[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT

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                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 10, 2019

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 542, 
the ``Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act of 
2019.''
  H.R. 542 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the 
National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) within the 
Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.
  The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) is charged 
with testing and evaluating emerging technologies and conducting 
research and development (R&D) to assist emergency response providers 
in preparing for, and protecting against, threats of terrorism.
  The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) conducts 
nuclear and radiological R&D in support of response and recovery as 
well as providing technical advisory services to emergency response 
professionals.
  It is critical that we better understand the technologies and 
research used to further develop and assist emergency response 
providers when dealing with threats of terrorism.
  This bill will allow the National Urban Security Technology 
Laboratory to--
  1. Conduct tests, evaluations, and assessments of current and 
emerging technologies.
  2. Also, conduct tests regarding cybersecurity of such technologies 
that can connect to the internet, for emergency response providers;
  3. conduct research and development on radiological and nuclear 
response and recovery;
  4. carry out other such activities as the Secretary determines 
appropriate;
  5. act as a technical advisor to emergency response providers.
  When enacted, H.R. 542 will create a better understanding of the 
technical advisory services that are being used to help emergency 
response professionals.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 542 
to further evaluate emerging technologies as well as research 
radiological and nuclear response and recovery for the emergency 
response providers.

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