication System. Committee staff also received a briefing
from the Office of the Inspector General regarding its
investigation related to the DHS Chief Information Officer.
The Committee has been vocal about the need for key
Department leadership positions to be filled as vacancies lead
to ineffective government. On March 5, 2013, the Chairman and
Ranking Member sent a letter the President urging him to
swiftly appoint an Inspector General at DHS.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
counterterrorism
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence examined the counterterrorism
efforts of the U.S. Government across the government to counter
the threat from al-Qaeda and other terror networks with a focus
on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Committee
conducted a series of meetings, briefings, and site visit from
DHS and component agencies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and the
Department of State (DOS).
Subcommittee Members and staff received classified briefing
from the above agencies, as well as others, on the threat posed
by al-Qaeda core and affiliates, as well as the emerging al-
Qaeda threats in Syria, North Africa, and the Sinai. The
Subcommittee held oversight hearings on the threat to the
Homeland from Syria and Iran, al-Qaeda in the Arabian
Peninsula, and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The Subcommittee conducted oversight over the Foreign
Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation process. While DOS
handles this process, the designation of entities as FTOs has a
direct impact on homeland security. The Chairs of the Full
Committee and Subcommittee, along with the Chair of the
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and
Security Technologies, sent a letter to DOS and issued a report
urging a FTO designation for Boko Haram.
counterintelligence
The Subcommittee conducted oversight over the programs
within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) focused on
detecting insider threats, including counterintelligence,
polygraph, and security clearance programs. The Subcommittee
staff met with representatives from the Defense Security
Service within the Department of Defense, the DHS Office of
Security, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Internal
Affairs Office, the Intelligence and Analysis
Counterintelligence Program, and the Government Accountability
Office. The Subcommittee held a hearing on insider threats and
the security clearance process.
unconventional and emerging threats
The Subcommittee held a hearing on U.S. counterterrorism
efforts to combat a chemical, biological, radiological, and
nuclear (CBRN) attack. Additionally, Subcommittee staff
received classified and unclassified briefings on CBRN threats
from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau
of Investigation, Sandia National Laboratory, and outside
entities.
homeland security intelligence enterprise
The Subcommittee has had multiple classified and
unclassified briefings with officials from the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis
(I&A) to examine the structure, mission, and capability of the
office, as well as I&As role in coordinating intelligence
within DHS and State and local law enforcement. Subcommittee
staff also met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the National
Counterterrorism Center, the Government Accountability Office,
and the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the network
of Joint Terrorism Task Forces.
information sharing
Subcommittee Members received classified and unclassified
briefings on DHS intelligence and information sharing efforts.
Members received additional briefings on the mission and
capabilities of the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis.
Subcommittee Members and staff received threat briefings from
the Department of Homeland Security and reviewed new
intelligence products and information sharing efforts. In
addition, Subcommittee staff met with representatives from the
National Fusion Center Association, Government Accountability
Office, and multiple State and local law enforcement
jurisdictions regarding the quality, quantity, and timeliness
of information shared between Federal, State, and local law
enforcement.
The Chair of the Full Committee and the Chair of the
Subcommittee released a Majority Staff Report entitled ``The
National Network of Fusion Centers,'' detailing the Committee's
findings and recommendations developed from a comprehensive
study of fusions centers across the country.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
border security
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security examined the Department of Homeland
Security's efforts to secure the borders of the United States
at and between the ports of entry, as well as in the maritime
domain. The Subcommittee held hearings on these border security
related topics on February 26, 2013, March 20, 2013, July 23,
2013, March 12, 2014 and April 8, 2014.
The Subcommittee held hearings on the need to secure the
border and the Department's ability to communicate its
effectiveness. The Subcommittee held a hearing on February 26,
2013 entitled ``What Does a Secure Border Look Like?'' The
hearing took a holistic look at the border and called upon the
Department to define what a secure border looks like, assess
further requirements to achieve a secure border and address
outcome-based metrics to measure border security progress. On
March 20, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Measuring Outcomes to Understand the State of Border
Security.'' The purpose of this hearing was to examine the
status of the Border Condition Index (BCI), and further examine
outcome-based means to measure the state of border security.
The Subcommittee also conducted oversight on the
Department's current and future technologies and resources
employed along the border. The Subcommittee reviewed the
available technologies used to secure the borders by hosting
Department of Homeland Security Officials to provide a briefing
on the state of border security on March 13, 2013. The purpose
of this briefing was to better understand the current state of
border security efforts from all the Department of Homeland
Security components with a role in border security and to
identify the need for a national strategy to secure the border.
The Subcommittee's oversight hearings on border security
informed legislation to require a comprehensive strategy to
gain and maintain situational awareness and operational control
of the border, and set the time requirements to achieve
operational control. H.R. 1417, the Border Security Results Act
of 2013, was introduced on April 9, 2013; considered by the
Subcommittee on April 24, 2013. The Full Committee considered
the measure on May 15, 2013, and reported H.R. 1417 to the
House on May 20, 2013.
On June 23, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``A Study in Contrasts: House and Senate Approaches to Border
Security.'' The purpose of this hearing was to assess the
disparate border security approaches of the House and Senate,
and to better inform the legislation that is presented to the
Congress to achieve the outcome of a secure border. The
Department has struggled to convey metrics that measure
performance in securing the borders and reflect the state of
border security.
On March 12, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing further
examining technology along the border, entitled ``The Arizona
Border Surveillance Technology Plan and its Impact on Border
Security.'' The purpose of this hearing was to ensure that
technology being acquired by CBP will be delivered on time, the
Department has learned the lessons from previous failures, and
that the Arizona Border Surveillance Technology Plan's
Integrated Fixed Tower acquisition will provide tangible and
measurable border security.
The Subcommittee examined the need for authorizing the
border security components of the Department of Homeland
Security. On April 8, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection and
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.'' The purpose of this
hearing was to examine the first attempt by the Congress, since
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 was enacted, to clearly
delineate the current authorities and responsibilities of two
of the largest law enforcement agencies in the nation. The
hearing discussed the committees authorizing legation: H.R.
3846 the ``United States U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Authorization Act'' which authorizes the border security
functions and offices of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
including: the Office of Border Patrol, Office of Field
Operations, Office of Air and Marine, the Office of
Intelligence, and the Office of International Affairs and H.R.
4279 the ``United States U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement Authorization Act,'' which authorizes the basic
functions and offices of U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, including: the Office of Homeland Security
Investigations, the Office of Enforcement and Removal
Operations, and the Office of Professional Responsibility.
As a result of Subcommittee oversight of the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, authorizing legislation was considered.
H.R. 3846, the United States U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Authorization Act, was introduced on January 10, 2014;
considered by the Subcommittee on May 20, 2014. The Full
Committee considered the measure on June 11, 2014, and reported
to the House on July 24, 2014. H.R. 3846 passed the House on
July 28, 2014
The Chair and Ranking member of the Subcommittee sent
letters to the Secretary regarding the continuance of the
Tethered Aerostat Radar System. The Chair of the Subcommittee
sent a letter to the Secretary regarding the increase of
Unaccompanied Alien Children crossing the southern border.
border screening and terrorist travel
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee reviewed efforts to
ensure the deployment and implementation of training and
infrastructure enhancements to identify, intercept, and disrupt
terrorists or others who would do our Nation harm. The
Subcommittee held hearings on these border screening and
terrorist travel related topics on May 21, 2013, September 26,
2013, January 28, 2014, April 4, 2014, July 16, 2014 and
September 10, 2014.
As part of their efforts to address border screening and
terrorist travel the Subcommittee held several oversight
hearings on travel documents such as visas and passports. The
Subcommittee explored the security-related deficiencies of the
visa security program that terrorists could use to gain entry
to or remain in the country for illegitimate purposes. The
first hearing which addressed this issue was held on May 21,
2013, entitled ``Visa Security and Overstays: How Secure is
America?'' The purpose of this hearing was to examine the
efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to secure the
border by addressing challenges in identifying individuals who
overstay their visas and explore ways to be more effective.
On April 4, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Passport Fraud: An International Vulnerability.'' The purpose
of this hearing was to ensure that CBP, and the State
Department can assure persons attempting to use lost, stolen
and fraudulent passports will be prevented from getting on a
plane bound for the United States. This hearing examined what
leverage the U.S. can bear on other countries to increase
security throughout the international aviation system and
increase use of the INTERPOL Stolen and Lost Travel Document
(SLTD) database. On September 10, 2014, the Subcommittee held a
hearing entitled ``One Flight Away: An Examination of the
Threat posed by ISIS Terrorists with Western Passports.'' The
purpose of this hearing was to examine the programs and
mechanisms such as the National Targeting Center, Advance
Passenger Information System, the Electronic System Travel
Authorization (ESTA) and terrorist screening, put in place by
the federal government to identify foreign fighters and ensure
they are prevented from traveling to the United States.
The Subcommittee closely examined the integration,
security, and reliability of biometrics used to screen persons
seeking to enter and exit this country to identify criminals,
and terrorist. The subcommittee closely assessed the
development of the Department's comprehensive biometric exit
system. On September 26, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Fulfilling A Key 9/11 Commission Recommendation:
Implementing Biometric Exit.'' The purpose of this hearing was
to engage with Department of Homeland Security Leadership on
the current state of biometric exit and to chart a path forward
to implement a biometric system at the nation's ports of entry/
exit that is both a counterterrorism and border security tool.
On January 28, 2014 the Subcommittee held a Member briefing
with representatives of the biometrics industry to discuss the
current state of biometric exit technology. The purpose of this
brief was to solicit input from leaders in the biometrics field
regarding the implementation of an effective and viable
biometric exit solution in different travel environments as
well as examine emerging biometric technologies.
The Subcommittee conducted oversight activities on the
processing of persons at land ports of entry. On March 13, 2013
the Subcommittee received a briefing from Department of
Homeland Security Officials on the state of border security
which examined the collaborative security efforts between ports
of entry with other federal, state, and local agencies. This
briefing was held to better understand the current state of
border security efforts including the integration and
effectiveness of transportation and border security screening
systems at ports of entry for detecting high-risk passengers
and cargo transported across our borders, including efforts to
better facilitate travel and trade such as implementation of
``trusted traveler'' programs. On July 16, 2014, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Port of Entry
Infrastructure: How Does the Federal Government Prioritize
Investments?'' The purpose of this hearing was to examine how
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the General
Services Administration (GSA) prioritize investments in port of
entry infrastructure and how Public Private Partnerships are
being utilized along the border to the benefit of the nation's
homeland security and economic prosperity of border
communities.
The Subcommittee considered legislation to authorize
foreign preclearance operations to prevent terrorists,
instruments of terrorism, security threats and other and
inadmissible persons from entering the United States. H.R.
3488, the Preclearance Authorization Act of 2014, was
introduced on November 14, 2014; considered by the Subcommittee
on May 20, 2014. The Full Committee considered the measure on
June 11, 2014, and reported to the House on July 3, 2014. The
House passed H.R. 3488 on July 8, 2014.
The Chair of the Full Committee and Chair of the
Subcommittee sent letters to: The Secretary of Homeland
Security regarding the expansion of the Global Entry trusted
traveler program to the Republic of Saudi Arabia; The Secretary
of Homeland Security regarding U.S. Customs and Border
Protection preclearance operations to the United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi International Airport; The Director of Immigrations
and Customs Enforcement and the Deputy Commissioner of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection regarding the Student and
Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) in the aftermath of
the Boston Marathon Bombing; The Director of Immigrations and
Customs Enforcement regarding the release of detainees. The
Chair and Ranking member of the Full committee and the Chair
and ranking member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
Secretary of Homeland Security regarding a report on visa
overstays. The Chair of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the
Assistant Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on
transparency of port of entry priorities.
port and maritime security
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee examined various
aspects of port and maritime security, including the security
of port facilities and the implementation and operation,
including technology utilized, of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC). The Subcommittee held
hearings on these port and maritime security related topics on
June 18, 2013 and November 19, 2013.
The Subcommittee held its first maritime security focused
hearing on June 18, 2013, entitled ``Threat, Risk and
Vulnerability: The Future of the TWIC Program.'' The purpose of
this hearing was to reexamine the security value of the TWIC
card and determine the future of the program. The Subcommittee
held a second maritime related hearing to review how the
Department manages risks emerging from maritime threats and
vulnerabilities such as narcotic and undocumented migrant
smuggling via small boats and semi-submersible submarines. On
November 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``What Does a Secure Maritime Border Look Like?'' The purpose
of this hearing was to examine what DHS maritime components are
doing to interdict maritime threats before they arrive on shore
or in U.S. ports, what is being done to increase the Nation's
understanding of illicit networks that move in the maritime
domain, and examine the Department's layered approach to secure
the maritime environment, and how progress is being measured.
The Subcommittee considered legislation to require a
comprehensive third party review of the TWIC program. H.R.
3202, the Essential Transportation Worker Identification
Credential Assessment Act of 2013, was introduced on September
27, 2013; considered by the Subcommittee on May 20, 2014. The
Full Committee considered the measure on June 11, 2014, and
reported to the House on July 17, 2014. H.R. 3202 passed the
House on July 28, 2014.
u.s. coast guard
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee reviewed the
Coast Guard's homeland security missions, which included ports,
waterways, and coastal security; drug interdiction; migrant
interdiction; and law enforcement missions. The Subcommittee
held hearings on U.S. Coast Guard related topics on November
19, 2013 and February 4, 2014. The Subcommittee held a hearing
focusing on the Coast Guard and the other maritime Components
of the Department in the collaborative effort to secure the
border as well as a hearing examining the ability of the Coast
Guard to continue its homeland security missions.
On November 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``What Does a Secure Maritime Border Look Like?'' The
purpose of this hearing was to understand what is being done to
increase maritime domain awareness and interdict maritime
threats before they arrive on shore or in U.S. ports. It
examined the illicit networks that move in the maritime domain,
and examined the Department's layered approach to secure the
maritime environment, and how progress is being measured. On
February 4, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Future of the Homeland Security Missions of the Coast
Guard.'' The purpose of this hearing was to examine the Coast
Guard's capability to ensure the service is operationally able
to execute its homeland security missions while pursuing a
long-term sustainable path of fleet recapitalization. This
hearing reviewed the Coast Guard's anti-terrorist initiatives
and capabilities, including the International Port Security
Program, and the Deployable Specialized Forces.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
aviation security
Pursuant to the Committee Oversight Plan, in the 113th
Congress the Subcommittee examined risks to aviation systems,
as well as the development and implementation of security
measures to reduce and mitigate such risks through a series of
classified and unclassified briefings, hearings, general
oversight, and legislation. For example, Subcommittee Members
received a classified briefing on November 20, 2013, to discuss
current threats to the nation's aviation systems with the
Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) and also traveled to TSA headquarters on June 20, 2014 to
participate in the Administrator's daily intelligence briefing.
Additionally, the Full Committee held a classified briefing on
world-wide threats to aviation on July 9, 2014. These and other
such briefings enabled Members to remain informed on the
evolving threat landscape facing the aviation sector and
provide oversight to TSA's efforts to formulate and refine an
intelligence-driven security posture. The Subcommittee also
conducted meetings and held eleven hearings to receive
testimony from TSA, the Government Accountability Office (GAO),
the DHS Inspector General, the Terrorist Screening Center, the
law enforcement community, and private sector stakeholders on a
number of issues, such as risk-based security initiatives, the
Federal Air Marshal Service, air cargo security, foreign
fighter travel, the Screening Partnership Program, passenger
screening canines, and the TSA workforce. Additionally, the
Subcommittee's legislative efforts saw nine bills passed by the
House.
In addition to these activities, Subcommittee Members sent
oversight letters to TSA and GAO regarding aviation security
risks. For example, a letter was sent by the Chair of the
Subcommittee on March 7, 2013, requesting to be a co-requester
of GAO's review of TSA's Secure Flight program, which was
completed in FY 2014 and played an integral role in informing a
Subcommittee hearing on Secure Flight. The Chair and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee also sent a letter to the TSA
Administrator seeking clarification on TSA's decision to shift
responsibility of monitoring exit lanes to airport operators,
and the Chairmen and Ranking Members of both the Full Committee
and the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA
requesting a copy of the preclearance screening agreement
between TSA and the United Arab Emirates for passenger
screening at Abu Dhabi International Airport. To provide
accountability on TSA's workforce and human capital practices,
on January 13, 2014, in response to the September 2013 DHS OIG
report on TSA's Office of Inspection, the Chairman and Ranking
Member of the Subcommittee sent a letter to the Administrator
of TSA seeking additional information on TSA's Office of
Inspection. This letter specifically asked for numbers related
to cases opened and investigated, as well as employee
classifications. On April 10, 2014, the Chairman of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA
regarding allegations of unethical activity within the Federal
Air Marshal Service (FAMS) involving free or discounted
firearms. On May 20, 2014, the Chairman of the Subcommittee
sent a letter to the Administrator of TSA requesting a copy of
the Settlement Agreement reached between the FAMS Director and
TSA prior to the Director's retirement announcement.
Finally, Subcommittee Members and Staff developed and
refined legislation to improve TSA's ability to protect the
Nation's aviation systems. H.R. 2719, the Transportation
Security Acquisition Reform Act, would help improve security
technology planning and, ultimately, performance in the field.
H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act,
would ensure that industry stakeholders continue to have a
voice in TSA policy decisions through the existing Aviation
Security Advisory Committee. With passage of this legislation,
TSA would not be able to allow the Committee's charter to
expire, which has happened in the past and has prevented the
private sector from having a formal body to engage the agency
and make recommendations. H.R. 4802, the Gerardo Hernandez
Airport Security Act, was developed in response to the
Subcommittee's site visit and hearing series examining lessons
learned from the November 2013 shooting at Los Angeles
International Airport, in which Transportation Security Officer
Gerardo Hernandez was killed and three others wounded. This
legislation would require TSA to take stock of emergency
response capabilities at airports nationwide and act as a
clearing house for best practices for airports to prepare for
and respond to major security incidents. It would also require
TSA to look for ways in which the agency could increase funding
for reimbursable agreements with airport law enforcement
entities.
passenger and baggage screening
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee made passenger and
baggage screening a priority, through both hearings and general
oversight activities. By examining the security implications of
changes in procedure and technology at airport screening
checkpoints, as well as learning more about the effectiveness
of current baggage screening capabilities, the Subcommittee
provided oversight to some of the most critical aspects of
aviation security. For example, Committee staff visited the
Transportation Systems Integration Facility on August 28, 2013,
to observe current and future security screening technology
research and testing. This visit informed other subcommittee
activities, such as a November 6, 2013 Subcommittee Member site
visit to Duke University, where Members observed research being
done to advance current and future passenger screening
technology, and a February 27, 2014 classified Subcommittee
Member briefing on TSA's Imaging Technology with Automated
Target Recognition. After receiving a classified briefing from
the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector
General on their covert testing and report of TSA baggage
screening operations on October 9, 2014, Subcommittee staff
held a briefing with TSA officials on November 14, 2014 to
assess lessons learned and ongoing work to correct instances of
human and technological error in the baggage screening process.
Pursuant to House Rule X, clauses 2(n) and (p), on November
14, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing to examine TSA's
Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT)
Program. This hearing looked into the cost effectiveness and
overall security effectiveness of the SPOT program, based on a
report from the GAO. To provide further oversight to this
program, staff conducted a site visit to Baltimore-Washington
International Airport on March 25, 2014 and received briefings
from TSA on the program on March 3, 2014, June 4, 2014, and
October 10, 2014.
In an effort to comprehensively provide oversight to a
number of passenger screening methods utilized by TSA, on June
24, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, ``Utilizing
Canine Teams to Detect Explosives and Mitigate Threats.'' The
hearing focused on the effectiveness of TSA's explosives
detection canine teams to secure the nation's transportation
systems. It also explored how the teams can be improved and
expanded in the future. Finally, the hearing examined
stakeholder perspectives on TSA's use and deployment of
canines.
The Subcommittee sought to honor the Nation's veterans
while also advancing risk-based security with the consideration
and subsequent House passage of H.R. 4812, the ``Honor Flight
Act.'' This legislation would authorize TSA's coordination with
the Honor Flight Network to provide expedited screening for
veterans traveling to Washington, DC. to visit their respective
war memorials.
reforming transportation security
Pursuant to the Committee's oversight plan, the
Subcommittee took steps to reform transportation security by
crafting and passing legislation, conducting oversight
hearings, and receiving a number of briefings from TSA about
efforts to streamline and find efficiencies within the agency.
The House passed H.R. 2719, the Transportation Security
Acquisition Reform Act, which introduces greater transparency
and accountability for TSA spending decisions through a series
of commonsense reforms. Specifically, it requires TSA to
develop and share with the public a strategic, multi-year
technology investment plan; share key information with Congress
on technology acquisitions, including cost overruns, delays, or
technical failures within 30 days of identifying the problem;
establish principles for managing equipment in inventory to
eliminate expensive storage of unusable or outdated
technologies; and report on its goals for contracting with
small businesses. This legislation is budget-neutral and simply
requires TSA to do a better job of not only managing its own
resources, but also leveraging resources outside of the
Department of Homeland Security.
Further, the House passed H.R. 1204. This bill authorizes
the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) and requires
TSA to consult with the ASAC on aviation security matters,
including on the development and implementation of policies,
programs, rulemakings and security directives. In addition, the
bill requires the ASAC to submit recommendations to TSA.
In an effort to promote risk-based security and stakeholder
engagement by TSA, on May 20, 2014, the Subcommittee Chair and
Ranking Member hosted a roundtable discussion on the future of
TSA's PreTM program. The purpose of the
roundtable was to: explore how TSA can more effectively market
the program to travelers to increase awareness and
participation; evaluate TSA's approach to expanding enrollment,
including the utilization of private companies; examine what
techniques and programs TSA is using to decide which passengers
do not pose a threat to aviation; and understand how TSA
determines the appropriate number of TSA
PreTMlanes and what changes can be made to
more effectively utilize those lanes.
Finally, the Subcommittee continued to provide oversight to
TSA's management of the Screening Partnership Program in the
113th Congress with multiple letters to both TSA and the
Department of Homeland Security regarding the program, as well
as a Subcommittee hearing on July 29, 2014, entitled,
``Examining TSA's Management of the Screening Partnership
Program.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine TSA's
management of SPP and discuss ongoing challenges and
opportunities with respect to how TSA works with the private
sector to perform screening. Over the last several years,
public and private stakeholders have criticized TSA on its
management of SPP, including (a) the methodology it uses to
compare the performance and cost of private screeners to
federal screeners and evaluate SPP bids, and (b) the time it
takes to award a new SPP contract once an application is
approved. The hearing also focused on the steps TSA is taking
to address those concerns and other changes it plans to make to
improve the program as a whole.
surface transportation
The Subcommittee implemented the Committee's oversight plan
for providing oversight of surface transportation security in
the 113th Congress through a number of meetings, briefings, and
site visits. In keeping with the Oversight Plan's intent to
review TSA's efforts to secure surface transit systems in the
113th Congress, the Chair of the Full Committee, along with the
Chairs of the Subcommittees on Transportation Security;
Counterterrorism and Intelligence; and Emergency Preparedness,
Response, and Communications sent a letter to TSA, DHS, and the
FBI on October 4, 2013, seeking information on how state,
local, and federal agencies collaborate and share information
on surface transportation security matters. Moreover, staff
made multiple visits to Washington, DC's Union Station to
observe canine explosives detection teams and TSA surface
passenger screening, as well as discuss with Amtrak officials
the unique security challenges facing surface transportation
systems. Amtrak's chief of police briefed staff on security
efforts relating to active shooter scenarios, explosive
detection, and human trafficking, as well as coordination with
TSA VIPR teams.
On November 3, 2014, Subcommittee staff visited TSA
Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, to meet with several TSA
offices and receive updates on programs of interest. TSA's
Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement and TSA's
Office of Security Operations jointly briefed staff on the
Surface Transportation Security Inspectors program. The
discussion also included efforts to secure pipeline, rail, and
mass transit systems.
transportation security regulations
In the 113th Congress the Subcommittee worked to ensure
that TSA was being effective and responsible in its development
and implementation of regulations. During a May 2014 Staff
Delegation to Europe, Subcommittee staff visited an aircraft
repair station in Copenhagen, Denmark to observe implementation
of TSA's finalized rule regulating security of foreign aircraft
repair stations.
On June 16, 2014, the Chairman of the Full Committee, along
with the Chairman of the Subcommittee, the Ranking Member of
the Full Committee and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee
sent a letter to the Acting Director of the Office of
Management and Budget regarding TSA's interaction and proposed
implementation of the Bipartisan Budget Act's modifications to
the September 11th Security Fee. Subsequently, on June 20,
2014, the TSA published an Interim Final Rule in the Federal
Register to implement changes to the TSA September 11th
Security Fee. The Subcommittee responded to this action on July
17, 2014, when the Chairman of the Full Committee, along with
the Chairman of the Subcommittee, the Ranking Member of the
Full Committee, and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee sent
a letter to the Docket Clerk, Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, to provide comment on the Interim
Final Rule issued by TSA for the adjustment of the Passenger
Civil Aviation Security Service Fee. Bipartisan legislation to
clarify Congressional intent on the passenger fee was also
unanimously passed by the House on September 17, 2014.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
preparedness and response
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee conducted
oversight of efforts at the Federal, State, local, Tribal, and
private sector levels to prepare for, respond to, and recover
from terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Through a series
of hearings, field hearings, briefings, and site visits, the
Subcommittee worked to ensure that the whole community is
engaged in these efforts. The Subcommittee held hearings to
assess the state of preparedness through the lens of the
National Preparedness Report; assess preparedness for mass
casualty events; examine cyber incident response capabilities;
and assess the FY15 budget request for the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. Subcommittee Members visited the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's National Response Coordination
Center, the American Red Cross' Disaster Operations Center, and
the National Protection and Programs Directorate's National
Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center to observe
response capabilities and operations.
assistance to state and local governments and first responders
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded nearly $40
billion to State and local governments and first responders
since the September 11th terrorist attacks. To ensure the
Department is allocating this funding based on risk and
effectively monitoring the use of funds, the Subcommittee held
two hearings and classified briefing. In addition, Committee
staff has held numerous briefings with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency representatives and relevant stakeholders on
the development of performance metrics to measure the
effectiveness of the grants and programmatic and financial
monitoring efforts.
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear planning, preparedness,
and response
Preparedness for and response to chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear events remained a focus for the
Subcommittee in the 113th Congress. The Subcommittee has
received numerous briefings on the Office of Health Affairs'
BioWatch, National Biosurveillance Integration Center, and
Chemical Defense Programs at both the classified and
unclassified levels. At the Subcommittee's request, the
Government Accountability Office is conducting a review of the
National Biosurveillance Integration Center to ensure it is
meeting its mission and effectively working with interagency
partners as intended in the Implementing Recommendations of the
9/11 Commission Act (Pub. L. 110-53). In furtherance of
oversight conducted in the 112th Congress, the Committee passed
legislation, H.R. 1791, that was referred to the Subcommittee,
permitting the use of grant funds for medical preparedness
activities, including the procurement of vital medical
countermeasures. The Subcommittee also held hearings on the
bioterrorism threat and the biowatch program.
communications
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee has continued its
oversight of communications issues with a visit to the
Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center, briefings on the Office of
Emergency Communications, the First Responder Network Authority
and the implementation of the Public Safety Broadband Network,
and the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. A series of
hearings on the use of social media and new technology
considered new and innovative ways to communicate with the
public before, during, and after emergencies. The Subcommittee
is considering legislation to authorize the Integrated Public
Alert and Warning System and has encouraged the Office of
Emergency Communications to update the National Emergency
Communications Plan. The Subcommittee also held a hearing
assessing the state of interoperable communications since the
September 11th terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina exposed
significant capability gaps.
emergency response provider training
As part of its oversight of first responder training
programs, the Subcommittee received numerous briefings on DHS-
funded training programs and from Federal and State training
providers. Committee staff visited the National Emergency
Response and Rescue Training Center and Maryland Fire Rescue
Institute and observed training and exercise programs.
exercises and simulations
The Subcommittee received numerous briefings from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Exercise
Division on the implementation of changes to the National
Exercise Program. The Subcommittee, through its cyber incident
response hearing, also inquired about lessons learned from
National Level Exercise 2012 and efforts to address issues
raised in the recently released after action report. Committee
staff observed multiple exercises during the 113th Congress.
Committee staff also participated in first responder training.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
cybersecurity
The Subcommittee held a series of hearings on the topic of
cybersecurity examining the cyber threat, Department of
Homeland Security capabilities and resources, privacy and civil
liberty concerns, the security of the Federal Data Services Hub
and Healthcare exchanges, and the implementation of Executive
Order 13636, Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.
These hearing included a joint hearing with the Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence to assess persistent and
emerging cyber threats to the U.S. homeland, a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and
Secondary Education of the Committee on Education and the
Workforce assessing the privacy of student data. Additionally,
the Subcommittee held over 300 meetings with stakeholders to
determine topics of oversight and need for additional
legislation.
As a result of these oversight efforts the subcommittee
developed and passed through the House H.R. 3696, the National
Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of
2013.
science and technology
The Subcommittee held a series of meetings with the Science
and Technology Directorate examining the Department's progress
in developing and delivering products and technology solutions
to their customers. As a result of these meetings, the
Subcommittee drafted and passed H.R. 2952, the Critical
Infrastructure Research and Development (CIRDA) Act.
Additionally, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing with
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on
Research and Technology to examine the strategy and mission of
the DHS Science and Technology Directorate.
Chemical Facility Security
The Subcommittee held a series of meetings with
stakeholders, including other committees of jurisdiction in the
House and Senate, to conduct oversight and consider possible
reauthorization of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards program at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In addition, the Subcommittee held a hearing on August 1, 2013
on the topic of mismanagement of the CFATS program. This
hearing was held pursuant to clause 2(n)(1) of the rule as `` .
. . mismanagement in Government programs which that committee
may authorize'' and clause 2(p), as DHS Management is a ``high-
risk'' issue identified by the Comptroller General of the U.S.
As a result of these oversight efforts, the Subcommittee
drafted and passed through the House H.R. 4007, the Chemical
Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
departmental efficiency and waste, fraud, abuse, and duplication
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on Oversight
and Management Efficiency oversaw the Department of Homeland
Security's day to day operations to ensure that it was
operating in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
On February 15, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Assessing DHS 10 years later: How Wisely is DHS Spending
Taxpayer Dollars?'' The purpose of the hearing was to address
DHS's progress and shortcomings in implementing its various
missions 10 years after the Department's creation, integrating
its components, and its diligence in making sure taxpayer
dollars are being spent efficiently.
Pursuant to Rule X, clause 2(d)(F) of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee worked 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. On April 26, 2013, the Subcommittee
held a hearing entitled ``Cutting DHS Duplication and Wasteful
Spending: Implementing Private Sector Best Practices and
Watchdog Recommendations.'' The purpose of this hearing was to
assess GAO and Inspector General findings related to
duplication and waste within DHS and examine best practices
identified by the private sector to improve DHS's efficiency
and effectiveness.
On September 23, 2013, Subcommittee staff also received a
briefing from GAO officials on the Department's progress in
addressing GAO's High-Risk List area of ``Strengthening
Department of Homeland Security Management Functions.'' The
area includes issues related to DHS acquisition management,
financial management, information technology management, human
capital management, and management integration. GAO's High-Risk
List includes areas at high risk due to vulnerabilities to
fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. GAO has included DHS
management functions in its List since 2003.
The Committee investigated homeland security programs and
practices, as warranted. In an effort to review the TSA's
Passenger Screening Technologies, on February 5, 2013, the
Members of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and the
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency received a
joint classified briefing. The Subcommittees were briefed by
representatives from the Government Accountability Office and
the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector
General. The briefing addressed the development of the
technology, challenges with the acquisition process, among
other issues. In addition, in light of egregious waste related
to Internal Revenue Service training videos uncovered by the
Treasury Inspector General, the Subcommittee Chair sent a
letter on June 6, 2013 to the Undersecretary for Management.
The purpose of the letter was to determine the cost and types
of internal training materials, especially videos, created by
DHS and its components. To date, the Department has not
provided a response.
As a follow up to an audit by the Office of the Inspector
General, the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter on July 31, 2014
to the Acting Under Secretary for Management regarding DHS
management challenges with the Federal Employees' Compensation
Act. The Department responded on August 22, 2014.
In light of media reports of wasted taxpayer dollars on gym
memberships by DHS, the Subcommittee Chair wrote a letter on
August 26, 2014 requesting detailed information on these
procurements. The Department responded on September 10, 2014. A
follow up letter was sent on October 3, 2014 and the Department
responded on October 27, 2014.
The Committee investigated homeland security programs and
practices, as warranted. On July 10, 2014, the Subcommittee
held a hearing entitled ``The Executive Proclamation
Designating the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks A National
Monument: Implications for Border Security.'' The hearing
examined the impact of this executive proclamation on border
security efforts. The Subcommittee also held a classified
member briefing to assess the Department's efforts to combat
nuclear smuggling and the use of covert testing. In another
example, the Subcommittee held a classified member briefing on
Latin America threats on July, 31, 2014 to examine the
effectiveness of homeland security programs in securing the
border. The Subcommittee will continue to oversee the
efficiency of the Department and issues related to waste,
fraud, abuse, and duplication.
acquisition management
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee reviewed the
efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve
acquisition outcomes, and to ensure that effective management
controls are put in place to prevent contract waste, fraud, and
abuse while promoting efficiency and effectiveness. The
Subcommittee reviewed the authorities and activities of the
Undersecretary for Management and Chief Procurement Officer to
ensure the effective management of these key functions. The
Subcommittee also examined the impact of the Department's
acquisition initiatives to enhance processes and improve
outcomes related to its major acquisition programs. On
September 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``DHS Acquisition Practices: Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers
Using Defense and Private Sector Lessons Learned.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine DHS's acquisition practices to
determine if the Department is effectively implementing its
policies and to assess whether DHS could leverage best
practices and lessons learned from the Defense Department and
the private sector. In February 2013, the Subcommittee Chair
requested to sign-on to on-going Government Accountability
Office (GAO) work related to CBP's acquisition of border
surveillance technology and DHS's multiyear acquisition
planning process. On March 21, 2013, the Subcommittee Chair,
along with the Subcommittee Ranking Member, requested GAO
conduct a review of the tactical communication acquisition
programs underway in DHS.
In March 2014, the Subcommittee Chair introduced H.R. 4228,
the DHS Acquisition Accountability and Efficiency Act, to
improve major acquisition outcomes in the Department. In June
2014, the House passed this legislation by voice vote. On
September 19, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``DHS Acquisition Practices: Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers
Using Defense and Private Sector Lessons Learned.'' The purpose
of the hearing was to examine DHS's acquisition practices to
determine if the Department is effectively implementing its
policies and to assess whether DHS could leverage best
practices and lessons learned from the Defense Department and
the private sector
The Subcommittee monitored the Department's efforts to
leverage strategic sourcing, as outlined in Federal guidance,
to increase efficiencies. The Subcommittee Chair, along with
the Chair of the Full Committee, requested GAO to examine the
Department's ammunition and weapons procurements. The
Subcommittee Chair also requested the Comptroller General to
review DHS's major acquisition programs and the effectiveness
of the Office of Program Accountability and Risk Management.
These reviews are on-going.
The Subcommittee will monitor the cost, schedule, and
performance status of major Department acquisition programs.
financial management
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee oversaw the
Department of Homeland Security's progress to properly manage
financial systems and data to minimize inefficient and wasteful
spending, make more informed decisions to manage its programs
and implement Department policies. The Subcommittee reviewed
the Department's efforts to enhance its managerial cost
accounting, address internal control weaknesses in financial
reporting, achieve a clean audit opinion on its financial
statements, and reduce the reliance on manual data calls to
collect cost information from the various components and
compile consolidated, reliable data. The Subcommittee Chair
sent a letter to the Comptroller General on June 6, 2013 to
sign-on to an on-going review of DHS financial management
efforts being performed at the request of the Senate Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. GAO issued its
report on September 30, 2013. It contained four recommendations
for executive action. On July 8, 2013, Subcommittee Staff
received a briefing from DHS's Chief Financial Officer
regarding DHS's efforts to modernize its financial systems. On
November 15, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``DHS Financial Management: Investigating DHS's Stewardship of
Taxpayer Dollars.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine
the financial practices within DHS.
information technology management
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee reviewed the
Department's efforts to address information technology (IT)
challenges, including the management and integration of the
Department's IT systems. The Subcommittee monitored the
Department's progress in IT architectural planning, investment
management, cloud computing, policy development, operations,
and related personnel management. On March 19, 2013, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``DHS Information
Technology: How Effectively Has DHS Harnessed IT to Secure Our
Borders and Uphold Immigration Laws?'' The purpose of the
hearing was to assess how IT resources are being effectively
utilized to help secure our borders and uphold immigration laws
and how the Department is exercising proper management and
oversight of its IT investments. The Subcommittee Chair, along
with the Chair of the Full Committee, also requested on May 23,
2013 to sign on to an on-going GAO review of the TECS
modernization program at the request of the Senate Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
departmental workforce
Throughout the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee monitored
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. The Subcommittee Chair signed on to on-
going Government Accountability (GAO) work assessing DHS's
recruitment and hiring strategies at the request of the Senate
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The GAO
issued its report on September 17, 2013. It included one
recommendation for executive action. On May 7,
2013,Subcommittee staff were briefed by the Chief Human Capital
Officer on the Employee Engagement Executive Steering Committee
and DHS Leadership training to address the morale issues at the
Department.
The Subcommittee monitored the Department's efforts to
effectively and efficiently consolidate its headquarters from
more than 40 locations throughout the National Capital Region,
known as the St. Elizabeth's Headquarters Consolidation
Project. On March 15, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee
conducted a site visit to the Department of Homeland Security
Consolidated Headquarters at St. Elizabeths. While on campus,
Members toured the facility and were briefed by the Department
on construction progress and the status of consolidation
efforts. As a follow up to this site visit, the Subcommittee
Chair requested on March 20, 2013, the GAO to conduct a
comprehensive review of the consolidation project.
employee integrity
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee examined employee
corruption and misconduct issues and their effect on homeland
security. The Subcommittee reviewed Department statistics and
case studies associated with employee integrity issues, as well
as, the effectiveness of policies, procedures, and practices
the Department utilizes to address such issues. The
Subcommittee held a joint hearing with the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security on July 31, 2013, entitled ``TSA
Integrity Challenges: Examining Misconduct by Airport Security
Personnel.'' The purpose of the hearing was to examine the
scope of misconduct within the Transportation Security
Administration and determine to what extent action is being
taken to address employee integrity issues. On August 19, 2013,
the Subcommittee Chair sent a letter to the Secretary
requesting an update on the Department's mandated report on
investigating corruption in DHS.
united states secret service
In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee examined the
homeland security operations of the United States Secret
Service, including its critical role of protecting the
President of the United States, among other duties. On April
17, 2013, the Subcommittee held a member briefing with the
Secret Service Director to discuss the Director's goals and
priorities, budget issues, Cartigena employee misconduct
investigation, among other topics.
Subcommittee staff received a briefing from Secret Service
officials on June 27, 2013 on the agency's information
technology modernization efforts. On August 8, 2013,
Subcommittee staff also received a briefing on the next
generation Presidential limousine program and conducted a site
visit at the Secret Service mail screening facility in
Washington D.C. On November 12, Members of the Subcommittee
conducted a site visit to the Secret Service training facility
in Beltsville, Maryland.
privacy and civil liberties
During the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee monitored the
Department's efforts 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. On February 6, 2013, the Members of the Subcommittee
received a classified briefing on privacy issues and the role
of the Department of Homeland Security and the National
Counterterrorism Center in collecting, analyzing, and storing
intelligence on U.S. persons. The Members were briefed by
representatives from the Department and the National
Counterterrorism Center, and they learned how the Center is
implementing its new ``Guidelines for Access, Retention, Use, &
Dissemination of U.S. Persons Information.''
On June 19, 2013, Subcommittee staff received a briefing
from officials from the Office of Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties on civil liberties concerns at border checkpoints. On
January 18, 2014, the Chair and Ranking member of the
Subcommittee sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border
Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
requesting more information on the implementation of border
search policies. In addition, the Chair of the Subcommittee
sent a letter to the Comptroller General of the United States
on August 6, 2013, requesting a comprehensive review of DHS's
management of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. On
August 13, 2014, Subcommittee staff met with the Chief Privacy
Officer and FOIA director for an update on the Privacy Office's
current activities.
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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.--
L(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.
L(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.
L(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.
L(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.
L(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.
L(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 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.--
L(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.
L(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.
L(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.
L(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.--
L(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.
L(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, markup, 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:
L(1) Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
L(2) Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response
and Communications
L(3) Subcommittee on Transportation Security
L(4) Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence
L(5) Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Protection, and Security Technologies
L(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--
L(1) a majority of the Full Committee, a quorum being
present; or
L(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.
L(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.
L(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:
LI 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 2013
On January 3, 2013, Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas was elected as
Chair, and Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi as Ranking Member
pursuant to H. Res. 6 and H. Res. 7, respectively.
Minority Members were elected to the Committee on January 3, 2013,
pursuant to H. Res. 7.
Majority Members were elected to the Committee on January 4, 2013,
pursuant to H. Res. 17.
Ms. Janice Hahn of California resigned as a Member of the Committee
on Homeland Security on January 14, 2013; and Mr. Filemon Vela of
Texas, Mr. Steven A. Horsford of Nevada, and Mr. Eric Swalwell of
California were elected to the Committee pursuant to H. Res. 22.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and Subcommittee
Membership was as follows:
__________
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Vice
Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah
Keith J. Rothfus,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Eric Swalwell,California
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Chris Stewart,Utah
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Keith J. Rothfus,Pennsylvania
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Keith J. Rothfus,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Eric Swalwell, California
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
April 2013
Mr. Keith J. Rothfus of Pennsylvania resigned as a Member of the
Committee on Homeland Security on April 16, 2013.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and Subcommittee
Memberships was as follows:
__________
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Vice
Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Vacancy Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Eric Swalwell,California
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Chris Stewart,Utah
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Vacancy
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Vacancy
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Eric Swalwell, California
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
June 2013
Mr. Mark Sanford of South Carolina was elected to the Committee
pursuant to H. Res. 257 on June 12, 2013.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and Subcommittee
Memberships was as follows:
__________
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Vice
Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Eric Swalwell,California
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Chris Stewart,Utah
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Eric Swalwell, California
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
August 2013
On August 1, 2013, the Chair announced the appointments of Vice
Chairs for the Subcommittees.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and Subcommittee
Memberships was as follows:
__________
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Vice
Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Eric Swalwell,California
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Chris Stewart,Utah
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Chris Stewart,Utah, Vice Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana, Vice Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama, Vice Chair
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Eric Swalwell, California
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi, Vice
Chair
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
December 11, 2013
Mr. Chris Stewart of Utah resigned as a Member of the Committee on
Homeland Security on December 11, 2013.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and Subcommittee
Memberships was as follows:
__________
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Vice
Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Vacancy Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Eric Swalwell,California
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Vacancy
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Vacancy
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Tulsi Gabbard,Hawaii
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Steven A. Horsford,Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana, Vice Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama, Vice Chair
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Eric Swalwell, California
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi, Vice
Chair
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
April 3, 2014
Ms. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and Mr. Steven A. Horsford of Nevada
resigned as members of theCommittee on Homeland Security on April 3,
2014.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and Subcommittee
Memberships was as follows:
__________
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Vice
Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Vacancy Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Filemon Vela,Texas
Eric Swalwell,California
Vacancy
Vacancy
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Vacancy
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Vacancy
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana, Vice Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama, Vice Chair
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Eric Swalwell, California
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi, Vice
Chair
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
July 9, 2014
Mr. Curtis Clawson of Florida was elected to the Committee on
Homeland Security pursuant to H. Res. 660.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and Subcommittee
Memberships was as follows:
__________
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Michael T. McCaul,Texas, Chairman
Lamar Smith,Texas
Peter T. King,New York
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Vice
Chair
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Curtis Clawson,Florida Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
Loretta Sanchez,California
Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Cedric L. Richmond,Louisiana
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Ron Barber,Arizona
Dondald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Filemon Vela,Texas
Eric Swalwell,California
Vacancy
Vacancy
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE
Peter T. King,New York, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Curtis Clawson,Florida
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Brian Higgins,New York
Loretta Sanchez,California
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
Candice S. Miller,Michigan, Chairman
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Curtis Clawson,Florida
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Sheila Jackson Lee,Texas
Loretta Sanchez,California
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CYBERSECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION, AND SECURITY
TECHNOLOGIES
Patrick Meehan,Pennsylvania, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama
Tom Marino,Pennsylvania
Jason Chaffetz,Utah
Steve Daines,Montana
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania, Vice
Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Yvette D. Clarke,New York
William R. Keating,Massachusetts
Filemon Vela,Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Jeff Duncan,South Carolina, Chairman
Paul C. Broun,Georgia
Lou Barletta,Pennsylvania
Richard Hudson,North Carolina
Steve Daines,Montana, Vice Chair
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Ron Barber,Arizona
Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Beto O'Rourke,Texas
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Richard Hudson,North Carolina, Chairman
Mike Rogers,Alabama, Vice Chair
Candice S. Miller,Michigan
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Cedric L. Richmond, Louisiana,
Ranking Member
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Eric Swalwell, California
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND COMMUNICATIONS
Susan W. Brooks,Indiana, Chairman
Peter T. King,New York
Steven M. Palazzo,Mississippi, Vice
Chair
Scott Perry,Pennsylvania
Mark Sanford,South Carolina
Michael T. McCaul,Texas
(ex officio) Donald M. Payne, Jr.,New Jersey
Yvette D. Clarke,New York
Brian Higgins,New York
Bennie G. Thompson,Mississippi
(ex officio)
APPENDIX III
List of Public Laws
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not all Public Law numbers available at the time of filing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Law Date Approved Bill Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
113-27.............................. August 9, 2013......... H.R. 1344............. ``Helping Heroes Fly
Act.''
To amend title 49, United
States Code, to direct
the Assistant Secretary
of Homeland Security
(Transportation Security
Administration) to
provide expedited air
passenger screening to
severely injured or
disabled members of the
Armed Forces and
severely injured or
disabled veterans, and
for other purposes.
113-221............................. December 16, 2014...... H.R. 4812............. ``Honor Flight Act.''
To amend title 49, United
States Code, to require
the Administrator of the
Transportation Security
Administration to
establish a process for
providing expedited and
dignified passenger
screening services for
veterans traveling to
visit war memorials
built and dedicated to
honor their service, and
for other purposes.
113-238............................. December 18, 2014...... H.R. 1204............. ``Aviation Security
Stakeholder
Participation Act of
2014.''
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.
113-245............................. December 18, 2014...... H.R. 2719............. ``Transportation Security
Acquisition Reform
Act.''
To require the
Transportation Security
Administration to
implement best practices
and improve transparency
with regard to
technology acquisition
programs, and for other
purposes.
113-246............................. December 18, 2014...... H.R. 2952............. ``Cybersecurity Workforce
Assessment Act.''
To amend the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 to
make certain
improvements in the laws
relating to the
advancement of security
technologies for
critical infrastructure
protection, and for
other purposes.
113-254............................. December 18, 2014...... H.R. 4007............. ``Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Standards
Program Authorization
and Accountability Act
of 2014.''
To recodify and
reauthorize the Chemical
Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards Program.
113-277............................. December 18, 2014...... S. 1691............... ``Border Patrol Agent Pay
Reform Act of 2014.''
To amend title 5, United
States Code, to improve
the security of the
United States border and
to provide for reforms
and rates of pay for
border patrol agents.
113-282............................. December 18, 2014...... S. 2519............... ``National Cybersecurity
Protection Act of
2014.''
To codify an existing
operations center for
cybersecurity.
113-283............................. December 18, 2014...... S. 2521............... ``Federal Information
Security Modernization
Act of 2014.''
To amend chapter 35 of
title 44, United States
Code, to provide for
reform to Federal
information security.
113-284............................. December 18, 2014...... S. 2651............... ``DHS OIG Mandates
Revision Act of 2014.''
To repeal certain
mandates of the
Department of Homeland
Security Office of the
Inspector General.
113-294............................. December 19, 2014...... H.R. 5462............. To amend title 49, United
States Code, to provide
for limitations on the
fees charged to
passengers of air
carriers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX IV
Committee Reports
H.Rpt. 113-87 Border Security Results Act of 2013
H.R. 1417 To require the Secretary of Homeland Security
to develop a comprehensive strategy to gain
and maintain operational control of the
international borders of the United States,
and for other purposes.
Filed May 20, 2013.
H.Rpt. 113-273 Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act
H.R. 1791 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
codify authority under existing grant guidance
authorizing use of Urban Area Security
Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant
Program funding for enhancing medical
preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass
prophylaxis capabilities, with an amendment.
Filed November 21, 2013.
H.Rpt. 113-274 TSA Loose Change Act
H.R. 1095 To amend title 49, United States Code, to
direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland
Security (Transportation Security
Administration) to transfer unclaimed money
recovered at airport security checkpoints to
nonprofit organizations that provide places of
rest and recuperation at airports for members
of the Armed Forces and their families, and
for other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed November 21, 2013.
H.Rpt. 113-275 Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act
H.R. 2719 To require the Transportation Security
Administration to implement best practices and
improve transparency with regard to technology
acquisition programs, and for other purposes,
with an amendment.
Filed November 21, 2013.
H. Rpt. 113-278 Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act
H.R. 1204 of 2013
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 December 2, 2013.
H. Rpt. 113-294 Homeland Security Cybersecurity Boots-on-the-
H.R. 3107 Ground Act
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security
to establish cybersecurity occupation
classifications, assess the cybersecurity
workforce, develop a strategy to address
identified gaps in the cybersecurity
workforce, and for other purposes.
Filed December 12, 2013.
H. Rpt. 113-436 DHS Acquisition Accountability and Efficiency
H.R. 4228 Act
To require the Department of Homeland Security
to improve discipline, accountability, and
transparency in acquisition program
management.
Filed May 6, 2014.
H. Rpt. 113-480 Social Media Working Group Act of 2014
H.R. 4263 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
authorize the Department of Homeland Security
to establish a social media working group, and
for other purposes, with an amendment.
Filed June 19, 2014.
H. Rpt. 113-484 DHS Interoperable Communications Act
H.R. 4289 To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
require the Under Secretary for Management of
the Department of Homeland Security to take
administrative action to achieve and maintain
interoperable communications capabilities
among the components of the Department of
Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Filed June 19, 2014.
H. Rpt. 113-491, Pt. I Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
H.R. 4007 Program Authorization and Accountability Act
of 2014
To recodify and reauthorize the Chemical
Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program.
Filed June 23, 2014.
H. Rpt. 113-511, Pt. I Preclearance Authorization Act of 2014
H.R. 3488 To establish the conditions under which the
Secretary of Homeland Security may establish
preclearance facilities, conduct preclearance
operations, and provide customs services
outside the United States, and for other
purposes.
Filed July 3, 2014
H. Rpt. 113-512 Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2014
H.R. 4802 To improve intergovernmental planning for and
communication during security incidents at
domestic airports, and for other purposes.
Filed July 3, 2014
H. Rpt. 113-513 TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of
H. R. 4803 2014
To require the Transportation Security
Administration to conform to existing Federal
law and regulations regarding criminal
investigator positions, and for other
purposes.
Filed July 3, 2014
H. Rpt. 113-516 Honor Flight Act
H.R. 4812 To amend title 49, United States Code, to
require the Administrator of the
Transportation Security Administration to
establish a process for providing expedited
and dignified passenger screening services for
veterans traveling to visit war memorials
built and dedicated to honor their service,
and for other purposes.
Filed July 3, 2014
H. Rpt. 113-528 Essential Transportation Worker Identification
H.R. 3202 Credential Assessment Act
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security
to prepare a comprehensive security assessment
of the transportation security card program,
and for other purposes.
Filed July 17, 2014
H. Rpt. 113-550, Pt. I National Cybersecurity and Critical
H.R. 3696 Infrastructure Protection Act of 2013
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
make certain improvements regarding
cybersecurity and critical infrastructure
protection, and for other purposes.
Filed July 23, 2014
H. Rpt. 113-555, Pt. I United States U.S. Customs and Border
H.R. 3846 Protection Authorization Act
To provide for the authorization of border,
maritime, and transportation security
responsibilities and functions in the
Department of Homeland Security and the
establishment of United States U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, and for other purposes.
Filed July 24, 2014
APPENDIX V
Status of Legislation Referred to the Committee
PUBLIC LAWS
Pub. Law 113-54 H.R. 1344._Helping Heroes Fly Act. To amend
title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary
of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration)
to provide expedited air passenger screening to severely
injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and severely
injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes. Referred
to Homeland Security Mar. 21, 2013. Rules suspended. Passed
House amended May 21, 2013; Roll No. 166: 413-0. Received in
Senate and referred to Commerce, Science and Transportation May
22, 2013. Committee discharged. Passed Senate with amendment
Aug. 1, 2013. House agreed to Senate amendment Aug. 2, 2013.
Presented to the President Aug. 6, 2013. Approved Aug. 9, 2013.
Public Law 113-27.
Pub. Law 113-221 H.R. 4812 (S. 2689/S. 2671)._Honor Flight
Act. To amend title 49, United States Code, to require the
Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to
establish a process for providing expedited and dignified
passenger screening services for veterans traveling to visit
war memorials built and dedicated to honor their service, and
for other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security June 9, 2014.
Reported July 3, 2014; Rept. 113-516. Union Calendar. Rules
suspended. Passed House amended July 22, 2014. Received in
Senate and referred to Commerce, Science and Transportation
July 23, 2014. Committee discharged. Passed Senate Dec. 4,
2014. Presented to the President Dec. 9, 2014. Public Law 113-
221.
Pub. Law 113-238 H.R. 1204._Aviation Security Stakeholder
Participation Act of 2014. 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 Mar. 14, 2013. Reported amended
Dec. 2, 2013; Rept. 113-278. Union Calendar. Rules suspended.
Passed House amended Dec. 3, 2013; Roll No. 617: 411-3.
Received in Senate and referred to Commerce, Science and
Transportation Dec. 9, 2013. Committee discharged. Passed
Senate with amendment Dec. 9, 2014. House agreed to Senate
amendment under suspension of the rules Dec. 10, 2014; Roll No.
560: 416-5. Presented to the President December 12, 2014.
Approved December 18, 2014. Public Law 113-238.
Pub. Law 113-245 H.R. 2719 (S. 1893)._Transportation
Security Acquisition Reform Act. To require the Transportation
Security Administration to implement best practices and improve
transparency with regard to technology acquisition programs,
and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security July 18,
2013. Reported amended Nov. 21, 2013; Rept. 113-275. Union
Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House amended Dec. 3, 2013;
Roll No. 616: 416-0. Received in Senate and referred to
Commerce, Science and Transportation Dec. 9, 2013. Committee
discharged. Passed Senate with amendment Dec. 9, 2014. House
agreed to Senate amendment under suspension of the rules Dec.
10, 2014; Roll No. 559: 425-0. Presented to the President
December 12, 2014. Approved December 18, 2014. Public Law 113-
245.
Pub. Law 113-246 H.R. 2952._Cybersecurity Workforce
Assessment Act. To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
make certain improvements in the laws relating to the
advancement of security technologies for critical
infrastructure protection, and for other purposes. Referred to
Homeland Security Aug. 1, 2013. Reported amended Jan. 9, 2014;
Rept. 113-324. Union Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House
amended July 28, 2014. Received in Senate and referred to
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs July 29, 2014.
Committee discharged. Passed Senate with amendments Dec. 10,
2014. House agreed to Senate amendments under suspension of the
rules Dec. 11, 2014. Presented to the President December 12,
2014. Approved December 18, 2014. Public Law 113-246.
Pub. Law 113-254 H.R. 4007._Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and Accountability
Act of 2014. To recodify and reauthorize the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program. Referred to Homeland Security
and in addition to Energy and Commerce Feb. 6, 2014. Reported
amended from Homeland Security June 23, 2014; Rept. 113-491,
Pt. I. Energy and Commerce discharged June 23, 2014. Union
Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House amended July 8, 2014.
Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs July 9, 2014. Reported with amendment
Sept. 18, 2014; Rept. 113-263. Passed Senate with amendment
Dec. 10, 2014. House agreed to Senate amendment under
suspension of the rules Dec. 11, 2014. Presented to the
President Dec. 12, 2014. Approved December 18, 2014. Public Law
113-254.
Pub. Law 113-277 S. 1691._Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform
Act of 2014. To amend title 5, United States Code, to improve
the security of the United States border and to provide for
reforms and rates of pay for border patrol agents. Referred to
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Nov. 13, 2013.
Reported amended Aug. 26, 2014; Rept. 113-248. Received in
House and referred to Oversight and Government Reform and in
addition to Homeland Security Sept. 19, 2014. Rules suspended.
Passed House Dec. 10, 2014. Presented to President Dec. 12,
2014. Approved December 18, 2014. Public Law 113-277.
Pub. Law 113-282 S. 2519 (H.R. 3969)._National
Cybersecurity Protection Act of 2014. To codify an existing
operations center for cybersecurity. Reported amended July 31,
2014; Rept. 113-240. Passed Senate amended Dec. 10, 2014.
Received in House and held at desk Dec. 10, 2014. Rules
suspended. Passed House Dec. 11, 2014. Presented to President
Dec. 12, 2014. Approved December 18, 2014. Public Law 113-282.
Pub. Law 113-283 S. 2521._Federal Information Security
Modernization Act of 2014. To amend chapter 35 of title 44,
United States Code, to provide for reform to Federal
information security. Referred to Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs June 24, 2014. Reported Sept. 15, 2014;
Rept. 113-256. Passed Senate amended Dec. 8, 2014. Received in
House and held at desk Dec. 9, 2014. Passed House Dec. 10,
2014. Presented to President Dec. 12, 2014. Approved December
18, 2014. Public Law 113-283.
Pub. Law 113-284 S. 2651._DHS OIG Mandates Revision Act of
2014 . To repeal certain mandates of the Department of Homeland
Security Office of the Inspector General. Referred to Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs July 24, 2014. Reported
amended Sept. 16, 2014; no written report. Passed Senate
amended Sept. 17 (Legislative day of Sept. 16), 2014. Received
in House and referred to Transportation and Infrastructure and
in addition to Homeland Security Sept. 18, 2014. Rules
suspended. Passed House Dec. 10, 2014. Presented to President
Dec. 12, 2014. Approved December 18, 2014. Public Law 113-284.
Pub. Law 113-294 H.R. 5462._To amend title 49, United
States Code, to provide for limitations on the fees charged to
passengers of air carriers. Referred to Homeland Security Sept.
15, 2014. Considered under suspension of rules Sept. 16, 2014.
Rules suspended. Passed House Sept. 17, 2014; Roll No. 505:
423-0. Received in Senate and referred to Commerce, Science and
Transportation Sept. 18, 2014. Committee discharged. Passed
Senate Dec. 4, 2014. Presented to the President Dec. 9, 2014.
Approved Dec. 19, 2014. Public Law 113-294.
LEGISLATION IN THE SENATE
H.R. 1095._ TSA Loose Change Act. To amend title 49, United
States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland
Security (Transportation Security Administration) to transfer
unclaimed money recovered at airport security checkpoints to
nonprofit organizations that provide places of rest and
recuperation at airports for members of the Armed Forces and
their families, and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland
Security Mar. 12, 2013. Committee ordered reported Oct. 29,
2013. Reported amended Nov. 21, 2013; Rept. 113-274. Passed
House Dec. 3, 2013; voice. Received in Senate and referred to
Commerce, Science and Transportation Dec. 9, 2013.
H.R. 1542._WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of
2013. 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. Referred to Homeland Security Apr. 12,
2013. Rules suspended. Passed House July 22, 2013; Roll No.
375: 388-3. Received in Senate and referred to Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs July 23, 2013.
H.R. 1791._Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act. To amend
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under
existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security
Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding
for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and
mass prophylaxis capabilities. Referred to Homeland Security
Apr. 26, 2013. Committee ordered reported Oct. 29, 2013.
Reported amended Nov. 21, 2013; Rept. 113-273. Union Calendar.
Rules suspended. Passed House amended Feb. 3, 2014; Roll No.
32: 391-2. Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs Feb. 4, 2014.
H.R. 3107._Homeland Security Cybersecurity Boots-on-the-
Ground Act. To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to
establish cybersecurity occupation classifications, assess the
cybersecurity workforce, develop a strategy to address
identified gaps in the cybersecurity workforce, and for other
purposes. Referred to Homeland Security Sep. 17, 2013.
Committee ordered reported Oct. 29, 2013. Reported amended Dec.
12, 2013; Rept. 113-294. Rules suspended. Passed House July 28,
2014. Roll No. 457: 395-8.Received in Senate and referred to
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs July 24, 2014.
H.R. 3202._Essential Transportation Worker Identification
Credential Assessment Act .To require the Secretary of Homeland
Security to prepare a comprehensive security assessment of the
transportation security card program, and for other purposes.
Referred to Homeland Security Sept. 27, 2013. Reported amended
July 17, 2014; Rept. 113-528. Rules suspended. Passed House
July 28, 2014. Roll No. 457: 400-0. Received in Senate and
referred to Commerce, Science, and Transportation July 24,
2014.
H.R. 3410._Critical Infrastructure Protection Act.To amend
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to secure critical
infrastructure against electromagnetic pulses, and for other
purposes. Referred to Homeland Security Oct. 30, 2013. Rules
suspended. Passed House, amended, by voice vote. Dec. 1, 2014.
Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs December 2, 2014.
H.R. 3438._National Laboratories Mean National Security
Act.To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize use
of grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative and the
State Homeland Security Grant Program to work in conjunction
with a Department of Energy national laboratory. Referred to
Homeland Security Oct. 30, 2013. Rules suspended. Passed House,
Roll No. 533. Dec. 1, 2014. Received in the Senate Dec. 2,
2014.
H.R. 3488._Preclearance Authorization Act of 2014. To
establish the conditions under which the Secretary of Homeland
Security may establish preclearance facilities, conduct
preclearance operations, and provide customs services outside
the United States, and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland
Security and in addition to Ways and Means Nov. 14, 2013.
Reported amended from Homeland Security July 3, 2014; Rept.
113-511, Pt. I. Ways and Means discharged July 3, 2014. Union
Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House amended July 8, 2014.
Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs July 9, 2014.
H.R. 3696 (S. 2519)._National Cybersecurity and Critical
Infrastructure Protection Act of 2013. To amend the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 to make certain improvements regarding
cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, and for
other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security Dec. 11, 2013.
Committee ordered reported Feb. 5, 2014. Reported amended from
Homeland Security July 23, 2014; Rept. 113-550, Pt. I. Science,
Space, and Technology and Oversight and Government Reform
discharged July 23, 2014. Rules suspended. Passed House July
28, 2014. Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs July 24, 2014.
H.R. 3846._United States U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Authorization Act. To provide for the authorization of border,
maritime, and transportation security responsibilities and
functions in the Department of Homeland Security and the
establishment of United States U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland
Security and in addition to Ways and Means Jan. 10, 2014.
Reported amended from Homeland Security July 24, 2014; Rept.
113-555, Pt. I. Ways and Means discharged July 24, 2014. Rules
suspended. Passed House July 28, 2014. Received in Senate and
referred to Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs July 24,
2014.
H.R. 4228._DHS Acquisition Accountability and Efficiency
Act. To require the Department of Homeland Security to improve
discipline, accountability, and transparency in acquisition
program management. Referred to Homeland Security Mar. 13,
2014. Reported amended May 6, 2014; Rept. 113-436. Union
Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House amended June 9, 2014.
Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs June 10, 2014.
H.R. 4263._Social Media Working Group Act of 2014. To amend
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Department
of Homeland Security to establish a social media working group,
and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security Mar. 14,
2014. Reported amended June 19, 2014; Rept. 113-480. Union
Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House amended July 8, 2014;
Roll No. 369: 375-19. Received in Senate and referred to
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs July 9, 2014.
H.R. 4289._Department of Homeland Security Interoperable
Communications Act. To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002
to require the Under Secretary for Management of the Department
of Homeland Security to take administrative action to achieve
and maintain interoperable communications capabilities among
the components of the Department of Homeland Security, and for
other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security Mar. 24, 2014.
Reported June 19, 2014; Rept. 113-484. Union Calendar. Rules
suspended. Passed House July 8, 2014; Roll No. 370: 393-0.
Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs July 9, 2014.
H.R. 4450 (S. 2250)._Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and
Modernization Act of 2014. To extend the Travel Promotion Act
of 2009, and for other purposes. Referred to Energy and
Commerce and in addition to Homeland Security Apr. 10, 2014.
Reported amended from Energy and Commerce July 22, 2014; Rept.
113-542, Pt. I. Homeland Security discharged July 22, 2014.
Union Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House amended July 22,
2014; Roll No. 433: 347-57. Received in Senate July 23, 2014.
H.R. 4802._Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2014
To improve intergovernmental planning for and communication
during security incidents at domestic airports, and for other
purposes. Referred to Homeland Security June 5, 2014. Reported
amended July 3, 2014; Rept. 113-512. Union Calendar. Rules
suspended. Passed House amended July 22, 2014. Received in
Senate and referred to Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs July 23, 2014.
H.R. 4803._TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of
2014. To require the Transportation Security Administration to
conform to existing Federal law and regulations regarding
criminal investigator positions, and for other purposes.
Referred to Homeland Security June 5, 2014. Reported amended
July 3, 2014; Rept. 113-513. Union Calendar. Rules suspended.
Passed House amended July 22, 2014. Received in Senate and
referred to Commerce, Science and Transportation July 23, 2014.
H.R. 5116._Human Trafficking Detection Act of 2014. To
direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to train Department
of Homeland Security personnel how to effectively deter,
detect, disrupt, and prevent human trafficking during the
course of their primary roles and responsibilities, and for
other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security and in addition
to the Judiciary July 15, 2014. Rules suspended. Passed House
July 23, 2014. Received in Senate and referred to Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs July 24, 2014.
H.R. 5629._Strengthening Domestic Nuclear Security Act of
2014.To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to strengthen
the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and for other purposes.
Referred to Homeland Security Sept. 18, 2014. Rules suspended.
Passed House, amended, Roll No. 532. Dec. 1, 2014. Received in
Senate and referred to Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs Dec. 4, 2014.
LEGISLATION REPORTED TO THE HOUSE
H.R. 1417 (S. 683)._Border Security Results Act of 2013. To
require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a
comprehensive strategy to gain and maintain operational control
of the international borders of the United States, and for
other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security Apr. 9, 2013.
Reported amended May 20, 2013; Rept. 113-87.
LEGISLATION ORDERED TO BE REPORTED TO THE HOUSE
H.R. 3283._Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
Modernization Act of 2013. 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. Referred to
Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure Oct.
10, 2013. Homeland markup ordered reported, amended, April 20,
2014.
APPENDIX VI
Executive Communications, Memorials, and Presidential Messages
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Executive Communication 651
March 11, 2013--Letter from Acting Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
Privacy Office's report entitled, ``2012 Data Mining Report to
Congress'', pursuant to Pub. L. 110-53 (121 Stat. 266).
Executive Communication 2178
June 28, 2013--Letter from Chief, Border Security
Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Extension of Border
Zone in the State of New Mexico [Docket No.: USCBP-2012-0030]
(RIN: 1651-AA95) received June 10, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 3765
November 19, 2013--A letter from the Chief Privacy
Officer, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting a report
entitled, ``DHS Privacy Office 2013 Annual Report to
Congress''.
Executive Communication 3782
November 20, 2013--A letter from the Chief, Border
Security Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Technical Corrections
Relating to the Procedures for the Production or Disclosure of
Information in State or Local Criminal Proceedings [CBP Dec.
13-18] received November 18, 2013, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 576
January 27, 2014--Letter from Secretaries, Department of
Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, transmitting
notification that the Office of Management and Budget has
approved the Department's recommendation to procure midazolam
to mitigate and/or treat the effects of exposure to nerve
agents for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) using the
Special Reserve Fund (SRF).
Executive Communication 4577
January 27, 2014--Letter from Secretaries, Department of
Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, transmitting
notification that the Office of Management and Budget has
approved the Department's recommendation to procure cytokines--
NEUPOGEN (filgrastim) and Leukine (sargramostim)--to treat
Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) to be procured for the Strategic
National Stockpile (SNS) using the Special Reserve Fund.
Executive Communication 5970
June 12, 2014--Letter from Chief, Border Security
Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule--The U.S. Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card Program [Docket No.:
USCBP-2013-0029] (RIN: 1654-AB01) received May 7, 2014,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 6112
June 23, 2014--Letter from Acting Assistant Secretary,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the 2013 Annual
Progress Report on the National Strategy for Transportation
Security.
Executive Communication 6142
June 24, 2014--Letter from Acting Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's report for the Office of Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties for the Fourth Quarter of 2013.
Executive Communication 6225
June 30, 2014--Letter from, President of the United
States, transmitting a letter addressing the humanitarian
situation in the Rio Grande Valley areas of our Nation's
Southwest Border.
Executive Communication 6310
July 9, 2014--Letter from Administrator, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Administration's
certification that the level of screening services and
protection provided at the Bozeman Yellowstone International
Airport (BZN), Bert Mooney Airport (BTM), Glacier Park
International Airport (GPI) and Yellowstone Airport (WYS) will
be equal to or greater than the level that would be provided at
the airport by TSA Transportation Security Officers and that
the screening company is owned and controlled by citizens of
the United States, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 44920 Pub. L. 107-71,
( 108.
Executive Communication 6863
August 4, 2014--Letter from Chief, Border Security
Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule--losing of the
Jamieson Line, New York Border Crossing [Docket No.: USCBP-
2012-0037] [CBP Dec. 14-08] received July 17, 2014, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 7347
September 18, 2014--Letter from Acting Director, Office
of the National Drug Control Policy, transmitting 2014 National
Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
Executive Communication 7672
November 12, 2014--Letter from Acting Director,
Acquisition Policy and Legislation, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's final rule--Homeland
Security Acquisition Regulation; Lead System Integrators [HSAR
Case 2009-003] [Docket No.: DHS-2009-0006] (RIN: 1601-AA49)
received September 24, 2014, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 7737
November 17, 2014--Letter from Administrator, TSA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Administration's certification that the level of screening
services and protection provided at Orlando Sanford
International Airport (SFB) will be equal to or greater than
the level that would be provided at the airport by TSA
Transportation Security Officers.
Executive Communication 7752
November 18, 2014--Letter from Administrator, TSA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Administration's certification that the level of screening
services and protection provided at Roswell International Air
Center (ROW) will be equal to or greater than the level that
would be provided at the airport by TSA Transportation Security
Officers.
Executive Communication 7814
November 19, 2014--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting a report entitled
``DHS Privacy Office 2014 Annual Report to Congress''.
Executive Communication 7815
November 19, 2014--Letter from Administrator, Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and
Budget, transmitting a response to the Speaker's letter sent on
May 20, 2014 regarding a Transportation Security Administration
rule.
Executive Communication 8107
November 20, 2014--Letter from Chief Financial Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the ``Report on
the Purchase and Usage of Ammunition for 2013''.
Executive Communication 8231
December 10, 2014--Letter from Assistant Secretary for
Legislative Affairs, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Report of the Department's Office for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties, covering the first and second
quarters of FY 2014, from October 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014.
Executive Communication 8301
December 11, 2014--The Administration's certification
that the level of screening services and protection provided at
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) will be equal to
or greater than the level that would be provided at the airport
by TSA Transportation Security Officers .
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MEMORIALS
Memorial 38
May 24, 2013--Memorial of the General Assembly of the
State of California, relative to Assembly Joint Resolution No.
4 urging the federal government to fund necessary improvements
at the San Ysidro, Calexico, and Otay Mesa Ports of Entry.
Memorial 39
May 24, 2013--Memorial of the General Assembly of the
State of California, relative to Assembly Joint Resolution No.
4 urging the federal government to fund necessary improvements
at the San Ysidro, Calexico, and Otay Mesa Ports of Entry.
Memorial 119
July 31, 2013--Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Louisiana, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 119
memorializing Congress to establish a task force to study and
make recommendations relative to implementation of the Federal
REAL ID Act of 2005 in Louisiana.
----------
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES
Presidential Message 8
April 24, 2013--Communication from the President of the
United States, transmitting the Administration's 2013 National
Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504. (H. Doc.
113-20).
Presidential Message 49
July 10, 2014--Communication from the President of the
United States, transmitting the Administration's 2014 National
Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504. (H. Doc.
113-129).
APPENDIX VII
Committee Staff
MAJORITY STAFF
Brendan P. Shields, Staff Director
Paul Anstine, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Border and
Maritime Security
Diana Bergwin, Professional Staff Member
Kate Bonvechio, Professional Staff Member
Mandy Bowers, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism
and Intelligence
Luke Burke, Sr. Professional Staff Member
Chad Carlough, Professional Staff Member
Alan Carroll, Sr. Professional Staff Member
Lauren Claffey, Communications Director
Ryan Consaul, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Oversight and
Management Efficiency
Brett DeWitt, Sr. Advisor
Laura Fullerton, Sr. Advisor
Tina Garcia, Staff Assistant
Steven Giaier, Counsel, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security
Nicole Halavik, Professional Staff Member
Eric Heighberger, Deputy Staff Director
Deborah Jordan, Subcommittee Clerk
Kerry A. Kinirons, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications
Kyle Klein, Professional Staff Member
Alex Manning, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies
Natalie Matson, Professional Staff Member
Madaline Matthews, Special Assistant to the Staff Director
Kyle McFarland, Security Director
Jason Miller, Sr. Professional Staff Member
Margaret Anne Moore, Press Assistant
James Murphy, Sr. Advisor and Director of Member Services
John Neal, Professional Staff Member
Joan O'Hara, General Counsel
Jason Olin, Staff Assistant
R. Nicholas Palarino, Deputy Staff Director for Oversight and
Investigations
Amanda Parikh, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Transportation
Security
Erik Peterson, Professional Staff Member
Michael Rosen, Sr. Advisor
John Ross, Finance Officer
Bradley Saull, Professional Staff Member
Miles Taylor, Investigator
Dennis Terry, Subcommittee Clerk
Jake Vreeburg, Parliamentarian
April (Corbett) Ward, Press Secretary / Director of Digital
Media
Claire Woolf, Digital Director
Maseh Zarif, Investigator
MINORITY STAFF
I. Lanier Avant, Staff Director
Moira Bergin, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response,
and Communciations Director
Rosaline Cohen, Chief Counsel for Legislation
Adam M. Comis, Communications Director
Ashley M. Delgado, Professional Staff Member
Shante Gauthier, Executive Assistant
Hope Goins, Chief Counsel for Oversight
Cedric Haynes, Professional Staff Member
Cory Horton, Professional Staff Member
Deborah R. Mack, Professional Staff Member
Alison B. Northrop, Subcommittee on Border and Maritime
Security Director
K. Christopher Schepis, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies
Director
Nicole Tisdale, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence Director
Brian B. Turbyfill, Subcommittee on Transportation Security
Director
Nicole Wade, Office Manager
SHARED COMMITTEE STAFF
Michael S. Twinchek, Chief Clerk
Natalie Nixon, Deputy Chief Clerk / Administrator
Heather Crowell, GPO Detailee, Printer
----------
FORMER MAJORITY STAFF
Jennifer Arangio, Sr. Counsel
Ellen Carlin, Professional Staff
Robert Carretta, Advisor for Transportation Security / DHS
Reauthorization
Kevin Carroll, Sr. Counsel
Michael Geffroy, Deputy Chief of Staff / Chief Counsel
Kevin Gundersen, Sr. Professional Staff
Zach Harris, Assistant Security Director / Professional Staff
Greg Hill, Chief of Staff
Joshua Katz, Advisor
Tom Leonard, Advisor for Border Security
Michael McAdams, Deputy Press Secretary
Dirk Maurer, Counsel
James Meek, Advisor for Counterterrorism
Meghann Peterlin, Sr. Professional Staff Member / Security
Director
Krista Powers, Professional Staff
Mary Rose Rooney, Professional Staff Member
Monica Sanders, Sr. Counsel /Investigator
Charlotte Sellmeyer, Communications Director
Michael Spierto, Professional Staff Member
Kerry Ann Watkins, Staff Director, Subcommittee on
Counterterrorism and Intelligence
FORMER MINORITY STAFF
Hillary Anderson, Research Assistant
Pizza Ashby, Professional Staff Member
Cherri Branson, Chief Counsel for Oversight
Curtis Brown, Professional Staff Member
Synarus Greene, Professional Staff Member
Claytrice Henderson, Legislative Assistant
Marisela Salayandia, Sr. Professional Staff Member
Tamla T. Scott, Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiencies Director
Alyssa Scruggs, Research Assistant
Charles Snyder, Professional Staff Member
Shaun West, Professional Staff Member
FORMER SHARED STAFF
Dawn M. Criste, Chief Financial Officer
----------
APPENDIX VIII
Witnesses
----------
-- A --
Adamski, Shayne, Senior Manager, Digital Engagement, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Jul. 9, 2013, ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How
#SocialMedia & New Tech are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery #Disasters #Part2 #Govt/NGOs.''
Ahern, Jayson, Principal, Chertoff Group.
LBMS, Jun. 23, 2013, ``A Study in Contrasts: House and
Senate Approaches to Border Security.''
Alden, Edward, Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow, Council on
Foreign Relations.
LBMS, Jun. 23, 2013, ``A Study in Contrasts: House and
Senate Approaches to Border Security.''
Allen, Thad, (ADM, Ret.), Senior Vice President, Booz Allen
Hamilton.
LFULL, Feb. 13, 2013, ``A New Perspective on Threats to
the Homeland.''
Allison, Roderick, Assistant Administrator, Office of
Inspection, Transportation Security Administration,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LTS, Jan. 28, 2014, ``Examining TSA's Cadre of Criminal
Investigators.''
Amitay, Steve, Executive Director/General Counsel, National
Association of Security Companies.
LTS, Jul. 29, 2014, ``Examining TSA's Management of the
Screening Partnership Program.''
Armstrong, Charles, Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Information and Technology, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Feb. 6, 2014, ``Examining Challenges and Wasted
Taxpayer Dollars in Modernizing Border Security IT Systems.''
Ashwood, Albert, Chairman, NEMA Legislative Committee,
Director, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management,
Testifying on behalf of the National Emergency
Management Association.
LEPRC, Jul. 9, 2013, ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How
#SocialMedia & New Tech are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery #Disasters #Part2 #Govt/NGOs.''
Astrue, Michael, Former Social Security Commissioner, Former
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services General
Counsel.
LCIPST, Sep. 11, 2013, ``The Threat to Americans'
Personal Information: A Look into the Security and Reliability
of the Health Exchange Data Hub.''
-- B --
Baker, Stewart A., Former Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Jun. 20, 2014, ``Stakeholder Perspectives on
Priorities for the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.''
Baranoff, Ari, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Criminal
Investigative Division, United States Secret Service,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Apr. 16, 2014, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
``Protecting Your Personal Data: How Law Enforcement Works With
the Private Sector to Prevent Cybercrime.''
Barfi, Barak, Research Fellow, New America Foundation.
LCTI, May 22, 2013, ``Assessing the Threat to the
Homeland from al Qaeda Operations in Iran and Syria.''
Beck, Chris, Dr., Vice President, Policy and Strategic
Initiatives, The Electric Infrastructure Security
Council.
LCIPST, May 8, 2014, ``Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP):
Threat to Critical Infrastructure.''
Beckerman, Michael, President and CEO, The Internet
Association.
LEPRC, Mar. 19, 2013, ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How
#SocialMedia & New Tech are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery #Disasters #Part1 #Privatesector.''
Bejtlich, Richard, Chief Security Officer and Security Services
Architect, Mandiant.
LCIPST, Mar. 20, 2013, ``Cyber Threats from China,
Russia and Iran: Protecting American Critical Infrastructure.''
Benda, Paul, Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency,
Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LTS, May 8, 2013, ``TSA Procurement Reform: Saving
Taxpayer Dollars Through Smarter Spending Practices.''
Benner, William, Director, Screening Partnership Program,
Office of Security Operations, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LTS, Jul. 29, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Examining TSA's Management of the Screening
Partnership Program.''
Bentley, Emily, Associate Professor, Homeland Security and
Emergency Management Program, Savannah State
University.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Bercerra, Xavier, a Representative in Congress from the 34th
District, State of California.
LBMS, Jun. 23, 2013, ``A Study in Contrasts: House and
Senate Approaches to Border Security.''
Berman, Ilan, Vice President, American Foreign Policy Council.
LCIPST, Mar. 20, 2013, ``Cyber Threats from China,
Russia and Iran: Protecting American Critical Infrastructure.''
LOME, Jul. 9, 2013, ``Threat to the Homeland: Iran's
Extending Influence in the Western Hemisphere.''
Berrick, Cathleen, Managing Director, Homeland Security and
Justice Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LOME, Feb. 15, 2013, ``Assessing DHS 10 years later: How
Wisely is DHS Spending Taxpayer Dollars?''
LOME, Apr. 26, 2013, ``Cutting DHS Duplication and
Wasteful Spending: Implementing Private Sector Best Practices
and Watchdog Recommendations.''
Bersin, Alan D., Assistant Secretary of International Affairs
and Chief Diplomatic Officer, Office of International
Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2014, ``Taking Down the Cartels:
Examining United States--Mexico Cooperation.''
LBMS, Apr. 4, 2014, ``Passport Fraud: An International
Vulnerability.''
Berteau, David J., Senior Vice President and Director,
International Security Program, Center for Strategic
and International Studies.
LOME, Sep. 19, 2013, ``DHS Acquisition Practices:
Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and Private
Sector Lessons Learned.''
Bhimani, Anish B., Chairman, Financial Services Information
Sharing and Analysis Center.
LFULL, Mar. 13, 2013, ``DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and
Responsibilities to Protect the Nation's Critical
Infrastructure.''
Biddle, Stephen, Adjunct Senior Fellow for Defense Policy,
Council on Foreign Relations.
LFULL, Sep. 10, 2013, ``Crisis in Syria: Implications
for Homeland Security.''
Blanchard, Lauren Ploch, Specialist in African Affairs,
Congressional Research Service, The Library of
Congress.
LFULL, Oct. 9, 2013, ``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How
Westerners Joining Terror Groups Overseas Affect the
Homeland.''
Blank, Jonah, PhD., Senior Political Analyst, The RAND
Corporation.
LCTI, Jun. 12, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Protecting the Homeland Against Mumbai-Style Attacks
and the Threat from Lashkar-e-Taiba.''
Boles, J. Douglas, President, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``Mass Gathering Security: A Look
at the Coordinated Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New
Jersey and Other Large Scale Events.''
Borer, David A., General Counsel, American Federation of
Government Employees.
LTS, Apr. 11, 2013, ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-
Based Security: Stakeholder Perspectives.''
Borkowski, Mark, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Technology
Innovation and Acquisition, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Mar. 20, 2013, ``Measuring Outcomes to Understand
the State of Border Security.''
LBMS, Mar. 12, 2014, ``The Arizona Border Surveillance
Technology Plan and its Impact on Border Security.''
Borras, Rafael, Under Secretary for Management, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security.
LOME, Apr. 12, 2013, ``The Impact of Sequestration on
Homeland Security: Scare Tactics or Possible Threat?''
LOME, Sep. 19, 2013, ``DHS Acquisition Practices:
Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and Private
Sector Lessons Learned.''
Bottum, Jim, Chief Information Officer and Vice Provost,
Computing and Information Technology, Clemson
University.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Bowen, Mark, Sheriff, Hamilton County, Indiana.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Braniff, Bill, Executive Director, National Consortium for the
Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism,
University of Maryland.
LOME, Jun. 14, 2013, ``Why Can't DHS Better Communicate
with the American People?''
Bray, Shawn A., Director, INTERPOL Washington, U.S. National
Central Bureau, U.S. Department of Justice.
LBMS, Apr. 4, 2014, ``Passport Fraud: An International
Vulnerability.''
Briggs, Cheryl, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mission at
Serenity Ranch.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
Brinsfield, Kathryn, MD, MPH, FACEP, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Office of Health Affairs, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``BioWatch: Lessons Learned and
the Path Forward.''
LFULL, Oct. 10, 2014, (Dallas, Texas) ``Ebola in the
Homeland: The Importance of Effective International, Federal,
State and Local Coordination.''
Brookes, Peter, Dr., Senior Fellow, National Security Affairs,
Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign
Policy, The Heritage Foundation.
LCTI, Jul. 24, 2014, ``Jihadist Safe Havens: Efforts to
Detect and Deter Terrorist Travel.''
Brothers, Reginald, Dr., Under Secretary, Science and
Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``BioWatch: Lessons Learned and
the Path Forward.''
LCIPST and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Sep. 9,
2014, ``Strategy and Mission of the DHS Science and Technology
Directorate.''
Browne, Christopher U., Airport Manager, Washington Dulles
International Airport, testifying on behalf of the
American Association of Airport Executives.
LTS, Apr. 11, 2013, ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-
Based Security: Stakeholder Perspectives.''
-- C --
Caine, Virginia, Dr., Director, Public Health Administration,
Marion County Public Health Department, State of
Indiana.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Caldwell, Stephen L., Director, Homeland Security and Justice,
U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LCIPST, Aug. 1, 2013, ``West Fertilizer, Off the Grid:
The Problem of Unidentified Chemical Facilities.''
LBMS, Nov. 19, 2013, ``What Does a Secure Maritime
Border Look Like?''
LCIPST, Feb. 27, 2014, H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
Callahan, Mary Ellen, Partner, Jenner & Block and Former Chief
Privacy Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Apr. 25, 2013, ``Striking the Right Balance:
Protecting Our Nation's Critical Infrastructure from Cyber
Attack and Ensuring Privacy and Civil Liberties.''
Capello, Frank, Director of Security, Fort Lauderdale--
Hollywood International Airport.
LTS, May 29, 2014, ``Lessons from the LAX Shooting:
Airport and Law Enforcement Perspectives.''
Cardenas, Jorge L., Vice President, Asset Management and
Centralized Services, Public Service Enterprise Group,
Inc.
LEPRC. Mar. 19, 2013, ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How
#SocialMedia & New Tech are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery #Disasters #Part1 #Privatesector.''
Cetnar, Edward, Lt. Col., Deputy Superintendent, Operations,
New Jersey State Police.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``Mass Gathering Security: A Look
at the Coordinated Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New
Jersey and Other Large Scale Events.''
Chao, Henry, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Deputy Director
of the Office of Information Services, Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services.
LCIPST and the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform's Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and
Entitlements, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Evaluating Privacy, Security,
and Fraud Concerns with ObamaCare's Information Sharing
Apparatus.''
Chung, Luke, President, FMS, Inc.
LFULL, Nov. 13, 2013, ``Cyber Side-Effects: How Secure
is the Personal Information Entered into the Flawed
Healthcare.gov?''
Cilluffo, Frank J., Director, Homeland Security Policy
Institute and Co-Director, Cyber Center for National
and Economic Security, The George Washington
University.
LCIPST, Mar. 20, 2013, ``Cyber Threats from China,
Russia and Iran: Protecting American Critical Infrastructure.''
LCTI, Sep. 18, 2013, ``Understanding the Threat to the
Homeland from AQAP.''
LOME, Jun. 20, 2014, ``Stakeholder Perspectives on
Priorities for the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.''
Cohen, John, Deputy Counterterrorism Coordinator and Senior
Advisor to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LFULL, Jul. 11, 2013, ``Assessing Attacks on the
Homeland: From Fort Hood to Boston.''
Cole, Leonard, Dr., Director, Terror Medicine and Security,
Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey
Medical School.
LCTI, Apr. 25, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Counterterrorism Efforts to Combat a Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Attack on the
Homeland.''
LEPRC, Feb. 11, 2014, ``Bioterrorism: Assessing the
Threat.''
Comey, James B., Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
U.S. Department of Justice.
LFULL, Sep. 17, 2014, ``Worldwide Threats to the
Homeland.''
Commodore, Shenee, Government Contracts and Business Manager,
Intertek, testifying on behalf of the Security Industry
Association.
LTS, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Stakeholder Perspectives on TSA
Acquisition Reform.''
Connell, Chris, President, Commodity Forwarders, Inc.,
testifying on behalf of the Airforwarders Association.
LTS, Jun. 24, 2014, ``Utilizing Canine Teams to Detect
Explosives and Mitigate Threats.''
Cook, Steven A., Dr., Senior Fellow, Middle Eastern Studies,
Council on Foreign Relations.
LCTI, Feb. 11, 2014, ``Al Qaeda's Expansion in Egypt:
Implications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
Cornyn, John, Senator, State of Texas.
LBMS, Jun. 23, 2013, ``A Study in Contrasts: House and
Senate Approaches to Border Security.''
Correa, Soraya, Associate Director, Enterprise Services
Directorate, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Nov. 13, 2013, ``Cyber Side-Effects: How Secure
is the Personal Information Entered into the Flawed
Healthcare.gov?''
Cox, J. David, Sr., National President, American Federation of
Government Employees.
LTS, Mar. 28, 2014, (Los Angeles, CA) ``Lessons from the
LAX Shooting: Preparing for and Responding to Emergencies at
Airports.''
LTS, Jul. 29, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Examining TSA's Management of the Screening
Partnership Program.''
Cummiskey, Chris, Acting Under Secretary, Management
Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``BioWatch: Lessons Learned and
the Path Forward.''
LOME, Sep. 19, 2014, ``Oversight of the DHS Headquarters
Project at St. Elizabeths: Impact on the Taxpayer.''
Currie, Chris, Acting Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``BioWatch: Lessons Learned and
the Path Forward.''
-- D --
Daddario, Richard, Deputy Commissioner for Counterterrorism,
New York City Police Department.
LCTI, Apr. 25, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Counterterrorism Efforts to Combat a Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Attack on the
Homeland.''
Daly, Kay, Assistant Inspector General, Audit Services, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
LCIPST, Sep. 11, 2013, ``The Threat to Americans'
Personal Information: A Look into the Security and Reliability
of the Health Exchange Data Hub.''
Davis, Edward F., III, Commissioner, Boston Police Department.
LFULL, May 9, 2013, ``The Boston Bombings: A First
Look.''
Former Commissioner, Boston Police Department and Fellow,
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard
University.
LFULL, Apr. 9, 2014, ``The Boston Marathon Bombings, One
Year On: A Look Back to Look Forward.''
DeFrancis, Suzanne C., Chief Public Affairs Officer, American
Red Cross.
LEPRC, Jul. 9, 2013, ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How
#SocialMedia & New Tech are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery #Disasters #Part2 #Govt/NGOs.''
DeLorenzi, Daniel, Director, Security and Safety Services,
MetLife Stadium.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``Mass Gathering Security: A Look
at the Coordinated Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New
Jersey and Other Large Scale Events.''
Demarest, Joseph, Assistant Director, Cyber Division, Federal
Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice.
LCTI & CIPST, May 21, 2014, ``Assessing Persistent and
Emerging Cyber Threats to the U.S. Homeland.''
Derig, Paul, Environmental Health and Safety Manger III, J.R.
Simplot Company, testifying on behalf of the
Agricultural Retailers Association.
LCIPST, Aug. 1, 2013, ``West Fertilizer, Off the Grid:
The Problem of Unidentified Chemical Facilities.''
Deveau, Edward P., Chief of Police, Watertown Police
Department.
LFULL, Apr. 9, 2014, ``The Boston Marathon Bombings, One
Year On: A Look Back to Look Forward.''
Dicken, John, Director, Health Care, U.S. Government
Accountability Office.
LCIPST and the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform's Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and
Entitlements, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Evaluating Privacy, Security,
and Fraud Concerns with ObamaCare's Information Sharing
Apparatus.''
Dinkins, James A., Executive Associate Director, Homeland
Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, May 21, 2013, ``Visa Security and Overstays: How
Secure is America?''
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2014, ``Preventing Waste, Fraud, Abuse
and Mismanagement in Homeland Security--A GAO High-Risk List
Review.''
Dippel, Donnie, President, Texas Ag Industries Association.
LCIPST, Aug. 1, 2013, ``West Fertilizer, Off the Grid:
The Problem of Unidentified Chemical Facilities.''
Disraelly, Deena S., Research Staff, Strategy, Forces and
Resources Division, Institute for Defense Analyses.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``BioWatch: Lessons Learned and
the Path Forward.''
Dodaro, Gene L., Comptroller General of the United States, U.S.
Government Accountability Office.
LFULL, Apr. May 7, 2014, ``Preventing Waste, Fraud,
Abuse and Mismanagement in Homeland Security--A GAO High-Risk
List Review.''
Dong, Norman, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, U.S.
General Services Administration.
LOME, Sep. 19, 2014, ``Oversight of the DHS Headquarters
Project at St. Elizabeths: Impact on the Taxpayer.''
Duke, Elaine C., Former Under Secretary for Management, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Jun. 20, 2014, ``Stakeholder Perspectives on
Priorities for the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.''
Duncan, Alan R., Assistant Inspector General for Security and
Information Technology Services, Inspector General for
Tax Administration, Department of the Treasury.
LCIPST and the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform's Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and
Entitlements, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Evaluating Privacy, Security,
and Fraud Concerns with ObamaCare's Information Sharing
Apparatus.''
Dunlap, Ken, Global Director, Security & Travel Facilitation,
International Air Transport Association.
LTS, Apr. 11, 2013, ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-
Based Security: Stakeholder Perspectives.''
Durkovich, Caitlin, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Facility Protection: Implications
of the Navy Yard Shooting on Homeland Security.'' Testifying on
behalf of the Interagency Security Committee.
LCIPST, Feb. 27, 2014, H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
-- E --
Edwards, Charles K., Deputy Inspector General, Office of the
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LOME, Mar. 19, 2013, ``DHS Information Technology: How
Effectively Has DHS Harnessed IT to Secure Our Borders and
Uphold Immigration Laws?''
LTS, May 8, 2013, ``TSA Procurement Reform: Saving
Taxpayer Dollars Through Smarter Spending Practices.''
LCIPST, May 16, 2013, ``Facilitating Cyber Threat
Information Sharing and Partnering with the Private Sector to
Protect Critical Infrastructure: An Assessment of DHS
Capabilities.''
LTS, Nov. 14, 2013, ``TSA's SPOT Program and Initial
Lessons From the LAX Shooting.''
Eidr, Kris, Director, Homeland Security and Emergency
Management, State of Minnesota, testifying on behalf of
the Governors Homeland Security Advisory Council and
the National Emergency Management Association.
LEPRC, Apr. 29, 2014, ``Stakeholder Assessments of the
Administration's National Preparedness Grant Program
Proposal.''
Elmenshawy, Mohamed, Resident Scholar, The Middle East
Institute.
LCTI, Feb. 11, 2014, ``Al Qaeda's Expansion in Egypt:
Implications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
English, Charley, Director, Georgia Emergency Management
Agency, testifying on behalf of the National Emergency
Management Association.
LEPRC & CIPST, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Cyber Incident Response:
Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and Emergency
Management.''
Ervin, Clark Kent, Partner, Patton Boggs, LLP.
LFULL, Feb. 13, 2013, ``A New Perspective on Threats to
the Homeland.''
Escobar, Veronica, County Judge, El Paso, Texas.
LBMS, Mar. 20, 2013, ``Measuring Outcomes to Understand
the State of Border Security.''
-- F --
Fair, C. Christine, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Georgetown
University, Security Studies Program in the Edumnd A.
Walsh School of Foreign Service.
LCTI, Jun. 12, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Protecting the Homeland Against Mumbai-Style Attacks
and the Threat from Lashkar-e-Taiba.''
Falconer, Dolan P., Jr., Co-Founder, Chairman, and General
Manger, Scan Tech Holdings.
LTS, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Stakeholder Perspectives on TSA
Acquisition Reform.''
Farah, Douglas, President, IBI Consultants.
LOME, Jul. 9, 2013, ``Threat to the Homeland: Iran's
Extending Influence in the Western Hemisphere.''
Farrell, Brenda S., Director, Defense Capabilities and
Management, Military and DOD Civilian Personnel Issues,
U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LCTI, Nov. 13, 2013, ``The Insider Threat to Homeland
Security: Examining Our Nation's Security Clearance
Processes.''
Feeley, John D.,Principal Deputy, Bureau of Western Hemisphere
Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2014, ``Taking Down the Cartels:
Examining United States--Mexico Cooperation.''
Fendley, Anna, Legislative Representative, United Steelworkers.
LCIPST, Feb. 27, 2014, H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
Fenton, Robert J., Jr., Acting Deputy Associate Administrator,
Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Fisher, Eric A., PhD, Senior Specialist, Science and
Technology, Congressional Research Service, The Library
of Congress.
LCIPST, Jul. 18, 2013, ``Oversight of Executive Order
13636 and Development of the Cybersecurity Framework.''
Fisher, Michael J., Chief, Border Patrol, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LBMS, Feb. 26, 2013, ``What Does a Secure Border Look
Like?''
LBMS, Mar. 20, 2013, ``Measuring Outcomes to Understand
the State of Border Security.''
Frankel, Michael J., Dr., Senior Scientist, Penn State
University, Applied Research Laboratory.
LCIPST, May 8, 2014, ``Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP):
Threat to Critical Infrastructure.''
Franks, Trent, a Representative in Congress from the Eighth
District of Arizona.
LCIPST, May 8, 2014, ``Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP):
Threat to Critical Infrastructure.''
Freeman, Geoff, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice
President, U.S. Travel Association.
LTS, Apr. 11, 2013, ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-
Based Security: Stakeholder Perspectives.''
Fugate, W. Craig, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Jun. 24, 2014, ``Dangerous Passage: The Growing
Problem of Unaccompanied Children Crossing the Border.''
LEPRC, Mar. 25, 2014, ``The Federal Emergency Management
Agency's FY2015 Budget Request: Ensuring Effective
Preparedness, Response, and Communications.''
Fulghum, Chip, Acting Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security.
LOME, Nov. 15, 2013, ``DHS Financial Management:
Investigating DHS's Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars.''
Fulop, Steven M., Mayor, Jersey City, New Jersey.
LEPRC, Apr. 29, 2014, ``Stakeholder Assessments of the
Administration's National Preparedness Grant Program
Proposal.''
-- G --
Gambler, Rebecca, Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LBMS, Feb. 26, 2013, ``What Does a Secure Border Look
Like?''
LBMS, May 21, 2013, ``Visa Security and Overstays: How
Secure is America?''
LBMS, Sep. 26, 2013, ``Fulfilling A Key 9/11 Commission
Recommendation: Implementing Biometric Exit.''
LBMS, Mar. 12, 2014, ``The Arizona Border Surveillance
Technology Plan and its Impact on Border Security.''
Gannon, Patrick M., Chief of Airport Police, Los Angeles World
Airports.
LTS, Mar. 28, 2014, (Los Angeles, CA) ``Lessons from the
LAX Shooting: Preparing for and Responding to Emergencies at
Airports.''
Garcia, Adrian, Sheriff, Sheriff's Office, Harris County,
Texas.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
Garcia, Ramon, Hidalgo County Judge, Hidalgo County, Texas.
LFULL, Jul. 3, 2014, (McAllen, Texas) ``Crisis on the
Texas Border: Surge of Unaccompanied Minors.''
Garrison, Todd, Sheriff, Sheriff's Office, Donna Ana County,
New Mexico.
LOME, Jul. 10, 2014, ``The Executive Proclamation
Designating the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks a National
Monument: Implications for Border Security.''
Gelber, Michael, Deputy Commissioner, Public Buildings Service,
U.S. General Services Administration.
LBMS, Jul. 16, 2014, ``Port of Entry Infrastructure: How
Does the Federal Government Prioritize Investments?''
Gerstein, Daniel, Deputy Under Secretary, Science and
Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LTS, Nov. 14, 2013, ``TSA's SPOT Program and Initial
Lessons From the LAX Shooting.''
Ghilarducci, Mark, Director, California Governor's Office of
Emergency Services, testifying on behalf of the
National Governors Association and the Governors
Homeland Security Advisors Council.
LEPRC, Sep. 19, 2013, ``Assessing the Nation's State of
Preparedness: A Federal, State, and Local Perspective.''
Gilmore, James, III, President, Free Congress Foundation.
LOME, Feb. 15, 2013, ``Assessing DHS 10 years later: How
Wisely is DHS Spending Taxpayer Dollars?''
Giroir, Brett P., Dr. Executive Vice President and CEO, Texas
A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University,
Director, Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease
Preparedness and Response.
LFULL, Oct. 10, 2014, (Dallas, Texas) ``Ebola in the
Homeland: The Importance of Effective International, Federal,
State and Local Coordination.''
Giuliani, Rudolph ``Rudy'' W., former Mayor, New York City.
LFULL, Jul. 10, 2013, ``Assessing Attacks on the
Homeland: From Fort Hood to Boston.''
Goldstein, Mark, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, U.S.
Government Accountability Office.
LOME, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Facility Protection: Implications
of the Navy Yard Shooting on Homeland Security.''
Gorelick, Jamie S., Former Commissioner, National Commission on
Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
LFULL, Jul. 23, 2014, ``The Rising Terrorist Threat and
the Unfulfilled 9/11 Recommendation.''
Gowadia, Huban A., Dr., Acting Director, Domestic Nuclear
Detection Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LCTI, Apr. 25, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Counterterrorism Efforts to Combat a Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Attack on the
Homeland.''
LCIPST, Jul. 29, 2014, ``Protecting the Homeland from
Nuclear and Radiological Threats.''
Graves, Margaret H., Deputy Chief Information Officer, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Mar. 19, 2013, ``DHS Information Technology: How
Effectively Has DHS Harnessed IT to Secure Our Borders and
Uphold Immigration Laws?''
Greenwalt, William C., Visiting Fellow, Marilyn Ware Center for
Security Studies, American Enterprise Institute.
LOME, Sep. 19, 2013, ``DHS Acquisition Practices:
Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and Private
Sector Lessons Learned.''
Griffin-Townsend, Kathryn, Founder, We've Been There Done That.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
Grossi, Dan, Director, Event Security, National Football
League.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``Mass Gathering Security: A Look
at the Coordinated Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New
Jersey and Other Large Scale Events.''
Grover, Jennifer A., Acting Director, Homeland Security and
Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LTS, Jun. 24, 2014, ``Utilizing Canine Teams to Detect
Explosives and Mitigate Threats.''
LTS, Sep. 18, 2014, ``Safeguarding Privacy and Civil
Liberties While Keeping our Skies Safe.''
LTS, Jul. 29, 2014, ``Examining TSA's Management of the
Screening Partnership Program.''
Grubb, Mark A., Director, Division of Communications,
Department of Safety and Homeland Security, State of
Delaware.
LEPRC, Nov. 18, 2014, ``Interoperable Communications:
Assessing Progress Since 9/11.''
Guerra, J. E. ``Eddie'', Interim Sheriff, Sheriff's Office,
Hidalgo County, Texas.
LFULL, Jul. 3, 2014,)McAllen, Texas) ``Crisis on the
Texas Border: Surge of Unaccompanied Minors.''
-- H --
Hahn, Gordon M., Ph.D., Analyst and Advisory Board member,
Geostrategic Forecasting Corporation.
LCTI, Apr. 3, 2014, ``Assessing Terrorism in the
Caucasus and the Threat to the Homeland.''
Halinski, John, Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Apr. 12, 2013, ``The Impact of Sequestration on
Homeland Security: Scare Tactics or Possible Threat?''
LOME & TS, Jul. 31, 2013, ``TSA Integrity Challenges:
Examining Misconduct by Airport Security Personnel.''
Halstrom, Jason, Dr., Deputy Director, Institute of
Computational Ecology, Clemson University.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Hampford Donahue, Kate, President, Hampford Research, Inc.,
testifying on behalf of the Society of Chemical
Manufacturers and Affiliates.
LCIPST, Feb. 27, 2014, H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
Harman, Jane, Former Representative from the State of
California.
LFULL, Jan. 15, 2014, ``A False Narrative Endangers the
Homeland.''
Harvey, Melanie, Director, Threat Assessment Division,
Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security.
LTS, Jun. 24, 2014, ``Utilizing Canine Teams to Detect
Explosives and Mitigate Threats.''
Hayes, Gary W., Chief Information Officer, Centerpoint Energy.
LFULL, Mar. 13, 2013, ``DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and
Responsibilities to Protect the Nation's Critical
Infrastructure.''
Henry, Shawn, President, CrowdStrike Services.
LFULL, Feb. 13, 2013, ``A New Perspective on Threats to
the Homeland.''
Hewitt, Ronald, (RADM USCG Ret.), Director, Office of Emergency
Communications, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Nov. 18, 2014, ``Interoperable Communications:
Assessing Progress Since 9/11.''
Hill, John, Executive Director, Indiana Department of Homeland
Security.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Hodges, Marcia, Chief Inspector, Office of the Inspector
General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Feb. 27, 2014, H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
Hoffman, Bruce, Professor and Director, Center for Peace and
Security Studies and Security, Georgetown University.
LFULL, Jul. 10, 2013, ``Assessing Attacks on the
Homeland: From Fort Hood to Boston.''
Hooley, James, Chief, Boston Emergency Medical Services.
LFULL, Jun. 18, 2014, ``The Critical Role of First
Responders: Sharing Lessons Learned from Past Attacks.''
Humire, Joseph M., Executive Director, Center for a Secure Free
Society.
LOME, Jul. 9, 2013, ``Threat to the Homeland: Iran's
Extending Influence in the Western Hemisphere.''
-- I --
Inglesby, Tom, Dr., CEO and Director, University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center for Health Security.
LEPRC, Feb. 11, 2014, ``Bioterrorism: Assessing the
Threat.''
Isaac, Reena, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Baylor
College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
-- J --
Jackson, Brian A., Director, RAND Safety and Justice Program,
The RAND Corporation.
LFULL, Jun. 18, 2014, ``The Critical Role of First
Responders: Sharing Lessons Learned from Past Attacks.''
Jenkins, Clay Lewis, Judge, Dallas County, Texas.
LFULL, Oct. 10, 2014, (Dallas, Texas) ``Ebola in the
Homeland: The Importance of Effective International, Federal,
State and Local Coordination.''
Jensen, Robert, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of
Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Jun. 14, 2013, ``Why Can't DHS Better Communicate
with the American People?''
Johnson, Ann, Assistant District Attorney, Office of the
District Attorney, Harris County, Texas.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
Johnson, Hillary Batjer, Acting Deputy Coordinator, Homeland
Security and Multilateral Affairs, Bureau of
Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State.
LBMS, Sep. 10, 2014, ``One Flight Away: An Examination
of the Threat posed by ISIS Terrorists with Western
Passports.''
Johnson, Jeh C., Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LFULL, Feb. 26, 2014, ``The Secretary's Vision for the
Future--Challenges and Priorities.''
LFULL, Mar. 13, 2014, ``The President's FY 2015 Budget
Request for the Department of Homeland Security.''
LFULL, Jun. 24, 2014, ``Dangerous Passage: The Growing
Problem of Unaccompanied Children Crossing the Border.''
LFULL, Sep. 17, 2014, ``Worldwide Threats to the
Homeland.''
LFULL, Dec. 2, 2014, ``Open Borders: The Impact of
Presidential Amnesty on Border Security.''
Jones, Seth G., Ph.D., Director, International Security and
Defense Policy Center, The Rand Corporation.
LCTI, May 22, 2013, ``Assessing the Threat to the
Homeland from al Qaeda Operations in Iran and Syria.''
LCTI, Jul. 24, 2014, ``Jihadist Safe Havens: Efforts to
Detect and Deter Terrorist Travel.''
Joscelyn, Thomas, Senior Fellow, Foundation for the Defense of
Democracies.
LCTI, May 22, 2013, ``Assessing the Threat to the
Homeland from al Qaeda Operations in Iran and Syria.''
LFULL, Sep. 10, 2013, ``Crisis in Syria: Implications
for Homeland Security.''
LCTI, Feb. 11, 2014, ``Al Qaeda's Expansion in Egypt:
Implications for U.S. Homeland Security.''
Judd, Brandon, President, National Border Patrol Council.
LOME, Apr. 12, 2013, ``The Impact of Sequestration on
Homeland Security: Scare Tactics or Possible Threat?''
LOME, Jul. 10, 2014, ``The Executive Proclamation
Designating the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks a National
Monument: Implications for Border Security.''
-- K --
Kadlec, Robert P., Dr., Former Special Assistant to the
President for Biodefense.
LEPRC, Feb. 11, 2014, ``Bioterrorism: Assessing the
Threat.''
Kagen, Fred, Dr., Director, Critical Threats Project, American
Enterprise Institute.
LCTI, Jul. 24, 2014, ``Jihadist Safe Havens: Efforts to
Detect and Deter Terrorist Travel.''
Katulis, Brian, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress.
LCTI, Sep. 18, 2013, ``Understanding the Threat to the
Homeland from AQAP.''
Kean, Thomas H., Jr., Co-Chair, Homeland Security Project,
Bipartisan Policy Center and former Chair, National
Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
LFULL, Jul. 23, 2014, ``The Rising Terrorist Threat and
the Unfulfilled 9/11 Recommendation.''
Keane, John M. ``Jack'', Gen. (Ret. U.S. Army), Chairman of the
Board, Institute for the Study of War.
LFULL, Jan. 15, 2014, ``A False Narrative Endangers the
Homeland.''
Kelley, Colleen M., National President, The National Treasury
Employees Union.
LFULL, Dec. 12, 2013, ``Help Wanted at DHS: Implications
of Leadership Vacancies on the Mission and Morale.''
Kennedy, TJ, Acting General Manager, First Responder Network
Authority.
LEPRC, Nov. 18, 2014, ``Interoperable Communications:
Assessing Progress Since 9/11.''
Kessler, Tamara, Acting Officer for Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Jun. 14, 2013, ``Why Can't DHS Better Communicate
with the American People?''
Khan, Asif, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, U.S.
Government.
LOME, Nov. 15, 2013, ``DHS Financial Management:
Investigating DHS's Stewardship of Taxpayer
Dollars.''Accountability Office.
Kierce, W. Greg, Sgt. Director, Office of Emergency, Management
and Homeland Security, Jersey City, New Jersey.
LEPRC, Jul. 9, 2013, ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How
#SocialMedia & New Tech are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery #Disasters #Part2 #Govt/NGOs.''
Killough, Craig, Vice President, Organization Markets, Project
Management Institute.
LOME, Apr. 26, 2013, ``Cutting DHS Duplication and
Wasteful Spending: Implementing Private Sector Best Practices
and Watchdog Recommendations.''
Knight, H. Clifton, Chief Medical Officer, Community Health
Network.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Kolasky, Richard, Director, Implementation Task Force, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Jul. 18, 2013, ``Oversight of Executive Order
13636 and Development of the Cybersecurity Framework.''
Kostro, Stephanie Sanok, Senior Fellow and Acting Director,
Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Program, Center
for Strategic and International Studies.
LFULL, Oct. 9, 2013, ``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How
Westerners Joining Terror Groups Overseas Affect the
Homeland.''
Koumoutsos, Louis, Chief, Office of Security, The Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``Mass Gathering Security: A Look
at the Coordinated Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New
Jersey and Other Large Scale Events.''
Krush, Waylon, Chief Executive Officer, Lunarline, Inc.
LFULL, Nov. 13, 2013, ``Cyber Side-Effects: How Secure
is the Personal Information Entered into the Flawed
Healthcare.gov?''
Kuchins, Andrew C., Ph.D., Director and Senior Fellow, Russia
and Eurasia Program, Center for Strategic and
International Studies.
LCTI, Apr. 3, 2014, ``Assessing Terrorism in the
Caucasus and the Threat to the Homeland.''
-- L --
Lacy, Clifton R., Dr., Director, University Center for Disaster
Preparedness and Emergency Response, Rutgers
University.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Lakey, David L., Dr., Commissioner of Health, Department of
State Health Services, State of Texas.
LFULL, Oct. 10, 2014, (Dallas, Texas) ``Ebola in the
Homeland: The Importance of Effective International, Federal,
State and Local Coordination.''
Landguth, Michael J., President and Chief Executive Officer,
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, Raleigh-Durham
International Airport.
LTS, May 29, 2014, ``Lessons from the LAX Shooting:
Airport and Law Enforcement Perspectives.''
Lasley, Jennifer A., Deputy Under Secretary for Analysis,
Office of Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LBMS, Sep. 10, 2014, ``One Flight Away: An Examination
of the Threat posed by ISIS Terrorists with Western
Passports.''
Lee, William D., Rear Admiral, Deputy, Operations Policy and
Capabilities, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LBMS, Feb. 26, 2013, ``What Does a Secure Border Look
Like?''
LBMS, Nov. 19, 2013, ``What Does a Secure Maritime
Border Look Like?''
Leiter, Michael E., Former Director, National Counterterrorism
Center.
LFULL, Feb. 13, 2013, ``A New Perspective on Threats to
the Homeland.''
LFULL, Jul. 10, 2013, ``Assessing Attacks on the
Homeland: From Fort Hood to Boston.''
Lemons, Glenn, Senior Intelligence Officer, Cyber Intelligence
Analysis Division, Office of Intelligence and Analysis,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LCTI & CIPST, May 21, 2014, ``Assessing Persistent and
Emerging Cyber Threats to the U.S. Homeland.''
Leonard, Herman ``Dutch'' B., Professor of Public Management,
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard
University.
LFULL, Apr. 9, 2014, ``The Boston Marathon Bombings, One
Year On: A Look Back to Look Forward.''
Lesser, Oscar, Mayor, City of El Paso, Texas.
LBMS, Jul. 16, 2014, ``Port of Entry Infrastructure: How
Does the Federal Government Prioritize Investments?''
Libicki, Martin C., Senior Management Scientist, The RAND
Corporation.
LCIPST, Mar. 20, 2013, ``Cyber Threats from China,
Russia and Iran: Protecting American Critical Infrastructure.''
Lieberman, Joseph I., former Senator from the State of
Connecticut.
LFULL, May 9, 2013, ``The Boston Bombings: A First
Look.''
LFULL, Jan. 15, 2014, ``A False Narrative Endangers the
Homeland.''
Lindsey, Gina Marie, Executive Director, Los Angeles World
Airports.
LTS, Mar. 28, 2014, (Los Angeles, CA) ``Lessons from the
LAX Shooting: Preparing for and Responding to Emergencies at
Airports.''
Litchford, Thomas, Vice President, Retail Technology, National
Retail Federation.
LCIPST, Apr. 16, 2014, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
``Protecting Your Personal Data: How Law Enforcement Works With
the Private Sector to Prevent Cybercrime.''
Livingston, Robert, Jr., Adjutant General, State of South
Carolina.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Lontz, Annmarie, Division Director, Office of Security Services
and Assessments, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LTS, Jun. 24, 2014, ``Utilizing Canine Teams to Detect
Explosives and Mitigate Threats.''
Lord, Stephen M., Director, Forensic Audits and Investigative
Services, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LTS, May 8, 2013, ``TSA Procurement Reform: Saving
Taxpayer Dollars Through Smarter Spending Practices.''
LBMS, Jun. 18, 2013, ``Threat, Risk and Vulnerability:
The Future of the TWIC Program.''
LOME & TS, Jul. 31, 2013, ``TSA Integrity Challenges:
Examining Misconduct by Airport Security Personnel.''
LTS, Nov. 14, 2013, ``TSA's SPOT Program and Initial
Lessons From the LAX Shooting.''
Louden, Thomas, General Secretary, North and South Carolina
Division, The Salvation Army.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Lovegrove, Brett, Chief Executive, City Security and Resilience
Network (CSARN).
LFULL, Oct. 9, 2013, ``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How
Westerners Joining Terror Groups Overseas Affect the
Homeland.''
Lute, Jane Holl, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LFULL, Mar. 13, 2013, ``DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and
Responsibilities to Protect the Nation's Critical
Infrastructure.''
Lyon, Shonnie, Acting Director, Office of Biometric Identity
Management, National Protection and Programs
Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, May 21, 2013, ``Visa Security and Overstays: How
Secure is America?''
-- M --
MacCarthy, Mark, Vice President, Public Policy, Software and
Information Industry Association.
LCIPST and the Committee on Education and the Workforce,
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary,
and Secondary Education joint hearing Jun. 25, 2014, ``How Data
Mining Threatens Student Privacy.''
Mack, Diane, University Director, Emergency Management and
Continuity, Indiana University.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Mackin, Michele, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management,
U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LOME, Sep. 19, 2013, ``DHS Acquisition Practices:
Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and Private
Sector Lessons Learned.''
Manning, Timothy, Deputy Administrator, Protection and National
Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Mar. 19, 2013, ``Homeland Security Grants:
Measuring Our Investments.''
LEPRC, Sep. 19, 2013, ``Assessing the Nation's State of
Preparedness: A Federal, State, and Local Perspective.''
Marshall, Gregory, Chief Security Officer, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LOME, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Facility Protection: Implications
of the Navy Yard Shooting on Homeland Security.''
LCTI, Nov. 13, 2013, ``The Insider Threat to Homeland
Security: Examining Our Nation's Security Clearance
Processes.''
Martin, Cindi, C.M., Airport Director, Glacier Park
International Airport.
LTS, Jul. 29, 2014, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Examining TSA's Management of the Screening
Partnership Program.''
Maurer, David C., Director, Homeland Security and Justice
Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LEPRC, Mar. 19, 2013, ``Homeland Security Grants:
Measuring Our Investments.''
LFULL, Dec. 12, 2013, ``Help Wanted at DHS: Implications
of Leadership Vacancies on the Mission and Morale.''
LCIPST and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Sep. 9,
2014, ``Strategy and Mission of the DHS Science and Technology
Directorate.''
LOME, Sep. 19, 2014, ``Oversight of the DHS Headquarters
Project at St. Elizabeths: Impact on the Taxpayer.''
Mayorkas, Alejandro N., Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LFULL, May 7, 2014, ``Preventing Waste, Fraud, Abuse and
Mismanagement in Homeland Security--A GAO High-Risk List
Review.''
McAleenan, Kevin K., Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Feb. 26, 2013, ``What Does a Secure Border Look
Like?''
LBMS, Mar. 20, 2013, ``Measuring Outcomes to Understand
the State of Border Security.''
LBMS, Apr. 8, 2014, ``Authorizing U.S. Customs and
Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement.''
McAllister, Scott, Deputy Under Secretary, State and Local
Program Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LCTI, Apr. 25, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Counterterrorism Efforts to Combat a Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Attack on the
Homeland.''
McClain, Marshall, President, Los Angeles Airport Peace
Officers Association.
LTS, May 29, 2014, ``Lessons from the LAX Shooting:
Airport and Law Enforcement Perspectives.''
McClelland, Charles A., Jr., Chief, Houston Police Department,
Houston, Texas.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
McCraw, Steve C., Director, Texas Department of Public Safety.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
LFULL, Jul. 3, 2014, (McAllen, Texas) ``Crisis on the
Texas Border: Surge of Unaccompanied Minors.''
McGuire, Cheri F., Vice President, Global Government Affairs &
Cybersecurity Policy, Symantec.
LCIPST, Apr. 25, 2013, ``Striking the Right Balance:
Protecting Our Nation's Critical Infrastructure from Cyber
Attack and Ensuring Privacy and Civil Liberties.''
McLees, Andrew, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Coordinating
Officer, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``Mass Gathering Security: A Look
at the Coordinated Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New
Jersey and Other Large Scale Events.''
Mellor, Richard, Vice President, Loss Prevention, National
Retail Federation.
LFULL, Oct. 9, 2013, ``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How
Westerners Joining Terror Groups Overseas Affect the
Homeland.''
Merlin, Toby Dr., Director, Division of Preparedness and
Emerging Infection, National Center for Emerging and
Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease
Control and Prevention.
LFULL, Oct. 10, 2014, (Dallas, Texas) ``Ebola in the
Homeland: The Importance of Effective International, Federal,
State and Local Coordination.''
Metcalf, William R., EFO, CFI, FIFireE, Fire Chief, North
County Fire Protection District, Fallbrook, State of
California, testifying on behalf of the International
Association of Fire Chiefs.
LEPRC, Apr. 29, 2014, ``Stakeholder Assessments of the
Administration's National Preparedness Grant Program
Proposal.''
Michelli, Thomas, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LOME, Feb. 6, 2014, ``Examining Challenges and Wasted
Taxpayer Dollars in Modernizing Border Security IT Systems.''
Milholland, Terence V., Chief Technology Officer, Internal
Revenue Service.
LCIPST and the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform's Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and
Entitlements, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Evaluating Privacy, Security,
and Fraud Concerns with ObamaCare's Information Sharing
Apparatus.''
Miller, Clyde, Director for Corporate Security, BASF
Corporation, testifying on behalf of BASF and The
American Chemistry Council
LCIPST, Feb. 27, 2014, H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
Miller, John, Deputy Commissioner, Intelligence and
Counterterrorism, New York City Police Department, New
York City, New York.
LFULL, Jun. 18, 2014, ``The Critical Role of First
Responders: Sharing Lessons Learned from Past Attacks.''
Miller, Merton W., Associate Director of Investigations,
Federal Investigative Services, U.S. Office of
Personnel Management.
LCTI, Nov. 13, 2013, ``The Insider Threat to Homeland
Security: Examining Our Nation's Security Clearance
Processes.''
Miller, Troy, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Intelligence and
Investigative Liaison, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Sep. 10, 2014, ``One Flight Away: An Examination
of the Threat posed by ISIS Terrorists with Western
Passports.''
Misztal, Blaise Acting Director of Foreign Policy, Bipartisan
Policy Center.
LOME, Jul. 9, 2013, ``Threat to the Homeland: Iran's
Extending Influence in the Western Hemisphere.''
Molitor, Paul, Assistant Vice President, National Electrical
Manufacturers Association.
LEPRC & CIPST, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Cyber Incident Response:
Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and Emergency
Management.''
Moskowitz, Brian M., Houston Special Agent in Charge, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
Moulton, Sean, Director, Open Government Policy, Center for
Effective Government.
LCIPST, Aug. 1, 2013, ``West Fertilizer, Off the Grid:
The Problem of Unidentified Chemical Facilities.''
Mullen, Michael C., Executive Director, Express Association of
America.
LTS, Apr. 11, 2013, ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-
Based Security: Stakeholder Perspectives.''
Murphy, Kevin, President, Airport Law Enforcement Agencies
Network.
LTS, May 29, 2014, ``Lessons from the LAX Shooting:
Airport and Law Enforcement Perspectives.''
Murray, Thomas, Director, State and District Digital Learning
Policy and Advocacy, Alliance for Excellent Education.
LCIPST and the Committee on Education and the Workforce,
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary,
and Secondary Education joint hearing Jun. 25, 2014, ``How Data
Mining Threatens Student Privacy.''
-- N --
Napolitano, Janet, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LFULL, Apr. 18, 2013, ``The President's FY 2014 Budget
Request for the Department of Homeland Security.''
Nelson, Rick ``Ozzie'', Vice President, Business Development,
Cross Match Technologies.
LOME, Feb. 15, 2013, ``Assessing DHS 10 years later: How
Wisely is DHS Spending Taxpayer Dollars?''
-- O --
Oaks, Kevin W., Chief Patrol Agent, Rio Grande Valley Sector,
Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Jul. 3, 2014, (McAllen, Texas) ``Crisis on the
Texas Border: Surge of Unaccompanied Minors.''
Obeime, Mercy, Dr., Director, Community and Global Health,
Franciscan St. Francis Health, Indianapolis, Indiana.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Olsen, Matthew G., Director, National Counterterrorism Center.
LFULL, Jul. 10 and 11, 2013, ``Assessing Attacks on the
Homeland: From Fort Hood to Boston.''
LFULL, Sep. 17, 2014, ``Worldwide Threats to the
Homeland.''
Orgeron, Craig, Chief Information Officer and Executive
Director, Department of Information Technology
Services, State of Mississippi, testifying on behalf of
the National Association of State Chief Information
Officers.
LEPRC & CIPST, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Cyber Incident Response:
Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and Emergency
Management.''
Orusa, Steven, Fire Chief, Fishers, Indiana.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Outten-Mills, Deborah, Acting Assistant Inspector General for
Inspections, Office of the Inspector General, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LOME & TS, Jul. 31, 2013, ``TSA Integrity Challenges:
Examining Misconduct by Airport Security Personnel.''
-- P --
Papp, Robert J., Jr., ADM, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Feb. 4, 2014, ``Future of the Homeland Security
Missions of the Coast Guard.''
Parente, Stephen T., Ph.D., Minnesota Insurance Industry Chair
of Health Finance, Director, Medical Industry
Leadership Institute and Professor, Department of
Finance, Carlson School of Management, University of
Minnesota.
LCIPST, Sep. 11, 2013, ``The Threat to Americans'
Personal Information: A Look into the Security and Reliability
of the Health Exchange Data Hub.''
Parsons, Randy, Director of Security, Port of Long Beach,
testifying on behalf of the American Association of
Port Authorities.
LEPRC, Apr. 29, 2014, ``Stakeholder Assessments of the
Administration's National Preparedness Grant Program
Proposal.''
Patterson, L. Eric, Director, Federal Protective Service, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Facility Protection: Implications
of the Navy Yard Shooting on Homeland Security.''
Payne, Jason Matthew, Philanthropy Lead, Palantir Technologies.
LEPRC, Mar. 19, 2013, ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How
#SocialMedia & New Tech are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery #Disasters #Part1 #Privatesector.''
Payne, Jeffrey L., Dr., Acting Director, Coastal Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Pearce, Stevan, Representative in Congress from the 2nd
District, State of New Mexico.
LOME, Jul. 10, 2014, ``The Executive Proclamation
Designating the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks a National
Monument: Implications for Border Security.''
Pearl, Marc, President and CEO, Homeland Security and Defense
Business Council.
LTS, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Stakeholder Perspectives on TSA
Acquisition Reform.''
Pearson, Harriet, Partner, Hogan Lovells.
LCIPST, Apr. 25, 2013, ``Striking the Right Balance:
Protecting Our Nation's Critical Infrastructure from Cyber
Attack and Ensuring Privacy and Civil Liberties.''
Perry, Rick, Governor, State of Texas.
LFULL, Jul. 3, 2014, (McAllen, Texas) ``Crisis on the
Texas Border: Surge of Unaccompanied Minors.''
Peters, Ted, Chairman and CEO, Bryn Mawr Trust.
LCIPST, Apr. 16, 2014, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
``Protecting Your Personal Data: How Law Enforcement Works With
the Private Sector to Prevent Cybercrime.''
Pfeifer, Joseph W., Chief, Counterterrorism and Emergency
Preparedness, Fire Department of New York.
LCTI, Jun. 12, 2013, `Protecting the Homeland Against
Mumbai-Style Attacks and the Threat from Lashkar-e-Taiba.''
Piehota, Christopher M., Director, Terrorist Screening Center,
Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of
Justice.
LTS, Sep. 18, 2014, ``Safeguarding Privacy and Civil
Liberties While Keeping our Skies Safe.''
Pinkerton, Sharon L., Senior Vice President, Legislative and
Regulatory Policy, Airlines for America.
LTS, Apr. 11, 2013, ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-
Based Security: Stakeholder Perspectives.''
Pinkham, Doug, President, Public Affairs Council.
LOME, Jun. 14, 2013, ``Why Can't DHS Better Communicate
with the American People?''
Pistole, John S., Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LTS, Mar. 14, 2013, ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk-
Based Security.''
LTS, Nov. 14, 2013, ``TSA's SPOT Program and Initial
Lessons From the LAX Shooting.''
LTS, Mar. 28, 2014, (Los Angeles, CA) ``Lessons from the
LAX Shooting: Preparing for and Responding to Emergencies at
Airports.''
Popp, Joyce, Chief Information Officer, Department of
Education, State of Idaho.
LCIPST and the Committee on Education and the Workforce,
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary,
and Secondary Education joint hearing Jun. 25, 2014, ``How Data
Mining Threatens Student Privacy.''
Powner, David, Director, Information Technology Management
Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LOME, Mar. 19, 2013, ``DHS Information Technology: How
Effectively Has DHS Harnessed IT to Secure Our Borders and
Uphold Immigration Laws?''
LOME, Feb. 6, 2014, ``Examining Challenges and Wasted
Taxpayer Dollars in Modernizing Border Security IT Systems.''
Priest, Chad, Chief Executive Officer, MESH Coalition, Inc.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Prioletti, Brian, Assistant Director, Special Security
Directorate, National Counterintelligence Executive,
Office of Director of National Intelligence.
LCTI, Nov. 13, 2013, ``The Insider Threat to Homeland
Security: Examining Our Nation's Security Clearance
Processes.''
Profeta, Louis, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., Medical Director of Disaster
Preparedness, St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis,
Indiana.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Pry, Peter Vincent, Congressional EMP Commission, Congressional
Strategic Posture Commission, Executive Director of the
Task Force on National and Homeland Security.
LCIPST, May 8, 2014, ``Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP):
Threat to Critical Infrastructure.''
Pugliese, Jeffrey J., Sergeant, Watertown Police Department.
LFULL, Apr. 9, 2014, ``The Boston Marathon Bombings, One
Year On: A Look Back to Look Forward.''
-- Q --
Quinn, Richard P., Assistant Special Agent in Charge,
Philadelphia Field Office, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice.
LCIPST, Apr. 16, 2014, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
``Protecting Your Personal Data: How Law Enforcement Works With
the Private Sector to Prevent Cybercrime.''
-- R --
Ragsdale, Daniel H., Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LOME, Apr. 12, 2013, ``The Impact of Sequestration on
Homeland Security: Scare Tactics or Possible Threat?''
LBMS, Apr. 8, 2014, ``Authorizing U.S. Customs and
Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement.''
Reed, R. Lawrence, II, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.C.C., Director of
Trauma Services, Indiana University Health Methodist
Hospital.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Reese, Shawn, Analyst, Emergency Management and Homeland
Security Policy, Congressional Research Service, The
Library of Congress.
LOME, Feb. 15, 2013, ``Assessing DHS 10 years later: How
Wisely is DHS Spending Taxpayer Dollars?''
Reidenberg, Joel R., Stanley D. and Nikki Waxberg Chair and
Professor of Law, Founding Academic Director, Center on
Law and Information Policy, Fordham University School
of Law.
LCIPST and the Committee on Education and the Workforce,
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary,
and Secondary Education joint hearing Jun. 25, 2014, ``How Data
Mining Threatens Student Privacy.''
Rhoades, Matthew, Director, Cyberspace and Security Program,
Truman National Security Project and Center for
National Policy.
LCIPST, Apr. 16, 2014, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
``Protecting Your Personal Data: How Law Enforcement Works With
the Private Sector to Prevent Cybercrime.''
Richards, Anne L., Assistant Inspector General for Audits,
Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Mar. 19, 2013, ``Homeland Security Grants:
Measuring Our Investments.''
LOME, Apr. 26, 2013, ``Cutting DHS Duplication and
Wasteful Spending: Implementing Private Sector Best Practices
and Watchdog Recommendations.''
LOME, Sep. 19, 2013, ``DHS Acquisition Practices:
Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and Private
Sector Lessons Learned.''
LOME, Nov. 15, 2013, ``DHS Financial Management:
Investigating DHS's Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars.''
LTS, Jan. 28, 2014, ``Examining TSA's Cadre of Criminal
Investigators.''
Richardson, Michelle, Legislative Counsel, American Civil
Liberties Union.
LFULL, Mar. 13, 2013, ``DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and
Responsibilities to Protect the Nation's Critical
Infrastructure.''
Ridge, Tom J., Former Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LFULL, Dec. 12, 2013, ``Help Wanted at DHS: Implications
of Leadership Vacancies on the Mission and Morale.''
Riggs, Troy, Director, Department of Public Safety, City of
Indianapolis, Indiana.
LEPRC, Apr. 29, 2014, ``Stakeholder Assessments of the
Administration's National Preparedness Grant Program
Proposal.''
Roberts, Fred S., Director, Department of Homeland Security
Center of Excellence, Command, Control and
Interoperability Center, for Advanced Data Analysis,
Rutgers University.
LEPRC, Jun. 10, 2014, ``Mass Gathering Security: A Look
at the Coordinated Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII in Newark, New
Jersey and Other Large Scale Events.''
Roggio, William F., Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of
Democracies.
LCTI, Apr. 3, 2014, ``Assessing Terrorism in the
Caucasus and the Threat to the Homeland.''
Romine, Charles H., PhD, Director, Information Technology
Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce.
LCIPST, Jul. 18, 2013, ``Oversight of Executive Order
13636 and Development of the Cybersecurity Framework.''
Rosenblum, Marc R., PhD, Specialist in Immigration Policy,
Congressional Research Service, The Library of
Congress.
LBMS, Feb. 26, 2013, ``What Does a Secure Border Look
Like?''
LDeputy Director, U.S. Immigration Policy Program,
Migration Policy Institute.
LOME, Jul. 10, 2014, ``The Executive Proclamation
Designating the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks a National
Monument: Implications for Border Security.''
Roth, John, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LFULL, May 7, 2014, ``Preventing Waste, Fraud, Abuse and
Mismanagement in Homeland Security--A GAO High-Risk List
Review.''
-- S --
Sadler, Stephen, Assistant Administrator, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, Transportation Security
Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Jun. 18, 2013, ``Threat, Risk and Vulnerability:
The Future of the TWIC Program.''
LTS, Sep. 18, 2014, ``Safeguarding Privacy and Civil
Liberties While Keeping our Skies Safe.''
Salo, Matt, Executive Director, National Association of
Medicaid Directors.
LCIPST, Sep. 11, 2013, ``The Threat to Americans'
Personal Information: A Look into the Security and Reliability
of the Health Exchange Data Hub.''
Sanborn, Robert ``Bob'', Dr. President, Children At Risk.
LFULL, Mar. 20, 2014, (Houston, Texas) ``Combating Human
Trafficking in Our Major Cities.''
Scales, Robert H., Jr. (Major General, Ret. U.S. Army), former
Commandant of the U.S. Army War College.
LFULL, Sep. 10, 2013, ``Crisis in Syria: Implications
for Homeland Security.''
Schied, Eugene H., Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Jul. 16, 2014, ``Port of Entry Infrastructure: How
Does the Federal Government Prioritize Investments?''
Schueur, Michael, Adjunct Professor, Center for Peace and
Security Studies, Georgetown University.
LFULL, Oct. 9, 2013, ``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How
Westerners Joining Terror Groups Overseas Affect the
Homeland.''
Schwartz, James H., Fire Chief, Arlington County Fire
Department, Arlington, Virginia, testifying on behalf
of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
LEPRC, Sep. 19, 2013, ``Assessing the Nation's State of
Preparedness: A Federal, State, and Local Perspective.''
LFULL, Jun. 18, 2014, ``The Critical Role of First
Responders: Sharing Lessons Learned from Past Attacks.''
Schwartz, Kurt N., Undersecretary, Executive Office of Public
Safety and Security, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
LFULL, May 9, 2013, ``The Boston Bombings: A First
Look.''
Scott, Timothy J., Chief Security Officer, Corporate Director,
Emergency Services and Security, The Dow Chemical
Company.
LCIPST, Aug. 1, 2013, ``West Fertilizer, Off the Grid:
The Problem of Unidentified Chemical Facilities.''
Seitz, Mark J., Bishop, Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Texas,
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
LFULL, Jul. 3, 2014, (McAllen, Texas) ``Crisis on the
Texas Border: Surge of Unaccompanied Minors.''
Sena, Mike, Deputy Director, Northern California Regional
Intelligence Center, testifying on behalf of the
National Fusion Center Association.
LEPRC & CIPST, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Cyber Incident Response:
Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and Emergency
Management.''
Servidio, Joseph A., Rear Admiral, Assistant Commandant for
Prevention Policy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LBMS, Jun. 18, 2013, ``Threat, Risk and Vulnerability:
The Future of the TWIC Program.''
Shays, Christopher, Former Representative in Congress from the
4th District of Connecticut.
LFULL, Sep. 10, 2013, ``Crisis in Syria: Implications
for Homeland Security.''
Simcox, Robin, Research Fellow, The Henry Jackson Society.
LCTI, May 22, 2013, ``Assessing the Threat to the
Homeland from al Qaeda Operations in Iran and Syria.''
LCTI, Jul. 24, 2014, ``Jihadist Safe Havens: Efforts to
Detect and Deter Terrorist Travel.''
Skipper, John, Sheriff, Anderson County, South Carolina.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (South Carolina) ``Emergency
Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century Hugo?''
Soloway, Stan, President and CEO, Professional Services
Council.
LOME, Sep. 19, 2013, ``DHS Acquisition Practices:
Improving Outcomes for Taxpayers Using Defense and Private
Sector Lessons Learned.''
Southers, Erroll G., Professor and Associate Director of
Research Transition, DHS National Center for Risk &
Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE), Sol
Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern
California.
LFULL, May 9, 2013, ``The Boston Bombings: A First
Look.''
Spangller, Kathy, Vice President, U.S. Programs, Save the
Children.
LEPRC, Sep. 19, 2013, ``Assessing the Nation's State of
Preparedness: A Federal, State, and Local Perspective.''
Sprague, Brenda S., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport
Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department
of State.
LBMS, Apr. 4, 2014, ``Passport Fraud: An International
Vulnerability.''
Stana, Richard M., Former Director, Homeland Security and
Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LBMS, Jun. 23, 2013, ``A Study in Contrasts: House and
Senate Approaches to Border Security.''
Stanek, Richard W., Sheriff, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
LFULL, Oct. 9, 2013, ``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: How
Westerners Joining Terror Groups Overseas Affect the
Homeland.''
Stempfley, Roberta ``Bobbie'', Acting Assistant Secretary,
Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
LCIPST, May 16, 2013, ``Facilitating Cyber Threat
Information Sharing and Partnering with the Private Sector to
Protect Critical Infrastructure: An Assessment of DHS
Capabilities.''
LEPRC & CIPST, Oct. 30, 2013, ``Cyber Incident Response:
Bridging the Gap Between Cybersecurity and Emergency
Management.''
LFULL, Nov. 13, 2013, ``Cyber Side-Effects: How Secure
is the Personal Information Entered into the Flawed
Healthcare.gov?''
Stenson, Kim, Director, Emergency Management Division, State of
South Carolina.
LOME, Nov. 21, 2014, (Clemson, South Carolina)
``Emergency Preparedness: Are We Ready For A 21st Century
Hugo?''
Stepka, Matthew, Vice President, Technology for Social Impact,
Google.org.
LEPRC. Mar. 19, 2013, ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: How
#SocialMedia & New Tech are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery #Disasters #Part1 #Privatesector.''
Stern, Paul G., PhD., Board Director, Business Executives for
National Security.
LOME, Apr. 26, 2013, ``Cutting DHS Duplication and
Wasteful Spending: Implementing Private Sector Best Practices
and Watchdog Recommendations.''
Stier, Max, President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service.
LFULL, Dec. 12, 2013, ``Help Wanted at DHS: Implications
of Leadership Vacancies on the Mission and Morale.''
-- T --
Tankel, Stephen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, American
University and Nonresident Scholar, South Asia Program,
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
LCTI, Jun. 12, 2013, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Protecting the Homeland Against Mumbai-Style Attacks
and the Threat from Lashkar-e-Taiba.''
Tavenner, Marilyn B., Administrator, Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.
LCIPST and the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform's Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and
Entitlements, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Evaluating Privacy, Security,
and Fraud Concerns with ObamaCare's Information Sharing
Apparatus.''
Trimble, David C., Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
U.S. Government Accountability Office.
LCIPST, Jul. 29, 2014, ``Protecting the Homeland from
Nuclear and Radiological Threats.''
Troisi Catherine L., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Division of
Management, Policy, and Community Health, Center for
Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas.
LFULL, Oct. 10, 2014, (Dallas, Texas) ``Ebola in the
Homeland: The Importance of Effective International, Federal,
State and Local Coordination.''
-- U, V --
VanLoh, Mark, A.A.E., Director, Aviation Department, Kansas
City International Airport.
LTS, Jul. 29, 2014, ``Examining TSA's Management of the
Screening Partnership Program.''
Velasquez, Andrew, III, Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 5,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LEPRC, Aug. 6, 2013, (Carmel, Indiana) ``Assessing
Central Indiana's Preparedness for a Mass Casualty Event.''
Vitiello, Ronald D., Deputy Chief, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Jun. 24, 2014, ``Dangerous Passage: The Growing
Problem of Unaccompanied Children Crossing the Border.''
-- W --
Wagner, John P., Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field
Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, May 21, 2013, ``Visa Security and Overstays: How
Secure is America?''
LBMS, Sep. 26, 2013, ``Fulfilling A Key 9/11 Commission
Recommendation: Implementing Biometric Exit.''
LBMS, Apr. 4, 2014, ``Passport Fraud: An International
Vulnerability.''
LBMS, Jul. 16, 2014, ``Port of Entry Infrastructure: How
Does the Federal Government Prioritize Investments?''
LBMS, Sep. 10, 2014, ``One Flight Away: An Examination
of the Threat posed by ISIS Terrorists with Western
Passports.''
LFULL, Oct. 10, 2014, (Dallas, Texas) ``Ebola in the
Homeland: The Importance of Effective International, Federal,
State and Local Coordination.''
Walker, David M., Founder and CEO, The Comeback America
Initiative.
LFULL, Feb. 13, 2013, ``A New Perspective on Threats to
the Homeland.''
Walker, Jeffrey W., Senior Emergency Manager, Licking County,
Ohio, testifying on behalf of the International
Association of Emergency Managers.
LEPRC, Sep. 19, 2013, ``Assessing the Nation's State of
Preparedness: A Federal, State, and Local Perspective.''
Waters, Karen Shelton, Assistant Administrator, Office of
Acquisition, Transportation Security Administration,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LTS, May 8, 2013, ``TSA Procurement Reform: Saving
Taxpayer Dollars Through Smarter Spending Practices.''
LTS, Jan. 28, 2014, ``Examining TSA's Cadre of Criminal
Investigators.''
Werfel, Danny, Principal Deputy Commissioner, Internal Revenue
Service.
LCIPST and the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform's Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and
Entitlements, Jul. 17, 2013, ``Evaluating Privacy, Security,
and Fraud Concerns with ObamaCare's Information Sharing
Apparatus.''
Whelan, Jack, District Attorney, Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
LCIPST, Apr. 16, 2014, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
``Protecting Your Personal Data: How Law Enforcement Works With
the Private Sector to Prevent Cybercrime.''
Willis, Henry H., PhD., Director, RAND Homeland Security and
Defense Center, The RAND Corporation.
LOME, Apr. 26, 2013, ``Cutting DHS Duplication and
Wasteful Spending: Implementing Private Sector Best Practices
and Watchdog Recommendations.''
LOME, Jun. 20, 2014, ``Stakeholder Perspectives on
Priorities for the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.''
Wilson, Christopher, Associate, Mexico Institute, Woodrow
Wilson International Center for Scholars.
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2014, ``Taking Down the Cartels:
Examining United States--Mexico Cooperation.''
Winkowski, Thomas S., Deputy Commissioner, Performing the
duties of the Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LOME, Apr. 12, 2013, ``The Impact of Sequestration on
Homeland Security: Scare Tactics or Possible Threat?''
Woodring, Marcus, Captain, (Ret. USCG), Managing Director,
Health, Safety, Security and Environmental, Port of
Houston Authority.
LBMS, Jun. 18, 2013, ``Threat, Risk and Vulnerability:
The Future of the TWIC Program.''
LBMS, Nov. 19, 2013, ``What Does a Secure Maritime
Border Look Like?''
Woods, John, Assistant Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LBMS, Sep. 26, 2013, ``Fulfilling A Key 9/11 Commission
Recommendation: Implementing Biometric Exit.''
Wulf, David, Deputy Director, Infrastructure Security
Compliance Division, National Protection and Programs
Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
LCIPST, Aug. 1, 2013, ``West Fertilizer, Off the Grid:
The Problem of Unidentified Chemical Facilities.''
LCIPST, Feb. 27, 2014, H.R. 4007, the Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
-- X, Y, Z --
Zelvin, Larry, Director, National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center, National Protection
and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
LCIPST, May 16, 2013, ``Facilitating Cyber Threat
Information Sharing and Partnering with the Private Sector to
Protect Critical Infrastructure: An Assessment of DHS
Capabilities.''
LCTI & CIPST, May 21, 2014, ``Assessing Persistent and
Emerging Cyber Threats to the U.S. Homeland.''
Zimmerman, Katherine, Senior Analyst, Critical Threats Project,
The American Enterprise Institute.
LCTI, Sep. 18, 2013, ``Understanding the Threat to the
Homeland from AQAP.''
APPENDIX IX
Printed Hearings\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ FULL -- Full Committee; CTI -- Subcommittee on Counterterrorism
and Intelligence; BMS -- Border and Maritime Security; CIPST --
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security
Technologies; OME -- Subcommittee on Oversight and Management
Efficiency; TS -- Subcommittee on Transportation Security; EPRC --
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications
Number Title Date
113-1 ``A New Perspective on Threats February 13, 2013
to the Homeland.''
FULL
113-2 ``Assessing DHS 10 Years Later: February 15, 2013
How Wisely is DHS Spending
Taxpayer Dollars?''
OME
113-3 ``What Does a Secure Border February 26, 2013
Look Like?''
BMS
113-4 ``DHS Cybersecurity: Roles and March 13, 2013
Responsibilities to Protect
the Nation's Critical
Infrastructure.''
FULL
113-5 ``TSA's Efforts to Advance Risk- March 14, 2013
Based Security.''
TS
113-6 ``Homeland Security Grants: March 19, 2013
Measuring Our Investments.''
EPRC
113-7 ``DHS Information Technology: March 19, 2013
How Effectively Has DHS
Harnessed IT To Secure Our
Borders and Uphold Immigration
Laws?''
OME
113-8 ``Measuring Outcomes to March 20, 2013
Understand the State of Border
Security.''
BMS
113-9 ``Cyber Threats from China, March 20, 2013
Russia and Iran: Protecting
American Critical
Infrastructure.''
CIPST
113-10 ``The Impact of Sequestration April 12, 2013
on Homeland Security: Scare
Tactics or Possible Threat?''
OME
113-11 ``The President's FY 2014 April 18, 2013
Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland
Security.''
FULL
113-12 ``Counterterrorism Efforts to April 25, 2013
Combat a Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, and Nuclear
(CBRN) Attack on the
Homeland.''
CTI
113-13 ``Striking the Right Balance: April 25, 2013
Protecting Our Nation's
Critical Infrastructure from
Cyber Attack and Ensuring
Privacy and Civil Liberties.''
CIPST
113-14 ``Cutting DHS Duplication and April 26, 2013
Wasteful Spending:
Implementing Private Sector
Best Practices and Watchdog
Recommendations.''
OME
113-15 ``TSA Procurement Reform: May 8, 2013
Saving Taxpayer Dollars
Through Smarter Spending
Practices.''
TS
113-16 ``The Boston Bombings: A First May 9, 2013
Look.''
FULL
113-17 ``Facilitating Cyber Threat May 16, 2013
Information Sharing and
Partnering with the Private
Sector to Protect Critical
Infrastructure: An Assessment
of DHS Capabilities.''
CIPST
113-18 ``Visa Security and Overstays: May 21, 2013
How Secure is America?''
BMS
113-19 ``Assessing the Threat to the May 22, 2013
Homeland from al Qaeda
Operations in Iran and
Syria.''
CTI
113-20 ``Emergency MGMT 2.0: ...................
``How #SocialMedia & New Tech June 4, 2013
are Transforming Preparedness, ...................
Response, & Recovery ...................
#Disasters #Part1 July 9, 2013
#Privatesector.''
``How #SocialMedia & New Tech
are Transforming Preparedness,
Response, & Recovery
#Disasters #Part2 #Govt/
NGOs.''
EPRC
113-21 ``Protecting the Homeland June 12, 2013
Against Mumbai-Style Attacks
and the Threat from Lashkar-e-
Taiba.''
CTI
113-22 ``Why Can't DHS Better June 14, 2013
Communicate with the American
People?''
OME
113-23 ``Threat, Risk and June 18, 2013
Vulnerability: The Future of
the TWIC Program.''
BMS
113-24 ``Threat to the Homeland: July 9, 2013
Iran's Extending Influence in
the Western Hemisphere.''
OME
113-25 ``Evaluating Privacy, Security, July 17, 2013
and Fraud Concerns with
ObamaCare's Information
Sharing Apparatus.''
CIPST Joint with the Committee
on Oversight and Government
Reform Subcommittee on Energy
Policy, Health Care and
Entitlements
113-26 ``Stakeholder Perspectives on July 17, 2013
TSA Acquisition Reform.''
TS
113-27 ``Oversight of Executive Order July 18, 2013
13636 and Development of the
Cybersecurity Framework.''
CIPST
113-28 ``A Study in Contrasts: House July 23, 2013
and Senate Approaches to
Border Security.''
BMS
113-29 ``TSA Integrity Challenges: July 31, 2013
Examining Misconduct by
Airport Security Personnel.''
OME & TS
113-30 ``West Fertilizer, Off the August 1, 2013
Grid: The Problem of
Unidentified Chemical
Facilities.''
CIPST
113-31 ``Assessing Central Indiana's August 6, 2013
Preparedness for a Mass Carmel, Indiana
Casualty Event''
EPRC
113-32 ``Crisis in Syria: Implications September 10, 2013
for Homeland Security.''
FULL
113-33 ``The Threat to Americans' September 11, 2013
Personal Information: A Look
into the Security and
Reliability of the Health
Exchange Data Hub.''
CIPST
113-34 ``Understanding the Threat to September 18, 2013
the Homeland from AQAP.''
CTI
113-35 ``Assessing the Nation's State September 19, 2013
of Preparedness: A Federal,
State, and Local
Perspective.''
EPRC
113-36 ``DHS Acquisition Practices: September 19, 2013
Improving Outcomes for
Taxpayers Using Defense and
Private Sector Lessons
Learned.''
OME
113-37 ``Fulfilling A Key 9/11 September 26, 2013
Commission Recommendation:
Implementing Biometric Exit.''
BMS
113-38 ``From al-Shabaab to al-Nusra: October 9, 2013
How Westerners Joining Terror
Groups Overseas Affect the
Homeland.''
FULL
113-39 ``Cyber Incident Response: October 30, 2013
Bridging the Gap Between
Cybersecurity and Emergency
Management.''
EPRC & CIPST
113-40 ``Facility Protection: October 30, 2013
Implications of the Navy Yard
Shooting on Homeland
Security.''
OME
113-41 ``Cyber Side-Effects: How November 13, 2013
Secure is the Personal
Information Entered into the
Flawed Healthcare.gov?''
FULL
113-42 ``The Insider Threat to November 13, 2013
Homeland Security: Examining
Our Nation's Security
Clearance Processes.''
CTI
113-43 ``TSA's SPOT Program and November 14, 2013
Initial Lessons From the LAX
Shooting.''
TS
113-44 ``DHS Financial Management: November 15, 2013
Investigating DHS's
Stewardship of Taxpayer
Dollars.''
OME
113-45 ``What Does a Secure Maritime November 19, 2013
Border Look Like?''
BMS
113-46 ``Help Wanted at DHS: December 12, 2013
Implications of Leadership
Vacancies on the Mission and
Morale.''
FULL
113-47 ``A False Narrative Endangers January 15, 2014
the Homeland.''
FULL
113-48 ``Examining TSA's Cadre of January 28, 2014
Criminal Investigators.''
TS
113-49 ``Future of the Homeland February 4, 2014
Security Missions of the Coast
Guard.''
BMS
113-50 ``Examining Challenges and February 6, 2014
Wasted Taxpayer Dollars in
Modernizing Border Security IT
Systems.''
OME
113-51 ``Bioterrorism: Assessing the February 11, 2014
Threat.''
EPRC
113-52 ``Al Qaeda's Expansion in February 11, 2014
Egypt: Implications for U.S.
Homeland Security.''
CTI
113-53 ``The Secretary's Vision for February 26, 2014
the Future - Challenges and
Priorities.''
FULL
113-54 H.R. 4007, the Chemical February 27, 2014
Facility Anti-Terrorism
Standards Authorization and
Accountability Act of 2014.
CIPST
113-55 ``The Arizona Border March 12, 2014
Surveillance Technology Plan
and its Impact on Border
Security.''
BMS
113-56 ``The President's FY 2015 March 13, 2015
Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland
Security.''
FULL
113-57 ``Combating Human Trafficking March 20, 2014
in Our Major Cities.'' Houston, Texas
FULL
113-58 ``The Federal Emergency March 25, 2014
Management Agency's FY2015
Budget Request: Ensuring
Effective Preparedness,
Response, and
Communications.''
EPRC
113-59 ``Lessons from the LAX March 28, 2014
Shooting: Los Angeles,
``Preparing for and Responding California
to Emergencies at Airports.'' May 29, 2014
``Airport and Law Enforcement
Perspectives.''
TS
113-60 ``Taking Down the Cartels: April 2, 2014
Examining United States-Mexico
Cooperation.''
FULL
113-61 ``Assessing Terrorism in the April 3, 2014
Caucasus and the Threat to the
Homeland.''
CTI
113-62 ``Passport Fraud: An April 4, 2014
International Vulnerability.''
BMS
113-63 ``Authorizing U.S. Customs and April 8, 2014
Border Protection and U.S.
Immigration and Customs
Enforcement.''
BMS
113-64 ``The Boston Marathon Bombings, April 9, 2014
One Year On: A Look Back to
Look Forward.''
FULL
113-65 ``Protecting Your Personal April 16, 2014
Data: How Law Enforcement
Works With the Private Sector
to Prevent Cybercrime.''
CIPST
113-66 ``Stakeholder Assessments of April 29, 2014
the Administration's National
Preparedness Grant Program
Proposal.''
EPRC
113-67 ``Preventing Waste, Fraud, May 7, 2014
Abuse and Mismanagement in
Homeland Security-A GAO High-
Risk List Review.''
FULL
113-68 ``Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP): May 8, 2014
Threat to Critical
Infrastructure.''
CIPST
113-69 ``Assessing Persistent and May 21, 2014
Emerging Cyber Threats to the
U.S. Homeland.''
CTI & CIPST
113-70 ``BioWatch: Lessons Learned and June 10, 2015
the Path Forward.''
EPRC
113-71 ``The Critical Role of First June 18, 2014
Responders: Sharing Lessons
Learned from Past Attacks.''
FULL
113-73 ``Stakeholder Perspectives on June 20, 2014
Priorities for the Quadrennial
Homeland Security Review.''
OME
113-73 ``Mass Gathering Security: A June 23, 2014
Look at the Coordinated Newark, New Jersey
Approach to Super Bowl XLVIII
in Newark, New Jersey and
Other Large Scale Events.''
EPRC
113-74 ``Dangerous Passage: The June 24, 2014
Growing Problem of ...................
Unaccompanied Children July 3, 2014
Crossing the Border.'' McAllen, Texas
``Crisis on the Texas Border:
Surge of Unaccompanied
Minors.''
FULL
113-75 ``Utilizing Canine Teams to June 24, 2014
Detect Explosives and Mitigate
Threats.''
TS
113-76 ``How Data Mining Threatens June 25, 2014
Student Privacy.''
CISPT and the Committee on
Education and Workforce's
Subcommittee on Early
Childhood, Elementary, and
Secondary Education
113-77 ``The Executive Proclamation July 10, 2014
Designating the Organ
Mountains-Desert Peaks a
National Monument:
Implications for Border
Security.''
OME
113-78 ``Port of Entry Infrastructure: July 16, 2014
How Does the Federal
Government Prioritize
Investments?''
BMS
113-79 ``The Rising Terrorist Threat July 23, 2014
and the Unfulfilled 9/11
Recommendation.''
FULL
113-80 ``Jihadist Safe Havens: Efforts July 24, 2014
to Detect and Deter Terrorist
Travel.''
CTI
113-81 ``Examining TSA's Management of July 29, 2014
the Screening Partnership
Program.''
TS
113-82 ``Protecting the Homeland from July 29, 2014
Nuclear and Radiological
Threats.''
CIPST
113-83 ``Strategy and Mission of the September 9, 2014
DHS Science and Technology
Directorate.''
CIPST and the Committee on
Science, Space, and
Technology's Subcommittee on
Research and Technology
113-84 ``One Flight Away: An September 10, 2014
Examination of the Threat
posed by ISIS Terrorists with
Western Passports.''
BMS
113-85 ``Worldwide Threats to the September 17, 2014
Homeland.''
FULL
113-86 ``Safeguarding Privacy and September 18, 2014
Civil Liberties While Keeping
our Skies Safe.''
TS
113-87 ``Oversight of the DHS September 19, 2014
Headquarters Project at St.
Elizabeths: Impact on the
Taxpayer.''
OME
113-88 ``Ebola in the Homeland: The October 10, 2014
Importance of Effective Dallas, Texas
International, Federal, State
and Local Coordination.''
FULL
113-89 ``Interoperable Communications: November 18, 2014
Assessing Progress Since 9/
11.''
EPRC
113-90 ``Emergency Preparedness: Are November 21, 2014
We Ready For A 21st Century Clemson, South
Hugo?'' Carolina
OME
113-91 ``Open Borders: The Impact of December 2, 2014
Presidential Amnesty on Border
Security.''
FULL
APPENDIX X
Committee Prints
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
113-A.................................. Rules of the Committee on
Homeland Security for the
113th Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX XI
Summary of Committee Activities
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Total Bills Referred to Committee................................ 109
Public Laws...................................................... 11
Bills Reported to the House...................................... 17
Hearings Held:
Days of Hearings 98
Full Committee.............................................. 23
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence............................................... 9
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security................ 13
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies....... 15
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency......... 15
Subcommittee on Transportation Security..................... 12
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications............................................. 12
Witnesses:
Full Committee.............................................. 88
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence............................................... 32
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security................ 45
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies....... 62
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency......... 65
Subcommittee on Transportation Security..................... 75
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications............................................. 56
Total Persons Testifying 306
Markups and Business Meetings Held (Days) / Measures Considered:
Full Committee.............................................. 6/19
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and
Intelligence............................................... 0
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security................ 2/4
Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,
Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies....... 3/4
Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency......... 1/1
Subcommittee on Transportation Security..................... 1/2
Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and
Communications............................................. 1/3
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