[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H9248-H9255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1545
     DHS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REFORM AND IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2015

  Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3578) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002, to 
strengthen and make improvements to the Directorate of Science and 
Technology of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other 
purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 3578

       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 ``DHS Science and Technology 
     Reform and Improvement Act of 2015''.

     SEC. 2. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF HOMELAND 
                   SECURITY.

       (a) In General.--Title III of the Homeland Security Act of 
     2002 is amended--
       (1) in section 301 (6 U.S.C. 181)--
       (A) by striking ``There'' and inserting the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(a) In General.--There''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(b) Mission.--The Directorate of Science and Technology 
     shall be the primary research, development, testing, and 
     evaluation arm of the Department, responsible for 
     coordinating the research, development, testing, and 
     evaluation of the Department to strengthen the security and 
     resiliency of the United States. The Directorate shall--
       ``(1) develop and deliver knowledge, analyses, and 
     innovative solutions that are responsive to homeland security 
     capability gaps and threats to the homeland identified by 
     components and offices of the Department, the first responder 
     community, and the Homeland Security Enterprise (as such term 
     is defined in section 322) and that can be integrated into 
     operations of the Department;
       ``(2) seek innovative, system-based solutions to complex 
     homeland security problems and threats; and
       ``(3) build partnerships and leverage technology solutions 
     developed by other Federal agencies and laboratories, State, 
     local, and tribal governments, universities, and the private 
     sector.'';
       (2) in section 302 (6 U.S.C. 182)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for 
     Science and Technology, shall'' and inserting the following 
     new subsection:
       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology, shall carry out the 
     mission described in subsection (b) of section 301 and 
     shall'';
       (B) in subsection (a), as so amended by subparagraph (A) of 
     this paragraph--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and serving as the 
     senior scientific advisor to the Secretary'' before the 
     semicolon at the end;
       (ii) in paragraph (2)--

       (I) by striking ``national'';
       (II) by striking ``biological,,'' and inserting 
     ``biological,''; and
       (III) by inserting ``that may serve as a basis of a 
     national strategy'' after ``terrorist threats'';

       (iii) in paragraph (3)--

       (I) by striking ``the Under Secretary for Intelligence and 
     Analysis and the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure 
     Protection'' and inserting ``components and offices of the 
     Department''; and
       (II) by inserting ``terrorist'' before ``threats'';

       (iv) in paragraph (4), by striking ``except that such 
     responsibility does not extend to human health-related 
     research and development activities'' and inserting the 
     following: ``including coordinating with relevant components 
     and offices of the Department appropriate to--
       ``(A) identify and prioritize technical capability 
     requirements and create solutions that include researchers, 
     the private sector, and operational end users, and
       ``(B) develop capabilities to address issues on research, 
     development, testing, evaluation, technology, and standards 
     for the first responder community,
     except that such responsibility does not extend to the human 
     health-related research and development activities;''.
       (v) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``biological,,'' and 
     inserting ``biological,'';
       (vi) by amending paragraph (12) to read as follows:
       ``(12) coordinating and integrating all research, 
     development, demonstration, testing, and evaluation 
     activities of the Department, including through a centralized 
     Federal

[[Page H9249]]

     clearinghouse established pursuant to paragraph (1) of 
     section 313(b) for information relating to technologies that 
     would further the mission of the Department, and providing 
     advice, as necessary, regarding major acquisition 
     programs;''.
       (vii) in paragraph (13), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (viii) in paragraph (14), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (ix) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(15) establishing a process that--
       ``(A) includes consideration by Directorate leadership, 
     senior component leadership, first responders, and outside 
     expertise;
       ``(B) is strategic, transparent, and repeatable with a goal 
     of continuous improvement;
       ``(C) through which research and development projects 
     undertaken by the Directorate are assessed on a regular 
     basis; and
       ``(D) includes consideration of metrics to ensure research 
     and development projects meet Directorate and Department 
     goals and inform departmental budget and program planning;
       ``(16) developing and overseeing the administration of 
     guidelines for periodic external review of departmental 
     research and development programs or activities, including 
     through--
       ``(A) consultation with experts, including scientists and 
     practitioners, regarding the research and development 
     activities conducted by the Directorate of Science and 
     Technology; and
       ``(B) biennial independent, external review--
       ``(i) initially at the division level; or
       ``(ii) when divisions conduct multiple programs focused on 
     significantly different subjects, at the program level; and
       ``(17) partnering with components and offices of the 
     Department to develop and deliver knowledge, analyses, and 
     innovative solutions that are responsive to identified 
     homeland security capability gaps and threats to the homeland 
     and raise the science-based, analytic capability and capacity 
     of appropriate individuals throughout the Department by 
     providing guidance on how to better identify homeland 
     security capability gaps and threats to the homeland that may 
     be addressed through a technological solution and by 
     partnering with such components and offices to--
       ``(A) support technological assessments of major 
     acquisition programs throughout the acquisition lifecycle;
       ``(B) help define appropriate technological requirements 
     and perform feasibility analysis;
       ``(C) assist in evaluating new and emerging technologies 
     against homeland security capability gaps and terrorist 
     threats;
       ``(D) support evaluation of alternatives;
       ``(E) improve the use of technology Department-wide; and
       ``(F) provide technical assistance in the development of 
     acquisition lifecycle cost for technologies;
       ``(18) acting as a coordinating office for technology 
     development for the Department by helping components and 
     offices define technological requirements, and building 
     partnerships with appropriate entities (such as within the 
     Department and with other Federal agencies and laboratories, 
     State, local, and tribal governments, universities, and the 
     private sector) to help each such component and office attain 
     the technology solutions it needs;
       ``(19) coordinating with organizations that provide venture 
     capital to businesses, particularly small businesses, as 
     appropriate, to assist in the commercialization of innovative 
     homeland security technologies that are expected to be ready 
     for commercialization in the near term and within 36 
     months.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(b) Review of Responsibilities.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology shall submit to the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
     the Senate a report on the implementation of paragraphs (2) 
     (including how the policy and strategic plan under such 
     paragraph may serve as a basis for a national strategy 
     referred to in such paragraph), (11), (12), (13), (16), and 
     (17) of subsection (a).'';
       (3) in section 303(1) (6 U.S.C. 183(1)), by striking 
     subparagraph (F);
       (4) in section 305 (6 U.S.C. 185)--
       (A) by striking ``The'' and inserting the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(a) Establishment.--The''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(b) Conflicts of Interest.--The Secretary shall review 
     and revise, as appropriate, the policies of the Department 
     relating to personnel conflicts of interest to ensure that 
     such policies specifically address employees of federally 
     funded research and development centers established pursuant 
     to subsection (a) who are in a position to make or materially 
     influence research findings or agency decision making.'';
       (5) in section 306 (6 U.S.C. 186)--
       (A) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following 
     new sentence: ``If such regulations are issued, the Under 
     Secretary shall report to the Committee on Homeland Security 
     and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland 
     Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate prior to such 
     issuance.''; and
       (B) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
       ``(d) Personnel.--In hiring personnel for the Directorate 
     of Science and Technology, the Secretary shall have the 
     hiring and management authorities described in section 1101 
     of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 1999 (5 U.S.C. 3104 note; Public Law 105-261). 
     The term of appointments for employees under subsection 
     (c)(1) of such section may not exceed five years before the 
     granting of any extension under subsection (c)(2) of such 
     section.'';
       (6) in section 308 (6 U.S.C. 188)--
       (A) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (iv), by striking ``and nuclear 
     countermeasures or detection'' and inserting ``nuclear, and 
     explosives countermeasures or detection (which may include 
     research into remote sensing and remote imaging)''; and
       (II) by adding after clause (xiv) the following new clause:

       ``(xv) Cybersecurity.''; and
       (ii) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
       ``(D) Annual report to congress.--Not later than one year 
     after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph and 
     annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report on the implementation of this section. Each such 
     report shall--
       ``(i) indicate which center or centers have been designated 
     pursuant to this section;
       ``(ii) describe how such designation or designations 
     enhance homeland security;
       ``(iii) provide information on any decisions to revoke or 
     modify such designation or designations;
       ``(iv) describe research that has been tasked and completed 
     by each center that has been designated during the preceding 
     year;
       ``(v) describe funding provided by the Secretary for each 
     center under clause (iv) for that year; and
       ``(vi) describe plans for utilization of each center or 
     centers in the forthcoming year.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(d) Test, Evaluation, and Standards Division.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the 
     Directorate of Science and Technology a Test, Evaluation, and 
     Standards Division.
       ``(2) Director.--The Test, Evaluation, and Standards 
     Division shall be headed by a Director of Test, Evaluation, 
     and Standards, who shall be appointed by the Secretary and 
     report to the Under Secretary for Science and Technology.
       ``(3) Responsibilities, authorities, and functions.--The 
     Director of Test, Evaluation, and Standards--
       ``(A) through the Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology, serve as an adviser to the Secretary and the 
     Under Secretary of Management on all test and evaluation or 
     standards activities in the Department; and
       ``(B) shall--
       ``(i) establish and update as necessary test and evaluation 
     policies for the Department, including policies to ensure 
     that operational testing is done at facilities that already 
     have relevant and appropriate safety and material 
     certifications to the extent such facilities are available;
       ``(ii) oversee and ensure that adequate test and evaluation 
     activities are planned and conducted by or on behalf of 
     components and offices of the Department with respect to 
     major acquisition programs of the Department, as designated 
     by the Secretary, based on risk, acquisition level, novelty, 
     complexity, and size of any such acquisition program, or as 
     otherwise established in statute;
       ``(iii) review major acquisition program test reports and 
     test data to assess the adequacy of test and evaluation 
     activities conducted by or on behalf of components and 
     offices of the Department, including test and evaluation 
     activities planned or conducted pursuant to clause (ii); and
       ``(iv) review available test and evaluation infrastructure 
     to determine whether the Department has adequate resources to 
     carry out its testing and evaluation responsibilities, as 
     established under this title.
       ``(4) Limitation.--The Test, Evaluation, and Standards 
     Division is not required to carry out operational testing of 
     major acquisition programs.
       ``(5) Evaluation of department of defense technologies.--
     The Director of Test, Evaluation, and Standards may evaluate 
     technologies currently in use or being developed by the 
     Department of Defense to assess whether such technologies can 
     be leveraged to address homeland security capability gaps.'';
       (7) in section 309(a) (6 U.S.C. 189(a)), by adding at the 
     end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) Treatment of certain funds.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law, any funds provided to a Department of 
     Energy national laboratory by the Department may not be 
     treated as an assisted acquisition.'';
       (8) in section 310 (6 U.S.C. 190), by adding at the end the 
     following new subsection:
       ``(e) Successor Facility.--Any successor facility to the 
     Plum Island Animal Disease Center, including the National Bio 
     and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) under construction as of the 
     date of the enactment of this subsection, which is intended 
     to the replace the Plum Island Animal Disease Center shall be

[[Page H9250]]

     subject to the requirements of this section in the same 
     manner and to the same extent as the Plum Island Animal 
     Disease Center under this section.'';
       (9) in section 311 (6 U.S.C. 191)--
       (A) in subsection (b)--
       (i) in paragraph (1)--

       (I) by striking ``20 members'' and inserting ``not fewer 
     than 15 and not more than 30''; and
       (II) by inserting ``academia, national labs, private 
     industry, and'' after ``representatives of'';

       (ii) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (iii) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(2) Subcommittees.--The Advisory Committee may establish 
     subcommittees that focus on research and development 
     challenges, as appropriate.'';
       (B) in subsection (c)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``on a rotating basis'' 
     before the period at the end;
       (ii) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph 
     (3) as paragraph (2); and
       (iii) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``be appointed'' and inserting ``serve'';
       (C) in subsection (e), in the second sentence, by striking 
     ``the call of'';
       (D) in subsection (h)--
       (i) in paragraph (1)--

       (I) in the first sentence--

       (aa) by striking ``render'' and inserting ``submit''; and
       (bb) by striking ``Congress'' and inserting ``the 
     appropriate congressional committees'';

       (II) in the second sentence, by inserting ``, and 
     incorporate the findings and recommendations of the Advisory 
     Committee subcommittees,'' before ``during''; and

       (ii) in paragraph (2)--

       (I) striking ``render'' and inserting ``submit''; and
       (II) by striking ``Congress'' and inserting ``the Committee 
     on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the 
     Senate'';

       (E) in subsection (i), by inserting ``, except that the 
     Advisory Committee shall file a charter with Congress every 
     two years in accordance with subsection (b)(2) of such 
     section (14)'';
       (F) in subsection (j), by striking ``2008'' and inserting 
     ``2020'';
       (10) in section 313 (6 U.S.C. 193)--
       (A) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
       (B) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new 
     subsection:
       ``(c) Application of Program.--The Secretary, acting 
     through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, shall 
     use the program established under subsection (a) to--
       ``(1) enhance the cooperation between components and 
     offices of the Department on projects that have similar 
     goals, timelines, or outcomes;
       ``(2) ensure the coordination of technologies to eliminate 
     unnecessary duplication of research and development;
       ``(3) ensure technologies are accessible for component and 
     office use on a Department website; and
       ``(4) carry out any additional purpose the Secretary 
     determines necessary.'';
       (11) by adding after section 317 (6 U.S.C. 195c) the 
     following new sections:

     ``SEC. 318. IDENTIFICATION AND PRIORITIZATION OF RESEARCH AND 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary for 
     Science and Technology shall establish a process to define, 
     identify, prioritize, fund, and task the basic and applied 
     homeland security research and development activities of the 
     Directorate of Science and Technology to meet the needs of 
     the components and offices of the Department, the first 
     responder community, and the Homeland Security Enterprise (as 
     such term is defined in section 322).
       ``(b) Process.--The process established under subsection 
     (a) shall--
       ``(1) be responsive to near-, mid-, and long-term needs, 
     including unanticipated needs to address emerging terrorist 
     threats;
       ``(2) utilize gap analysis and risk assessment tools where 
     available and applicable;
       ``(3) include protocols to assess--
       ``(A) off-the-shelf technology to determine if an 
     identified homeland security capability gap or threat to the 
     homeland can be addressed through the acquisition process 
     instead of commencing research and development of technology 
     to address such capability gap or threat; and
       ``(B) communication and collaboration for research and 
     development activities pursued by other executive agencies, 
     to determine if technology can be leveraged to identify and 
     address homeland security capability gaps or threats to the 
     homeland and avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts;
       ``(4) provide for documented and validated research and 
     development requirements;
       ``(5) strengthen first responder participation to identify 
     and prioritize homeland security technological gaps, 
     including by--
       ``(A) soliciting feedback from appropriate national 
     associations and advisory groups representing the first 
     responder community and first responders within the 
     components and offices of the Department; and
       ``(B) establishing and promoting a publicly accessible 
     portal to allow the first responder community to help the 
     Directorate of Science and Technology develop homeland 
     security research and development goals;
       ``(6) institute a mechanism to publicize the Department's 
     homeland security technology priorities for the purpose of 
     informing Federal, State, and local governments, first 
     responders, and the private sector;
       ``(7) establish considerations to be used by the 
     Directorate in selecting appropriate research entities, 
     including the national laboratories, federally funded 
     research and development centers, university-based centers, 
     and the private sector, to carry out research and development 
     requirements;
       ``(8) incorporate feedback derived as a result of the 
     mechanism established in section 323, ensuring the 
     Directorate is utilizing regular communication with 
     components and offices of the Department; and
       ``(9) include any other criteria or measures the Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology considers necessary for 
     the identification and prioritization of research 
     requirements.

     ``SEC. 319. DEVELOPMENT OF DIRECTORATE STRATEGY AND RESEARCH 
                   AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

       ``(a) Strategy.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary for 
     Science and Technology shall develop and submit to the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
     the Senate a strategy to guide the activities of the 
     Directorate of Science and Technology. Such strategy shall be 
     updated at least once every five years and shall identify 
     priorities and objectives for the development of science and 
     technology solutions and capabilities addressing homeland 
     security operational needs. Such strategy shall include the 
     coordination of such priorities and activities within the 
     Department. Such strategy shall take into account the 
     priorities and needs of stakeholders in the Homeland Security 
     Enterprise (as such term is defined in section 322). In 
     developing such strategy, efforts shall be made to support 
     collaboration and avoid unnecessary duplication across the 
     Federal Government. Such strategy shall be risk-based and 
     aligned with other strategic guidance provided by--
       ``(A) the National Strategy for Homeland Security;
       ``(B) the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review; and
       ``(C) any other relevant strategic planning documents, as 
     determined by the Under Secretary.
       ``(2) Contents.--The strategy required under paragraph (1) 
     shall be prepared in accordance with applicable Federal 
     requirements and guidelines, and shall include the following:
       ``(A) An identification of the long-term strategic goals, 
     objectives, and metrics of the Directorate, including those 
     to address terrorist threats.
       ``(B) A technology transition strategy for the programs of 
     the Directorate.
       ``(C) Short- and long-term strategic goals, and objectives 
     for increasing the number of designations and certificates 
     issued under subtitle G of title VIII, including 
     cybersecurity technologies that could significantly reduce, 
     or mitigate the effects of, cybersecurity risks (as such term 
     is defined in subsection (a)(1) of the second section 226, 
     relating to the national cybersecurity and communications 
     integration center), without compromising the quality of the 
     evaluation of applications for such designations and 
     certificates.
       ``(b) Five-year Research and Development Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology shall develop, and update at least once every five 
     years, a five-year research and development plan for the 
     activities of the Directorate of Science and Technology. The 
     Under Secretary shall develop the first such plan by the date 
     that is not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this section.
       ``(2) Contents.--Each five-year research and development 
     plan developed and revised under subsection (a) shall--
       ``(A) define the Directorate of Science and Technology's 
     research, development, testing, and evaluation activities, 
     priorities, performance metrics, and key milestones and 
     deliverables for, as the case may be, the five-fiscal-year 
     period from 2016 through 2020, and for each five-fiscal-year 
     period thereafter;
       ``(B) describe, for the activities of the strategy 
     developed under subsection (a), the planned annual funding 
     levels for the period covered by each such five-year research 
     and development plan;
       ``(C) indicate joint investments with other Federal 
     partners where applicable, and enhanced coordination, as 
     appropriate, with organizations as specified in paragraph 
     (19) of section 302;
       ``(D) analyze how the research programs of the Directorate 
     support achievement of the strategic goals and objectives 
     identified in the strategy required under subsection (a);
       ``(E) describe how the activities and programs of the 
     Directorate meet the requirements or homeland security 
     capability gaps or threats to the homeland identified by 
     customers within and outside of the Department, including the 
     first responder community; and
       ``(F) describe the policies of the Directorate regarding 
     the management, organization, and personnel of the 
     Directorate.

[[Page H9251]]

       ``(3) Scope.--The Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology shall ensure that each five-year research and 
     development plan developed and revised under subsection (a)--
       ``(A) reflects input from a wide range of stakeholders; and
       ``(B) takes into account how research and development by 
     other Federal, State, private sector, and nonprofit 
     institutions contributes to the achievement of the priorities 
     identified in each plan, and avoids unnecessary duplication 
     with such efforts.
       ``(4) Reports.--The Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security 
     and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland 
     Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an annual 
     report for seven years beginning not later than one year 
     after the date of the development of the initial five-year 
     research and development plan under paragraph (1) on the 
     status and results to date of the implementation of such plan 
     and the updates to such plan, including--
       ``(A) a summary of the research and development activities 
     for the previous fiscal year in each mission area, including 
     such activities to address homeland security risks, including 
     threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences, and a summary of 
     the coordination activities undertaken by the Directorate of 
     Science and Technology for components and offices of the 
     Department, together with the results of the process 
     specified in paragraph (15) of section 302;
       ``(B) clear links between the Directorate's budget and each 
     mission area or program, including those mission areas or 
     programs to address homeland security risks, including 
     threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences, specifying which 
     mission areas or programs fall under which budget lines, and 
     clear links between Directorate coordination work and 
     priorities and annual expenditures for such work and 
     priorities, including joint investments with other Federal 
     partners, where applicable;
       ``(C) an assessment of progress of the research and 
     development activities based on the performance metrics and 
     milestones set forth in such plan; and
       ``(D) any changes to such plan.

     ``SEC. 320. MONITORING OF PROGRESS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology shall establish and utilize a system to track the 
     progress of the research, development, testing, and 
     evaluation activities undertaken by the Directorate of 
     Science and Technology, and shall provide to the Committee on 
     Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate 
     and customers of such activities, at a minimum on a biannual 
     basis, regular updates on such progress.
       ``(b) Requirements.--In order to provide the progress 
     updates required under subsection (a), the Under Secretary 
     for Science and Technology shall develop a system that--
       ``(1) monitors progress toward project milestones 
     identified by the Under Secretary;
       ``(2) maps progress toward deliverables identified in each 
     five-year research and development plan required under 
     section 319(b);
       ``(3) generates up-to-date reports to customers that 
     transparently disclose the status and progress of research, 
     development, testing, and evaluation efforts of the 
     Directorate of Science and Technology; and
       ``(4) allows the Under Secretary to report the number of 
     products and services developed by the Directorate that have 
     been transitioned into acquisition programs and resulted in 
     successfully fielded technologies.
       ``(c) Evaluation Methods.--
       ``(1) External input, consultation, and review.--The Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology shall implement 
     procedures to engage outside experts to assist in the 
     evaluation of the progress of research, development, testing, 
     and evaluation activities of the Directorate of Science and 
     Technology, including through--
       ``(A) consultation with experts, including scientists and 
     practitioners, to gather independent expert peer opinion and 
     advice on a project or on specific issues or analyses 
     conducted by the Directorate; and
       ``(B) periodic, independent, external review to assess the 
     quality and relevance of the Directorate's programs and 
     projects.
       ``(2) Component feedback.--The Under Secretary for Science 
     and Technology shall establish a formal process to collect 
     feedback from customers of the Directorate of Science and 
     Technology on the performance of the Directorate that 
     includes--
       ``(A) appropriate methodologies through which the 
     Directorate can assess the quality and usefulness of 
     technology and services delivered by the Directorate;
       ``(B) development of metrics for measuring the usefulness 
     of any technology or service provided by the Directorate; and
       ``(C) standards for high-quality customer service.

     ``SEC. 321. HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FELLOWS 
                   PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Under Secretary for Science and Technology and the Under 
     Secretary for Management, shall establish a fellows program, 
     to be known as the Homeland Security Science and Technology 
     Fellows Program (in this section referred to as the 
     `Program'), under which the Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology, in coordination with the Office of University 
     Programs of the Department, shall facilitate the placement of 
     fellows in relevant scientific or technological fields for up 
     to two years in components and offices of the Department with 
     a need for scientific and technological expertise.
       ``(b) Utilization of Fellows.--
       ``(1) In general.--Under the Program, the Department may 
     employ fellows--
       ``(A) for the use of the Directorate of Science and 
     Technology; or
       ``(B) for the use of a component or office of the 
     Department outside the Directorate, under a memorandum of 
     agreement with the head of such a component or office under 
     which such component or office will reimburse the Directorate 
     for the costs of such employment.
       ``(2) Responsibilities.--Under an agreement referred to in 
     subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and 
     the Under Secretary for Management shall--
       ``(i) solicit and accept applications from individuals who 
     are currently enrolled in or who are graduates of 
     postgraduate programs in scientific and engineering fields 
     related to the promotion of securing the homeland or critical 
     infrastructure sectors;
       ``(ii) screen applicants and interview them as appropriate 
     to ensure that such applicants possess the appropriate level 
     of scientific and engineering expertise and qualifications;
       ``(iii) provide a list of qualified applicants to the heads 
     of components and offices of the Department seeking to 
     utilize qualified fellows;
       ``(iv) subject to the availability of appropriations, pay 
     financial compensation to such fellows;
       ``(v) coordinate with the Chief Security Officer to 
     facilitate and expedite provision of security and suitability 
     clearances to such fellows, as appropriate; and
       ``(vi) otherwise administer all aspects of the employment 
     of such fellows with the Department; and
       ``(B) the head of the component or office of the Department 
     utilizing a fellow shall--
       ``(i) select such fellow from the list of qualified 
     applicants provided by the Under Secretary;
       ``(ii) reimburse the Under Secretary for the costs of 
     employing such fellow, including administrative costs; and
       ``(iii) be responsible for the day-to-day management of 
     such fellow.
       ``(c) Applications From Nonprofit Organizations.--The Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology may accept an 
     application under subsection (b)(2)(A) that is submitted by a 
     nonprofit organization on behalf of individuals whom such 
     nonprofit organization has determined may be qualified 
     applicants under the Program.

     ``SEC. 322. CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology shall support research, development, testing, 
     evaluation, and transition of cybersecurity technology, 
     including fundamental research to improve the sharing of 
     information, analytics, and methodologies related to 
     cybersecurity risks and incidents, consistent with current 
     law.
       ``(b) Activities.--The research and development supported 
     under subsection (a) shall serve the components of the 
     Department and shall--
       ``(1) advance the development and accelerate the deployment 
     of more secure information systems;
       ``(2) improve and create technologies for detecting attacks 
     or intrusions, including real-time continuous diagnostics and 
     real-time analytic technologies;
       ``(3) improve and create mitigation and recovery 
     methodologies, including techniques and policies for real-
     time containment of attacks, and development of resilient 
     networks and information systems;
       ``(4) support, in coordination with the private sector, the 
     review of source code that underpins critical infrastructure 
     information systems;
       ``(5) develop and support infrastructure and tools to 
     support cybersecurity research and development efforts, 
     including modeling, testbeds, and data sets for assessment of 
     new cybersecurity technologies;
       ``(6) assist the development and support of technologies to 
     reduce vulnerabilities in industrial control systems; and
       ``(7) develop and support cyber forensics and attack 
     attribution.
       ``(c) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Under Secretary for Science and Technology shall coordinate 
     activities with--
       ``(1) the Under Secretary appointed pursuant to section 
     103(a)(1)(H);
       ``(2) the heads of other relevant Federal departments and 
     agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the 
     Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Information 
     Assurance Directorate of the National Security Agency, the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology, the 
     Department of Commerce, the Networking and Information 
     Technology Research and Development Program Office, Sector 
     Specific Agencies for critical infrastructure, and other 
     appropriate working groups established by the President to 
     identify unmet needs and cooperatively support activities, as 
     appropriate; and
       ``(3) industry and academia.
       ``(d) Transition to Practice.--The Under Secretary for 
     Science and Technology shall

[[Page H9252]]

     support projects through the full life cycle of such 
     projects, including research, development, testing, 
     evaluation, pilots, and transitions. The Under Secretary 
     shall identify mature technologies that address existing or 
     imminent cybersecurity gaps in public or private information 
     systems and networks of information systems, identify and 
     support necessary improvements identified during pilot 
     programs and testing and evaluation activities, and introduce 
     new cybersecurity technologies throughout the Homeland 
     Security Enterprise through partnerships and 
     commercialization. The Under Secretary shall target federally 
     funded cybersecurity research that demonstrates a high 
     probability of successful transition to the commercial market 
     within two years and that is expected to have notable impact 
     on the cybersecurity of the information systems or networks 
     of information systems of the United States.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Cybersecurity risk.--The term `cybersecurity risk' 
     has the meaning given such term in the second section 226, 
     relating to the national cybersecurity and communications 
     integration center.
       ``(2) Homeland security enterprise.--The term `Homeland 
     Security Enterprise' means relevant governmental and 
     nongovernmental entities involved in homeland security, 
     including Federal, State, local, and tribal government 
     officials, private sector representatives, academics, and 
     other policy experts.
       ``(3) Incident.--The term `incident' has the meaning given 
     such term in the second section 226, relating to the national 
     cybersecurity and communications integration center.
       ``(4) Information system.--The term `information system' 
     has the meaning given that term in section 3502(8) of title 
     44, United States Code.

     ``SEC. 323. INTEGRATED PRODUCT TEAMS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish integrated 
     product teams to serve as a central mechanism for the 
     Department to identify, coordinate, and align research and 
     development efforts with departmental missions. Each team 
     shall be managed by the Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology and the relevant senior leadership of operational 
     components, and shall be responsible for the following:
       ``(1) Identifying and prioritizing homeland security 
     capability gaps or threats to the homeland within a specific 
     mission area and technological solutions to address such 
     gaps.
       ``(2) Identifying ongoing departmental research and 
     development activities and component acquisitions of 
     technologies that are outside of departmental research and 
     development activities to address a specific mission area.
       ``(3) Assessing the appropriateness of a technology to 
     address a specific mission area.
       ``(4) Identifying unnecessary redundancy in departmental 
     research and development activities within a specific mission 
     area.
       ``(5) Informing the Secretary and the annual budget process 
     regarding whether certain technological solutions are able to 
     address homeland security capability gaps or threats to the 
     homeland within a specific mission area.
       ``(b) Congressional Oversight.--Not later than two years 
     after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary 
     shall provide to the Committee on Homeland Security and the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs of the Senate information on the impact 
     and effectiveness of the mechanism described in subsection 
     (a) on research and development efforts, component 
     relationships, and how the process has informed the research 
     and development budget and enhanced decision making, 
     including acquisition decision making, at the Department. The 
     Secretary shall seek feedback from the Under Secretary for 
     Science and Technology, Under Secretary for Management, and 
     the senior leadership of operational components regarding the 
     impact and effectiveness of such mechanism and include such 
     feedback in the information provided under this subsection.

     ``SEC. 324. HOMELAND SECURITY-STEM SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology shall establish a Homeland Security-STEM 
     internship program (in this section referred to as the 
     `program') to carry out the objectives of this subtitle.
       ``(b) Program.--The program shall provide students with 
     exposure to Department mission-relevant research areas, 
     including threats to the homeland, to encourage such students 
     to pursue STEM careers in homeland security related fields. 
     Internships offered under the program shall be for up to ten 
     weeks during the summer.
       ``(c) Eligibility.--The Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology shall develop criteria for participation in the 
     program, including the following:
       ``(1) At the time of application, an intern shall--
       ``(A) have successfully completed not less than one 
     academic year of study at an institution of higher education 
     in a STEM field;
       ``(B) be enrolled in a course of study in a STEM field at 
     an institution of higher education; and
       ``(C) plan to continue such course of study or pursue an 
     additional course of study in a STEM field at an institution 
     of higher education in the academic year following the 
     internship.
       ``(2) An intern shall be pursuing career goals aligned with 
     the Department's mission, goals, and objectives.
       ``(3) Any other criteria the Under Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       ``(d) Cooperation.--The program shall be administered in 
     cooperation with the university-based centers for homeland 
     security under section 308. Interns in the program shall be 
     provided hands-on research experience and enrichment 
     activities focused on Department research areas.
       ``(e) Academic Requirements; Operation.--The Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology shall determine the 
     academic requirements, other selection criteria, and 
     standards for successful completion of each internship period 
     in the program. The Under Secretary shall be responsible for 
     the design, implementation, and operation of the program.
       ``(f) Research Mentors.--The Under Secretary for Science 
     and Technology shall ensure that each intern in the program 
     is assigned a research mentor to act as counselor and advisor 
     and provide career-focused advice.
       ``(g) Outreach to Certain Under-represented Students.--The 
     Under Secretary for Science and Technology shall conduct 
     outreach to students who are members of groups under-
     represented in STEM careers to encourage their participation 
     in the program.
       ``(h) Institution of Higher Education Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `institution of higher education' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education 
     Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), except that the term does not 
     include institutions described in subparagraph (C) of such 
     section 102(a)(1).''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on the date that is 30 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this section.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 317 the 
     following new items:

``Sec. 318. Identification and prioritization of research and 
              development.
``Sec. 319. Development of Directorate strategy and research and 
              development plan.
``Sec. 320. Monitoring of progress.
``Sec. 321. Homeland Security Science and Technology Fellows Program.
``Sec. 322. Cybersecurity research and development.
``Sec. 323. Integrated product teams.
``Sec. 324. Homeland Security-STEM summer internship program.''.
       (d) Research and Development Projects.--Section 831 of the 
     Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 391) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``2015'' and inserting ``2020'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking the last sentence; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(3) Prior approval.--In any case in which a component or 
     office of the Department seeks to utilize the authority under 
     this section, such office or component shall first receive 
     prior approval from the Secretary by providing to the 
     Secretary a proposal that includes the rationale for the use 
     of such authority, the funds to be spent on the use of such 
     authority, and the expected outcome for each project that is 
     the subject of the use of such authority. In such a case, the 
     authority for evaluating the proposal may not be delegated by 
     the Secretary to anyone other than the Under Secretary for 
     Management.'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A), by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2020''; and
       (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) Report.--The Secretary shall annually submit to the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
     the Senate a report detailing the projects for which the 
     authority granted by subsection (a) was used, the rationale 
     for such use, the funds spent using such authority, the 
     extent of cost-sharing for such projects among Federal and 
     non-federal sources, the extent to which use of such 
     authority has addressed a homeland security capability gap or 
     threat to the homeland identified by the Department, the 
     total amount of payments, if any, that were received by the 
     Federal Government as a result of the use of such authority 
     during the period covered by each such report, the outcome of 
     each project for which such authority was used, and the 
     results of any audits of such projects.''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(e) Training.--The Secretary shall develop a training 
     program for acquisitions staff in the use of other 
     transaction authority to help ensure the appropriate use of 
     such authority.
       ``(f) Other Transaction Authority Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `other transaction authority' means 
     authority under subsection (a).''.
       (e) Amendment to Definition.--Paragraph (2) of subsection 
     (a) of the second section 226 of the Homeland Security Act of 
     2002 (6

[[Page H9253]]

     U.S.C. 148; relating to the national cybersecurity and 
     communications integration center) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(2) Incident.--The term `incident' means an occurrence 
     that actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful 
     authority, the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of 
     information on an information system, or actually or 
     imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, an 
     information system.''.
       (f) GAO Study of University-based Centers.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall initiate a study to assess the 
     university-based centers for homeland security program 
     authorized by section 308(b)(2) of the Homeland Security Act 
     of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 188(b)(2)), and provide recommendations to 
     the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs of the Senate for appropriate 
     improvements.
       (2) Subject matters.--The study required under subsection 
     (a) shall include the following:
       (A) A review of the Department of Homeland Security's 
     efforts to identify key areas of study needed to support the 
     homeland security mission, and criteria that the Department 
     utilized to determine those key areas for which the 
     Department should maintain, establish, or eliminate 
     university-based centers.
       (B) A review of the method by which university-based 
     centers, federally funded research and development centers, 
     and Department of Energy national laboratories receive 
     tasking from the Department of Homeland Security, including a 
     review of how university-based research is identified, 
     prioritized, and funded.
       (C) A review of selection criteria for designating 
     university-based centers and a weighting of such criteria.
       (D) An examination of best practices from other agencies' 
     efforts to organize and use university-based research to 
     support their missions.
       (E) A review of the Department of Homeland Security's 
     criteria and metrics to measure demonstrable progress 
     achieved by university-based centers in fulfilling Department 
     taskings, and mechanisms for delivering and disseminating the 
     research results of designated university-based centers 
     within the Department and to other Federal, State, and local 
     agencies.
       (F) An examination of the means by which academic 
     institutions that are not designated or associated with the 
     designated university-based centers can optimally contribute 
     to the research mission of the Directorate of Science and 
     Technology of the Department of Homeland Security.
       (G) An assessment of the interrelationship between the 
     different university-based centers and the degree to which 
     outreach and collaboration among a diverse array of academic 
     institutions is encouraged by the Department of Homeland 
     Security, particularly with historically Black colleges and 
     universities and minority-serving institutions.
       (H) A review of any other essential elements of the 
     programs determined in the conduct of the study.
       (g) Prize Authority.--The Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology of the Department of Homeland Security shall 
     utilize, as appropriate, prize authority granted pursuant to 
     current law.
       (h) Prohibition on New Funding.--No funds are authorized to 
     be appropriated to carry out this section and the amendments 
     made by this section. Such section and amendments shall be 
     carried out using amounts otherwise appropriated or made 
     available for such purposes.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Ratcliffe) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3578, the DHS Science and Technology Reform and 
Improvement Act of 2015, makes targeted adjustments and strategic 
improvements to the ways in which the Department of Homeland Security's 
Science and Technology Directorate, or DHS S&T, carries out its 
responsibility to conduct research and development. These strategic 
improvements will strengthen the Directorate and address some of its 
well-documented challenges.
  DHS S&T monitors the Nation's evolving threats and makes use of 
technological advancements to develop and deliver solutions to meet the 
critical needs of the DHS components.
  The legislation we are considering today provides a clear mission 
statement for the Directorate and it codifies S&T's portfolio review 
process. This process engages key leadership and stakeholders to ensure 
that research and development meets the Directorate and Department 
goals.
  Amendments considered at both the subcommittee and full committee 
further strengthen this legislation, including Mr. Richmond's amendment 
to codify integrated product teams, a mechanism that will support the 
Directorate's ability to identify, coordinate, and align research and 
development efforts with departmental missions.
  H.R. 3578 also ensures that the Directorate identifies technical 
capability requirements and creates solutions with researchers and the 
private sector. It also bolsters S&T's role as coordinator of research 
and development across the Department.
  This bill requires additional transparency by requiring S&T to link 
its budget with mission areas and programs.
  Cybersecurity research and development is essential to support DHS' 
efforts to secure the dot-gov domain. The seriousness of this mission 
received heightened awareness after the OPM breach compromised the 
highly sensitive and personal information of over 20 million Americans.
  H.R. 3578 bolsters S&T's cybersecurity research and development by 
ensuring sector specific agencies for critical infrastructure are 
included in the coordination of cybersecurity research and development 
and by codifying the Transition to Practice program to support the 
lifecycle of cyber projects, including research, development, testing, 
evaluation, and transition.
  S&T is the primary research arm of the Department, managing the basic 
and applied research and development of science and technology for DHS' 
operational components. S&T's work includes supporting research and 
development for technologies to benefit first responders, the Nation's 
border and maritime security, cybersecurity, and chemical and 
biological defenses.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas, Chairman 
Smith, of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee for his support 
in moving this legislation forward.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation would strengthen the important role and 
work of the Directorate to meet both the scientific and technological 
security needs of our Nation.
  I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.

         House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, 
           and Technology,
                                 Washington, DC, December 4, 2015.
     Hon. Michael McCaul,
     Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 3578, the 
     ``DHS Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act of 
     2015,'' which your Committee ordered reported on September 
     30, 2015.
       H.R. 3578 contains provisions within the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology's Rule X jurisdiction. 
     However, in consideration of your request to expedite this 
     bill for floor consideration, the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology will forego formal consideration of 
     H.R. 3578. This is being done on the basis of our mutual 
     understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter 
     the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or 
     to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters 
     contained in the bill or similar legislation.
       I appreciate that the Committee on Homeland Security has 
     consulted with the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology and the two Committees have reached agreement on 
     the final text of H.R. 3578. I understand you acknowledge the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's jurisdiction 
     over the legislation and that the Committee on Homeland 
     Security agrees to work with the Committee on Science, Space, 
     and Technology to develop and enact an additional homeland 
     security research and development measure early in 2016.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding and would request that you include a copy 
     of this letter and your response in the Congressional Record 
     during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in 
     advance for your cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Lamar Smith,
                                                         Chairman.

[[Page H9254]]

     
                                  ____
                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Homeland Security,

                                 Washington, DC, December 4, 2015.
     Hon. Lamar Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
         Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Smith: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 3578, the ``DHS Science and Technology Reform and 
     Improvement Act of 2015.'' I acknowledge that by forgoing 
     action on this legislation your Committee is not diminishing 
     or altering its jurisdiction.
       I also concur with you that forgoing action on this bill 
     does not in any way prejudice the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology with respect to its jurisdictional 
     prerogatives on this bill or similar legislation in the 
     future. Furthermore, I would support your effort to seek 
     appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any 
     House-Senate conference involving this or similar 
     legislation.
       In addition, I agree that the Committee on Homeland 
     Security will continue to work with the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology to develop additional legislation 
     addressing homeland security research and development in 
     early 2016.
       I will include copies of this exchange in the Congressional 
     Record during consideration of this measure on the House 
     floor. I appreciate your cooperation regarding HR. 3578, and 
     I look forward to working with the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology as the bill moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,

                                            Michael T. McCaul,

                                                         Chairman,
                                   Committee on Homeland Security.

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise to support H.R. 3578, the Department of Homeland Security 
Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act of 2015.
  First, I want to say to the gentleman from Texas, thank you so very 
much for your leadership. Again, we have a great opportunity working 
together, along with your ranking member, Mr. Richmond, and the 
chairman of the full committee, Mr. McCaul, and, as well, Mr. Thompson. 
I believe we are continuously building blocks of security for the 
American people.
  Research and development is a key component of the Department of 
Homeland Security's mission to make America more secure and better able 
to prevent, respond to, and recover from natural disasters and 
terrorist acts.
  In the constantly evolving threat landscape, technology-based force 
multipliers are essential for managing our borders, safeguarding 
cyberspace, and making sure we are resilient in the face of disasters.
  H.R. 3578 will improve the way the Science and Technology Directorate 
serves its customers within the Department in the first responder 
community in three ways.
  Before I say that, let me indicate to the chairman, we understand 
that we are looking at generational gaps. Terrorists are young. People 
who wish to undermine the landscape of cybersecurity can use, if I 
might say, these young minds, these technocrats, to do things that we 
may have never heard of, so our system must be resilient.
  First, this bill requires S&T to engage in strategic planning and 
priority-setting exercises that will assist Congress in measuring the 
management effectiveness and utility of the research and technologies 
it funds. This kind of self-assessment will make S&T a more effective 
partner to its customers and will help make its program more efficient.
  Second, H.R. 3578 directs S&T to evaluate its university programs and 
collaborative agreements and assess its efforts to broaden outreach to 
diverse institutions, which may have a unique expertise to add to S&T's 
ongoing work.
  Given the current fiscal challenges, it is critical that we maximize 
the way we leverage the capabilities of knowledge-rich universities, 
and this provision will help S&T do just that. In fact, I believe that 
the universities are our richest source of talent, and not only for the 
researchers and the professors, but certainly the students who are 
young, who are there to do good, of whom we can utilize both their 
talents, their approach, and their intellect.
  Finally, the bill encourages carefully targeted venture capital 
investments in the homeland security enterprise that can accelerate 
product development and add mission critical capabilities quickly and 
efficiently.
  These targeted investments will help put better technologies into the 
hands of DHS boots-on-the-ground State and local first responders soon.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3578 codifies existing practices at S&T that are 
working and will make S&T a stronger, more reliable partner in the 
homeland security mission.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this important bipartisan 
legislation, and, as well, I continue to look forward to working with 
this subcommittee, among others, to begin to look at the cyber space 
and the cybersecurity infrastructure.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Smith), my friend and colleague.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from 
Texas (Mr. Ratcliffe) for his work on this legislation, for his earlier 
generous comments, and for yielding me time as well. I also want to 
thank both him and the gentleman from Texas, Michael McCaul, the full 
committee chairman, for their work on this legislation.
  The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology shares jurisdiction 
with the Homeland Security Committee over the research and development 
programs carried out by the Department of Homeland Security. In the 
case of this bill, H.R. 3578, it is the R&D of the Department of 
Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, which was 
established by legislation that originated in the House Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology.
  The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, likewise, shares 
jurisdiction of the bill we just considered, H.R. 3875. That bill will 
assess and plan DHS research and development of chemical, biological, 
radiological, nuclear, and explosives defenses.
  Next year, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology expects to 
continue to advance science and technology efforts to counter terrorist 
threats to the homeland.
  In anticipation of today's legislation, our committee exercised its 
jurisdiction by holding two hearings. In September of 2014, the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Research and Technology 
Subcommittee held a joint DHS S&T Directorate oversight hearing with 
Homeland Security's Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and 
Security Technologies Subcommittee.
  The hearing focused on a series of Government Accountability Office 
reviews that found serious problems with management and coordination of 
R&D within the Department of Homeland Security. This includes 
fragmented and overlapping R&D programs and millions of taxpayer 
dollars spent on duplicative R&D projects.
  The GAO recommended that the S&T Directorate develop stricter 
policies and guidance to help define, oversee, coordinate, and track 
R&D across the Department of Homeland Security.
  The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology conducted a follow-up 
oversight hearing on October 27 of this year. At that hearing, Under 
Secretary Brothers described the progress made in its implementation of 
the GAO's recommendations and updated us on the S&T Directorate's 
initiatives to help DHS meet the full spectrum of threats.
  The legislation before the House today reflects the work of the 
members of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the 
Committee on Homeland Security to help the S&T Directorate meet a broad 
range of homeland security challenges by stretching the technological 
envelope.
  The bill establishes a clear mission for the Directorate, updates its 
responsibilities, and requires strategy and R&D plans to prioritize 
addressing homeland threats. It also authorizes targeted cybersecurity 
R&D projects and creates new S&T integrated product teams to develop 
technological solutions to meet the Department's mission areas and 
address threats to the homeland.
  Last week's horrifying terrorist attack in San Bernardino, 
California, just days after a terrorist attack in Paris, reminds us 
that this legislation is ultimately about defending the American people 
and our country from terrorists.
  Again, I thank Chairman McCaul for taking the initiative with this 
critical legislation, and I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Ratcliffe) as well.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.

[[Page H9255]]

  In order to meet the needs of those on the front line of homeland 
security activities from Customs and Border Protection and the 
Transportation Security to local first responders, the Science and 
Technology Directorate must rapidly develop and deliver innovative 
solutions that advance DHS' mission.
  I am convinced that the whole matter of cyber technology are the new 
frontier of terrorism and that this Department must be, as it has been, 
very well prepared with human personnel being on the front lines of the 
first responders, and must give them extra tools through S&T to help to 
further the mission of the security of this Nation. It is a complex and 
difficult mission.
  H.R. 3578 puts S&T on a pathway to making smarter and quicker R&D 
investment in technology and tools that help our first responders do 
their jobs better and more effectively.
  With that, I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 3578, and I thank the 
proponent of this legislation.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I thank the gentlewoman for her support and leadership in connection 
with this bill. I would also like to thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking 
Member Thompson for their leadership in moving this important bill 
forward.
  Mr. Speaker, threats in technologies are always changing. This bill 
will help DHS S&T find strategic and focused technology options and 
innovative solutions to address homeland security capability gaps and 
threats to our homeland.
  I, once again, urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3578, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ratcliffe) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 3578, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________