II Calendar No. 112 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 21 [Report No. 109–71] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 25, 2005 Ms. Collins (for herself, Mr. Carper, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Coburn, Mr. Chafee, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Coleman, and Mr. Pryor) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs May 24, 2005 Reported by Ms. Collins, with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To provide for homeland security grant coordination and simplification, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2005.

2.

Definitions

In this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1)

Insular area

The term insular area means American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. (2)

Large high-threat state fund

The term Large High-Threat State Fund means the fund containing amounts authorized to be appropriated for States that elect to receive Federal financial assistance through a per capita share of 38.625 percent of the amount appropriated for the State Homeland Security Grant Program. (3)

Local government

The term local government has the same meaning given that term in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101). (4)

Municipal solid waste

The term municipal solid waste includes sludge (as defined in section 1004 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6903)). (5)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security. (6)

State

The term State means each of the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia. (7)

State Homeland Security Grant Program

The term State Homeland Security Grant Program means the program receiving 75 percent of the amount appropriated for the Threat-Based Homeland Security Grant Program. (8)

Threat-Based Homeland Security Grant Program

The term Threat-Based Homeland Security Grant Program means the program authorized under section 6. (9)

Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program

The term Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program means the program receiving 25 percent of the amount appropriated for the Threat-Based Homeland Security Grant Program.

3.

Preservation of pre-9/11 grant programs for traditional first responder missions

(a)

In general

This Act shall not be construed to affect any authority to award grants under any Federal grant program listed under subsection (b), which existed on September 10, 2001, to enhance traditional missions of State and local law enforcement, firefighters, ports, emergency medical services, or public health missions. (b)

Programs included

The programs referred to in subsection (a) are the following: (1)The Firefighter Assistance Program authorized under section 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229). (2)The Emergency Management Performance Grant Program and the Urban Search and Rescue Grant program authorized under— (A)title VI of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5195 et seq.); (B)the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106–74; 113 Stat. 1047 et seq.); and (C)the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.). (3)The Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Programs authorized under part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3750 et seq.). (4)The Public Safety and Community Policing (COPS ON THE BEAT) Grant Program authorized under part Q of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796dd et seq.). (5)Grant programs under the Public Health Service Act regarding preparedness for bioterrorism and other public health emergencies and the Emergency Response Assistance Program authorized under section 1412 of the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 (50 U.S.C. 2312).

4.

Interagency Committee to Coordinate and Streamline Homeland Security Grant Programs

(a)

In general

Title VIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 801 the following:

802.

Interagency committee to coordinate and streamline homeland security grant programs

(a)

Establishment

(1)

In general

The Secretary, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies providing assistance for first responder preparedness, as identified by the President, shall establish the Interagency Committee to Coordinate and Streamline Homeland Security Grant Programs (referred to in this subtitle as the Interagency Committee). (2)

Composition

The Interagency Committee shall be composed of— (A)a representative of the Department; (B)a representative of the Department of Health and Human Services; (C)a representative of the Department of Transportation; (D)a representative of the Department of Justice; (E)a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (F)a representative of any other department or agency determined to be necessary by the President. (3)

Responsibilities

The Interagency Committee shall— (A)report on findings to the Information Clearinghouse established under section 801(d); (B)consult with State and local governments and emergency response providers regarding their homeland security needs and capabilities; (C)advise the Secretary on the development of performance measures for homeland security grant programs and the national strategy for homeland security; (D)compile a list of homeland security assistance programs; (E)not later than 1 year after the effective date of the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2005— (i)develop a proposal to coordinate, to the maximum extent practicable, the planning, reporting, application, and other guidance documents contained in homeland security assistance programs to eliminate all redundant and duplicative requirements; and (ii)submit the proposal developed under clause (i) to Congress and the President. (b)

Administration

The Department shall provide administrative support to the Interagency Committee, which shall include— (1)scheduling meetings; (2)preparing agenda; (3)maintaining minutes and records; and (4)producing reports. (c)

Chairperson

The Secretary shall designate a chairperson of the Interagency Committee. (d)

Meetings

The Interagency Committee shall meet— (1)at the call of the Secretary; or (2)not less frequently than once every month.

. (b)

Technical and conforming amendment

The table of contents for the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 801 the following: Sec. 802. Interagency Committee to Coordinate and Streamline Homeland Security Grant Programs. .

5.

Streamlining Federal homeland security grants

(a)

Director of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness

Section 801(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361(a)) is amended to read as follows: (a)

Establishment

(1)

In general

There is established within the Office of the Secretary the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, which shall oversee and coordinate departmental programs for, and relationships with, State and local governments. (2)

Executive director

The Office established under paragraph (1) shall be headed by the Executive Director of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. . (b)

Office for domestic preparedness

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended— (1)by redesignating section 430 as section 803 and transferring that section to the end of subtitle A of title VIII, as amended by section 4; and (2)in section 803, as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A)in subsection (a), by striking the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security and inserting the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness; (B)in subsection (b), by striking who shall be appointed by the President and all that follows and inserting who shall report directly to the Executive Director of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness.; (C)in subsection (c)— (i)in paragraph (7)— (I)by striking other and inserting the; (II)by striking consistent with the mission and functions of the Directorate; and (III)by striking and at the end; and (ii)in paragraph (8)— (I)by inserting carrying out before those elements; and (II)by striking and at the end; (iii)in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (iv)by adding at the end the following: (10)managing the Homeland Security Information Clearinghouse established under section 801(d). ; (D)by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (E)by inserting after subsection (c) the following: (d)

Training and exercises office within the Office for Domestic Preparedness

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall create within the Office for Domestic Preparedness an internal office that shall be the proponent for all national domestic preparedness, training, education, and exercises within the Office for State and Local Government Coordination. (2)

Office head

The Secretary shall select an individual with recognized expertise in first-responder training and exercises to head the office, and such person shall report directly to the Director of the Office of Domestic Preparedness. . (c)

Technical and conforming amendments

The table of contents for the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended— (1)by striking the item relating to section 430; (2)by amending the item relating to section 801 to read as follows: Sec. 801. Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness. ; and(3)by inserting after the item relating to section 802, as added by this Act, the following: Sec. 803. Office for Domestic Preparedness. . (d)

Establishment of homeland security information clearinghouse

Section 801 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: (d)

Homeland security information clearinghouse

(1)

Establishment

There is established within the Office for State and Local Government Coordination a Homeland Security Information Clearinghouse (referred to in this section as the Clearinghouse), which shall assist States, local governments, and first responders in accordance with paragraphs (2) through (5). (2)

Homeland security grant information

The Clearinghouse shall create a new website or enhance an existing website, establish a toll-free number, and produce a single publication that each contain information regarding the homeland security grant programs identified under section 802(a)(4). (3)

Technical assistance

The Clearinghouse, in consultation with the Interagency Committee established under section 802, shall provide information regarding— (A)technical assistance provided by any Federal agency to States and local governments to conduct threat analyses and vulnerability assessments; and (B)templates for conducting threat analyses and vulnerability assessments. (4)

Best practices

The Clearinghouse shall work with States, local governments, emergency response providers and the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, and private organizations to gather, validate, and disseminate information regarding successful State and local homeland security programs and practices. (5)

Use of Federal funds

The Clearinghouse shall compile information regarding equipment, training, and other services purchased with Federal funds provided under the homeland security grant programs identified under section 802(a)(4), and make such information, and information regarding voluntary standards of training, equipment, and exercises, available to States, local governments, and first responders. (6)

Other information

The Clearinghouse shall provide States, local governments, and first responders with any other information that the Secretary determines necessary. .

6.

Threat-based homeland security grant program

(a)

Grants authorized

The Secretary may award grants to States and local governments to enhance homeland security. (b)

Use of funds

(1)

In general

Grants awarded under subsection (a)— (A)shall be used to address homeland security matters related to acts of terrorism or major disasters and related capacity building; and (B)shall not be used to supplant ongoing first responder expenses or general protective measures. (2)

Allowable uses

Grants awarded under subsection (a) may be used to— (A)develop State plans or risk assessments (including the development of the homeland security plan) to respond to terrorist attacks and strengthen all hazards emergency planning and community wide plans for responding to terrorist or all hazards emergency events that are coordinated with the capacities of applicable Federal, State, and local governments, first responders, and State and local government health agencies; (B)develop State, regional, or local mutual aid agreements; (C)purchase or upgrade equipment based on State and local needs as identified under a State homeland security plan; (D)conduct exercises to strengthen emergency preparedness of State and local first responders including law enforcement, firefighting personnel, and emergency medical service workers, and other emergency responders identified in a State homeland security plan; (E)pay for overtime expenses relating to— (i)training activities consistent with the goals outlined in a State homeland security plan; (ii)as determined by the Secretary, activities relating to an increase in the threat level under the Homeland Security Advisory System; and (iii)any other activity relating to the State Homeland Security Strategy, and approved by the Secretary; (F)promote training regarding homeland security preparedness including— (i)emergency preparedness responses to a use or threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction; and (ii)training in the use of equipment, including detection, monitoring, and decontamination equipment, and personal protective gear; and (G)conduct any activity permitted under the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Grant Program. (3)

Prohibited uses

(A)

Construction

Grants awarded under subsection (a) may not be used to construct buildings or other physical facilities, except those described in section 611 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5196) and approved by the Secretary in the homeland security plan certified under subsection (d), or to acquire land. (B)

Cost sharing

Grant funds provided under this section shall not be used for any State or local government cost sharing contribution request under this section. (c)

Application

(1)

Submission

A State may apply for a grant under this section by submitting to the Secretary an application at such time, and in such manner, and containing such information the Secretary may reasonably require. (2)

Revisions

A State may revise a homeland security plan certified under subsection (d) at the time an application is submitted under paragraph (1) after receiving approval from the Secretary. (3)

Approval

The Secretary shall not award a grant under this section unless the application submitted by the State includes a homeland security plan meeting the requirements of subsection (d). (4)

Release of funds

The Secretary shall release grant funds to States with approved plans after the approval of an application submitted under this subsection. (d)

Homeland security plan

(1)

In general

An application submitted under subsection (c) shall include a certification that the State has prepared a 3-year State homeland security plan (referred to in this subsection as the plan) to respond to terrorist attacks and strengthen all hazards emergency planning that has been approved by the Secretary. (2)

Contents

The plan shall contain measurable goals and objectives that— (A)establish a 3-year strategy to set priorities for the allocation of funding to political subdivisions based on the risk, capabilities, and needs described under paragraph (3)(C); (B)provide for interoperable communications; (C)provide for local coordination of response and recovery efforts, including procedures for effective incident command in conformance with the National Incident Management System; (D)ensure that first responders and other emergency personnel have adequate training and appropriate equipment for the threats that may occur; (E)provide for improved coordination and collaboration among police, fire, and public health authorities at State and local levels; (F)coordinate emergency response and public health plans; (G)mitigate risks to critical infrastructure that may be vulnerable to terrorist attacks; (H)promote regional coordination among contiguous local governments; (I)identify necessary protective measures by private owners of critical infrastructure; (J)promote orderly evacuation procedures when necessary; (K)ensure support from the public health community for measures needed to prevent, detect and treat bioterrorism, and radiological and chemical incidents; (L)increase the number of local jurisdictions participating in local and statewide exercises; (M)meet preparedness goals as determined by the Secretary; and (N)include a report from the relevant advisory committee established under paragraph (3)(D) that documents the areas of support, disagreement, or recommended changes to the plan before its submission to the Secretary. (3)

Development process

(A)

In general

In preparing the plan under this section, a State shall— (i)provide for the consideration of all homeland security needs; (ii)follow a process that is continuing, inclusive, cooperative, and comprehensive, as appropriate; and (iii)coordinate the development of the plan with the homeland security planning activities of local governments. (B)

Coordination with local planning activities

The coordination under subparagraph (A)(iii) shall contain input from local stakeholders, including— (i)local officials, including representatives of rural, high-population, and high-threat jurisdictions; (ii)first responders and emergency response providers; and (iii)private sector companies, such as railroads and chemical manufacturers. (C)

Scope of planning

Each State preparing a plan under this section shall, in conjunction with the local stakeholders under subparagraph (B), address all the information requested by the Secretary, and complete a comprehensive assessment of— (i)risk, including a— (I)vulnerability assessment; (II)threat assessment; and (III)public health assessment, in coordination with the State bioterrorism plan; and (ii)capabilities and needs, including— (I)an evaluation of current preparedness, mitigation, and response capabilities based on such assessment mechanisms as shall be determined by the Secretary; (II)an evaluation of capabilities needed to address the risks described under clause (i); and (III)an assessment of the shortfall between the capabilities described under subclause (I) and the required capabilities described under subclause (II). (D)

Advisory committee

(i)

In general

Each State preparing a plan under this section shall establish an advisory committee to receive comments from the public and the local stakeholders identified under subparagraph (B). (ii)

Composition

The Advisory Committee shall include local officials, local first responders, and emergency response providers that are representative of the counties, cities, and towns within the State, and which shall include representatives of rural, high-population, and high-threat jurisdictions. (4)

Plan approval

The Secretary shall approve a plan upon finding that the plan meets the requirements of— (A)paragraphs (2) and (3); (B)the interim performance measurements under subsection (g)(1), or the national performance standards under subsection (g)(2); and (C)any other criteria the Secretary determines necessary to the approval of a State plan. (5)

Review of advisory committee report

The Secretary shall review the recommendations of the advisory committee report incorporated into a plan under subsection (d)(2)(N), including any dissenting views submitted by advisory committee members, to ensure cooperation and coordination between local and State jurisdictions in planning the use of grant funds under this section. (e)

Tentative allocation

(1)

Urban area security initiative grant program

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall allocate 25 percent of the funds appropriated under the Threat-Based Homeland Security Grant Program for discretionary grants to be provided directly to local governments, including multistate entities established by a compact between 2 or more States, in high threat areas, as determined by the Secretary based on the criteria under subparagraph (B). (B)

Criteria

The Secretary shall ensure that each local government receiving a grant under this paragraph— (i)has a large population or high population density; (ii)has a high degree of threat, risk, and vulnerability related to critical infrastructure or not less than 1 key asset identified by the Secretary or State homeland security plan; (iii)has an international border with Canada or Mexico, or coastline bordering international waters of Canada, Mexico, or bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, or the Gulf of Mexico; or (iv)are subject to other threat factors specified in writing by the Secretary. (C)

Consistency

Any grant awarded under this paragraph shall be used to supplement and support, in a consistent and coordinated manner, those activities and objectives described under subsection (b) or a State homeland security plan. (D)

Coordination

The Secretary shall ensure that any grants made under this paragraph encourage multiple contiguous units of local government and mutual aid partners to coordinate any homeland security activities. (2)

State homeland security grant program

(A)

States

Each State whose application is approved under subsection (c) shall receive, for each fiscal year, the greater of— (i)0.75 percent of the amounts appropriated for the State Homeland Security Grant Program; or (ii)the State’s per capita share, as defined by the 2002 census population estimate, of 38.625 percent of the State Homeland Security Grant Program. (B)

Insular areas

Each insular area shall receive, for each fiscal year, the greater of— (i)0.075 percent of the amounts appropriated for the State Homeland Security Grant Program; or (ii)the insular area’s per capita share, as defined by the 2002 census population estimate, of 38.625 percent of the State Homeland Security Grant Program. (3)

Secondary distribution

After the distribution of funds under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, from the remaining funds for the State Homeland Security Grant Program and 10.8 percent of the amount appropriated for the Threat-Based Homeland Security Grant Program pursuant to subsection (j)(1), distribute amounts to each State that— (A)has a substantial percentage of its population residing in Metropolitan Statistical Areas, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget; (B)has a high degree of threat, risk, and vulnerability related to critical infrastructure or not less than 1 key asset identified by the Secretary or State homeland security plan; (C)has an international border with Canada or Mexico, or coastline bordering international waters of Canada, Mexico, or bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, or the Gulf of Mexico; or (D)are subject to other threat factors specified in writing by the Secretary. (4)

Distribution of funds

If the amounts tentatively allocated under paragraphs (1) through (3) equal the sum of the amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (j), the Secretary shall distribute the appropriated amounts based on the tentative allocation. (5)

Proportional reduction

If the amount appropriated for the Large High-Threat State Fund pursuant to subsection (j)(2) is less than 10.8 percent of the amount appropriated for the Threat-Based Homeland Security Grant Program pursuant to subsection (j)(1), the Secretary shall proportionately reduce the amounts tentatively allocated under paragraphs (1) through (3) so that the amount distributed is equal to the sum of the amounts appropriated for such programs. (6)

Funding for local entities and first responders

The Secretary shall require recipients of the State Homeland Security Grant to provide local governments and first responders, consistent with the applicable State homeland security plan, with not less than 80 percent of the grant funds, the resources purchased with such grant funds, or a combination thereof, not later than 60 days after receiving grant funding. (7)

Supplement not supplant

Amounts appropriated for grants under this subsection shall be used to supplement and not supplant other State and local public funds obligated for the purposes provided under this Act. (8)

Law enforcement terrorism prevention program

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall designate not more than 25 percent of the amounts allocated through the State Homeland Security Grant Program to be used for the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program to provide grants to law enforcement agencies to enhance capabilities for terrorism prevention. (B)

Use of funds

Grants awarded under this paragraph may be used for— (i)information sharing to preempt terrorist attacks; (ii)target hardening to reduce the vulnerability of selected high value targets; (iii)threat recognition to recognize the potential or development of a threat; (iv)intervention activities to interdict terrorists before they can execute a threat; (v)interoperable communication systems; (vi)overtime expenses related to the State Homeland Security Strategy approved by the Secretary; and (vii)any other terrorism prevention activity authorized by the Secretary. (f)

Report on homeland security spending

Each recipient of a grant under this section shall annually submit a report to the Secretary that contains— (1)an accounting of the amount of State and local funds spent on homeland security activities under the applicable State homeland security plan; and (2)information regarding the use of grant funds by units of local government as required by the Secretary. (g)

Accountability

(1)

Interim performance measures

(A)

In general

Before establishing performance standards under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall assist each State in establishing interim performance measures based upon— (i)the goals and objectives under subsection (d)(2); and (ii)any other factors determined by the Secretary. (B)

Annual report

Before establishing performance measures under paragraph (2), each State with an approved State plan shall submit to the Secretary a report detailing the progress the State has made in meeting the interim performance measures established under subparagraph (A). (2)

National performance standards

(A)

In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall set national performance standards based in part on the goals and objectives under subsection (d)(2) and any other factors the Secretary determines relevant. (B)

Compliance

The Secretary shall ensure that State plans are in conformance with the standards set under subparagraph (A). (C)

Annual report

After the establishment of performance standards under subparagraph (A), each State with an approved State homeland security plan shall submit to the Secretary a report on the progress the State has made in meeting such standards. (3)

General accounting office access to information

Each recipient of a grant under this section and the Department of Homeland Security shall provide the General Accounting Office with full access to information regarding the activities carried out under this section. (4)

Audit

Grant recipients that expend $500,000 or more in Federal funds during any fiscal year shall submit to the Secretary an organization wide financial and compliance audit report in conformance with the requirements of chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code. (h)

Remedies for non-Compliance

(1)

In general

If the Secretary finds, after reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that a recipient of a grant under this section has failed to substantially comply with any provision of this section, the Secretary shall— (A)terminate any payment of grant funds to be made to the recipient under this section; (B)reduce the amount of payment of grant funds to the recipient by an amount equal to the amount of grants funds that were not expended by the recipient in accordance with this section; or (C)limit the use of grant funds received under this section to programs, projects, or activities not affected by the failure to comply. (2)

Duration of penalty

The Secretary shall apply an appropriate penalty under paragraph (1) until such time as the Secretary determines that the grant recipient is in full compliance with this section. (3)

Direct funding

If a State fails to substantially comply with any provision of this section, including failing to provide local governments with grant funds or resources purchased with grant funds in a timely fashion, a local government entitled to receive such grant funds or resources may petition the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as determined by the Secretary, to request that grant funds or resources be provided directly to the local government. (i)

Reports to congress

The Secretary shall submit an annual report to Congress that provides— (1)findings relating to the performance standards established under subsection (g); (2)the status of preparedness goals and objectives; (3)an evaluation of how States and local governments are meeting preparedness goals and objectives; (4)the total amount of resources provided to the States; (5)the total amount of resources provided to units of local government; and (6)a list of how these resources were expended. (j)

Authorization of appropriations

(1)

Threat-based homeland security grant program

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. (2)

Large high-threat state fund

There are authorized to be appropriated 10.8 percent of the funds appropriated in any fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1), which shall be used to carry out the Large High-Threat State Fund.

7.

Eliminating homeland security fraud, waste, and abuse

(a)

Annual general accounting office audit and report

(1)

Audit

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an annual audit of the Threat Based Homeland Security Grant Program (2)

Report

The Comptroller General of the United States shall provide a report to Congress on the results of the audit conducted under paragraph (1), which includes— (A)an analysis of whether the grant recipients allocated funding consistent with the State homeland security plan and the guidelines established by the Department of Homeland Security; and (B)the amount of funding devoted to overtime and administrative expenses. (b)

Reviews of threat-based homeland security funding

The Secretary, through the appropriate agency, shall conduct periodic reviews of grants made through the Threat Based Homeland Security Grant Program to ensure that recipients allocate funds consistent with the guidelines established by the Department of Homeland Security. (c)

Remedies for non-compliance

If the Secretary determines, after reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that a recipient of a Threat Based Homeland Security Grant has failed to substantially comply with any regulations or guidelines issues by the Department regarding eligible expenditures, the Secretary shall— (1)terminate any payment of grant funds scheduled to be made to the recipient; (2)reduce the amount of payment of grant finds to the recipient by an amount equal to the amount of grant funds that were not expended by the recipient in accordance with such guidelines; or (3)limit the use of grant funds received under the Threat Based Homeland Security Grant Program to programs, projects, or activities not affected by the failure to comply. (d)

Duration of penalty

The Secretary shall apply an appropriate penalty under subsection (c) until such time as the Secretary determines that the grant recipient is in full compliance with the guidelines established by the Department of Homeland Security.

8.

Flexibility in unspent homeland security funds

(a)

Reallocation of funds

The Director of the Office for Domestic Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security, shall allow any State to request approval to reallocate funds received pursuant to appropriations for the State Homeland Security Grant Program under Public Laws 105–277 (112 Stat. 2681 et seq.), 106–113 (113 Stat. 1501A–3 et seq.), 106–553 (114 Stat. 2762A–3 et seq.), 107–77 (115 Stat. 78 et seq.), or the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution of 2003 (Public Law 108–7), among the 4 categories of equipment, training, exercises, and planning. (b)

Approval of reallocation requests

The Director shall approve reallocation requests under subsection (a) in accordance with the State plan and any other relevant factors that the Secretary determines to be necessary. (c)

Limitation

A waiver under this section shall not affect the obligation of a State to pass through 80 percent of the amount appropriated for equipment to units of local government.

9.

Certification relative to the screening of municipal solid waste transported into the United States

The Secretary shall deny entry into the United States of any commercial motor vehicle (as defined in section 31101(1) of title 49, United States Code) carrying municipal solid waste unless and until the Secretary certifies to Congress that the methodologies and technologies used by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security to screen for and detect the presence of chemical, nuclear, biological, and radiological weapons in such waste are as effective as the methodologies and technologies used by the Bureau to screen for such materials in other items of commerce entering into the United States by commercial motor vehicle transport.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2005.

2.

Interagency Committee to Coordinate and Streamline Homeland Security Grant Programs

(a)

In general

Title VIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 801 the following:

802.

Interagency committee to coordinate and streamline homeland security grant programs

(a)

Establishment

(1)

In general

The Secretary, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies providing assistance for emergency response provider preparedness, as identified by the President, shall establish the Interagency Committee to Coordinate and Streamline Homeland Security Grant Programs (referred to in this subtitle as the Interagency Committee). (2)

Composition

The Interagency Committee shall be composed of— (A)at least 2 representatives of the Department, including a representative of the United States Fire Administration; (B)a representative of the Department of Health and Human Services; (C)a representative of the Department of Transportation; (D)a representative of the Department of Justice; (E)a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (F)a representative of any other department or agency determined to be necessary by the President. (3)

Responsibilities

The Interagency Committee shall— (A)provide any findings to the Information Clearinghouse established under section 801(c); (B)consult with State and local governments and emergency response providers regarding their homeland security needs and capabilities; (C)advise the Secretary on the development of performance measures for homeland security and other first responder assistance programs; (D)compile a list of homeland security and other first responder assistance programs; (E)not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2005— (i)develop a proposal to coordinate, to the maximum extent practicable, the planning, reporting, application, and other guidance documents contained in homeland security assistance programs to— (I)eliminate all redundant and duplicative requirements; (II)ensure accountability of the programs to the intended purposes of such programs; and (III)coordinate expenditures of grant funds to avoid duplicative or inconsistent purchases; and (ii)submit the proposal developed under clause (i) to— (I)the President; (II)the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and (III)the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; and (F)otherwise promote the coordination of homeland security grant programs throughout the Federal government. (b)

Administration

The Department shall provide administrative support to the Interagency Committee, which shall include— (1)scheduling meetings; (2)preparing agenda; (3)maintaining minutes and records; and (4)producing reports. (c)

Chairperson

The Secretary shall designate a chairperson of the Interagency Committee. (d)

Meetings

The Interagency Committee shall meet— (1)at the call of the Secretary; or (2)not less frequently than once every month.

. (b)

Technical and conforming amendment

The table of contents for the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 801 the following: Sec. 802. Interagency Committee to Coordinate and Streamline Homeland Security Grant Programs. .

3.

Streamlining Federal homeland security grant administration

(a)

Director of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness

Section 801(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361(a)) is amended to read as follows: (a)

Establishment

(1)

In general

There is established within the Office of the Secretary the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, which shall oversee and coordinate departmental programs for, and relationships with, State and local governments. (2)

Executive director

The Office established under paragraph (1) shall be headed by the Executive Director of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. . (b)

Office for domestic preparedness

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended— (1)by redesignating section 430 as section 803 and transferring that section to the end of subtitle A of title VIII, as amended by section 2; and (2)in section 803, as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A)in subsection (a), by striking the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security and inserting the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness; (B)in subsection (b), by striking who shall be appointed by the President and all that follows and inserting who shall report directly to the Executive Director of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness.; and (C)in subsection (c)— (i)in paragraph (7)— (I)by striking other and inserting the; and (II)by striking consistent with the mission and functions of the Directorate; (ii)in paragraph (8)— (I)by inserting carrying out before those elements; and (II)by striking and at the end; (iii)in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (iv)by adding at the end the following: (10)managing the Homeland Security Information Clearinghouse established under section 801(c). . (c)

Technical and conforming amendments

(1)

Table of contents

The table of contents for the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended— (A)by striking the item relating to section 430; (B)by amending the item relating to section 801 to read as follows: Sec. 801. Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness. ; and(C)by inserting after the item relating to section 802, as added by this Act, the following: Sec. 803. Office for Domestic Preparedness. . (2)

Section heading

Section 801 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361) is amended by striking the section heading and inserting the following:

801.

Office of State and local government coordination and preparedness

. (d)

Establishment of homeland security information clearinghouse

Section 801 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the following: (c)

Homeland security information clearinghouse

(1)

Establishment

There is established within the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness a Homeland Security Information Clearinghouse (referred to in this section as the Clearinghouse), which shall assist States, local governments, and emergency response providers in accordance with paragraphs (2) through (6). (2)

Homeland security grant information

The Clearinghouse shall create a new website or enhance an existing website, establish a toll-free number, and produce a single publication that each contain information regarding the homeland security grant programs administered by the Department. (3)

Technical assistance

The Clearinghouse, in consultation with the Interagency Committee established under section 802, shall provide information regarding technical assistance provided by any Federal agency to States and local governments relating to homeland security matters, including templates for conducting threat analyses and vulnerability assessments. (4)

Best practices

The Clearinghouse shall work with States, local governments, emergency response providers, the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, and private organizations to gather, validate, and disseminate information regarding successful State and local homeland security programs and practices. (5)

Use of Federal funds

The Clearinghouse shall compile information regarding equipment, training, and other services that can be purchased with Federal funds provided under homeland security grant programs and make such information, and information regarding voluntary standards of training, equipment, and exercises, available to States, local governments, and emergency response providers. (6)

Other information

The Clearinghouse shall provide States, local governments, and emergency response providers with any other information that the Secretary determines necessary. .

4.

Essential capabilities for first responders and threat-based homeland security grant program

(a)

In general

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: . (b)

Fire services

Section 2(6) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101(6)) is amended by inserting (including fire services) after local emergency public safety. (c)

Technical and conforming amendment

The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: TITLE XVIII—Essential capabilities for first responders and threat-based homeland security grant program Sec. 1801. Definitions. Sec. 1802. Preservation of pre-9/11 grant programs for traditional first responder missions. Sec. 1803. Essential capabilities for first responders. Sec. 1804. Threat-Based Homeland Security Grant Program. Sec. 1805. Eliminating homeland security fraud, waste, and abuse. Sec. 1806. Flexibility in unspent homeland security funds. Sec. 1807. National standards for first responder equipment and training. Sec. 1808. Certification relative to the screening of municipal solid waste transported into the United States. .

5.

Communication system grants

(a)

In general

(1)

Establishment

There is established in the Department of Homeland Security an International Border Community Interoperable Communications Demonstration Project (referred to in this section as demonstration projects). (2)

Minimum number of communities

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall select no fewer than 6 communities to participate in a demonstration project. (3)

Location of communities

No fewer than 3 of the communities selected under paragraph (2) shall be located on the northern border of the United States and no fewer than 3 of the communities selected under paragraph (2) shall be located on the southern border of the United States. (b)

Program requirements

The demonstration projects shall— (1)address the interoperable communications needs of police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, National Guard, and other emergency response providers, as defined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002; (2)foster interoperable communications— (A)among Federal, State, local, and tribal government agencies in the United States involved in preventing or responding to terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events; and (B)with similar agencies in Canada or Mexico; (3)identify common international cross-border frequencies for communications equipment, including radio or computer messaging equipment; (4)foster the standardization of interoperable communications equipment; (5)identify solutions that will facilitate communications interoperability across national borders expeditiously; (6)ensure that emergency response providers can communicate with one another and the public at disaster sites or in the event of a terrorist attack or other catastrophic event; (7)provide training and equipment to enable emergency response providers to deal with threats and contingencies in a variety of environments; and (8)identify and secure appropriate joint-use equipment to ensure communications access. (c)

Distribution of funds

(1)

In general

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall distribute funds under this section to each community participating in a demonstration project under this section through the State or States in which each community is located. (2)

Other participants

A State receiving funds under this section shall make the funds available to the local governments and emergency response providers participating in a demonstration project selected by the Secretary of Homeland Security not later than 60 days after receiving funds. (d)

Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary in each of fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008 to carry out this section. (e)

Reporting

Not later than December 31, 2005, and each year thereafter in which funds are appropriated for a demonstration project, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report on the demonstration projects under this section.

May 24, 2005 Reported with an amendment