[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 19, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H5266-H5267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT
Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 4991) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory, and for
other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 4991
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 ``Supporting Research and
Development for First Responders Act''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL URBAN SECURITY TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 is amended--
(1) by redesignating the second section 319 (relating to
EMP and GMD mitigation research and development) as section
320; and
(2) by inserting after section 320, as so redesignated, the
following new section:
``SEC. 321. NATIONAL URBAN SECURITY TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary for Science and Technology, shall designate the
laboratory described in subsection (b) as an additional
laboratory pursuant to the authority under section 308(c)(2).
Such laboratory shall be used to test and evaluate emerging
technologies and conduct research and development to assist
emergency response providers in preparing for, and protecting
against, threats of terrorism.
``(b) Laboratory Described.--The laboratory described in
this subsection is the laboratory--
``(1) known, as of the date of the enactment of this
section, as the National Urban Security Technology
Laboratory;
``(2) previously known as the Environmental Measurements
Laboratory; and
``(3) transferred to the Department pursuant to section
303(1)(E).
``(c) Laboratory Activities.--The laboratory designated
pursuant to subsection (a), shall--
``(1) conduct tests, evaluations, and assessments of
current and emerging technologies, including, as appropriate,
cybersecurity of such technologies that can connect to the
internet, for emergency response providers;
``(2) conduct research and development on radiological and
nuclear response and recovery;
``(3) act as a technical advisor to emergency response
providers; and
``(4) carry out other such activities as the Secretary
determines appropriate.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of such Act is amended by striking both items relating
to section 319 and the item relating to section 318 and
inserting the following:
``318. Social media working group.
``319. Transparency in research and development.
``320. EMP and GMD mitigation research and development.
``321. National Urban Security Technology Laboratory.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Donovan) and the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
General Leave
Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and include any extraneous materials on the bill under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4991, the Supporting Research
and Development for First Responders Act. H.R. 4991 authorizes the
National Urban Security Technology Laboratory, NUSTL, within the
Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.
Located in New York City, NUSTL has been a critical resource in
protecting our homeland since 1947. Today, NUSTL is a one-of-its-kind
test and evaluation laboratory for the first responder community.
I had the opportunity to visit NUSTL last year and saw firsthand the
impressive work being done there on a daily basis. During my visit, I
witnessed NUSTL's work to test and validate equipment used by our first
responders to protect our communities. NUSTL has conducted more than
1,000 assessments on current and emergency first responder equipment.
I also learned about NUSTL's radiological and nuclear research and
development, which focuses on response and recovery efforts.
Additionally, last November, Chief Timothy Rice from the New York
City Fire Department testified before the Subcommittee on Emergency
Preparedness, Response, and Communications, which I chair, on the
importance of NUSTL to FDNY's daily operations. Chief Rice highlighted
that the fire department's relationship with NUSTL has ``strengthened
the department's ability to save life and property, and ultimately,
make the people of New York and millions of visitors to the region
safer each day.''
Simply put, this bill will authorize the test and evaluation and
research and development activities currently being conducted at NUSTL.
Given the current threat environment, we need to ensure that DHS
continues to support our first responders, and this bill will do just
that. H.R. 4991 will ensure that the valuable work being done at NUSTL
will continue for years to come.
I want to recognize the tireless efforts of the staff at NUSTL to
support first responders and secure our homeland.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that this bill is supported by the American
Federation of Government Employees, and I include in the Record their
letter dated June 15, 2018.
American Federation of
Government Employees, AFL-CIO,
Washington, DC, June 15, 2018.
Dear Representative, On behalf of the American Federation
of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE), which represents
more than 700,000 federal and DC government workers who serve
the American people in 70 different agencies, including 20
employees at the National Urban Security Technology
Laboratory (NUSTL), I am writing to indicate our support of
H.R. 4991, the Supporting Research and Development for First
Responders Act. This bill would provide for the authorization
of this important program.
The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL)
works primarily on testing technologies used by first
responders. The scientists and engineers at NUSTL ensure
first responders are safe and equipped to perform their
duties. They support the training of first responders to use
radiation detection equipment to interdict a terrorist act
involving radiological dispersion devices (RDDs) or
improvised nuclear devices (INDs). They also publish reports
that allow first responders to purchase radiation and
explosives detection equipment best suited for their needs.
They ensure unmanned aerial vehicles or drones are not used
as weapons.
NUSTL labs give police officers, fire fighters and other
first responders the opportunity to test drive technological
equipment and offer feedback for how to make it safer and
more effective. NUSTL allows first responders to test
prototypes of products in the pipeline at DHS to help improve
them. They also offer training about how to respond to
emergencies and natural disasters. NUSTL employees' work
keeps first responders safe and up to date with the latest
technologies. NUSTL ensures our communities are safe and
thriving.
AFGE strongly supports H.R. 4991, the Supporting Research
and Development for First Responders Act.
Thank you,
Thomas S. Kahn,
Director, Legislative Affairs Department.
Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in voting for
the Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology,
Washington, DC, June 14, 2018.
Hon. Michael T. McCaul,
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 4991, the
``Supporting Research and Development for First Responders
Act,'' which your Committee ordered reported on June 6, 2018.
H.R. 4991 contains provisions within the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology's Rule X jurisdiction. As a
result of
[[Page H5267]]
you having consulted with the Committee regarding revisions
to the bill, and in order to expedite this bill for floor
consideration, the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology will forego action on the bill. 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 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.
____
House of Representatives,
Commmittee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC, June 14, 2018.
Hon. Lamar Smith,
Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Smith: Thank you for your letter regarding
H.R. 4991, the ``Supporting Research and Development for
First Responders Act.'' I appreciate your support in bringing
this legislation before the House of Representatives, and
accordingly, understand that the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology will not seek a sequential referral on the
bill.
The Committee on Homeland Security concurs with the mutual
understanding that by foregoing a sequential referral of this
bill at this time, the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject
matter contained in this bill or similar legislation in the
future. In addition, should a conference on this bill be
necessary, I would support a request by the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology for conferees on those
provisions within your jurisdiction.
I will insert copies of this exchange in the Congressional
Record during consideration of this bill on the House floor.
I thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Michael T. McCaul,
Chairman.
Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4991, the Supporting Research
and Development for First Responders Act.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4991 would authorize the National Urban Security
Technology Laboratory, also known as NUSTL, within the Department of
Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.
Established in 1947, NUSTL has a long, rich history of supporting the
first responder community. This laboratory, located in New York City,
is central to the research and development of technologies that give
first responders the tools to mitigate, respond to, and recover from
national security threats.
In recent years, NUSTL's work has fostered the emergence of thousands
of innovative radiation detectors for use in the Securing the Cities
program. NUSTL's engagement with homeland security stakeholders has
ensured that as technology is developed, the particular concerns of end
users, such as first responders, are taken into consideration. With the
homeland security threat evolving daily, the importance of this lab to
national security cannot be overstated.
While the good work of NUSTL is evident to myself and my colleagues
on the House Homeland Security Committee, President Trump,
unfortunately, does not have the same level of appreciation. In the
last two budget cycles, the Trump administration, in its efforts to
free up resources to build a wall along the southern border, has
proposed completely cutting funding for NUSTL. The elimination of this
laboratory as a first responder resource is absolutely senseless.
I am glad to see that our committee worked in a bipartisan fashion to
craft this legislation, which would ensure that the work being
performed at NUSTL will continue.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing research
development of technologies for first responders by supporting H.R.
4991.
Mr. Speaker, NUSTL's work is integral to protecting our Nation's
first responders from threats.
On the one hand, it is unfortunate that the Trump administration's
proposal to cut spending for NUSTL is what prompted the creation of
H.R. 4991 in the first place; however, it has given this Chamber an
opportunity to recognize the value of NUSTL and push for it to maintain
its place at the Department of Homeland Security.
So I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4991, and I thank my
colleague across the aisle for his work on this important bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Langevin from
Rhode Island, for his help in this matter. And I once again urge all of
my colleagues to support H.R. 4991, as amended, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Donovan) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 4991, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________