[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE ``QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW TECHNICAL 
                        CORRECTION ACT OF 2016''

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2016

  Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce legislation 
today titled the ``Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical 
Correction Act of 2016.''
  In 2007, the Committee on Homeland Security passed Public Law 110-53, 
the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act. Under this 
Act, the Department of Homeland Security is required to produce every 
four years a unified, strategic framework for homeland security 
missions and goals, known as the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review 
(QHSR). The goal of the QHSR is to provide a comprehensive assessment 
and analysis of the threats facing the homeland. Thus far, the 
Department has produced two reviews, in 2010 and 2014. The Government 
Accountability Office assessed each review extensively and determined 
that stakeholder engagement and documentation were among the areas for 
improvement in future QHSRs.
  The Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical Correction Act of 
2016 addresses GAO findings and offers critical improvements to the 
QHSR. Among the key provisions are more specificity on outreach to 
stakeholders and requirements for supporting documentation on 
stakeholder engagement and risk assessments.
  Specifically, my legislation enhances stakeholder engagement, by 
further specifying appropriate stakeholders to consult with during the 
preparation of the QHSR including the Homeland Security Advisory 
Council, the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory 
Committee, and the Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
  Additionally, my bill requires the Department to use a risk 
assessment when determining the homeland security missions and threats. 
When interacting with outside agencies to gather information on sources 
and strategies, the Department must do so to the extent practical for 
the Department to gather the information needed.
  Finally, the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical 
Correction Act of 2016 requires DHS to retain all written 
communications through technology, online communication, in-person 
discussions and the interagency process and all information on how the 
communications and feedback informed the development of the review. The 
Secretary should also retain information regarding the risk assessment 
including data used to generate the risk results, sources of 
information to generate the risk assessment, and information on 
assumptions, weighing factors, and subjective judgments used to 
generate the risk assessment.
  I urge support of this legislation to ensure that future Quadrennial 
Homeland Security Reviews provide homeland security decision-makers 
inside DHS and across the country with the analysis they need to help 
protect the United States.

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