[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 177 (Tuesday, December 8, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H9041-H9045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HSA TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT
Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 3859) to make technical corrections to the Homeland Security Act
of 2002, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 3859
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``HSA Technical Corrections
Act''.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO THE HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this
Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or
other provision of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public
Law 107-296; 6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.).
SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF
2002.
(a) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section
1(b) (6 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended as follows:
(1) By striking the items relating to each of the
following:
[[Page H9042]]
(A) Section 401.
(B) Section 416.
(C) Section 430.
(D) Section 431.
(E) Section 445.
(F) Section 446.
(G) Section 455.
(H) Section 456.
(I) Section 459.
(J) Section 460.
(K) Section 461.
(L) Section 472.
(M) Section 473.
(N) Section 474.
(O) Section 475.
(P) Section 477.
(Q) Section 706.
(R) Section 857.
(S) Section 878.
(T) Section 881.
(U) Section 893.
(V) Section 1204.
(W) Title XIV.
(X) Section 1401.
(Y) Section 1402.
(Z) Section 1403.
(AA) Section 1404.
(BB) Section 1405.
(CC) Section 1406.
(DD) Section 1502.
(2) By striking the items relating to the second section
226 and sections 227 and 228 and inserting the following new
items:
``Sec. 227. National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration
Center.
``Sec. 228. Cyber incident response plan.
``Sec. 229. Clearances.''.
(3) By striking the item relating to title IV and the item
relating to subtitle A of title IV and inserting the
following new items:
``TITLE IV--BORDER, MARITIME, AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
``SUBTITLE A--BORDER, MARITIME, AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS''.
(4) By striking the item relating to section 402 and
inserting the following new item:
``Sec. 402. Border, maritime, and transportation responsibilities.''.
(5) By striking the item relating to subtitle B of title IV
and inserting the following new item:
``Subtitle B--United States Customs and Border Protection''.
(6) By striking the item relating to section 411 and
inserting the following new item:
``Sec. 411. Establishment of United States Customs and Border
Protection.''.
(7) By striking the item relating to section 441 and
inserting the following new item:
``Sec. 441. Transfer of functions.''.
(8) By striking the item relating to section 442 and
inserting the following new item:
``Sec. 442. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.''.
(9) By striking the item relating to section 451 and
inserting the following new item:
``Sec. 451. Establishment of United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services.''.
(10) By striking the item relating to section 2103 and
inserting the following new item:
``Sec. 2103. Protection and sharing of information.''.
(b) Title I.--Title I (6 U.S.C. 111 et seq.) is amended as
follows:
(1) In section 102(f)(10) (6 U.S.C. 112(f)(10)), by
striking ``Directorate of Border and Transportation
Security'' and inserting ``Commissioner of United States
Customs and Border Protection''.
(2) In section 103(a)(1) (6 U.S.C. 113(a)(1))--
(A) by striking the enumerator, the paragraph heading, and
the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2),
there are the following officers, appointed by the President,
by and with the advice and consent of the Senate:'';
(B) by moving the margins of subparagraphs (A) through (J)
two ems to the right;
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``An Under Secretary
for Border and Transportation Security'' and inserting ``A
Commissioner of United States Customs and Border
Protection'';
(D) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``the Bureau of'' and
inserting ``United States'';
(E) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``A Director of the
Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement'' and inserting ``A
Director of United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement'';
(F) by inserting after subparagraph (J) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(K) An Administrator of the Transportation Security
Administration.
``(L) A Commandant of the Coast Guard.''.
(c) Title II.--Title II (6 U.S.C. 121 et seq.) is amended
as follows:
(1) In section 202 (6 U.S.C. 122)--
(A) in subsection (c), by striking ``Director of Central
Intelligence'' and inserting ``Director of National
Intelligence''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``Director of Central
Intelligence'' and inserting ``Director of National
Intelligence''.
(2) In section 210E (6 U.S.C. 124l)--
(A) by striking subsection (e); and
(B) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e).
(3) In section 223 (6 U.S.C. 143)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B)--
(i) by striking ``in coordination with the Under Secretary
for Emergency Preparedness and Response,''; and
(ii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, in coordination with
the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and
Response,''.
(4) In section 225 (6 U.S.C. 145)--
(A) by striking subsection (c); and
(B) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
(5) By redesignating sections 227 (6 U.S.C. 149) and 228 (6
U.S.C. 150) as sections 228 and 229, respectively.
(6) By redesignating the second section 226 (6 U.S.C. 148)
(relating to ``National Cybersecurity and Communications
Integration Center'') as section 227.
(7) In section 228 (6 U.S.C. 149), as redesignated by
paragraph (6), by striking ``section 226'' and inserting
``section 227(a)(1)''.
(d) Title III.--Section 302 (6 U.S.C. 182) is amended by
striking ``biological,,'' both places it appears and
inserting ``biological,''.
(e) Title IV.--Title IV (6 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) is amended
as follows:
(1) By striking the title heading and inserting the
following:
``TITLE IV--BORDER, MARITIME, AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY''.
(2) By striking the heading for subtitle A and inserting
the following:
``Subtitle A--Border, Maritime, and Transportation Security
Responsibilities and Functions''.
(3) By striking section 401 (6 U.S.C. 201).
(4) In section 402 (6 U.S.C. 202)--
(A) by striking the section heading and inserting the
following: ``border, maritime, and transportation
responsibilities.''; and
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``,
acting through the Under Secretary for Border and
Transportation Security,''.
(5) By striking the heading for subtitle B and inserting
the following:
``Subtitle B--United States Customs and Border Protection''.
(6) In section 411 (6 U.S.C. 211)--
(A) by striking the section heading and inserting the
following: ``establishment of united states customs and
border protection.'';
(B) in subsection (a)--
(i) by striking ``the United States Customs Service'' and
inserting ``the United States Customs and Border
Protection''; and
(ii) by striking ``the Under Secretary for Border and
Transportation Security'' and inserting ``the Secretary'';
and
(C) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the subsection heading, by striking ``of Customs'';
(ii) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the Customs Service a
Commissioner of Customs'' and inserting ``United States
Customs and Border Protection a Commissioner''; and
(iii) by striking paragraph (3).
(7) In section 412(b)(1) (6 U.S.C. 212), by striking
``United States Customs Service'' and inserting ``United
States Customs and Border Protection''.
(8) In section 413 (6 U.S.C. 213), by striking ``available
to the United States Customs Service or''.
(9) In section 414 (6 U.S.C. 214), by striking ``the United
States Customs Service'' and inserting ``United States
Customs and Border Protection''.
(10) By striking section 416 (6 U.S.C. 216).
(11) In section 418 (6 U.S.C. 218)--
(A) by striking ``(a) Continuing Reports.--''; and
(B) by striking subsection (b).
(12) In section 423 (6 U.S.C. 233)--
(A) by striking subsection (b); and
(B) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
(13) In section 424(a) (6 U.S.C. 234(a)), by striking
``Under Secretary for Border Transportation and Security''
and inserting ``Secretary''.
(14) In section 427 (6 U.S.C. 235), by striking subsection
(c).
(15) In section 428 (6 U.S.C. 236)--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking paragraphs (7) and (8);
(B) by striking subsections (g) and (h); and
(C) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (g).
(16) By striking section 430 (6 U.S.C. 238).
(17) By striking section 431 (6 U.S.C. 239).
(18) In section 441 (6 U.S.C. 251)--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``to under
secretary for border and transportation security''; and
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation
Security'' and inserting ``the Secretary''.
(19) In section 442 (6 U.S.C. 252)--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``establishment of
bureau of border security'' and inserting ``united states
immigration and customs enforcement'';
(B) by striking ``the Bureau of Border Security'' each
place it appears and inserting ``United States Immigration
and Customs Enforcement'';
(C) by striking ``Bureau of Border Security'' each place it
appears and inserting ``United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement'';
(D) by striking ``the Bureau'' each place it appears and
inserting ``United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement'';
(E) by striking ``Under Secretary for Border and
Transportation Security'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary'';
[[Page H9043]]
(F) by striking ``the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services'' both places it appears and inserting ``United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services'';
(G) in subsection (a)--
(i) in the subsection heading, by striking ``of Bureau'';
(ii) in paragraph (1) by striking ``a bureau to be known as
the `Bureau of Border Security' '' and inserting ``the Bureau
of Border Security'';
(iii) in paragraph (2), in the paragraph heading, by
striking ``Assistant secretary'' and inserting ``Director'';
and
(iv) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Managerial rotation program.--Not later than 1 year
after the date on which the transfer of functions specified
under section 441 takes effect, the Director of United States
Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall design and
implement a managerial rotation program under which employees
of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding
positions involving supervisory or managerial responsibility
and classified, in accordance with chapter 51 of title 5,
United States Code, as a GS-14 or above, shall--
``(A) gain some experience in all the major functions
performed by United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement; and
``(B) work in at least one local office of United States
Immigration and Customs Enforcement.''; and
(H) by striking ``Assistant Secretary'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Director''.
(20) In section 443 (6 U.S.C. 253)--
(A) by striking ``Under Secretary for Border and
Transportation Security'' and inserting ``Secretary''; and
(B) by striking ``the Bureau of Border Security'' each
place it appears and inserting ``United States Immigration
and Customs Enforcement''.
(21) In section 444 (6 U.S.C. 254)--
(A) by striking ``Under Secretary for Border and
Transportation Security'' and inserting ``Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``pursuant to policies and procedures
applicable to employees of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation,''; and
(C) by striking ``the Bureau of Border Security'' and
inserting ``United States Customs and Border Protection''.
(22) By striking section 445.
(23) By striking section 446.
(24) In section 451--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``bureau of'' and
inserting ``united states'';
(B) by striking ``the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services'' each place it appears and inserting ``United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services'';
(C) by striking ``Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services'' each place it appears and inserting ``United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services'';
(D) by striking ``the Bureau of Border Security'' each
place it appears and inserting ``United States Immigration
and Customs Enforcement'';
(E) in subsection (a)--
(i) in the subsection heading, by striking ``of Bureau'';
(ii) in paragraph (1)--
(I) by striking ``a bureau to be known as the `Bureau of
Citizenship and Immigration Services' '' and inserting ``the
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services''; and
(II) by striking ``the `Bureau of Citizenship and
Immigration Services' '' and inserting `` `the United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services' '';
(iii) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``Assistant
Secretary'' and inserting ``Director''; and
(iv) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Managerial rotation program.--Not later than 1 year
after the effective date specified in section 455, the
Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services shall design and implement a managerial rotation
program under which employees of United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services holding positions involving
supervisory or managerial responsibility and classified, in
accordance with chapter 51 of title 5, United States Code, as
a GS-14 or above, shall--
``(A) gain some experience in all the major functions
performed by United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services; and
``(B) work in at least one field office and one service
center of United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services.''; and
(F) by striking subsection (g).
(25) In section 452 (6 U.S.C. 272)--
(A) by striking ``the Bureau of'' each place it appears and
inserting ``United States''; and
(B) in subsection (f), in the subsection heading, by
striking ``Bureau of'' and inserting ``United States''.
(26) In section 453 (6 U.S.C. 273)--
(A) by striking ``the Bureau of'' each place it appears and
inserting ``United States''; and
(B) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``such bureau'' and
inserting ``United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services''.
(27) In section 454 (6 U.S.C. 274)--
(A) by striking ``the Bureau of'' each place it appears and
inserting ``United States''; and
(B) by striking ``pursuant to policies and procedures
applicable to employees of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation,''.
(28) By striking section 455 (6 U.S.C. 271 note).
(29) By striking section 456 (6 U.S.C. 275).
(30) By striking section 459 (6 U.S.C. 276).
(31) By striking section 460 (6 U.S.C. 277).
(32) By striking section 461 (6 U.S.C. 278).
(33) In section 462(b)(2)(A) (6 U.S.C. 279(b)(2)(A))--
(A) by striking ``the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services'' and inserting ``United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services'';
(B) by striking ``Assistant Secretary'' and inserting
``Director''; and
(C) by striking ``the Bureau of Border Security'' and
inserting ``United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement''.
(34) By striking section 472 (6 U.S.C. 292).
(35) By striking section 473 (6 U.S.C. 293).
(36) By striking section 474 (6 U.S.C. 294).
(37) By striking section 475 (6 U.S.C. 295).
(38) In section 476 (6 U.S.C. 296)--
(A) by striking ``the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services'' each place it appears and inserting ``United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services''; and
(B) by striking ``the Bureau of Border Security'' each
place it appears and inserting ``United States Immigration
and Customs Enforcement''.
(39) By striking section 477 (6 U.S.C. 297).
(40) By amending section 478 (6 U.S.C. 298) to read as
follows:
``SEC. 478. IMMIGRATION FUNCTIONS.
``(a) In General.--One year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall
submit a report to the President, to the Committees on the
Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform of the House of
Representatives, and to the Committees on the Judiciary and
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, on
the impact the transfers made by this subtitle has had on
immigration functions.
``(b) Matter Included.--The report shall address the
following with respect to the period covered by the report:
``(1) The aggregate number of all immigration applications
and petitions received, and processed, by the Department.
``(2) Region-by-region statistics on the aggregate number
of immigration applications and petitions filed by an alien
(or filed on behalf of an alien) and denied, disaggregated by
category of denial and application or petition type.
``(3) The quantity of backlogged immigration applications
and petitions that have been processed, the aggregate number
awaiting processing, and a detailed plan for eliminating the
backlog.
``(4) The average processing period for immigration
applications and petitions, disaggregated by application or
petition type.
``(5) The number and types of immigration-related
grievances filed with any official of the Department of
Justice, and if those grievances were resolved.
``(6) Plans to address grievances and improve immigration
services.
``(7) Whether immigration-related fees were used consistent
with legal requirements regarding such use.
``(8) Whether immigration-related questions conveyed by
customers to the Department (whether conveyed in person, by
telephone, or by means of the Internet) were answered
effectively and efficiently.''.
(f) Title V.--Title V (6 U.S.C. 311 et seq.) is amended as
follows:
(1) In section 501(8) (6 U.S.C. 311(8)), by striking
``section 502(a)(6)'' and inserting ``section 504(a)(6)''.
(2) In section 504(a)(3)(B) (6 U.S.C. 314(a)(3)), by
striking ``, the National Disaster Medical System,''.
(g) Title VI.--Section 601 (6 U.S.C. 331) is amended by
striking ``Director of Central Intelligence'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Director of National Intelligence''.
(h) Title VII.--Title VII (6 U.S.C. 341 et seq.) is amended
as follows:
(1) In section 701(b)(1) (6 U.S.C. 341(b)(1))--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``the Bureau of Border Security and the
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services'' and
inserting ``United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services and United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement''; and
(ii) by striking ``such bureau'' and inserting ``United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``such bureaus'' and
inserting ``United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services and United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement''.
(2) By striking section 706 (6 U.S.C. 346).
(i) Title VIII.--Title VIII (6 U.S.C. 361 et seq.) is
amended as follows:
(1) In section 833 (6 U.S.C. 393), by striking subsection
(e).
(2) In section 843(b)(1)(B) (6 U.S.C. 413(b)(1)(B)), by
striking ``as determined by'' and all that follows through
``; and'' and inserting ``as determined by the Secretary;
and''.
(3) By amending section 844 (6 U.S.C. 414) to read as
follows:
``SEC. 844. HOMELAND SECURITY ROTATION PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish
the Homeland Security Rotation Program (in this section
referred to as the ``Rotation Program'') for employees of the
Department. The Rotation Program shall use applicable best
practices, including those from the Chief Human Capital
Officers Council.
[[Page H9044]]
``(b) Goals.--The Rotation Program established by the
Secretary shall--
``(1) be established in accordance with the Human Capital
Strategic Plan of the Department;
``(2) provide middle and senior level employees in the
Department the opportunity to broaden their knowledge through
exposure to other components of the Department;
``(3) expand the knowledge base of the Department by
providing for rotational assignments of employees to other
components;
``(4) build professional relationships and contacts among
the employees in the Department;
``(5) invigorate the workforce with exciting and
professionally rewarding opportunities;
``(6) incorporate Department human capital strategic plans
and activities, and address critical human capital
deficiencies, recruitment and retention efforts, and
succession planning within the Federal workforce of the
Department; and
``(7) complement and incorporate (but not replace)
rotational programs within the Department in effect on the
date of enactment of this section.
``(c) Administration.--
``(1) In general.--The Chief Human Capital Officer shall
administer the Rotation Program.
``(2) Responsibilities.--The Chief Human Capital Officer
shall--
``(A) provide oversight of the establishment and
implementation of the Rotation Program;
``(B) establish a framework that supports the goals of the
Rotation Program and promotes cross-disciplinary rotational
opportunities;
``(C) establish eligibility for employees to participate in
the Rotation Program and select participants from employees
who apply;
``(D) establish incentives for employees to participate in
the Rotation Program, including promotions and employment
preferences;
``(E) ensure that the Rotation Program provides
professional education and training;
``(F) ensure that the Rotation Program develops qualified
employees and future leaders with broadbased experience
throughout the Department;
``(G) provide for greater interaction among employees in
components of the Department; and
``(H) coordinate with rotational programs within the
Department in effect on the date of enactment of this
section.
``(d) Allowances, Privileges, and Benefits.--All
allowances, privileges, rights, seniority, and other benefits
of employees participating in the Rotation Program shall be
preserved.''.
(4) By striking section 857 (6 U.S.C. 427).
(5) By striking section 878 (6 U.S.C. 458).
(6) By striking section 881 (6 U.S.C. 461).
(7) In section 882(a)(1) (6 U.S.C. 462(a)(1)), by striking
``Office of the Secretary'' and inserting ``Federal Emergency
Management Agency''.
(8) In section 888 (6 U.S.C. 468), by striking subsection
(h).
(9) In section 892 (6 U.S.C. 482)--
(A) in subsection (b)(7), by striking ``Director of Central
Intelligence'' and inserting ``Director of National
Intelligence''; and
(B) in subsection (c)(3)(D), by striking ``Director of
Central Intelligence'' and inserting ``Director of National
Intelligence''.
(10) By striking section 893 (6 U.S.C. 483).
(j) Title IX.--Section 903(a) (6 U.S.C. 493(a)) is amended
in the subsection heading by striking ``Members--'' and
inserting ``Members.--''.
(k) Title X.--Section 1001(c)(1) (6 U.S.C. 511(c)(1)) is
amended by striking ``Director of Central Intelligence'' and
inserting ``Director of National Intelligence''.
(l) Title XII.--Title XII is amended by striking section
1204.
(m) Title XIV.--Strike title XIV (49 U.S.C. 40101 note et
seq.).
(n) Title XV.--Title XV (6 U.S.C. 541 et seq.) is amended
by striking section 1502.
(o) Title XVIII.--Title XVIII (6 U.S.C. 571 et seq.) is
amended as follows:
(1) In section 1801(c)(12) (6 U.S.C. 571(c)(12)), by
striking ``Assistant Secretary for Grants and Training'' and
inserting ``Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency''.
(2) In section 1804(b)(1) (6 U.S.C. 574(b)(1)), in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``Assistant
Secretary for Grants and Planning'' and inserting
``Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency''.
(p) Title XIX.--Section 1902(b)(3) (6 U.S.C. 592(b)(3)) is
amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Hawaiian
native-serving'' and inserting ``Native hawaiian-serving'';
and
(2) by striking ``Hawaiian native-serving'' and inserting
``Native Hawaiian-serving''.
(q) Title XX.--Title XX (6 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is amended
as follows:
(1) In section 2006(b)(4)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a period; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (F).
(2) In section 2021 (6 U.S.C. 611)--
(A) by striking subsection (c); and
(B) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson
Lee) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
General Leave
Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have
5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and
to include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
There was no objection.
Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3859, the HSA Technical
Corrections Act.
This important, commonsense legislation amends the Homeland Security
Act of 2002, the HSA, by updating obsolete language and by striking
outdated offices and reporting requirements.
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Congress passed the HSA, the
organizing document of the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, to
enhance the ability of the Federal Government to prevent future acts of
domestic terrorism.
The passage of this legislation marked one of the most dramatic
reorganizations of the Federal Government in decades and introduced a
number of new offices and reporting requirements. In the intervening
years, agencies have changed; names, roles, and responsibilities have
shifted; and a number of reporting requirements have expired. This
legislation updates the HSA to ensure it more accurately reflects the
mission of DHS, and thereby allows Congress to conduct more effective
oversight of the Department.
I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I rise in support of H.R. 3859, the HSA Technical Corrections Act of
2015.
Let me, first of all, thank the chairperson and ranking member of the
Oversight and Government Reform Committee on H.R. 3859 and thank the
ranking member, Mr. Thompson, and the chairman of the full committee.
The American people are looking for homeland security. They are looking
for us to be secure.
Before I briefly discuss H.R. 3859, let me applaud the Carter-Torres
bill, which was just passed, giving further authority to train law
enforcement all over America. As we can see, law enforcement is a part
of our first responders on homeland security.
H.R. 3859 is a technical corrections bill. It updates and revises the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 by, among other things, eliminating
onetime reporting requirements, removing antiquated positions that no
longer exist or have evolved, and striking provisions that were
inserted in 2002 before the Department of Homeland Security was
officially constituted in 2003.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note that during the Homeland Security
Committee's November 4 markup of H.R. 3859, members favorably and
unanimously reported this bill.
I acknowledge Mr. Perry for his leadership on these issues as well as
the collaboration we have on this committee. With this in mind, I
commend this bill for House consideration.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman
from California (Ms. Speier).
Ms. SPEIER. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman just referred to H.R. 3859 as a
unanimous bill that came out of Homeland Security. She spoke about how
this measure is going to get rid of reporting requirements and
antiquated elements regarding homeland security.
Meanwhile, Members, we have a travesty on our hands, and we are doing
nothing about it. We just witnessed the 353rd mass shooting of the year
in this country. We are all concerned about homegrown terrorists. We
had a homegrown terrorist who annihilated 14 people and injured many
more just last week.
We have a huge loophole in the law that allows persons who are on the
no-fly list to purchase guns in this country. If we believe that they
should not
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have the right to fly, why should they have the right to own a gun?
People like Faisal Shahzad was already on the no-fly list when he
attempted to bomb Times Square on May 1, 2010. If he had decided to
walk into a gun store that day and purchase a gun, he would have been
able to do so. This makes no sense.
It is time for us to engage in common sense. It is time for the
Homeland Security Committee to come together in a unanimous fashion and
pass H.R. 1076. There is a discharge petition on the floor. This bill
should come before the full House. Vote however you want to, but give
each and every Member of this House the opportunity to be recorded on
whether or not one wants people who are on suspected terrorist lists to
be able to buy a gun.
{time} 1430
For those who may be on that list for purposes that are wrong or in
error, so they have to wait 3 days before they get the gun. Better to
have safety in this country for all Americans, better to have persons
who do not belong in a position of owning a gun, but belong on the list
not to fly, to not be able to buy a gun.
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