[House Report 111-699]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 422
111th Congress
2d Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Report
111-699
_______________________________________________________________________
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
of the
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS
second session
(Pursuant to House Rule XI, 1(d))
December 31, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON
HOMELAND SECURITY
Union Calendar No. 422
111th Congress
2d Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Report
111-699
_______________________________________________________________________
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
of the
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS
second session
(Pursuant to House Rule XI, 1(d))
December 31, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC, December 31, 2010.
Hon. Lorraine Miller,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
The Capitol, Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Miller: Pursuant to clause 1(d)(1) of Rule XI and
Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, here is a
report of the legislative and oversight activities of the
Committee on Homeland Security during the 111th Congress.
Sincerely,
Bennie G. Thompson,
Chairman.
Union Calendar No. 422
111th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 111-699
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
111TH CONGRESS
_______
December 31, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Thompson, from the Committee on Homeland Security, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
Overview
The Committee on Homeland Security met on February 4, 2009,
for an organizational meeting for the 111th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The
Committee Membership, was set at 34 Members with 21 Democrats
and 13 Republicans.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism;
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection; the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology;
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response; and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
CONTENTS
Page
Jurisdiction and Legislative History............................. 3
Membership and Organization...................................... 11
History of the Committee on Homeland Security.................... 15
Full Committee................................................... 21
Legislative Activities....................................... 22
Oversight Activities......................................... 71
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism
Risk Assessment............................................ 95
Oversight Activities......................................... 95
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure
Protection..................................................... 107
Legislative Activities....................................... 107
Oversight Activities......................................... 108
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.... 121
Legislative Activities....................................... 121
Oversight Activities......................................... 127
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight........ 141
Legislative Activities....................................... 141
Oversight Activities......................................... 142
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology......................................... 157
Legislative Activities....................................... 157
Oversight Activities......................................... 161
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response....................................................... 173
Legislative Activities....................................... 173
Oversight Activities......................................... 177
Committee on Homeland Security Oversight Plan.................... 191
Part A_Committee on Homeland Security Oversight Plan......... 191
Part B_Implementation of the Oversight Plan.................. 203
Appendices
Appendix I--Committee Rules.................................. 249
Appendix II--Membership Changes to the Committee............. 263
Appendix III--List of Public Laws............................ 281
Appendix IV--Status of Legislation Referred to the Committee. 283
Appendix V--Committee Legislative Reports.................... 293
Appendix VI--Executive Communications, Memorials, Petitions,
and Presidential Messages............................ 297
Appendix VII--Committee Staff................................ 309
Appendix VIII--Witnesses..................................... 313
Appendix IX--Printed Hearings................................ 339
Appendix X--Committee Print.................................. 347
Appendix XI--Summary of Committee Activities................. 349
Additional Views................................................. 351
Jurisdiction and Legislative History
A provision for the establishment of a Committee on
Homeland Security was included in H. Res. 5, the Rules of the
House of Representatives for the 111th Congress, agreed to on
January 6, 2009. The jurisdiction of the Committee is as
follows:
HOUSE RULE X
Committees and their legislative jurisdictions
1. There shall be in the House the following standing
committees, each of which shall have the jurisdiction and
related functions assigned by this clause and clauses 2, 3, and
4. All bills, resolutions, and other matters relating to
subjects within the jurisdiction of the standing committees
listed in this clause shall be referred to those committees, in
accordance with clause 2 of rule XII, as follows:
(I) Committee on Homeland Security
(1) Overall homeland security policy.
(2) Organization and administration of the Department
of Homeland Security.
(3) Functions of the Department of Homeland Security
relating to the following:
(A) Border and port security (except
immigration policy and non-border enforcement).
(B) Customs (except customs revenue).
(C) Integration, analysis, and dissemination
of homeland security information.
(D) Domestic preparedness for and collective
response to terrorism.
(E) Research and development.
(F) Transportation security.
* * * * *
General oversight responsibilities
2. (a) The various standing committees shall have general
oversight responsibilities as provided in paragraph (b) in
order to assist the House in
(1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of--
(A) the application, administration,
execution, and effectiveness of Federal laws;
and
(B) conditions and circumstances that may
indicate the necessity or Desirability of
enacting new or additional legislation; and
(2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of
changes in Federal laws, and of such additional
legislation as may be necessary or appropriate.
(b)(1) In order to determine whether laws and programs
addressing subjects within the jurisdiction of a committee are
being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent
of Congress and whether they should be continued, curtailed, or
eliminated, each standing committee (other than the Committee
on Appropriations) shall review and study on a continuing
basis--
(A) the application, administration, execution, and
effectiveness of laws and programs addressing subjects
within its jurisdiction;
(B) the organization and operation of Federal
agencies and entities having responsibilities for the
administration and execution of laws and programs
addressing subjects within its jurisdiction;
(C) any conditions or circumstances that may indicate
the necessity or desirability of enacting new or
additional legislation addressing subjects within its
jurisdiction (whether or not a bill or resolution has
been introduced with respect thereto); and
(D) future research and forecasting on subjects
within its jurisdiction.
(2) Each committee to which subparagraph (1) applies having
more than 20 members shall establish an oversight subcommittee,
or require its subcommittees to conduct oversight in their
respective jurisdictions, to assist in carrying out its
responsibilities under this clause. The establishment of an
oversight subcommittee does not limit the responsibility of a
subcommittee with legislative jurisdiction in carrying out its
oversight responsibilities.
(c) Each standing committee shall review and study on a
continuing basis the impact or probable impact of tax policies
affecting subjects within its jurisdiction as described in
clauses 1 and 3.
(d)(1) Not later than February 15 of the first session of a
Congress, each standing committee shall, in a meeting that is
open to the public and with a quorum present, adopt its
oversight plan for that Congress. Such plan shall be submitted
simultaneously to the Committee on Government Reform and to the
Committee on House Administration. In developing its plan each
committee shall, to the maximum extent feasible--
(A) consult with other committees that have
jurisdiction over the same or related laws, programs,
or agencies within its jurisdiction with the objective
of ensuring maximum coordination and cooperation among
committees when conducting reviews of such laws,
programs, or agencies and include in its plan an
explanation of steps that have been or will be taken to
ensure such coordination and cooperation;
(B) review specific problems with Federal rules,
regulations, statutes, and court decisions that are
ambiguous, arbitrary, or nonsensical, or that impose
severe financial burdens on individuals;
(C) give priority consideration to including in its
plan the review of those laws, programs, or agencies
operating under permanent budget authority or permanent
statutory authority;
(D) have a view toward ensuring that all significant
laws, programs, or agencies within its jurisdiction are
subject to review every 10 years; and
(E) have a view toward insuring against duplication
of Federal programs.
(2) Not later than March 31 in the first session of a
Congress, after consultation with the Speaker, the Majority
Leader, and the Minority Leader, the Committee on Government
Reform shall report to the House the oversight plans submitted
by committees together with any recommendations that it, or the
House leadership group described above, may make to ensure the
most effective coordination of oversight plans and otherwise to
achieve the objectives of this clause.
(e) The Speaker, with the approval of the House, may
appoint special ad hoc oversight committees for the purpose of
reviewing specific matters within the jurisdiction of two or
more standing committees.
Special oversight functions
3. (g)(1) The Committee on Homeland Security shall review
and study on a continuing basis all Government activities
relating to homeland security, (including the interaction of
all departments and agencies with the Department of Homeland
Security.
(2) In addition, the Committee shall review and study on
a primary and continuing basis all Government activities,
programs and organizations related to homeland security that
fall within its primary legislative jurisdiction
----------
Legislative History To Accompany Changes to Rule X
(Congressional Record, January 4, 2005, Page H25)
Rule X and the Committee on Homeland Security
Legislative History
Overall homeland security policy--The jurisdiction of the
Committee on Homeland Security over ``overall homeland security
policy'' is to be interpreted on a government-wide or multi-
agency basis similar to the Committee on Government Reform's
jurisdiction over ``overall economy, efficiency, and management
of government operations and activities. . . .'' Surgical
addresses of homeland security policy in sundry areas of
jurisdiction occupied by other committees would not be referred
to the Committee on Homeland Security on the basis of
``overall'' homeland security policy jurisdiction.
For example, the Committee on Homeland Security shall have
jurisdiction over a bill coordinating the homeland security
efforts by all of the critical infrastructure protection
sectors. Jurisdiction over a bill addressing the protection of
a particular sector would lie with the committee otherwise
having jurisdiction over that sector.
Organization and administration of the Department of
Homeland Security--The jurisdiction of the Committee on
Homeland Security would apply only to organizational or
administrative aspects of the Department where another
committee's jurisdiction did not clearly apply. The Committee's
jurisdiction is to be confined to organizational and
administrative efforts and would not apply to programmatic
efforts within the Department of Homeland Security within the
jurisdiction of other committees.
Homeland Security Oversight--This would vest the Committee
on Homeland Security with oversight jurisdiction over the
homeland security community of the United States. Nothing in
this clause shall be construed as prohibiting or otherwise
restricting the authority of any other committee to study and
review homeland security activities to the extent that such
activity directly affects a matter otherwise within the
jurisdiction of that committee.
Individual Committee Concerns
Agriculture--The jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland
Security over ``border and port security'' shall be limited to
agricultural importation and entry inspection activities of the
Department of Homeland Security under section 421 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002. The Committee on Agriculture
shall retain jurisdiction over animal and plant disease policy
including the authority reserved to the Department of
Agriculture to regulate policy under section 421 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002, and the Animal Health Protection
Act, the Plant Protection Act, the Plant Quarantine Act, and
the Agriculture Quarantine Inspection User Fee Account. The
Committee on Agriculture shall retain jurisdiction over the
agricultural research and diagnosis mission at the Plum Island
Animal Disease Center.
Armed Services--The Committee on Armed Services shall
retain jurisdiction over warfighting, the military defense of
the United States, and other military activities, including any
military response to terrorism, pursuant to section 876 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Energy and Commerce--The Committee on Homeland Security
shall have jurisdiction over measures that address the
Department of Homeland Security's activities for domestic
preparedness and collective response to terrorism. The words
``to terrorism'' require a direct relation to terrorism. The
Committee on Homeland Security's jurisdiction over ``collective
response to terrorism'' means that it shall receive referrals
of bills addressing the Department of Homeland Security's
responsibilities for, and assistance to, first responders as a
whole. The Committee on Energy and Commerce (and other relevant
committees) shall retain their jurisdiction over bills
addressing the separate entities that comprise the first
responders. For example, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
shall retain its jurisdiction over a bill directing the
Department of Health and Human Services to train emergency
medical personnel.
Financial Services--The Committee on Financial Services
shall retain jurisdiction over the National Flood Insurance
Program and Emergency Food and Shelter Program of FEMA, and the
Defense Production Act. The Committee on Financial Services
shall retain its jurisdiction over the anti-money laundering,
terrorist financing, and anti-counterfeiting activities within
the Department of the Treasury and the financial regulators.
Government Reform--The Committee on Homeland Security shall
have jurisdiction over ``the organization and administration of
the Department of Homeland Security.'' The Committee on
Government Reform shall retain jurisdiction over federal civil
service, the overall economy, efficiency, and management of
government operations and activities, including Federal
procurement, and federal paperwork reduction. The Committee on
Government Reform shall retain jurisdiction over government-
wide information management efforts including the Federal
Information Security Management Act. The Committee on Homeland
Security shall have jurisdiction over integration, analysis,
and dissemination of homeland security information by the
Department of Homeland Security, and the Committee on
Government Reform shall retain jurisdiction over measures
addressing public information and records generally including
the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act. The
Committee on Government Reform shall have jurisdiction over the
policy coordination responsibilities of the Office of
Counternarcotics Enforcement.
Intelligence--The Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence shall retain jurisdiction over the intelligence
and intelligence-related activities of all departments and
agencies of the Federal Government, including the Office of the
Director of National Intelligence and the National
Counterterrorism Center as defined in the Intelligence Reform
and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
Judiciary--The Committee on the Judiciary shall retain
jurisdiction over immigration policy and non-border enforcement
of the immigration laws. Its jurisdiction over immigration
policy shall include matters such as the immigration and
naturalization process, numbers of aliens (including immigrants
and non-immigrants) allowed, classifications and lengths of
allowable stay, the adjudication of immigration petitions and
the requirements for the same, the domestic adjudication of
immigration petitions and applications submitted to the
Department of Labor or the Department of Homeland Security and
setting policy with regard to visa issuance and acceptance. Its
jurisdiction over non-border enforcement shall be limited to
those aspects of immigration enforcement not associated with
the immediate entry of individuals into the country, including
those aspects of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement. The Committee on Homeland Security shall have
jurisdiction over border and port security including the
immigration responsibilities of inspectors at ports of entry
and the border patrol. As used in the new Rule X(1)(l)(9) and
this legislative history, the word ``immigration'' shall be
construed to include ``naturalization'' and no substantive
change is intended by the new rule's not containing the word
``naturalization.''
Science--The Committee on Science shall retain some
jurisdiction over the research and development activities of
the Department of Homeland Security as such matters are
incidental to the Committee on Science's existing jurisdiction
(except where those activities are in the jurisdiction of
another committee).
Transportation and Infrastructure--The Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure shall retain jurisdiction
over the Coast Guard. However, the Committee on Homeland
Security has jurisdiction over port security, and some Coast
Guard responsibilities in that area will fall within the
jurisdiction of both committees. Jurisdiction over emergency
preparedness will be split between the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland
Security. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
shall retain its jurisdiction under clause 1(r)(2) over
``federal management of emergencies and natural disasters.''
This means that the committee retains its general jurisdiction
over the emergency preparedness and response operations of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Bills addressing
FEMA's general preparation for disaster from any cause shall be
referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Committee on Homeland Security shall have jurisdiction over
the Department of Homeland Security's responsibilities with
regard to emergency preparedness only as they relate to acts of
terrorism. Thus, the Committee on Homeland Security shall have
jurisdiction over the responsibilities of the Office for
Domestic Preparedness, in accordance with section 430 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002.
As indicated earlier, the Committee on Homeland Security's
jurisdiction over ``collective response to terrorism'' means
that it would receive referrals of bills addressing the
Department of Homeland Security's responsibilities for, and
assistance to, first responders as a whole and not over
measures addressing first responder communities individually.
The Committee on Homeland Security shall have jurisdiction
over the functions of the Department of Homeland Security
relating to transportation security, while the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure shall retain its jurisdiction
over transportation safety. In general, the Committee on
Homeland Security would have jurisdiction over bills addressing
the Transportation Security Administration and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure would have jurisdiction over
bills addressing the various entities within the Department of
Transportation having responsibility for transportation safety,
such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The jurisdiction of the
Committee on Homeland Security does not include expenditures
from trust funds under the jurisdiction of other committees,
including but not limited to the Highway Trust Fund, the
Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Harbor Maintenance Trust
Fund, the Federal Buildings Fund, and the Inland Waterways
Trust Fund.
Ways and Means--The jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways
and Means over ``customs revenue'' is intended to include those
functions contemplated in section 412(b)(2) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 and includes those functions as carried
out in collection districts and ports of entry and delivery.
----------
Memorandum Of Understanding Between The Committee On Transportation And
Infrastructure And The Committee On Homeland Security
[Congressional Record, H15, January 4, 2007]
On January 4, 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives
adoptedH. Res. 5, establishing the Rules of the House for the
109th Congress. Section 2(a) established the Committee on
Homeland Security as a standing committee of the House of
Representatives with specific legislative jurisdiction under
House Rule X. A legislative history to accompany the changes to
House Rule X was inserted in the Congressional Record on
January 4, 2005.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and
theCommittee on Homeland Security (hereinafter ``Committees'')
jointly agree to the January 4, 2005 legislative history as the
authoritative source of legislative history of section 2(a) of
H. Res. 5 with the following two clarifications.
First, with regard to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's, FEMA, emergency preparedness and response programs,
theCommittee on Homeland Security has jurisdiction over the
Department of Homeland Security's responsibilities with regard
to emergency preparedness and collective response only as they
relate to terrorism. However, in light of the federal emergency
management reforms that were enacted as title VI of Public Law
109(295, a bill amending FEMA's all-hazards emergency
preparedness programs that necessarily addresses FEMA's
terrorism preparedness programs would be referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; in addition,
the Committee on Homeland Security would have a jurisdictional
interest in such bill. Nothing in this Memorandum of
Understanding affects the jurisdiction of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and the Federal
Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974.
Second, with regard to port security, the Committee on
Homeland Security has jurisdiction over port security, and some
Coast Guard responsibilities in that area fall within the
jurisdiction of both Committees. A bill addressing the
activities, programs, assets, and personnel of the Coast Guard
as they relate to port security and non-port security missions
would be referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure; in addition, the Committee on Homeland Security
would have a jurisdictional interest in such bill.
This Memorandum of Understanding between the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland
Security provides further clarification to the January 4, 2005
legislative history of the jurisdiction of the Committees only
with regard to these two specific issues. The Memorandum does
not address any other issues and does not affect the
jurisdiction of other committees.
JAMES L. OBERSTAR
Chairman-designate,
Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
BENNIE G. THOMPSON
Chairman-designate,
Committee on Homeland Security
Membership and Organization of the Committee on Homeland Security
(21-13)
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Daniel E. Lungren, California
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Henry Cuellar, Texas Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Pete Olson, Texas
Laura Richardson, California Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Steve Austria, Ohio
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Tom Graves, Georgia
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Dina Titus, Nevada
William L. Owens, New York
Vacancy
Vacancy
------
January 4, 2009-Appointment of Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of
Mississippi as Chair, and Mr. Peter T. King of New York as
Ranking Member pursuant to H. Res. 8 and H. Res. 12,
respectively.
January 6, 2009-Mr. James R. Langevin of Rhode Island is on
a leave of absence from the Committee on Homeland Security,
while retaining his seniority.
January 9, 2009-Appointment of Minority Members to the
Committee pursuant to H. Res. 38.
January 28, 2009-Appointment of Majority Members to the
Committee pursuant to H. Res. 96.
November 19, 2009-Appointment of Mr. William L. Owens of
New York to sit after Mr. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico pursuant
to H. Res. 921.
January 22, 2010-Ms. Loretta Sanchez resigned as Chair of
the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism.
January 27, 2010-Mr. Henry Cuellar was appointed as Chair
of the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism; and Ms. Laura Richardson was appointed as
Chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response, filling the vacancy created by the
resignation of Mr. Cuellar as Chair of that Subcommittee.
March 8, 2010-Mr. Eric J.J. Massa of New York resigned as a
Member of the House of Representatives.
May 5, 2010-Mr. Ben Ray Lujan, of New Mexico resigned as a
Member of the Committee on Homeland Security.
May 6, 2010-Mr. William L. Owens of New York was appointed
to sit after Ms. Dina Titus of Nevada pursuant to H. Res. 1334.
May 17, 2010-Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana resigned as a
Member of the House of Representatives.
June 16, 2010-Appointment of Mr. Tom Graves of Georgia to
the Committee pursuant to H.Res. 1447.
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK
ASSESSMENT
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Yevette D. Clarke, New York Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Laura Richardson, California Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Tom Graves, Georgia
Al Green, Texas Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Steve Austria, Ohio
James A. Himes, Connecticut Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Jane Harman, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Lamar Smith, Texas
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Al Green, Texas (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New Jersey Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Al Green, Texas Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, AND SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Paul C. Broun, Georgia
William L. Owens, New York Steve Austria, Ohio
Vacancy Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE
Laura Richardson, California, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Henry Cuellar, Texas Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
William L. Owens, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
------
HISTORY OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Select Committees on Homeland Security
107th Congress
In the 107th Congress, the House Select Committee on
Homeland Security was established on June 19, 2002, pursuant to
H. Res. 449 (adopted by voice vote). The Committee was composed
of nine Members of the House: Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Armey of
Texas, Chairman; Mr. Thomas DeLay of Texas; Mr. Julius Caesar
``J.C.'' Watts of Oklahoma; Ms. Deborah Pryce of Ohio; Mr.
Robert Portman of Ohio; Ms. Nancy Pelosi of California; Mr.
Jonas Martin Frost of Texas; Mr. Robert Menendez of New Jersey;
and Ms. Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut.
The mandate of the Select Committee in the 107th Congress
was to ``develop recommendations and report to the House on
such matters that relate to the establishment of a department
of homeland security.'' The Select Committee accomplished its
mandate on November 22, 2002, when the House concurred in the
Senate amendment to H.R. 5005, a bill establishing the
Department of Homeland Security, by unanimous consent, and
cleared H.R. 5005 for the President. The bill was presented to
the President on November 22, 2002, and was signed on November
25, 2002, becoming Public Law 107-296.
The termination date of the House Select Committee on
Homeland Security was ``after final disposition of a bill [ . .
. ] including final disposition of any veto message on such
bill,'' which occurred on November 25, 2002.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.L. 107-296.................... The Homeland H.R. 5005
Security Act of
2002..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
108th Congress
The second House Select Committee on Homeland Security was
established in the 108th Congress on January 7, 2003, pursuant
to provisions of H. Res. 5 (adopted by a recorded vote of 221
yeas and 203 nays). The Membership of the Select Committee was
established on February 12, 2003, as: Mr. Christopher Cox of
California, Chairman; Ms. Jennifer Dunn of Washington; Mr.
William ``Bill'' Young of Florida; Mr. Donald ``Don'' Young of
Alaska; Mr. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. of Wisconsin; Mr.
Wilbert Joseph ``Billy'' Tauzin of Louisiana; Mr. David Dreier
of California; Mr. Duncan Hunter of California; Mr. Harold
Rogers of Kentucky; Mr. Sherwood Boehlert of New York; Mr.
Lamar Smith of Texas; Mr. Wayne Curtis ``Curt'' Weldon of
Pennsylvania; Mr. Christopher Shays of Connecticut; Mr. Porter
J. Goss of Florida; Mr. David Camp of Michigan; Mr. Lincoln
Diaz-Balart of Florida; Mr. Robert W. Goodlatte of Virginia;
Mr. Ernest James Istook, Jr. of Oklahoma; Mr. Peter T. King of
New York; Mr. John E. Linder of Georgia; Mr. John B. Shadegg of
Arizona; Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. William McClellan
``Mac'' Thornberry of Texas; Mr. James A. Gibbons of Nevada;
Ms. Kay Granger of Texas; Mr. Pete Sessions of Texas; Mr. John
E. Sweeney of New York; Mr. Jim Turner of Texas; Mr. Bennie G.
Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California; Mr.
Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts; Mr. Norman D. Dicks of
Washington; Mr. Barney Frank of Massachusetts; Ms. Jane Harman
of California; Mr. Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland; Ms. Louise
M. Slaughter of New York; Mr. Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon; Mrs.
Nita M. Lowey of New York; Mr. Robert E. Andrews of New Jersey;
Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Delegate from the District of
Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California; Ms. Karen McCarthy of
Missouri; Ms. Shiela Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. William ``Bill''
Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey; Mrs. Donna M. Christensen, a
Delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands; Mr. Bobby ``Bob''
Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr. Charles Gonzalez of Texas; Mr.
Ken Lucas of Kentucky; Mr. James R. Langevin of Rhode Island;
and Mr. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida.
The Select Committee was authorized to develop
recommendations and report to the House by bill or otherwise on
such matters that relate to the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(Public Law 107-296) as may be referred to it by the Speaker,
and was charged with reviewing and studying on a continuing
basis laws, programs, and Government activities relating to
homeland security. In addition, the Select Committee was
directed to conduct a thorough and complete study of the
operation and implementation of the Rules of the House,
including Rule X, with respect to the issue of homeland
security, and submit its recommendations regarding any changes
in the Rules of the House to the Committee on Rules not later
than September 30, 2004.
On September 30, 2004, the Select Committee on Homeland
Security submitted its recommendations on jurisdictional
changes to the Rules of the House of Representatives to the
Committee on Rules.
The Committee had six measures signed into law during the
108th Congress:\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\< Indicates measures which were not referred directly
to the Committee on Homeland Security. Indicates measures which were
not referred to the Committee, but to which measures were included
during Congressional action.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.L. 108-136.................... National Defense H.R. 1588
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2004..
P.L. 108-268.................... To provide for the H.R. 4332
transfer of the
Nebraska Avenue
Naval Complex in
the District of
Columbia to
facilitate the
establishment of
the headquarters
for the
Department of
Homeland
Security, to
provide for the
acquisition by
the Department of
the Navy of
suitable
replacement
facilities..
P.L. 108-276.................... Project BioShield S.15 (H.R. 2122)
Act of 2004..
P.L. 108-293.................... Coast Guard and H.R. 2443
Maritime
Transportation
Act of 2004..
P.L. 108-330.................... Department of H.R. 4259
Homeland Security
Financial
Accountability
Act..
P.L. 108-458.................... Intelligence S.2845
Reform and (H.R. 5223)
Terrorism
Prevention Act of
2004..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to H.Res. 5, the Select Committee terminated on
January 2, 2005, with the expiration of the 108th Congress.
Committee on Homeland Security
109th Congress
The 109th Congress marked the first Congress for the
standing Committee on Homeland Security. During the two
previous Congresses, the House of Representatives established
separate Select Committees on Homeland Security: the first - to
establish the Department of Homeland Security, the second - to
monitor the initial activities of the Department and to examine
the need for a standing committee in the House with
jurisdictional authority over matters relating to the issue of
homeland security.
The Committee on Homeland Security was established as a
standing Committee of the House with the passage of H.Res. 5,
on January 4, 2005. The resolution was adopted by a recorded
vote of 220 yeas and 195 nays.
The Committee Membership was set at 34 Members with 19
Republicans and 15 Democrats. The following Members were
appointed to the Committee on Homeland Security for all or part
of the Congress: Mr. Christopher Cox of California; Mr. Peter
T. King of New York; Mr. Don Young of Alaska; Mr. Lamar S.Smith
of Texas; Mr. Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania; Mr. Christopher
Shays of Connecticut; Mr. John Linder of Georgia; Mr. Mark E.
Souder of Indiana; Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia; Mr. Daniel E.
Lungren of California; Mr. Jim Gibbons of Nevada; Mr. Rob
Simmons of Connecticut; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama; Mr. Stevan
Pearce of New Mexico; Ms. Katherine Harris of Florida; Mr.
Bobby Jindal of Louisiana; Mr. David G. Reichert of Washington;
Mr. Michael T. McCaul of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent of
Pennsylvania; Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida; Mr. Bennie G.
Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California; Mr.
Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts; Mr. Norman D. Dicks of
Washington; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr. Peter A. DeFazio
of Oregon; Ms. Nita M. Lowey of New York; Ms. Eleanor Holmes
Norton of District of Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California;
Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas; Mr. Bill Pascrell of Jr., New
Jersey; Ms. Donna M. Christensen of U.S. Virgin Islands; Mr.
Bob Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr. James R. Langevin of Rhode
Island; and Mr. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida.
On February 9, 2005, the Committee on Homeland Security
adopted its Rules, which provided for the establishment of five
Subcommittees. The Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and
Biological Attack; the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment; the
Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection,
and Cybersecurity; the Subcommittee on Management, Integration,
and Oversight; and the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness,
Science, and Technology.
On October 7, 2005, the Committee revised its Rules to
establish a Subcommittee on Investigations.
The Committee had eight measures signed into law during the
109th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.L. 109-13..................... Emergency H.R. 1268 (H.R.
Supplemental 418)
Appropriations
Act for Defense,
the Global War on
Terror, and
Tsunami Relief,
2005..
P.L. 109-59..................... Safe, Accountable, H.R. 3
Flexible,
Efficient
Transportation
Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users..
P.L. 109-163.................... National Defense H.R. 1815
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2006..
P.L. 109-241.................... Coast Guard and H.R. 889
Maritime
Transportation
Act of 2006..
P.L. 109-295.................... Department of H.R. 5441
Homeland Security
Appropriations
Act, 2007..
(Title VI - Post
Katrina Emergency
Management Reform
Act).
P.L. 109-347.................... ``Security and H.R. 4954
Accountability
For Every Port
Act of 2006'' or
the ``SAFE Port
Act''..
P.L. 109-364.................... John Warner H.R. 5122
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2007..
P.L. 109-367.................... Secure Fence Act H.R. 6061
of 2006..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
110th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 4, 2007, by a record vote of 235 yeas and
195 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on January 23, 2007,
for an organizational meeting for the 110th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The
Committee Membership was set at 34 Members with 19 Democrats
and 15 Republicans. The following Members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms.Loretta Sanchez of
California; Mr. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts; Mr. Norman
D. Dicks of Washington; Ms.Jane Harman of California; Mr. Peter
A. DeFazio of Oregon; Mrs.Nita M. Lowey of New York; Ms.Eleanor
Holmes Norton a Delegate from the District of Columbia; Ms.Zoe
Lofgren of California; Ms.Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas;
Mrs.Donna M. Christensen a Delegate from the U.S. Virgin
Islands; Mr. Bob Etheridge of North Carolina; Mr. James R.
Langevin of Rhode Island; Mr. Henry Cuellar of Texas; Mr.
Christopher P. Carney of Pennsylvania; Ms.Yvette D. Clarke of
New York; Mr. Al Green of Texas; Mr. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado;
Mr. Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr. Peter T. King of New
York; Mr. Lamar Smith of Texas; Mr. Christopher Shays of
Connecticut; Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. Tom Davis of
Virginia; Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California; Mr. Mike Rogers
of Alabama; Mr. David G. Reichert of Washington; Mr. Michael T.
McCaul of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent of Pennsylvania; Ms.Ginny
Brown-Waite of Florida; Mr. Gus M. Bilirakis of Florida; Mr.
David Davis of Tennessee; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia;
Mrs.Candice S.Miller of Michigan; Ms. Marsha Blackburn of
Tennessee; Mr. Kevin McCarthy of California; and Mr. Bobby
Jindal of Louisiana.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism;
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection; the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology;
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response; and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
The Committee had four measures signed into law during the
110th Congress:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.L. 110-53..................... Implementing H.R. 1
Recommendations
of the 9/11
Commission Act of
2007..
P.L. 110-181.................... National Defense H.R. 4986 (H.R.
Authorization Act 1585)
for Fiscal Year
2008..
P.L. 110-388.................... A bill to provide S.2816
for the
appointment of
the Chief Human
Capital Officer
of the Department
of Homeland
Security by the
Secretary of
Homeland
Security..
P.L. 110-412.................... Personnel H.R. 6098
Reimbursement for
Intelligence
Cooperation and
Enhancement of
Homeland Security
Act of 2008..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
111th Congress
The Committee on Homeland Security continued as a standing
Committee pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 5, agreed to in
the House on January 6, 2009, by a record vote of 235 yeas and
195 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security met on February 4, 2009,
for an organizational meeting for the 111th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The
Committee Membership, was set at 34 Members with 21 Democrats
and 13 Republicans. The following Members were appointed to the
Committee on Homeland Security for all or part of the Congress:
Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi; Ms. Loretta Sanchez, of
California; Ms. Jane Harman of California; Mr. Peter A. DeFazio
of Oregon; Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton a Delegate from the
District of Columbia; Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California; Ms. Sheila
Jackson-Lee of Texas; Mr. Henry Cuellar of Texas; Mr.
Christopher P. Carney of Pennsylvania; Ms. Yvette D. Clarke of
New York; Ms. Laura Richardson of California; Mrs. Ann
Kirkpatrick of Arizona; Mr. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico; Mr.
Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey; Mr. Emmanuel Cleaver of
Missouri; Mr. Al Green of Texas; Mr. James A. Himes of
Connecticut; Ms. Mary Jo Kilroy of Ohio; Mr. Eric J.J. Massa of
New York; Ms. Dina Titus of Nevada; Mr. William L. Owens of New
York; Mr. Peter T. King of New York; Ms. Lamar Smith of Texas;
Mr. Mark E. Souder of Indiana; Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of
California; Mr. Mike Rogers of Alabama; Mr. Michael T. McCaul
of Texas; Mr. Charles W. Dent of Pennsylvania; Mr. Gus M.
Bilirakis of Florida; Mr. Paul C. Broun of Georgia; Mrs.
Candice S. Miller of Michigan; Mr. Pete Olson of Texas; Mr. Anh
``Joseph'' Cao of Louisiana; Mr. Steve Austria of Ohio; and Mr.
Tom Graves of Georgia.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism;
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection; the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology;
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response; and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
The Committee had 14 measures signed into law during the
111th Congress:\2\ \3\\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\H.R. 4748 was presented to the President on December 28, 2010,
and is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of
this report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number
has not been assigned.
\3\S. 3243 was presented to the President on December 28, 2010, and
is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of this
report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number has not
been assigned.
\4\H.R. 6523 was presented to the President on December 29, 2010,
and is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of
this report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number
has not been assigned.
111th Congress
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law Title Bill
------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.L. 111--84.................... National Defense H.R. 2647
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2010..
P.L. 111--140................... Nuclear Forensics H.R. 730
and Attribution
Act..
P.L. 111--145................... United States H.R. 1299 (H.R.
Capitol Police 2935 )
Administrative
Technical
Correction Act of
2009..
P.L. 111--198................... Homebuyer H.R. 5623
Assistance and
Improvement Act..
P.L. 111--207................... Cruise Vessel H.R. 3360
Security and
Safety Act of
2009..
P.L. 111--245................... First Responder H.R. 3978
Anti-Terrorism
Training
Resources Act..
P.L. 111--252................... To allow certain H.R. 1517
U.S. Customs and
Border Protection
employees who
serve under an
overseas limited
appointment for
at least 2 years,
and whose service
is rated fully
successful or
higher throughout
that time, to be
converted to a
permanent
appointment in
the competitive
service..
P.L. 111--258................... Reducing Over- H.R. 553
Classification
Act..
P.L. 111--259................... Intelligence H.R. 2701
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2011..
P.L. 111--271................... Redundancy H.R. 3980
Elimination and
Enhanced
Performance for
Preparedness
Grants Act..
P.L. 111--281................... Coast Guard H.R. 3619
Authorization Act
of 2010..
P.L. 111--_..................... Northern Border H.R. 4748
Counternarcotics
Strategy Act of
2010..
P.L. 111--_..................... Anti-Border S. 3243
Corruption Act of
2010..
P.L. 111--_..................... Ike Skelton H.R. 6523
National Defense
Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year
2011..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Full Committee
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Daniel E. Lungren, California
Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mike Rogers, Alabama
District of Columbia Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Henry Cuellar, Texas Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Christopher P. Carney, Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Pennsylvania Pete Olson, Texas
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Laura Richardson, Steve Austria, Ohio
California Tom Graves, Georgia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New
Jersey
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Dina Titus, Nevada
William L. Owens, New York
Vacancy
Vacancy
------
During the 111th Congress, the Committee on Homeland
Security held a total of 20 days of hearings and received
testimony from 77 witnesses on numerous topics and considered
23 measures.
----------
Organizational Meeting of the Committee
The Committee on Homeland Security met on February 4, 2009
for an organizational meeting for the 111th Congress under the
direction of Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi.
The Full Committee met pursuant to notice and adopted the
Committee Rules for the 111th Congress by voice vote. The
Committee also approved the Committee on Homeland Security's
Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress and Committee Resolution
No. 1, relating to staff hiring, by voice vote.
The Committee established six Subcommittees: the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism;
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment; the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection; the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology the
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response; and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
----------
Business Meetings
Authorization of the Issuance of Subpoenas - Mr. and Mrs. Salahi
The Committee met on December 9, 2009 and adopted Committee
Resolutions 3 and 4.
Committee Resolution 3, authorizing the issuance of a
subpoena ad testificandum and a subpoena duces tecum to require
Mr. Tareq Salahi to provide testimony and certain supplementary
materials reflecting the circumstances surrounding the White
House State Dinner of November 24, 2009 to the Committee on
January 20, 2010; was agreed to, as modified, by a recorded
vote of 26 yeas and 3 nays (Roll Call Vote No. 20). The
subpoena was issued on December 10, 2009, and served on
December 11, 2009.
Committee Resolution 4, authorizing the issuance of a
subpoena ad testificandum and a subpoena duces tecum to require
Mrs. Michaele Salahi to provide testimony and certain
supplementary materials reflecting the circumstances
surrounding the White House State Dinner of November 24, 2009
to the Committee on January 20, 2010; was agreed to, as
modified, by a recorded vote of 27 yeas and 2 nays (Roll Call
Vote No. 21). The subpoena was issued on December 10, 2009, and
served on December 11, 2009.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Committee
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010
Public Law 111-84 (H.R. 2647)
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2010 for military
activities of the Department of Defense, for military
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such
fiscal year, to provide special pays and allowances to certain
members of the Armed Forces, expand concurrent receipt of
military retirement and VA disability benefits to disabled
military retirees, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2647 was introduced in the House by Mr. Skelton and
Mr. McHugh on June 2, 2009, and referred to the Committee on
Armed Services.
On June 16, 2009, the Committee on Armed Services
considered H.R. 2647 and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by a recorded vote of 61 yeas and 0 nays.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Armed Services on June
18, 2009, agreeing, that, in order to expedite consideration of
the measure by the full House, the Committee on Homeland
Security would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 2647. The
letter further requested support to the appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be convened. On that
same date, the Chair of the Committee on Armed Services sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Homeland Security and the agreement for the Committee on
Homeland Security to not seek a sequential referral of H.R.
2647.
The Committee on Armed Services reported H.R. 2647 to the
House on June 16, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-166. On June 23, 2009,
the Committee on Armed Services filed a supplemental report on
the bill H.R. 2647 as H. Rpt. 111-166, Part II.
The Committee on Rules met on June 23, 2009, and granted a
Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2647.
The House considered H.R. 2647 under the provisions of H.
Res. 572 on June 24, 2009. During consideration, a motion to
recommit with instructions to the Committee on Armed Services
was made in the House, but failed by a recorded vote of 170
yeas and 244 nays. The House, then, on June 25, 2009 passed
H.R. 2647 by a recorded vote of 389 yeas and 22 nays, with 1
voting ``Present'' (Roll no. 460). The title of the measure was
amended so as to read ``A bill to authorize appropriations for
fiscal year 2010 for military activities of the Department of
Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities
of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.''
H.R. 2647 was received in the Senate on July 6, 2009, read
twice, and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Orders. The Senate considered H.R. 2647 by unanimous consent.
The Senate then struck all after the enacting clause and
inserted in lieu thereof the text of S. 1390, as amended. H.R.
2647 was subsequently passed by the Senate as so amended, by
unanimous consent.
On July 23, 2009, the Senate then insisted upon its
amendment to H.R. 2647, requested a Conference with the House,
and appointed Conferees: Senators: Levin; Kennedy; Byrd;
Lieberman; Reed; Akaka; Nelson of Florida; Nelson of Nebraska
Bayh; Webb; McCaskill; Udall of Colorado; Hagan; Begich;
Burris; McCain; Inhofe; Sessions; Chambliss; Graham; Thune;
Martinez; Wicker; Burr; Vitter; and Collins. On September 29,
2009, the Senate appointed conferee Kirk in lieu of Kennedy;
and LeMieux in lieu of Martinez, by unanimous consent.
The House disagreed to the Senate amendment on October 6,
2009, and agreed to a Conference with the Senate thereon by
voice vote. A motion to close portions of the Conference failed
by a recorded vote of 178 yeas and 234 nays.
On October 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed Conferees on the
part of the House: From the Committee on Armed Services; from
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; from the
Committee on Education and Labor; from the Committee on Energy
and Commerce; from the Committee on Foreign Affairs; from the
Committee on Homeland Security; from the Committee on House
Administration; from the Committee on the Judiciary; from the
Committee on Natural Resources; from the Committee on Oversight
and Government Reform; from the Committee on Science and
Technology; from the Committee on Small Business; from the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; and from the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Conferees from the Committee on
Homeland Security were appointed for consideration of sec. 1101
of the House bill, and modifications committed to conference:
Thompson of Mississippi, Titus, and Bilirakis.
The Committee of Conference met on October 7, 2009, and
reported a Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2647 as H. Rpt.
111-288.
The Committee on Rules met on October 8, 2009, and granted
a Rule providing for the consideration of the Conference Report
to accompany H.R. 2647, the Rule was filed in the House as H.
Res. 808. The House considered H. Res. 808 as a privileged
matter on October 8, 2009, and agreed to the resolution by a
recorded vote of 234 yeas and 188 nays.
On October 8, 2009, the House considered the Conference
Report to accompany H.R. 2647 under the provisions of H. Res.
808. During consideration, a motion to recommit with
instructions failed by a recorded vote of 208 yeas and 216 nay
with 2 voting ``present.'' The House then agreed to the
Conference Report to accompany H.R. 6247 by a recorded vote of
281 yeas and 146 nays.
The Senate considered the Conference Report to accompany
H.R. 2647 on October 20, 2009. On that same date, a cloture
motion on the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2647 was
presented in the Senate. The Senate continued consideration of
the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2647 on October 21 and
22, 2009. On October 22, 2009, Cloture on the Conference Report
was invoked in the Senate by a recorded vote of 64 yeas and 35
nays. The Senate then agreed to the Conference Report to
accompany H.R. 2647 by a recorded vote of 68 yeas and 29 nays,
clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 2647 was presented to the President on October 26,
2009, and signed into law on October 28, 2009 as Public Law
111-84.
NUCLEAR FORENSICS AND ATTRIBUTION ACT
Public Law 111-140 (H.R. 730)
To strengthen efforts in the Department of Homeland Security to
develop nuclear forensics capabilities to permit attribution of
the source of nuclear material, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 2631, the Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act, was
introduced in the House on June 7, 2007, by Mr. Schiff, Mr.
Langevin, and three original co-sponsors. H.R. 2631 was
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Within the Committee, H.R.
2631 was referred to the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
On October 10, 2007, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity and Science and Technology held a hearing on H.R.
2631, the Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology considered H.R. 2631 on October 31,
2007, and forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for
consideration, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 2631 on
May 20, 2008, and ordered the measure reported to the House
with a favorable recommendation, as amended, by unanimous
consent.
Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 2631 to the
House on June 11, 2008, as H.Rpt. 110-708, Pt. 1.
H.R. 2631 was considered in the House under Suspension of
the Rules on June 18, 2008, and passed by voice vote.
H.R. 2631 was received in the Senate on June 19, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
On September 23, 2008, the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 2631 and
ordered the measure reported to the Senate, as amended. The
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
reported H.R. 2631 to the Senate on September 25, 2008, with no
written report.
The Senate passed H.R. 2631 on September 26 (Legislative
Day of September 17), 2008, after agreeing to the Committee
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
111th Congress
H.R. 730 was introduced in the House on January 27, 2009,
by Mr. Schiff, Mr. McCaul, and one other original co-sponsor
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in
addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Within the
Committee, H.R. 730 was referred to Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
On March 20, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Foreign
Affairs sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security agreeing to waive further consideration of H.R. 730 in
order to expedite consideration by the full House. On that same
date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs and the agreement not to seek further
consideration of H.R. 730.
On March 20, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Science
and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security indicating a jurisdictional interest in H.R.
730, but agreeing to not seek a sequential referral in order to
expedite consideration by the full House. The letter further
indicated the right to seek appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be convened. On that same date, the
Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to
the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Science and Technology and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 730. The letter further indicated
the right to seek appointment of Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
On March 24, 2009, the House considered H.R. 730 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the bill by a \2/3\ recorded
vote of 402 yeas and 16 nays (Roll No. 148).
H.R. 730 was received in the Senate on March 26, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 730 to the Senate,
amended, with no written report.
On December 23, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 730, as
amended, by unanimous consent.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 730 under
Suspension of the Rules on January 20, 2010, and on January 21,
2010 agreed to the Senate amendment by a recorded vote of 397
yeas and 10 nays, clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 730 was presented to the President on February 4,
2010, and signed into law on February 16, 2010, as Public Law
111-140.
TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT OF 2009 / UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE
ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT OF 2009
Public Law 111-145 (H.R. 1299/ S. 1023 : H.R. 2935)
To make technical corrections to the laws affecting certain
administrative authorities of the United States Capitol Police,
and for other purposes.
(To establish a non-profit corporation to communicate United
States entry policies and otherwise promote tourist, business,
and scholarly travel to the United States.)
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 3232, the Travel Promotion Act of 2008, was introduced
in the House on July 31, 2007, by Mr. Delahunt and 11 original
co-sponsors and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary and
the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee on
Homeland Security, H.R. 3232 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On September 23, 2008, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
considered H.R. 3232 and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House, amended, by voice vote.
On September 25, 2008, the House considered H.R. 3232 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 3232 was received the Senate on September 26, 2008,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
S. 1661, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on June 19, 2007, by Mr. Dorgan and two original
cosponsors and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation considered S. 1661 on June 27, 2008, and ordered
the measure to be reported to the Senate with amendments,
favorably.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation reported S. 1661 to the Senate, amended, on
November 27, 2007, as S. Rpt. 110-233.
110th Congress
H.R. 2935, the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, was introduced
in the House on June 18, 2009, by Mr. Delahunt, Mr. Smith of
Texas, Ms. Titus, and 17 original co-sponsors and referred to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2935 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On November 6, 2009, the House considered H. Res. 896 under
Suspension of the Rules, and agreed to the resolution by voice
vote. The text of H.R. 2935 was included as an amendment to the
Senate amendment to H.R. 1299, the United States Capitol Police
Administration Technical Corrections Act of 2009, pursuant to
H. Res. 896. The House subsequently agreed to H.R. 1299, as
amended.
The Senate considered H.R. 1299 on February 24 and 25,
2010, and agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment
to H.R. 1299 by a recorded vote of 78 yeas and 18 nays,
clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 1299 was presented to the President on March 2, 2010,
and signed by the President on March 4, 2010 as Public Law 111-
145.
HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE AND IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2010
Public Law 111-198 (H.R. 5623)
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the
homebuyer tax credit for the purchase of a principal residence
before October 1, 2010, in the case of a written binding
contract entered into with respect to such principal resident
before May 1, 2010, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 5623 was introduced in the House on June 29, 2010 by
Mrs. Dahlkemper, and Ms. Titus, and six original co-sponsors
and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in
addition to the Committee on the Budget, the Committee on
Homeland Security, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means on June
29, 2010, indicating that in order to expedite consideration of
the measure by the full House, the Committee would waive
further consideration of H.R. 5623. On that same date, the
Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means sent a letter to the
Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing to the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Homeland Security
and the appointment of Conferees should a conference be
convened.
On June 29, 2010, the House agreed to Suspend the Rules and
passed H.R. 5623, amended, by \2/3\ recorded vote of 409 yeas
and 5 nays.
The Senate passed H.R. 5623 on June 30, 2010, clearing the
measure for the President.
H.R. 5623 was presented to the President on July 1, 2010,
and signed into law on July 2, 2010, as Public Law 111-198.
FIRST RESPONDER ANTI-TERRORISM TRAINING RESOURCES ACT
Public Law 111-245 (H.R. 3978)
To amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland
Security to accept and use gifts for otherwise authorized
activities of the Center for Domestic Preparedness that are
related to preparedness for and response to terrorism, and for
other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3978 was introduced in the House on November 2, 2009,
by Mr. Rogers of Alabama and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3837 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response.
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response considered H.R. 3978 on November 3, 2009 and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with the
recommendation that it pass, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3978 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, without amendment, by voice vote.
Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3978 to the
House as H. Rpt. 111-376.
The House considered H.R. 3978 under Suspension of the
Rules on December 15, 2009, and passed the measure, as amended,
by a \2/3\ vote of 413 yeas and 1 nay (Roll no. 973).
H.R. 3978 was received in the Senate on December 16, 2009,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
On May 17, 2010, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs ordered H.R. 3978 to be reported to
the Senate, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported H.R. 3978 to the Senate on August 2, 2010,
with no written report.
The Senate considered H.R. 3978 on August 5, 2010, and
passed the measure, with an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute by unanimous consent.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on September 14, 2010, indicating
jurisdictional interest in the Senate amendments to H.R. 3978.
On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
The House considered the Senate amendments to H.R. 3978 on
September 15, 2010, and concurred in the Senate amendments by
voice vote, clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 3978 was presented to the President on September 22,
2010, and signed into law on September 30, 2010, as Public Law
111-245.
U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION EMPLOYEES
P.L. 111-252 (H.R. 1517)
To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees
who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2
years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher
throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent
appointment in the competitive service.
Legislative History
H.R. 1517 was introduced in the House on March 16, 2009, by
Mr. Engel and Mr. King of New York, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Within the
Committee, H.R. 1517 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism considered H.R. 1517 on July 22, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with a
recommendation that it do pass, without amendment, by voice
vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 1517 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House with a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice
vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security agreeing that in order to expedite consideration of
the measure by the full House, the Committee would waive
further consideration of H.R. 1517. The letter further
requested the support for an appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be called. On that same date, the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the
Chair of the Committee on TOversight and Government Reform
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform and the agreement to waive
further consideration of H.R. 1517.
Committee on Homeland Security reported to the House on
December 14, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-373, Pt. I. The Committee on
Oversight and Government was subsequently discharged from
further consideration.
The House considered H.R. 1517 under Suspension of the
Rules on December 15, 2009, and passed the measure, as amended,
by a \2/3\ vote of 414 yeas and 1 nay (Roll no. 972).
H.R. 1517 was received in the Senate on December 16, 2009,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered H.R. 1517 on July 28, 2010, and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate with an Amendment in the
Nature of a Substitute. The Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 1517 to the
Senate on August 5, 2010 as S. Rpt. 111-248.
The Senate considered and passed H.R. 1517 on August 5,
2010, by unanimous consent, with and Amendment in the Nature of
a Substitute.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 1517 on
September 23, 2010, and concurred in the amendment by voice
vote, clearing the measure for the President. H.R. 1517 was
presented to the President on September 28, 2010, and signed
into law on October 5, 2010, as Public Law 111-252.
REDUCING OVER-CLASSIFICATION ACT OF 2009
Public Law 111-258 (H.R. 553)
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a
strategy to prevent the over-classification of homeland
security and other information and to promote the sharing of
unclassified homeland security and other information, and for
other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 4806, the Reducing Over-Classification Act of 2008,
was introduced in the House by Ms. Harman, Mrs. Lowey, Mr.
Langevin, Mr. Markey, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Perlmutter, Ms.
Loretta Sanchez of California, Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California,
Ms. Norton, Mr. Dicks, Mr. Carney, Ms. Clarke, Ms. Jackson-Lee
of Texas, and Mr. Etheridge on December 18, 2007, and referred
solely to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On June 26, 2008, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 4806 and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House favorably, amended, by voice vote. The Committee on
Homeland Security reported H.R. 4806 to the House on July 24,
2008, as H.Rpt. 110-776.
On July 28, 2008, the Chair of the Committee on Oversight
and Government Reform sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 4806. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the
agreement for the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 4806.
The House considered H.R. 4806 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2008, and passed the measure on July 30,
2008, by voice vote. H.R. 4806 was received in the Senate on
July 31, 2008, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
No further action occurred on H.R. 4806 in the 110th
Congress.
111th Congress
H.R. 553, the Reducing Over-Clasification Act of 2009, was
introduced in the House on January 15, 2009, by Ms.Harman. H.R.
553 was referred solely to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On February 2, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 553. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the
agreement for the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 553.
The House considered H.R. 553 under Suspension of the Rules
on February 3, 2009, and passed the bill by voice vote.
H.R. 553 was received in the Senate on February 4, 2009,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered H.R. 553 on November 4, 2009, and ordered
the measure to be reported to the Senate, with an Amendment in
the Nature of a Substitute.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported H.R. 553 to the Senate, on May 27, 2010, as S.
Rpt. 111-200.
The Senate passed H.R. 553 on September 27, 2010, amended,
by unanimous consent.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 553 under
Suspension of the Rules on September 28, 2010, and concurred in
the Senate amendment by voice vote, clearing the measure for
the President.
H.R. 533 was presented to the President on September 30,
2010, and signed into law on October 7, 2010, as Public Law
111-258.
IDENTIFYING REDUNDANCIES AND DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE METRICS ACT
Public Law 111-271 (H.R. 3980)
To provide for identifying and eliminating redundant reporting
requirements and developing meaningful performance metrics for
homeland security preparedness grants, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3980 was introduced in the House on November 2, 2009,
by Mr. Cuellar and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3980 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response.
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response considered H.R. 3837 on November 3, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with the
recommendation that it pass, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3980 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on December 1, 2009, agreeing that, in order
to expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3980.
The letter further requested the support for an appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called. On that
same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent
a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the
agreement to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3980.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3980 to
the House on December 1, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-346.
The House considered H.R. 3980 Suspension of the Rules on
December 2, 2009, and passed the bill, amended, by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 414 yeas and 0 nays.
H.R. 3980 was received in the Senate on December 3, 2009,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered H.R. 3980 on July 28, 2010, and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate with an Amendment in the
Nature of a Substitute. The Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 3980 to the
Senate on September 16, 2010, as S. Rpt. 111-291.
The Senate passed H.R. 3980 on September 22, 2010, after
agreeing to the Committee Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 3980
under Suspension of the Rules on September 28, 2010, and
concurred in the Senate amendment by voice vote, clearing the
measure for the President.
H.R. 3890 was presented to the President on September 30,
2010, and signed into law on October 12, 2010 as Public Law
111-271.
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010
Public Law 111-281 (H.R. 3619 / H.R. 1029 / S. 1194)
To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year
2010, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 2830 was introduced in the House by Mr. Oberstar, and
two original co-sponsors on June 22, 2007, and referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure ordered
H.R. 2830 reported to the House, amended, on June 28, 2007.
The Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on June 29, 2007, requesting
a sequential referral of H.R. 2830. The letter further
indicated that section 306, 322, 324, 327, and 327 all contain
provisions within the jurisdictional prerogatives of the
Committee on Homeland Security.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 2830 to the House on September 20, 2007, as H.Rpt. 110-
338, Pt. 1. On that date, H.R. 2830 was sequentially referred
to the House Committee on Homeland Security for a period ending
not later than October 1, 2007, for consideration of such
provisions of the measure and the amendment as fall within the
jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(i), rule X.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 2830 on
September 25, 2007, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 2830 to
the House on October 1, 2007, as H.Rpt. 110-338, Pt. II.
H.R. 2830 was subsequently referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on the Judiciary for a
period ending not later than October 15, 2007.
On October 15, 2007, the referral to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce and the Committee on the Judiciary was
extended for a period ending not later than October 29, 2007.
The referral of the measure to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce and the Committee on the Judiciary was further
extended on October 29, 2007, for a period ending not later
than October 30, 2007. The referral of the measure to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on the
Judiciary was further extended on October 29, 2007, for a
period ending not later than November 16, 2007.
The Committee on the Judiciary reported H.R. 2830 to the
House on October 30, 2007, as H.Rpt. 110-338, Part III.
The referral of the measure to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was further extended on November 15, 2007, for a
period ending not later than December 7, 2007. Subsequently,
the referral was again extended on December 7, 2007, to end on
December 14, 2007. Referral of the bill to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce was extended on December 14, 2007, for a
period ending not later than January 12, 2008. Referral to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on December 18,
2007,for a period ending not later than January 15, 2008.
Referral to the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended
on January 1, 2008, for a period ending not later than January
23, 2008. Referral to the Committee on Energy and Commerce was
extended on January 23, 2008,for a period ending not later than
January 19, 2008. On January 29, 2008, the Committee on Energy
and Commerce was discharged from further consideration of H.R.
2830.
The Committee on Rules met on April 22, 2008, and granted a
Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2830. The Rule was
filed in the House as H.Res. 1126 (H.Rpt. 110-604).
The Committee on the Judiciary filed a supplemental report
on April 23, 2008 (H.Rpt. 110-338, Part IV).
The House agreed to H.Res. 1126 by a record vote of 223
yeas and 183 nays (Roll No. 219).
The House considered H.R. 2830 on April 24, 2008, under the
provisions of H.Res. 1126 and passed the measure by a record
vote of 395 yeas and 7 nays (Roll No. 223).H.R. 2830 was
received in the Senate on April 28, 2009, read twice, and
placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
111th Congress
H.R. 3619 was introduced in the House on September 22,
2009, by Mr. Oberstar and one original co-sponsor, and referred
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 3619 on September 24, 2009, and ordered the
measure reported to the House, amended, by voice vote. The text
of H.R. 1029 was adopted as an amendment to H.R. 3619 during
consideration in the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on September 25, 2009,
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 3619 to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
On October 16, 2009, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure reported H.R. 3619 to the House as H. Rpt. 111-
303, Pt. I.
On that same date, the Committee on Homeland Security
received a referral of H.R. 3619 for a period ending not later
than October 16, 2009.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure on October 20, 2009, indicating that the waiving
of further consideration of H.R. 3619 was to proceed to Floor
consideration in an expeditious manner. The letter further
requested the support for appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be convened on H.R. 3619 or similar
legislation. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security acknowledging the
jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Homeland Security
and agreeing to support the appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be convened.
The Committee on Rules met on October 21, 2009, and granted
a Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 3619. Rule filed
in the House as H. Res. 853. (H. Rpt. 111-311).
The House considered H.R. 3619 on October 22 and 23, 2009,
under the provisions of H. Res. 853. The House passed H.R. 3619
by a recorded vote of 385 yeas and 11 nays (Roll No. 813).
H.R. 3619 was received in the Senate on October 26, 2009,
and on November 2, 2009, read twice and placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar.
Senate considered H.R. 3619 on May 7, 2010, and passed the
measure, amended with the modified text of S. 1194, by
unanimous consent.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on May 18, 2010, requesting
the appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference
be convened.
The House considered H.Res. 1665, providing for passage of
the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3619 under
Suspension of the Rules on September 28, 2010, and agreed to
the Resolution by voice vote.
The Senate concurred in the House amendment, with an
amendment on September 29, 2010, by unanimous consent.
On September 30, 2010, the House by unanimous consent
concurrent in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to
the Senate amendment to H.R. 3619, clearing the measure for the
President.
H.R. 3619 was presented to the President on October 4,
2010, and signed into law on October 15, 2010, as Public Law
111-281.
NORTHERN BORDER COUNTERNARCOTICS STRATEGY ACT OF 2010
Public Law 111-_ (H.R. 4748)\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\H.R. 4748 was presented to the President on December 28, 2010,
and is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of
this report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number
has not been assigned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To amend the Office of National Drug Control Policy
Reauthorization Act of 2006 to require a northern border
counternarcotics strategy, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 4748 was introduced in the House on March 3, 2010, by
Mr. Owens, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Pascrell, and two
original co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4748 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
The House considered H.R. 4748 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 27, 2010, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 413 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 475).
H.R. 4748 was received in the Senate on July 28, 2010, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
On December 20, 2010 the Senate Committee on the Judiciary
was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4748, the
bill was then passed by the Senate, after agreeing to an
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 4748
under Suspension of the Rules on December 21, 2010, and
concurred in the Senate amendment by voice vote, clearing the
measure for the President.
H.R. 4748 was presented to the President on December 28,
2010.
ANTI-BORDER CORRUPTION ACT OF 2010
Public Law 111-_ (S. 3243 / H.R. 6472)\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\S. 3243 was presented to the President on December 28, 2010, and
is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of this
report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number has not
been assigned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to administer
polygraph examinations to all applicants for law enforcement
positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to require
U.S. Customs and Border Protection to initiate all periodic
background reinvestigations of certain law enforcement
personnel, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
S. 3243 was introduced in the Senate on April 21, 2010, by
Mr. Pryor and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 3243 on July 28, 2010, and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate, with an amendment,
favorably.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 3243 to the Senate on September 27, 2010,
with no written report.
The Senate passed S. 3243 on September 28, 2010, with an
amendment, and an amendment to the title by unanimous consent.
S. 3243 was received in the House on September 28, 2010,
and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security,
within the Committee, S. 3243 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On September 29, 2010, the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs filed the report on S. 3243
as S. Rpt. 111-338.
The House considered S. 3243 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 21, 2010, and passed the measure by voice vote,
clearing the measure for the President.
S. 3243 was presented to the President on December 28,
2010.
H.R. 6472, the House companion bill, was introduced in the
House on December 1, 2010, by Mr. Shuler, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 6472
was referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism.
NATIONAL BOMBING PREVENTION ACT OF 2009
H.R. 549
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the
Office for Bombing Prevention, to address terrorist explosive
threats, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 4749, the National Bomb Prevention Act of 2008, was
introduced in the House on December 17, 2007, by Mr. King of
New York and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi. H.R. 4749 was
referred solely to the Committee on Homeland Security.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 4749 on
May 20, 2008, and ordered the measure reported to the House
with a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote. The
Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 4749 to the House
on June 5, 2008, as H.Rpt. 110-689.
On June 16, 2008, the Chair of the Committee on Science and
Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration by the full House, the Committee would not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 4749. On that same date, the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the
Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology acknowledging
the jurisdictional interests of the Committee onScience and
Technology and the agreement for the Committee on Science and
Technology to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 4749.
The measure passed the House under Suspension of the Rules
on June 18, 2008, by voice vote. H.R. 4749 was referred to the
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
No further action occurred on H.R. 4749 in the 110th
Congress.
111th Congress
H.R. 549 was introduced in the House on January 15, 2009,
by Mr. King of New York and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi. H.R.
549 was referred solely to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On January 15, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Science
sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security agreeing to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 549
in order to expedite consideration of the measure by the full
House.
The House considered H.R. 549 under Suspension of the Rules
on February 3, 2009, and passed the bill, amended, by voice
vote.
H.R. 549 was received in the Senate on February 4, 2009,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
FAIR, ACCURATE, SECURE, AND TIMELY REDRESS ACT OF 2009
H.R. 559
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an
appeal and redress process for individuals wrongly delayed or
prohibited from boarding a flight, or denied a right, benefit,
or privilege, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 4179, the Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely Redress
Act of 2008, was introduced in the House on November 14, 2007,
by Ms. Clarke, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and nine original
co-sponsors and referred solely to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 4179 on
May 20, 2008, and ordered the measure reported to the House
with a favorable recommendation, amended, by unanimous consent.
The Committee reported H.R. 4179 to the House on June 5, 2008,
as H.Rpt. 110-686.
On June 16, 2008, the Chair of the Committee on Science and
Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration of the measure by the full House, the Committee
would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 4179. On that same
date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Science and Technology and the agreement for the Committee on
Science and Technology to not seek a sequential referral of
H.R. 4179.
The House considered H.R. 4179 under Suspension of the
Rules on June 18, 2008, and passed by voice vote.
H.R. 4179 was received in the Senate on June 19, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
No further action occurred on H.R. 4179 in the 110th
Congress.
111th Congress
H.R. 559 was introduced in the House on January 15, 2009,
by Ms.Clarke, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, and one original co-sponsor. H.R. 559 was referred
solely to the Committee on Homeland Security.
The House considered H.R. 559 under Suspension of the Rules
on February 3, 2009, and passed the bill by a recorded vote of
413 yeas and 3 nays (Roll No. 49).
H.R. 559 was received in the Senate on February 4, 2009,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
ALIEN SMUGGLING AND TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1029
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and title 18,
United States Code, to combat the crime of alien smuggling and
related activities, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 2399, the Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act
of 2007, was introduced in the House on May 21, 2007, by Mr.
Hill and three original cosponsors and referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
The House considered H.R. 2399 under Suspension of the
Rules on May 22, 2007, and passed the bill, as amended by a
recorded vote, \2/3\ required, of 412 yeas, 0 nays, and 6
voting ``present''.
H.R. 2399 was received in the Senate on May 23, 2007, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
On April 24, 2008, during consideration of H.R. 2830, the
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007, the text of H.R. 2399
was added as Division B pursuant to H.Res. 1126.
111th Congress
H.R. 1029 was introduced in the House on February 12, 2009,
by Mr. Hill and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and
in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee on Homeland Security H.R. 1029 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On March 27, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary agreeing to waive further consideration of H.R. 1029
in order to expedite consideration of the measure by the full
House. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security acknowledging the Committee on Homeland
Security's willingness to support expediting consideration of
H.R. 1029 on the House Floor.
The House considered H.R. 1029 under Suspension of the
Rules on March 31, 2009, and passed the bill, amended, by voice
vote.
H.R. 1029 was received in the Senate on April 1, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Provisions of H.R. 1029 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
MOBILE BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION
H.R. 1148
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a
program in the maritime environment for the mobile biometric
identification of suspected individuals, including terrorists,
to enhance border security.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 2490 was introduced in the House on May 24, 2007, by
Mr. Bilirakis and three original co-sponsors and was referred
solely to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee H.R. 2490 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On June 26, 2008, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 2490.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2490 on June 26, 2008,
and ordered the measure reported to the House, amended, with a
favorable recommendation. The Committee reported H.R. 2490 to
the House on July 10, 2008 as H.Rpt. 110-751.
The House considered H.R. 2490 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2008, and passed the bill by a recorded vote
of 394 yeas, 3 nays, and 1 voting present.
H.R. 2490 was received in the Senate on July 30, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
111th Congress
H.R. 1148 was introduced in the House on February 24, 2009,
by Mr. Bilirakis and three original co-sponsors, and referred
solely to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee H.R. 1148 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On March 24, 2009, the House considered H.R. 1148 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the bill by voice vote.
H.R. 1148 was received in the Senate on March 26, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Provisions of H.R. 1148 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
FEMA INDEPENDENCE ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1174
To establish the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a
cabinet-level independent agency in the executive branch, and
for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 1174 was introduced in the House on February 25, 2009,
by Mr. Oberstar and one original co-sponsor, and referred to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1174
was referred to the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 1174 on November 5, 2009 and ordered the
measure to be reported to the House, amended. On that same
date, the Chair and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on
Homeland Security sent a letter to the Speaker and Minority
Leader expressing opposition to H.R. 1174 and urging the
Speaker to not schedule the bill for consideration on the House
Floor.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 1174 to the House on April 13, 2010 as H. Rpt. 111-459,
Part I. The referral of H.R. 1174 to the Committee on Homeland
Security was subsequently extended for further consideration
ending not later than September 30, 2010. On September 30,
2010, the referral of the bill to the Committee on Homeland
Security was extended for a period ending not later than
December 3, 2010. On December 3, 2010, the referral of the bill
to the Committee on Homeland Security was extended for a period
ending not later than December 17, 2010. On December 17, 2010,
the referral of the bill to the Committee on Homeland Security
was extended for a period ending not later than December 21,
2010. On December 21, 2010, the referral of the bill to the
Committee on Homeland Security was extended for a period ending
not later than December 22, 2010. On December 22, 2010, the
Committee on Homeland Security was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 1174 and was placed on the Union Calendar
(Calendar No. 416).
CIVIL AIR PATROL
H.R. 1178
To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to
conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol personnel and
resources to support homeland security missions, and for other
purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 1333 was introduced in the House on March 6, 2007, by
Mr. Dent, Mr. Reichert, Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida, Mr.
McCaul of Texas, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr.
King of New York, and 26 original co-sponsors. H.R. 1333 was
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Within
the Committee on Homeland Security, the measure was referred to
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and
Response.
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness
and Response considered H.R. 1333 on April 30, 2007, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for consideration,
amended, by voice vote.
On May 1, 2007, the National Commander of the Civil Air
Patrol, met with the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response to discuss the organization's current operations,
resources and capabilities, strategic challenges, and requests
for assistance.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 1333 on
May 20, 2008, and ordered the measure reported to the House
with a favorable recommendation, amended, by unanimous consent.
The Committee reported H.R. 1333 to the House as H.Rpt.
110-691, Pt. 1. Referral of the measure to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure extended for a period ending
not later than June 13, 2008.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 1333 to the House on June 12, 2008, as H.Rpt. 110-691, Pt.
2.
Considered in the House under Suspension of the Rules on
June 18, 2008, and passed the House by voice vote.
H.R. 1333 was received in the Senate on June 19, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
111th Congress
H.R. 1178 was introduced in the House on February 25, 2009,
by Mr. Dent, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, and seven
original co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1178
was referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response.
On April 2, 2009, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure considered H.R. 1178 and ordered the measure
reported to the House, amended, by voice vote. The Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure reported H.R. 1178 to the
House on May 4, 2009 as H. Rpt. 11-93, Pt. I.
Referral of the bill to the Committee on Homeland Security
was extended on May 4, 2009, for a period ending not later than
June 3, 2009.
On May 7, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure agreeing to waive further
consideration of H.R. 1178, and requesting the appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be convened. On that
same date, the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing to the jurisdictional interests of
the Committee on Homeland Security, and the waiving of further
consideration of H.R. 1178. The letter further indicated
support for the appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
The House considered H.R. 1178 on May 12, 2009, under
Suspension of the Rules, and passed H.R. 1178, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 1178 was received in the Senate on May 13, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY COMPONENT PRIVACY OFFICER ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1617
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for a
privacy official within each component of the Department of
Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 5170, the Department of Homeland Security Component
Privacy Officer Act of 2008, was introduced in the House by Mr.
Carney and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi on January 28, 2008, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 5170 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Management, Investigations, and Oversight.
On June 26, 2008, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight was discharged from consideration
of H.R. 5170.
On June 26, 2008, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 5170 and ordered the bill reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote. The Committee reported H.R. 5170
to the House on July 10, 2008, as H.Rpt. 110-755.
The House considered H.R. 5170 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28 and 30, 2008, and passed the bill on July 30,
2008, by voice vote.
H.R. 5170 was received in the Senate on July 31, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
111th Congress
H.R. 1617 was introduced in the House on March 19, 2009, by
Mr. Carney and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred solely
to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On March 24, 2009, the House considered H.R. 1617 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the bill by a \2/3\ recorded
vote of 412 yeas and 16 nays (Roll No. 147).
H.R. 1617 was received in the Senate on March 26, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
BORDER SECURITY SEARCH ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1726
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a rule
with respect to border security searches of electronic devices,
and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 6869, the Border Security Search Accountability Act,
was introduced in the 110th Congress by Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
California and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 6869
was referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism.
111th Congress
H.R. 1726, the Border Security Search Accountability Act of
2009, was introduced in the House on March 26, 2009, by Ms.
Loretta Sanchez of California, Ms. Clarke, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, and 16 original co-sponsors, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1726
was referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism.
The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism considered H.R. 1726 on July 22, 2009, and was
forwarded to the Full Committee with a recommendation that it
do pass, amended, by voice vote.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1881
To enhance the transportation security functions of the
Department of Homeland Security by providing for an enhanced
personnel system for employees of the Transportation Security
Administration, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 1881 was introduced in the House on April 2, 2009, by
Mrs. Lowey, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Jackson Lee of
Texas, Mr. Carney, Mr. Pascrell, Ms. Lofgren, Mrs. Kirkpatrick
of Arizona, Ms. Norton, and 10 original co-sponsors and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition
to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 1881 on
July 9, 2009, and ordered the measure reported to the House,
without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform considered
H.R. 1881 on September 10, 2009, and ordered the measure
reported to the House by a recorded vote of 19 yeas and 10
nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 1881 to
the House on September 29, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-273, Pt. I. On
that same date, the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform reported H.R. 1881 to the House as H. Rpt. 111-273, Pt.
II.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT
H.R. 2200 (H.R. 2503)
To authorize the Transportation Security Administration's
programs relating to the provision of transportation security,
and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2200 was introduced in the House on April 30, 2009, by
Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, Mr. Dent, and Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2200 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure
Protection.
On May 6, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation Security
and Infrastructure Protection considered H.R. 2200 and ordered
the measure forwarded, amended, to the Full Committee with the
recommendation that it be adopted by voice vote.
On May 14, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 2200 and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
On May 15, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Science and
Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security indicating jurisdictional interests in H.R.
2200. The letter further indicated that, in order to expedite
consideration of the measure by the full House, the Committee
on Science and Technology would not seek a sequential referral
of the bill. On that same day, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee
on Science and Technology acknowledging the jurisdictional
interest of the Committee on Science and Technology and the
agreement for the Committee to not seek a sequential referral
of H.R. 2200.
On May 19, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Small
Business sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security asserting jurisdictional claims over section
103 of the bill and requesting that section 103 be struck in
the Manager's amendment. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Small Business acknowledging the
jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Small Business and
agreeing to offer a Manager's amendment with section 103 struck
from the bill.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 2200 to
the House on May 19, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-123.
The Committee on Rules met on May 21, 2009, and reported a
Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2200. Rule filed
in the House as H. Res. 474.
The House considered H.R. 2200 under the provisions of H.
Res. 474 on June 4, 2009, and passed the bill, amended, by a
recorded vote of 397 yeas and 25 nays (Roll Vote No. 307).
During consideration, a motion to recommit with instructions
regarding detainees housed at the Naval Air Station Base,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, (H.R. 2503) was made in the House by Mr.
King of New York. The motion to recommit was adopted by voice
vote.
On June 8, 2009, H.R. 2200 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
Provisions of H.R. 2200 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
AUTHORIZE THE SECURING THE CITIES INITIATIVE
H.R. 2611
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the
Securing the Cities Initiative of the Department of Homeland
Security, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2611 was introduced in the House on May 21, 2009, by
Mr. King of New York, and two original co-sponsors, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 2611 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 2611 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House with a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice
vote. The Committee reported H.R. 2611 to the House on January
12, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-398.
The House considered H.R. 2611 under Suspension of the
Rules on January 20, 2010, and passed the bill, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 2611 was received in the Senate on January 21, 2010,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM ACT OF 2009
H.R. 2868
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to extend, modify,
and recodify the authority of the Secretary of Homeland
Security to enhance security and protect against acts of
terrorism against chemical facilities, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
109th Congress
Prior to introduction in the 109th Congress of H.R. 5695,
the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, on June 15,
2005, the Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure
Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing entitled
``Preventing Terrorist Attacks on America's Chemical Plants.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Robert Stephan,
Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection, Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Frank J. Cilluffo, Director, Homeland
Security Policy Institute, The George Washington University;
Mr. Stephen Bandy, Manager, Corporate Safety and Security,
Marathon Ashland Petroleum, LLC, testifying on behalf of the
National Petrochemical and Refiners Association and the
American Petroleum Institute; Mr. Marty Durbin, MVice President
of Federal Affairs, American Chemistry Council; Mr. Allen
Summers, President and Chief Executive Office, Asmark, Inc.,
testifying on behalf of The Fertilizer Institute; and Mr. Sal
DePasquale, Security Specialist, CH2M Hill and the University
of Georgia.
H.R. 5695 was introduced on June 28, 2006, by Mr. Daniel E.
Lungren of California, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and nine
original cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Within the
Committee on Homeland Security, H.R. 5695 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection,
and Cybersecurity.
On June 29, 2006, the Subcommittee on Economic Security,
Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing on
H.R. 5695. The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon.
Michael Balboni, Senator, New York State Senate; Mr. P.J.
Crowley, Senior Fellow and Director of National Defense and
Homeland Security, Center for American Progress; Mr. Scott
Berger, Director of the Center for Chemical Process Safety,
American Institute of Chemical Engineers; and Mr. Marty Durbin,
Vice President of Federal Affairs, American Chemistry Council.
The Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure
Protection, and Cybersecurity considered H.R. 5695, on July 11,
2006, and ordered the bill forwarded to the Full Committee
favorably for consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 5695 on
July 27 and 28, 2006, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote. The Committee on Homeland
Security reported to the House on September 29, 2006 as H. Rpt.
109-707, Pt. I.
The referral of the bill to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on September 29, 2006, for a period
ending not later than November 17, 2006. Referral of the bill
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on
November 17, 2006 for a period ending not later than December
8, 2006.
110th Congress
On December 12, 2007, prior to introduction in the 110th
Congress, the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection held a hearing on ``H.R. _, the
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Col. Mr. Robert B.
Stephan, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Clyde Miller, Director,
Corporate Security, BASF Corporation; Mr. Gerald C. Setley,
Vice President, Region 3 Director, International Chemical
Workers Union Council, United Food and Commercial Workers
Union; Mr. Gary Sondermeyer, Director of Operations, New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection; and Dr. M. Sam Mannan,
PE, CSP, Professor and Director, Mary Kay O'Connor Process
Safety Center, Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical
Engineering, Texas A&M University System.
The Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection considered a Committee Print on
January 23, 2008, entitled ``To amend the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 to extend, modify, and recodify the authority of the
Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance security and protect
against acts of terrorism against chemical facilities, and for
other purposes.'' The Subcommittee ordered the measure to be
forwarded to the Full Committee for consideration, as amended,
by unanimous consent.
On February 26, 2008, the Full Committee held a hearing on
a Committee Print entitled ``Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism
Act of 2008.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.
Robert B. Stephan, Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security; David C. Pulham, PhD, Director of Compliance,
Siegfried (USA), Inc.; and Mr. Kevin Wattier, General Manager,
Long Beach Water Department.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered a Committee
Print on March 6, 2008, entitled the ``Chemical Facility Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2008.''. By a record vote of 15 yeas and 7
nays (Roll Call Vote No. 16), the Committee agreed to the
Committee Print. The Committee further, agreed by unanimous
consent, that upon introduction the Committee Print, and
referral to the Committee on Homeland Security, the bill be
deemed reported to the House.
H.R. 5577 was introduced in the House on March 11, 2008 by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms.Jackson-lee of Texas, and 17
original co-sponsors. H.R. 5577 was referred to the Committee
on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 5577 to
the House, pursuant to the unanimous consent agreement of March
11, 2008, as H.Rpt. 110-550, Pt. 1.
The referral of H.R. 5577 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on March 14, 2008, for a period ending
not later than April 11, 2008. On April 11, 2008, the referral
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended for a
period ending May 30, 2008. On May 30, 2008, the referral to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended for a period
ending July 11, 2008. The referral of H.R. 5577 to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on July 11, 2008,
for a period ending not later then September 12, 2008. The
referral of H.R. 5577 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
was extended on September 12, 2008, for a period ending not
later then September 26, 2008. The referral of H.R. 5577 to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on September 26,
2008, for a period ending not later then October 2, 2008. The
referral of H.R. 5577 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
was extended on October 3, 2008, for a period ending not later
then September 26, 2008. The referral of H.R. 5577 to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on September 28,
2008, for a period ending not later then September 29, 2008.
The referral of H.R. 5577 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on September 28, 2008, for a period
ending not later then October 2, 2008. The referral of H.R.
5577 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on
October 2, 2008, for a period ending not later then October 3,
2008. The referral of H.R. 5577 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on October 3, 2008, for a period ending
not later then January 3, 2009.
111th Congress
H.R. 2868 was introduced in the House on June 16, 2009, by
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, Mr.
Pascrell, and two original co-sponsors and referred Committee
on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce.
On that same date, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a hearing on H.R. 2868, the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism
Act of 2009. The Committee received testimony from Mr. Philip
Reitinger, Deputy Under Secretary, National Protection and
Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Sue
Armstrong, Director, Infrastructure Security Compliance
Division, Office of Infrastructure Protection, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Paul Baldauf, Assistant Director,
Radiation Protection and Release Prevention, New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection; Mr. Marty Durbin, Vice
President, Federal Affairs, American Chemistry Council, Dr.
Neal Langerman, Principle Scientist and CEO, Advanced Chemical
Safety, Inc.; and Mr. Martin Jeppeson, Director of Regulatory
Affairs, California Ammonia Company.
The Committee considered H.R. 2868 on June 18, 19, and 23,
2009. On June 23, 2009, the Committee ordered H.R. 2868 to be
reported to the House with a favorable recommendation, amended,
by voice vote.
The Committee reported H.R. 2868 to the House, amended, on
July 13, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-205, Pt. I. On that same date,
the referral of the bill to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended for a period ending not later than July
31, 2009. H.R. 2868 was sequentially referred to the Committee
on the Judiciary for a period ending not later than July 31,
2009. On July 31, 2009, the referral of the bill to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on the
Judiciary was extended for a period ending not later than
September 30, 2009. On September 30, 2009, the referral of the
bill to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee
on the Judiciary extended for a period ending not later than
October 23, 2009.
The Committee on Energy and Commerce considered H.R. 2868
on October 21, 2009, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by a recorded vote of 29 yeas and 18 nays. On
October 23, 2009, the Committee on Energy and Commerce reported
H.R. 2868 to the House, amended as H. Rpt. 111-205, Part II. On
that same date, the Committee on the Judiciary was discharged
from further consideration of H.R. 2868.
The Committee on Rules met on November 3, 2009, and filed a
Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2868. The Rule was
filed in the House as H. Res. 885.
The House considered H.R. 2868 under the provisions of H.
Res. 885 on November 5 and 6, 2009, and on November 6, 2010
passed H.R. 2868 by a recorded vote of 230 yeas and 193 nays.
During consideration the title of the measure was amended so as
to read: ``A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
enhance security and protect against acts of terrorism against
chemical facilities, to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to
enhance the security of public water systems, and to amend the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act to enhance the security of
wastewater treatment works, and for other purposes.''
H.R. 2686 was received in the Senate on November 9, 2009,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered H.R. 2868 on July 28, 2010, and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate with an Amendment in the
Nature of a Substitute. On December 16, 2010, the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
reported H.R. 2868, as amended, to the Senate as S. Rpt. 111-
370.
BERRY AMENDMENT EXTENSION ACT
H.R. 3116
To prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from procuring
certain items directly related to the national security unless
the items are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the
United States, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
In the 110th Congress, H.R. 917 was introduced in the House
on February 8, 2007, by Mr. Hayes and 15 original co-sponsors,
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 917 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Management, Investigations, and Oversight.
111th Congress
H.R. 3116 was introduced in the House on July 13, 2009, by
Mr. Kissell, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3116 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight.
The House considered H.R. 3116 under Suspension of the
Rules on September 15, 2010, and passed the measure by voice
vote.
H.R. 3116 was received in the Senate on September 16, 2010,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
MERIDA INITIATIVE
H.R. 3239
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, to submit a report on the effects
of the Merida Initiative on the border security of the United
States, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3239 was introduced in the House on March 16, 2009, by
Mrs. Kirkpatrick of Arizona and Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
California, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Within the
Committee, H.R. 3239 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism considered H.R. 3239 on July 22, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with a
recommendation that it do pass, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3239 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on March 5,
2010, agreeing to waive consideration of H.R. 3239 in order to
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs and the agreement for the Committee on Foreign
Affairs to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3239.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3239 to
the House on March 9, 2010 as H. Rpt. 111-429, Pt. I.
Subsequently, the Committee on Foreign Affairs was discharged
from further consideration of H.R. 3239.
UNITED STATES MARINER AND VESSEL PROTECTION ACT OF 2009
H.R. 3376
To amend title 46, United States Code, to ensure the
traditional right of self-defense of United States mariners
against acts of piracy, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3376 was introduced in the House on July 29, 2009, by
Mr. LoBiondo, and four original co-sponsors and referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On July 30, 2009, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure considered H.R. 3376 and ordered the measure to
be reported to the House by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on July 31, 2009, requesting
a sequential referral of H.R. 3376.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 3376 to the House on December 19, 2009 as H. Rpt. 111-386,
Part I. On that same date, H.R. 3376 was sequentially referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland
Security for a period ending not later than March 25, 2010. On
March 25, 2010, the referral of H.R. 3376 to the Committee on
the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security was
extended for a period ending not later than May 28, 2010. The
referral of H.R. 3376 to the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on Homeland Security was extended on May 28, 2010,
for a period ending not later than August 6, 2010. The referral
of H.R. 3376 to the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on Homeland Security was extended on August 6, 2010,
for a period ending not later than September 30, 2010. The
referral of H.R. 3376 to the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on Homeland Security was extended on September 30,
2010, for a period ending not later than December 3, 2010. The
referral of H.R. 3376 to the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on Homeland Security was extended on December 3,
2010, for a period ending not later than December 17, 2010. The
referral of H.R. 3376 to the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on Homeland Security was extended on December 17,
2010, for a period ending not later than December 21, 2010. The
referral of H.R. 3376 to the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on Homeland Security was extended on December 21,
2010, for a period ending not later than December 22, 2010. On
December 22, 2010, the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on Homeland Security were discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 3376.
Provisions of H.R. 3376 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
FIRE GRANTS REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2009
H.R. 3791
To amend sections 33 and 34 of the Federal Fire Prevention and
Control Act of 1974, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3791 was introduced in the House on October 13, 2009,
by Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms.
Richardson, Mr. Cuellar, Ms., Kirkpatrick of Arizona, Ms.
Clarke, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Mr. Lujan, Ms.
Jackson Lee of Texas, and 31 original co-sponsors and referred
to the Committee on Science and Technology.
The Committee on Science and Technology considered H.R.
3791 on October 21, 2009, and ordered the measure to be
reported to the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on October 22, 2009,
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 3791 to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
On November 7, 2009, the Committee on Science and
Technology reported H.R. 3791 to the House as H. Rpt. 111-333,
Part I.
On November 7, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Science
and Technology agreeing that in order expedite consideration of
the measure by the full House, the Committee would waive
further consideration of H.R. 3791. The letter further
indicated a request for support for the appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be convened. On that
same date, the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology
sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Homeland Security and agreeing to support the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
convened.
H.R. 3791 was referred sequentially to the Committee on
Homeland Security for a period ending not later than Nov. 7,
2009, and was subsequently discharged on that same date.
The Committee on Rules met on November 17, 2009, and
reported a Rule to the House as H. Res. 909 (H. Rpt. 111-340).
The House agreed to H. Res. 909 on November 18, 2009, by a
recorded vote of 245 yeas and 173 nays. The House considered
H.R. 3791 under the provisions of H. Res. 909 on November 1,
2009, and passed the measure by a recorded vote of 395 yeas and
31 nays.
H.R. 3791 was received in the Senate on November 19, 2009,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
STRENGTHENING AND UPDATING RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT ACT
H.R. 3837
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for
clarification on the use of funds relating to certain homeland
security grants, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3837 was introduced in the House on October 15, 2009,
by Ms. Kilroy, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr.
Pascrell, Ms. Clarke, Mr. DeFazio, Ms. Richardson, Ms. Norton,
Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Cleaver, Ms. Titus, and one
original co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3837 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response.
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response considered H.R. 3837 on November 3, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with the
recommendation that it pass, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3837 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3837 to
the House on July 22, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-558.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE TRAINING RESTORATION ACT
H.R. 3963
To provide specialized training to Federal air marshals.
Legislative History
H.R. 3963 was introduced in the House on October 29, 2009,
by Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California, Mr. Dent, Mr.
Bilirakis, Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, and Mr. Carney, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3963 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3963 to
the House on December 1, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-345.
The House considered H.R. 3963 under Suspension of the
Rules on December 2, 2009, and passed the bill by voice vote.
H.R. 3963 was received in the Senate on December 3, 2009,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010
H.R. 4842
To authorize appropriations for the Directorate of Science and
Technology of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal
years 2011 and 2012, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 4842 was introduced in the House on March 15, 2010, by
Ms. Clarke, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Mr. Daniel E.
Lungren of California, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4842 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology considered H.R. 4842 on March 15, 2010,
and ordered the measure to be forwarded to the Full Committee
with a recommendation that it pass, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 4842 on
April 15, 2010, and ordered the measure to be reported to the
House, as amended, by a recorded vote of 26 yeas and 0 nays
(Roll Call Vote No. 23).
On May 18, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 4842 to the House as H. Rpt. 111-486, Part I.
On that same date, H.R. 4842 was sequentially referred to
the Committee on Science and Technology for a period ending not
later than June 18, 2010. On June 18, 2010, the referral to the
Committee on Science and Technology was extended for a period
ending not later than June 25, 2010. On June 25, 2010, the
Committee on Science and Technology was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 4842.
The Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on
June 25, 2010, agreeing to waive consideration of H.R. 4842 in
order to expedite consideration of the measure by the full
House. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee
on Science and Technology acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Science and Technology.
The House considered H.R. 4842 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 20, 2010, and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
Received in the Senate on July 21, 2010, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
H.R. 5105 (S. 3263)
To establish a Chief Veterinary Officer in the Department of
Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 5105 was introduced in the House on April 21, 2010, by
Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Ms. Kilroy, Mr. King of New York, Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. McCaul, Ms. Clarke, and Mr.
Carney, and referred the Committee on Homeland Security, and in
addition to the Committee on Agriculture.
On June 23, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 5105 and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House with a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice
vote.
On November 30, 2010, the Committee reported H.R. 5105 to
the House as H. Rpt. 111-668, Pt. I. Referral of the bill to
the Committee on Agriculture extended for a period ending not
later than December 10, 2010. The referral of H.R. 5105 to the
Committee on Agriculture was extended on December 10, 2010, for
a period ending not later than December 17, 2010. The referral
of H.R. 5105 to the Committee on Agriculture was extended on
December 17, 2010, for a period ending not later than December
21, 2010. On December 21, 2010, the referral of the bill to the
Committee on Agriculture was extended for a period ending not
later than December 22, 2010. On December 22, 2010, the
Committee on Agriculture was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 5105 and placed on the Union Calendar
(Calendar No. 412).
S. 3263, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on April 27, 2010, by Mr. Akaka and Mr. Ensign, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
WMD PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS ACT OF 2010
H.R. 5498
To enhance homeland security by improving efforts to prevent,
deter, prepare for, detect, attribute, respond to, and recover
from an attack with a weapon of mass destruction, and for other
purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 5498 was introduced in the House on March 15, 2010, by
Mr. Pascrell, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, Ms. Clarke, and Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of
California and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the
Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Within the
Committee, H.R. 5498 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
On June 15, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing on
H.R. 5498, the ``WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2010.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Sara (Sally) T.
Beatrice, PhD, Assistant Commissioner, Public Health
Laboratory, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, City of
New York; Randall S. Murch, PhD, Associate Director, Research
Program Development, National Capital Region, Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University; Robert P. Kadlec,
MD, Vice President, Global Public Sector, PRTM Management
Consulting; and Julie E. Fischer, PhD, Senior Associate, Global
Health Security Program, Henry L. Stimson Center.
On June 23, 2010, the Full Committee considered H.R. 5498
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by a recorded vote of 26
yeas and 0 nays (Roll Call Vote No. 24).
On November 17, 2010, the Chair of the House Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security indicating that, in order to
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence would agree to not
seek a sequential referral of H.R. 5498. On that same date, the
Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security responded and
agreed to the waiving of the sequential referral and agreeing
to request to seek appointments of Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be convened. On November 18, 2010, the Chair
of the Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter to the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order
to expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would waive consideration of H.R. 5498. On that same
date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 5498 to
the House on November 18, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-659, Pt. I.
Subsequently, the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, and the House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence were discharged from further consideration of H.R.
5498.
The referral of H.R. 5498 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on November 18, 2010, for a period ending
not later than December 3, 2010. The referral of H.R. 5498 to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on December
3, 2010, for a period ending not later than December 17, 2010.
The referral of H.R. 5498 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on December 17, 2010, for a period ending
not later than December 21, 2010. The referral of H.R. 5498 to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on December
21, 2010, for a period ending not later than December 22, 2010.
On December 22, 2010, the Committee on Energy and Commerce was
discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5498 and placed
on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 411).
HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT ACT
H.R. 5562
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit
requiring the use of a specified percentage of a grant under
the Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security
Grant Program for specific purposes, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 5562 was introduced in the House on June 21, 2010, by
Ms. Richardson, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On June 23, 2010, the Full Committee considered H.R. 5562
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation, without amendment, by voice vote.
On November 30, 2010, the Committee reported H.R. 5562 to
the House as H. Rpt. 111-663.
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
H. Res. 14
Resolution recognizing the importance of the Department of
Homeland Security, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection
and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in combating
human smuggling and trafficking in persons, and commending the
Department of Justice for increasing the rate of human
smuggling and trafficking prosecutions.
Legislative History
H. Res. 14 was introduced in the House on January 6, 2009,
by Mr. Issa referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in
addition to the Committee on Homeland Security.
The House considered H. Res. 14 under Suspension of the
Rules on May 6 and 7, 2009. On May 7, 2009, the House adopted
H. Res. 14 by voice vote. During consideration, the title was
changed so as to read ``Resolution recognizing the importance
of the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Customs
and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, in combating human smuggling and trafficking in
persons, and commending the Department of Justice for
increasing the rate of human smuggling and trafficking
prosecutions.''
RESOLUTION REGARDING TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SECURITY ON
THE NATION'S RAIL AND MASS TRANSIT LINES
H. Res. 28
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the
Transportation Security Administration should, in accordance
with the congressional mandate provided for in the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, enhance
security against terrorist attack and other security threats to
our Nation's rail and mass transit lines.
Legislative History
H. Res. 28 was introduced in the House on January 7, 2009,
by Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H. Res. 28 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the resolution reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H. Res. 28 to
the House on December 1, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-347.
The House considered H. Res. 28 under Suspension of the
Rules on December 2 and 3, 2009. On December 3, 2009, the House
agreed to Suspend the Rules and agreed to H. Res. 28 by a
recorded vote of 417 yeas and 3 nays. During consideration the
House agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``Expressing the
sense of the House of Representatives that the Transportation
Security Administration should, in accordance with the
congressional mandate provided for in the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 as well as
other statutes, enhance security against terrorist attack and
other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit
systems and other modes of surface transportation.''.
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
H. Res. 195
Recognizing and honoring the employees of the Department of
Homeland Security on its sixth anniversary for their continuous
efforts to keep the Nation safe.
Legislative History
H. Res. 195 was introduced in the House on February 26,
2009, by Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Carney, Mr. King of New York, Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr.
Austria, Mr. Souder, Mrs. Miller of Michigan, Mr. Pascrell, Mr.
Cleaver, Mr. Dent, Mr. Broun of Georgia, Mr. Daniel E. Lungren
of California, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Mr. Cuellar,
Mr. Himes, Ms. Kilroy, Ms. Clarke, Ms. Norton, Mr. Massa, and
Mr. Smith of Texas, and referred solely to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On March 4, 2009, the House agreed to Suspend the Rules and
adopt H. Res. 195, by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 418 yeas and 0
nays. (Roll No. 95).
RECOGNIZING BEVERLY ECKERT'S SERVICE TO SEPTEMBER 11TH SURVIVORS AND
FAMILIES
H. Res. 201
Recognizing Beverly Eckert's service to the Nation and
particularly to the survivors and families of the September 11,
2001, attacks.
Legislative History
H. Res. 201 was introduced in the House on March 2, 2009,
by Ms. Slaughter, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, Ms. Clarke, Mr. Pascrell, and nine original co-
sponsors and referred solely to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On March 4, 2009, the House agreed to Suspend the Rules and
adopt H. Res. 201, by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 419 yeas and 0
nays. (Roll No. 95).
RESOLUTION OF INQUIRY ON DHS' REPORT ``RIGHTWING EXTREMISM: CURRENT
ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CLIMATE FUELING RESURGENCE IN RADICALIZATION AND
RECRUITMENT''
H. Res. 404
Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the
House of Representatives, not later than 14 days after the date
of the adoption of this resolution, copies of documents
relating to the Department of Homeland Security Intelligence
Assessment titled, ``Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and
Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and
Recruitment''.
Legislative History
H. Res. 404 was introduced in the House on May 6, 2009, by
Mr. King of New York, Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr. Souder, Mr.
Daniel E. Lungren of California, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr.
McCaul, Mr. Dent, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Broun of Georgia, Mrs.
Miller of Michigan, Mr. Olson, and Mr. Austria, and three
original co-sponsors and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
On May 19, 2009, the Full Committee considered H. Res. 404
and ordered the resolution to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee reported H. Res. 404 to the House on June 4,
2009, as H. Rpt. 111-134.
HONORING AND CONGRATULATING THE U.S. BORDER PATROL ON ITS 85TH
ANNIVERSARY
H. Res. 498
Honoring and congratulating the U.S. Border Patrol on its 85th
anniversary.
Legislative History
H. Res. 498 was introduced in the House on June 2, 2009, by
Mr. Teague, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. King
of New York, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Mr. Cuellar,
Mrs. Kirkpatrick of Arizona, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Smith of Texas,
Mr. Broun of Georgia, Mr. Cao, Mrs. Miller of Michigan, Ms.
Titus, and 25 original co-sponsors. H. Res. 498 was referred
solely to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On June 9, 2009, the House agreed to Suspend the Rules and
agree to the resolution by voice vote.
CONDOLENCES FOR BORDER PATROL AGENT ROBERT ROSAS
H. Res. 681
Expressing condolences to the family and loved ones of Agent
Robert Rosas and standing in solidarity with the brave men and
women of the United States Border Patrol as they remember the
service and sacrifice of Agent Rosas and continue their mission
to preserve and defend our borders.
Legislative History
H. Res. 861 was introduced in the House by Mr. Hunter, Mr.
Souder, and six original co-sponsors on July 27, 2009, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On July 29, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security was
discharged from further consideration of H. Res. 681. The House
agreed to consider the resolution and agreed to the resolution
by voice vote.
SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
H. Res. 722
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding
the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on
September 11, 2001.
Legislative History
H. Res. 722 was introduced in the House on September 8,
2009, by Mr. Hoyer, and one original co-sponsor, and referred
to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in
addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on
Armed Services, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee
on Homeland Security.
On September 9, 2009, the House considered H. Res. 772
under Suspension of the Rules and adopted the resolution by a
\2/3\ recorded vote of 416 yeas and 0 nays (Roll Call Vote No.
693).
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
H. Res. 731
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the
employees of the Department of Homeland Security, their
partners at all levels of government, and the millions of
emergency response providers and law enforcement agents
nationwide should be commended for their dedicated service on
the Nation's front lines in the war against acts of terrorism.
Legislative History
H. Res. 731 was introduced in the House on September 10,
2009, by Ms. Clarke, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Carney, Mr.
Cuellar, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Rogers of Alabama,
and Mr. Bilirakis, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
The House considered H. Res. 731 under Suspension of the
Rules on September 30, and October 1, 2009 and on October 1,
2009, agreed to the resolution by voice vote.
RESOLUTION OF INQUIRY ON DHS'S ROLE REGARDING DETAINEES HELD AT NAVAL
STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA ON OR AFTER JANUARY 20, 2009
H. Res. 922
Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the
House of Representatives all information in the possession of
the Department of Homeland Security relating to the
Department's planning, information sharing, and coordination
with any state or locality receiving detainees held at Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on or after January 20, 2009.
Legislative History
H. Res. 922 was introduced in the House on November 19,
2009, by Mr. King of New York Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr. Souder,
Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr.
McCaul, Mr. Dent, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Broun of Georgia, Mrs.
Miller of Michigan, Mr. Olson, Mr. Cao, And Mr. Austria, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On December 9, 2009, the Full Committee considered H. Res.
922 and ordered the resolution to be reported to the House with
a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported to the House on
December 15, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-377.
RESOLUTION OF INQUIRY ON TSA'S AVIATION SECURITY SCREENING MANAGEMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
H. Res. 980
Of inquiry directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to
transmit to the House of Representatives a copy of the
Transportation Security Administration's Aviation Security
Screening Management Standard Operating Procedures manual in
effect on December 5, 2009, and any subsequent revisions of
such manual in effect prior to the adoption of this resolution.
Legislative History
H. Res. 980 was introduced in the House on December 16,
2009, by Mr. Dent, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr.
Daniel E. Lungren of California, Mr. Olson, Mrs. Miller of
Michigan, and Mr. Austria, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
On January 20, 2010, the Committee considered H. Res. 980
and ordered the resolution to be reported to the House,
adversely, by a recorded vote of 24 yeas and 0 nays.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported to the House on
January 27, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-403.
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE VIGILANCE AND PROMPT RESPONSE ON
MAY 1, 2010.
H. Res. 1320
A resolution expressing support for the vigilance and prompt
response of the citizens of New York City, the New York Police
Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire
Department of New York, other first responders, the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border
Protection, the United States Attorney's Office for the
Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland
Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint
Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department,
Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement
agencies in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in
Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism
and investigative work following the attempted attack, and
their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective
response to terrorism.
Legislative History
H. Res. 1320 was introduced in the House on May 4, 2010 by
Mr. McMahon, Mr. Himes, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms.
Clarke, Mr. King of New York, and 28 original co-sponsors and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On May 5, 2010, the House considered H. Res. 1320 under
Suspension of the Rules and agreed to the resolution by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 418 yeas and 0 nays.
SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
H. Res. 1610
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the
employees of the Department of Homeland Security, their
partners at all levels of government, and the millions of
emergency response providers and law enforcement agents
nationwide should be commended for their dedicated service on
the Nation's front lines in the war against acts of terrorism.
Legislative History
H. Res. 1610 was introduced in the House on September 14,
2010, by Mr. Hoyer and one original co-sponsor, and referred to
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in
addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on
Armed Services, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee
on Homeland Security, and the House Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence.
The House considered H. Res. 1610 under Suspension of the
Rules on September 15, 2010, and agreed to the resolution by a
\2/3\ recorded vote of 410 yeas and 0 nays (Roll No. 525).
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
H.Res. 1618
Urging the Federal Government, States, localities, schools,
nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the
people of the United States to observe National Preparedness
Month, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.Res. 1618 was introduced in the House on September 14,
2010, by Mr. Thompson, Mr. King of New York, Ms. Richardson,
Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Ms. Norton, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Carney, Mr.
DeFazio, Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
California, Ms. Harman, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Himes,
Ms. Clarke, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Olson, Mr. Cao, Mr.
Austria, and Mr. Al Green of Texas, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security.
The House considered H.Res. 1618 under Suspension of the
Rules and adopted the resolution by voice vote.
----------
Legislation Not Referred Containing Provisions Within the Jurisdiction
of the Committee
DENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONDER ACT OF 2009
H.R. 903
To amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of
dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation's disaster
response framework, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 903 was introduced in the House on February 4, 2009,
by Mr. Stupak and Mrs. Miller of Michigan and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on February 12, 2009,
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 903 to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
On July 28, 2010, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
considered H.R. 903 and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
that, in order to expedite consideration of the measure by the
full House, the Committee on Homeland Security would not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 903. The letter further indicated
that such action would not alter, or otherwise affecting the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security. On that
same date, the Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security agreeing to the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Homeland Security.
The House considered H.R. 903 under Suspension of the Rules
on September 28, 2010, and passed the bill by voice vote.
H.R. 903 was received in the Senate on September 29, 2010,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2009
H.R. 915
To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize
appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for
fiscal years 2009 through 2012, to improve aviation safety and
capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation
system, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 915 was introduced in the House on February 9, 2009 by
Mr. Oberstar, and one original co-sponsor and referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition
to the Committee on Science and Technology.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on February 12, 2009,
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 915 to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 915 on March 5, 2009, and ordered the measure
to be reported to the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on March 9, 2009, requesting
that, based upon the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure's consideration, H.R. 915 be sequentially
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. The Chair of
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on
May 18, 2009, acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the
Committee on Homeland Security. On May 19, 2009, the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair
of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure agreeing
to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 915 in order to
expedite consideration on the House Floor. The letter further
requested support for the appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be convened.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 915 to the House on May 19, 2009 as H. Rpt. 111-119, Pt.
I. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure filed a
supplemental report on May 21, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-119, Pt.
II.
The House considered H.R. 915 on May 21, 2009, and passed
the measure by a recorded vote of 277 yeas and 136 nays (Roll
No. 291).
H.R. 915 was received in the Senate on June 1, 2009, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010
Public Law 111-259 (H.R. 2701 / S. 1494)
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2010 for
intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United
States Government, the Community Management Account, and the
Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System,
and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2701 was introduced in the House on June 4, 2009, by
Mr. Reyes, and referred to the House Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence.
The Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence considered
H.R. 2701 on June 18, 2009, and ordered the measure to be
reported to the House, amended.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence on June 22, 2009, indicating that, in order to
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would not seek a sequential referral of the H.R.
2701. The letter further requested the support for the
appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
convened. On that same date, the Chair of the House Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Homeland Security.
The Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence reported
H.R. 2701 to the House on June 26, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-186.
On February 25, 2010, the House adopted H. Res. 1105, the
Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2701. The Rule
provided that after passage of H.R. 2701, it shall be in order
to consider in the House S. 1494. All points of order against
the Senate bill and against its consideration are waived. It
shall be in order to move to strike all after the enacting
clause of the Senate bill and to insert in lieu thereof the
provisions of H.R. 2701 as passed by the House. All points of
order against that motion are waived. If the motion is adopted
and the Senate bill, as amended, is passed, then it shall be in
order to move that the House insist on its amendment to S. 1494
and request a conference with the Senate thereon. Subsequently
the House considered S. 1494, struck all after the enacting
clause and inserted in lieu thereof the text of H.R. 2701, as
passed by the House.
The House considered H.R. 2701 on February 25 and 26, 2010.
The House passed H.R. 2701 on February 26, 2010, by a recorded
vote of 235 yeas and 168 nays (Roll No. 73).
The Senate considered H.R. 2701 on September 27, 2010, and
passed the bill, amended, by unanimous consent.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 2701 on
September 29, 2010, and concurred in the Senate amendment by a
recorded vote of 244 yeas and 181 nays (Roll No. 558), clearing
the measure for the President.
H.R. 2701 was presented to the President on October 1,
2010, and signed into law on October 7, 2010, as Public Law
111-259.
COAST GUARD ACQUISITION REFORM ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1665
To structure Coast Guard acquisition processes and policies,
and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 1665 was introduced in the House on March 23, 2009, by
Mr. Cummings, and three original co-sponsors, and referred to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on March 26, 2009,
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 1665 to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 1665 on April 2, 2009, and ordered the measure
to be reported to the House by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure on July 10, 2009, indicating that, in order to
expedite consideration by the full House, the Committee on
Homeland Security would not seek a sequential referral of H.R.
1665. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Homeland Security.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 1665 to the House on July 20, 2009, as H.Rpt. 111-215.
The House considered H.R. 1665 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28 and 29, 2009. The House passed H.R. 1665 by a
recorded vote (\2/3\ required) of 426 yeas and 0 nays (Roll No.
658).
H.R. 1665 was received in the Senate on July 30, 2009, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
Provisions of H.R. 1665 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
SATELLITE HOME VIEWER UPDATE AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2009
H.R. 3570
To amend title 17, United States Code, to reauthorize the
satellite statutory license, to conform the satellite and cable
statutory licenses to all-digital transmissions, and for other
purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3570 was introduced in the House on September 15,
2009, by Mr. Conyers, and three original co-sponsors and
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The Committee on the Judiciary considered H.R. 3570 on
September 16, 2009, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House by a recorded vote of 34 yeas and 0 nays.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on September 22, 2009,
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 3570 to the Committee
on Homeland Security. The Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary on October 28, 2009, indicating jurisdictional
interests in provisions of H.R. 3570, but agreeing to not seek
a sequential referral of the bill in order to expedite
consideration of the measure by the full House. The letter
further requested the support for the appointment of Conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be convened. On that same
date, the Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee and
agreeing to the request for the appointment of Conferees should
a House-Senate Conference be convened.
The Committee on the Judiciary reported H.R. 3570 to the
House on October 28, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-319.
H.R. 3570 was Considered in the House under Suspension of
the Rules on December 2 and 3, 2009. The House on December 3,
2009, agreed to Suspend the Rules and pass H.R. 3570 by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 394 yeas and 11 nays (Roll No. 930).
H.R. 3570 was received in the Senate on December 3, 2009,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on the
Judiciary.
CRUISE VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY ACT OF 2009
Public Law 111-207 (H.R. 3360)
To amend title 46, United States Code, to establish
requirements to ensure the security and safety of passengers
and crew on cruise vessels, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3360 was introduced in the House on July 28, 2009, by
Ms. Matsui, and one original co-sponsor and referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 3360 on July 30, 2009, and ordered the measure
to be reported to the House by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on August 11, 2009,
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 3360 to the Committee
on Homeland Security. The Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure on November 12, 2009,
agreeing that in order expedite consideration of H.R. 3360 by
the full House, the Committee on Homeland Security would not
seek a sequential referral of the measure. The letter further
requested an appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be convened. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure sent a letter to
the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing to the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Homeland Security
and agreeing to support the request for appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be convened.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 3360 to the House on November 17, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-
332.
The House considered H.R. 3360 under Suspension of the
Rules on November 17, 2009, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 416 yeas and 4 nays (Roll No. 892).
H.R. 3360 was received in the Senate on November 18, 2009,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders.
The Senate considered and passed H.R. 3360 with an
amendment by unanimous consent on June 10, 2010.
The House agreed on June 30, 2010, to Suspend the Rules and
concurred in the Senate amendment to H.R. 3360 by voice vote,
clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 3360 was presented to the President on July 19, 2010,
and signed into law on July 27, 2010, as Public Law 111-207.
COAST GUARD MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2009
H.R. 2650
To amend title 14, United States Code, to modernize the
leadership of the Coast Guard, to modernize the administration
of marine safety by the Coast Guard, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2650 was introduced in the House on June 2, 2009, by
Mr. Oberstar, and one original co-sponsor, and referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Markup Held.
Ordered reported to the House, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on June 5, 2009, requesting
a sequential referral of H.R. 2650.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure that, in order to expedite consideration of the
measure by the full House, the Committee would not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 2650. The letter further requested
the support for the appointment of Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be convened. On that same date, the Chair of
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Homeland Security.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 2650 on December 3, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-352.
Provisions of H.R. 2650 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
MARITIME SAFETY ACT OF 2009
H.R. 2652
To amend title 46, United States Code, to improve vessel
safety, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2652 was introduced in the House on June 2, 2009, by
Mr. Oberstar, and three original co-sponsors, and referred to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 2652 on June 4, 2009 and ordered the measure to
be reported to the House, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on June 5, 2009, requesting
a sequential referral of H.R. 2652. The Chair of the Committee
on Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on December 3,
2009, agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration of the
measure by the full House, the Committee would not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 2652. The letter further requested
the support for the appointment of Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be convened. On that same date, the Chair of
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Homeland Security and the agreement not to seek a sequential
referral of the legislation.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 2652 to the House on December 3, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-351.
Provisions of H.R. 2652 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
FEDERAL OIL SPILL RESEARCH PROGRAM ACT
H.R. 2693
To amend title VII of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and for
other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2693 was introduced in the House on June 3, 2009, by
Ms. Woolsey and one original co-sponsor, and referred to the
Committee on Science and Technology.
The Committee on Science and Technology considered H.R.
2693 on July 14, 2010, and ordered the measure to be reported
to the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on July 15, 2009, requesting
a sequential referral of H.R. 2693.
On July 20, 2010, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Science
and Technology agreeing that, in order to expedite
consideration of the measure by the full House, the Committee
would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 2693. The letter
further requested support for the appointment of an appropriate
number of Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
convened. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Science and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security agreeing to the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Homeland Security and the support
request for Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be
convened.
The Committee on Science and Technology reported H.R. 2693
to the House on July 21, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-553.
The House considered H.R. 2693 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 21, 2010, and passed the bill, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 2693 was received in the Senate on July 22, 2010, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
CLEAN HULL ACT OF 2009
H.R. 3618
To provide for implementation of the International Convention
on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001,
and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3618 was introduced in the House on September 22,
2009, by Mr. Oberstar, and two original co-sponsors, and
referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 3618 on September 24, 2009, and ordered the
measure reported to the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on September 25, 2009,
requesting a sequential referral of H.R. 3618 to the Committee
on Homeland Security.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure on November 12, 2009, agreeing that, in order
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3618.
The letter further requested the appointment of Conferees
should a House-Senate Conference be convened. On that same
date, The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing to the jurisdictional interests of
the Committee on Homeland Security and agreeing to support the
request for an appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be convened.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 3618 to the House on November 17, 2009 as H. Rpt. 111-331,
Pt. I. On that date, the Committee on Science and Technology
was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3618.
The House considered H.R. 3618 under Suspension of the
Rules on November 17, 2009, and agreed to the bill by voice
vote.
H.R. 3618 was received in the Senate on November 18, 2009,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
Provisions of H.R. 3618 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011
H.R. 5136 (H.R. 6523)\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\H.R. 6523 was presented to the President on December 29, 2010,
and is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of
this report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number
has not been assigned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military
activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other
purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 5136 was introduced in the House on April 26, 2010, by
Mr. Skelton, and one original co-sponsor, and referred to the
Committee on Armed Services.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Armed Services on May
20, 2010, indicating that, in order to expedite consideration
of the measure by the full House, the Committee would not seek
a sequential referral of H.R. 5316. The letter further
requested the appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be convened. The Chair of the Committee on Armed
Services sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on May 21, 2010, acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Homeland Security
and agreeing to support the appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be convened.
The Committee on Armed Services reported H.R. 5136 to the
House on May 21, 2010 as H. Rpt. 111-491. On May 26, 2010, the
Committee on Armed Services reported a supplemental report on
H.R. 5136 as H. Rpt. 111-491, Part II.
The House considered H.R. 5136 on May 27 and 28, 2010. On
May 28, 2010, the House passed H.R. 5136 by a recorded vote of
229 yeas and 186 nays (Roll no. 336). On June 8, 2010, the
title of the measure was amended so as to read ``To authorize
appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of
the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe
military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for
other purposes.''
H.R. 5136 was received in the Senate on June 9, 2010, read
twice, and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar. Pursuant to
an unanimous consent request, the Senate returned the papers to
the House on June 24, 2010. H.R. 5136 was received in the
Senate in June 28, 2010, read twice, and placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar.
A related bill, H.R. 6523, the Ike Skelton National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, was introduced on
December 15, 2010, and referred to the Committee on Armed
Services and in addition to the Committee on the Budget.
H.R. 6523 was considered in the House under Suspension of
the Rules and passed, as amended, by a recorded vote (\2/3\
required) of 341 yeas and 48 nays (Roll Call Vote No. 650).
H.R. 6523 was received in the Senate on December 17, 2010,
and on December 19, 2010, read twice and placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar. The Senate considered H.R. 6523 on
December 22, 2010, and passed the bill with an amendment by
unanimous consent.
By unanimous consent, the House concurred in the Senate
amendment to H.R. 6523, clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 6523 was presented to the President on December 29,
2010.
OIL SPILL ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2010
H.R. 5629
To ensure full recovery from responsible parties of damages for
physical and economic injuries, adverse effects on the
environment, and clean up of oil spill pollution, to improve
the safety of vessels and pipelines supporting offshore oil
drilling, to ensure that there are adequate response plans to
prevent environmental damage from oil spills, and for other
purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 5629 was introduced in the House on June 29, 2010, by
Mr. Oberstar, Mr. DeFazio, and five original co-sponsors, and
referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on Natural Resources.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 5629 on July 1, 2010, and ordered the measure
to be reported to the House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on July 12, 2010, requesting
a sequential referral of H.R. 5629. On July 26, 2010, the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the
Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
agreeing that, in order to expedite consideration of the
measure by the full House, the Committee would not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 5629. The letter further requested
support for the appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be convened. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure sent a letter to
the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing to the
waiving of a sequential referral and acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Homeland Security
and agreeing to support the appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be convened.
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON CHILDREN AND DISASTERS REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF
2010
H.R. 5266
To extend the final report deadline and otherwise reauthorize
the National Commission on Children and Disasters.
Legislative History
H.R. 5266 was introduced in the House on May 11, 2010, by
Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
considered H.R. 5266 on July 1, 2010, and ordered the measure
to be reported to the House by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Speaker of the House on July 1, 2010, requesting
a sequential referral of H.R. 5266 to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 5266 to the House in July 19, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-548.
The Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure on July 20, 2010, agreeing that, in order to
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 5266.
The letter further requested support for the appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be convened. On that
same date, the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing to the jurisdictional interests of
the Committee on Homeland Security and the support request for
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be convened.
The House considered H.R. 5266 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 20, 2010, and passed the bill by voice vote.
H.R. 5266 was received in the Senate on July 21, 2010, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Committee
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S AGENDA FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
On January 21, 2009, Janet Napolitano was sworn in as the
third Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
and the first Secretary of Homeland Security to serve in a
Democratic administration. In its six years of existence, DHS
has experienced management and operational challenges. Thus,
Secretary Napolitano inherited a massive organization with
major integration challenges and a record of disorganized
response to catastrophic incidents.
On February 25, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``DHS: The Path Forward.'' The
Committee received testimony from Hon. Janet Napolitano,
Secretary, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony from
Secretary Napolitano concerning the direction and priorities
for DHS. Members examined various priorities with Secretary
Napolitano that the Committee would pursue through its
legislative and oversight efforts during the 111th Congress,
including the importance of maintaining the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) within DHS; the need to produce a
smart, comprehensive border security strategy; the centrality
of the inclusion of privacy and civil liberties in DHS's
programs; the necessity for programs that both protect the
security and promote the efficiency of air travel; and the
organizational requirement of continued integration of DHS's
management, administrative and procurement functions.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on DHS's management and
operational functions, and to work with Secretary Napolitano in
finding solutions to challenges facing DHS.
HOMELAND SECURITY POLICY MAKING
On February 23, 2009 President Barack Obama issued
Presidential Study Directive-1 (PSD-1) in which he stated that
``Homeland Security is indistinguishable from National
Security'' and therefore an ``integrated, effective, and
efficient approach'' must be taken towards security policy
making. In PSD-1, the President directed Mr. John Brennan,
Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and
Counterterrorism, to lead a 60-day review of ways to strengthen
and secure the United States through reforming the Homeland
Security Council (HSC) and the National Security Council (NSC).
Reform options presented to the President included, (1)
dissolving the Homeland Security Council into the National
Security Council; (2) retaining a two-Council system but
requiring greater integration; or (3) eliminating both Councils
in favor of creating a new Council to handle the full continuum
of security issues-everything from non-proliferation to
emergency response. As part of the review, the White House
conducted stakeholder outreach and met with Committee staff.
On April 2, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``Homeland Security Policymaking: HSC at a
Crossroads and Presidential Study Directive 1.'' The Committee
received testimony from Mr. Kenneth L. Wainstein, Former
Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor to the
President; Ms. Frances Fragos Townsend, Former Homeland
Security and Counterterrorism Advisor to the President; Mr.
Philip J. Palin, Senior Fellow, National Institute for
Strategic Preparedness; Mr. Thomas C. Frazier, Executive
Director, Major Cities Chiefs Association; and Bruce Hoffman,
Professor, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony on the
proposal to consolidate HSC and NSC and recommendations on how
to improve homeland security policymaking at the White House.
Members engaged witnesses on various approaches to improve
homeland security policymaking structure within the
administration.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to work with the White House and other stakeholders
to evaluate the various options. The Committee continued to
express that proposed structure should include state, local and
tribal representatives.
In May 2009, the President of the United States merged the
staffs of the HSC with the NSC, creating a unified policymaking
structure for national security and homeland security issues.
Within the new structure, specialization will exist for
interagency debate on issues affecting homeland security such
as terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, natural disasters,
and pandemics.
FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP FOR IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
Established in 1996, the 287(g) program allows local law
enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to perform certain immigration
functions. Since 2007, the program has seen increased interest
and undergone dramatic growth, with participation exploding
from two jurisdictions in 2003 to almost 70 in 2007. The recent
popularity and unprecedented growth presented the 287(g)
program with a number of management challenges. On May 14,
2007, Chairman Thompson requested the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) to conduct a review of the program.
On March 4, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``Examining 287(g): The Role of State and
Local Law Enforcement in Immigration Law.'' The Committee
received testimony from Mr. William Riley, Acting Director,
Office of State and Local Coordination, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Richard Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues,
Government Accountability Office; Sheriff Chuck Jenkins,
Frederick County, State of Maryland; Chief J. Thomas Manger,
Montgomery County Police Department, State of Maryland; and Mr.
Muzaffar A. Chishti, Director at the NYU School of Law Office,
Migration Policy Institute.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony about the
287(g) program, which is administered by ICE's Office of State,
Local and Tribal Coordination (OSLTC). Members questioned the
witnesses about the program and the findings from the GAO
report entitled ``Better Controls Needed over Program
Authorizing State and Local Enforcement of Federal Immigration
Laws.'' GAO released the report to the public on the day of the
hearing.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to work with ICE concerning 287(g) program reforms
that would improve accountability and transparency. In a
letter, dated April 2, 2009, to then Acting Assistant Secretary
for ICE, John Torres, the Committee presented various
suggestions to ICE on how to address deficiencies identified in
the GAO report. One of the suggestions the Committee presented
was the replacement of all memorandums of agreement (MOAs)
entered between ICE and local law enforcement agencies with a
new and improved template. The Committee suggested that ICE use
an updated template for both future agreements and existing
ones to ensure all participating local law enforcement agencies
and supervising ICE agents were operating from the same set of
guidelines. According to GAO, fundamental programmatic concerns
stemming from the lack of specificity regarding 287(g)
authority by participating agencies and inadequate supervision
by ICE could be addressed with defined objectives and
guidelines under new MOAs. Another reform the Committee
suggested was the inclusion of a transparent and robust
complaint process for individuals that felt they were targeted
for minor offenses or traffic violations because they belonged
to a particular race or national origin in an attempt to
ascertain their immigration status. Specifically, the Committee
recommended that ICE involve DHS Office of Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties in the complaint process. In October 2009, ICE
approved standardized MOAs with 67 state and local law
enforcement agencies for participation in 287(g) partnerships,
which included the Committee's suggested reforms.
DOING BUSINESS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
On March 28, 2009, the Committee held a meeting entitled
``The U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Doing Business with
America'' at the Kroger Gymnasium, Tougaloo College in Jackson,
Mississippi.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY EFFORTS TO COUNTER SOUTHERN BORDER
VIOLENCE
On March 31, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a Classified Member briefing on the border violence occurring
along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Committee Members were
briefed by representatives from the Departments of Homeland
Security and Justice. Representatives from the Department of
Homeland Security included: Border Security Branch, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis; Southern Borders Team, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis; Office of Intelligence, Immigration
and Customs Enforcement; Office of International Affairs,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Office of Intelligence
and Operations Coordination, Customs and Border Protection;
Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection; and the Office of
Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection.
Representatives from the Department of Justice included Drug
Enforcement Agency, and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task
Forces; and Criminal Division.
SOUTHERN BORDER SITE VISIT
On April 3 and 4, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
conducted a site visit to El Paso, Texas to examine southern
border violence issues. The Committee met with Federal, State,
and local representatives and toured relevant facilities and
infrastructure.
STATUS UPDATE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION WORKER
IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL PROGRAM
On April 29, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a Member briefing on Transportation Worker Identification
Credential (TWIC) with representatives from the Transportation
Security Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard.
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S 2010 BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY
Following the presidential transition, on February 26,
2009, President Barack Obama submitted the Fiscal Year (FY)
2010 ``Budget Blueprint'' to the Congress. The President
submitted the Budget Blueprint as a preliminary budget request
to the Congress with the intent of submitting a complete budget
proposal at a later date. In the Budget Blueprint, the
President requested $42.7 billion in net discretionary spending
for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY 2010.
Subsequently, pursuant to clause 4(f) of Rule X of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, and section 301(d) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344), on March 13,
2009, the Committee submitted to the House Committee on the
Budget its Views and Estimates on matters within its
jurisdiction and functions to be set forth in the budget for FY
2010. The Committee expressed in its Views and Estimates that
it generally concurred with the President's preliminary budget
request.
On May 7, 2009, the President submitted the FY 2010 Budget
Request to the Congress. In the Budget request, the President
requested $55.11 billion in total budget authority for the DHS,
a $2.63 billion (5%) increase over the FY 2009 enacted budget.
On May 13, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``The President's FY2010 Budget Request for
the Department of Homeland Security.'' The Committee received
testimony from Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Department of
Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to provide Members the
opportunity to question the Secretary of Homeland Security,
Janet Napolitano, about the DHS's budget priorities. At the
hearing, Members and the Secretary discussed the President's
funding priorities in support of the DHS's mission and efforts
to deter, detect, prepare for, and respond to terrorism,
natural disasters and other catastrophic incidents.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to work with the White House, DHS, and the Congress
to pass the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act,
2010 (P.L. 111-83), which included various funding and
legislative proposals suggested by the Committee. These
proposals included: 1) additional funding to the Department to
support the coordination and management of regulating high-risk
chemical facilities and increase the size of the Chemical
Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (C-FATS) regulatory staff; 2)
a one-year extension of DHS's existing authority to regulate
chemical facilities under C-FATS; 3) additional funding for
grant programs at the Department to enhance preparedness at the
local level; and 4) directing the Department to report on its
strategy to achieve meaningful and effective cargo and supply
chain security, in furtherance of meeting the statutorily
mandated target of 100 percent scanning of U.S.-bound cargo in
foreign ports.
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION THOMPSON
From May 27 through June 1, 2009, the Chairman Thompson led
a Congressional Delegation to the Argentine Republic, the
Republic of Peru, the Federative Republic of Brazil, and the
Republic of Panama to examine counterterrorism cooperation,
emerging threats, and maritime security.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY HOUSING
On September 2008, the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released to the
Committee a report entitled, ``FEMA's Sheltering and
Transitional Housing Activities After Hurricane Katrina,''
which concluded that prior to Hurricane Katrina; Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) did not have a disaster
housing plan and was not fully prepared to provide sheltering
or transitional housing to victims of a catastrophic disaster.
Further, OIG found that the lack of a fully developed and
exercised plan led to many management shortfalls and
inefficiencies in responding to the housing needs of Gulf Coast
hurricane victims. While FEMA responded to the OIG findings
with the publication of the National Disaster Housing Strategy
in January 2009, in a letter, dated April 30, 2009, to then
Acting Administrator for FEMA, Nancy Ward, the Committee
expressed concerns with FEMA's plans to implement the new
strategy, particularly as it related to the procurement of
temporary housing units. Specifically, the Committee expressed
concerns with FEMA's temporary housing units inventory,
capacity for contract vehicles, unit storage availability, and
alternative housing options.
On July 8, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of Current
Problems and Innovative Solutions.'' The Committee received
testimony from Hon. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security;
Hon. Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General, Department of
Homeland Security; Gerald H. Jones, P.E., Member, National
Institute of Building Sciences; Ms. Erica Rioux Gees,
Representative, The American Institute of Architects; Mr.
Reilly Morse, Senior Attorney, Mississippi Center for Justice;
Capt. Don Kubley, President/CEO, InterShelter, Inc.; Mr.
Braddon B. Rininger, President, Brajo, Inc.; and Mr. Walter J.
Boasso, Chief Executive Officer, HELP, LLC.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony on the
ability of FEMA to provide interim housing in a post-
catastrophic incident environment. Members discussed with the
DHS Inspector General its September 2008 report and address
their concerns with the National Disaster Housing Strategy to
the newly Senate confirmed FEMA Administrator. At the hearing,
Chairman Thompson indicated that FEMA needed to develop a
comprehensive housing plan that included housing following
catastrophic events. Administrator Fugate acknowledged the
absence of a strategy to address housing following catastrophic
events and indicated his intention for FEMA to incorporate
catastrophic incidents into the strategy.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on the FEMA's revision of the
National Disaster Housing Strategy and its continued
responsibilities in disaster housing preparedness.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
On July 22, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
classified Member briefing on the Federal Protective Service's
ability to protect Federal facilities. The Committee received a
briefing from representatives from the Department of Homeland
Security and the Government Accountability Office.
NATIONAL RESPONSE TO PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
In April 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) reported two cases of respiratory illness in
children caused by infection with a virus that appeared to be
genetically similar to the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus.
These two cases were the first confirmed instances of H1N1 flu
within the United States. As authorized by the National
Response Framework, the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet
Napolitano assumed the role of Principal Federal Official,
coordinating Federal response efforts to the outbreak. On June
11, 2009, in response to the global spread of this new strain
of H1N1 influenza, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared
the outbreak to be an influenza pandemic, the first since 1968.
By late June 2009, U.S. health officials estimated that there
had been more than one million infections in the U.S., although
only about 28,000 cases had been reported and confirmed.
Earlier in the year, prior to the H1N1 outbreak, the
Committee Majority Staff had released a report in January 2009,
entitled ``Getting Beyond Getting Ready for Pandemic
Influenza'', examining the nation's preparedness and readiness
to respond to pandemic influenza. Based on oversight conducted
by Committee Majority staff regarding the pandemic influenza
preparedness activities of DHS and other members of the
Executive Branch, the Committee identified weaknesses that
needed strengthening in our National preparedness for pandemic
influenza; and determined that specific actions should be taken
to strengthen such efforts and help the Nation achieve
readiness for pandemic influenza. In the report, the Committee
made the following recommendations to improve national
preparedness for pandemic influenza: establish effective
management and coordination of Federal preparedness and
response efforts; address and meet key medical requirements for
health care delivery activate fast and dependable domestic
capacity to produce needed pharmaceuticals; evaluate and update
plans, including the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza
and its Implementation Plan; and improve early warning and
detection.
On July 29, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination of the
Current Status and Future Outlook of the National Response to
Pandemic Influenza.'' The Committee received testimony from
Hon. Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security; Hon. William Corr, Deputy Secretary, Department of
Health and Human Services; Ms. Bernice Steinhardt, Director,
Strategic Issues, Government Accountability Office; Ms. Colleen
M. Kelley, National President, National Treasury Employees
Union; Mark B. Horton, MD, MSPH, Director, California
Department of Public Health; Mr. Richard G. Muth, Executive
Director, Maryland Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency
Operations Center; and Dr. Thomas A. Farley, New York City
Health Commissioner.
At the hearing, the Committee received testimony about
Federal, state and local efforts currently underway to prepare
and respond to a potentially widespread occurrence of influenza
within the United States. In reviewing the Nation's pandemic
planning and preparedness efforts, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) testified that while Federal
agencies have provided considerable guidance and pandemic-
related information to state and local government, further
actions are needed to address the capacity to respond to and
recover from an influenza pandemic. GAO also determined that
leadership roles and responsibilities for an influenza pandemic
need to be further clarified, tested and exercised.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on pandemic influenza and
required planning and preparedness efforts. Currently, GAO is
completing a report, which was requested in November 2008 by
Chairman Thompson, for the Committee that assesses the
monitoring and completion of action items in the Implementation
Plan for National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza. Further, as
the Committee's oversight activities progressed while
evaluating the Administration's response to the H1N1 outbreak,
the Committee requested in December 2009 that GAO continue to
monitor the response to the current H1N1 pandemic, focusing
particularly on the extent to which the Administration was
identifying, recording, and incorporating lessons learned from
the 2009 pandemic into ongoing response efforts, as well as
future planning and preparedness efforts.
STAFF VISIT TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA AND THE KINGDOM OF
THAILAND
From August 27 through September 3, 2009, Committee staff
conducted a Staff Delegation to the Commonwealth of Australia
and the Kingdom of Thailand to examine counterterrorism,
aviation security, and maritime security.
AFGHANISTAN
On September 16, 2009, the Members of the Committee on
Homeland Security and the Committee on Appropriations, the
Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the
Committee on the Judiciary received a Classified Member
Briefing on the situation in the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan. The briefing provided an update on the situation
in Afghanistan to include a discussion of the assessment by
General Stanley McChrystal and the Congressionally-mandated
metrics of progress in Afghanistan required by section 1117 of
Public Law 111-23.
TERRORIST THREAT STREAMS
On October 1, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a Classified Member briefing on current intelligence and threat
streams relevant to the homeland. The Members were briefed by
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National
Counterterrorism Center.
DIVERSITY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
During the 110th Congress, the Committee held a Full
Committee hearing on diversity at the Department of Homeland
Security, including at its component agencies. As a result of
the Committee's oversight at the hearing held, DHS unveiled its
Diversity Action Plan three weeks later. The Committee examined
the Plan and expressed various concerns on the lack of
authority at the newly created diversity council and on the
failure of the plan to track the progress and performance of
diversity programs. Therefore, the Chairman directed Committee
staff to continue its oversight work on diversity at DHS during
the 111th Congress.
Since the beginning of the 111th Congress, the Committee
conducted vigorous oversight on DHS's continued implementation
of its Diversity Action Plan and its effectiveness in fostering
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for DHS employees and hiring
candidates. For example, on March 4, 2009, the Committee
submitted a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet
Napolitano, requesting DHS to adhere to the statutory
requirements in Notification and Federal Employee
Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-174)
(No FEAR Act) and consistently post quarterly on their public
websites certain summary statistical data relating to EEO
complaints filed against DHS and its component agencies.
Subsequently, at the end of March 2009, DHS's Office of Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties collected data from eight of its
affected components and posted the required data. The Committee
continued to ensure DHS posted EEO complaint data and expanded
its oversight on EEO at DHS.
On October 14, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``Diversity at The Department of
Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon.
Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security; Hon. Christine Griffin, Vice-Chair, Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission; Ms. Yvonne Jones, Director, Strategic
Issues Team, Government Accountability Office; Mr. Jayson
Ahern, Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Gale D. Rossides, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security; Hon. W. Craig Fugate,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department
of Homeland Security; and Mr. Mark Sullivan, Director, U.S.
Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the lack of
diversity in the Department and the efforts it has undertaken
in diversifying its workforce since the Committee's 2008
hearing on workforce diversity at DHS. Members addressed with
representatives from DHS and its component agencies these
ineffective efforts and allowed the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) to present its most recent report on this subject,
entitled ``DHS Has Opportunities to Better Identify and Address
Barriers to EEO in Its Workforce'', which had been previously
requested by Chairman Thompson.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on diversity at DHS. On October
30, 2009, the Committee submitted a letter to the DHS Diversity
Program Manager at the Office of the Chief Human Capital
Officer and offered various recommendations for improving
workforce diversity at DHS, including strong commitment from
leadership, development of strategic planning processes,
diversity training to new and current employees, and the
creation of a process of accountability and monitoring the
success of diversity initiatives. Further, on June 10, 2010,
the Committee submitted a letter to the Secretary of Homeland
Security, Janet Napolitano, requesting DHS comply with
President Barack Obama's direction to federal departments and
agencies to improve federal government hiring practices. The
Committee also requested DHS to submit to the Committee a
written, strategic plan for implementing the new hiring
standards, including how this plan would affect DHS's diversity
efforts. Subsequently, on October 27, 2010, DHS transmitted to
the Committee its ``2010 DHS Hiring Reform Action Plan'', which
included the issuance of a new Department-wide Anti-
Discrimination Policy Statement, establishment a Diversity
Executive Steering Committee, creation of the Office of
Diversity, Recruitment, and Veterans Outreach, and the
development of a diversity performance standard for all DHS
managers and supervisors.
SECURITY AND PREPAREDNESS FOR THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS
On October 15, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a Member briefing on Federal and State coordination of
security and preparedness matters related to the 2010 Winter
Olympics. The Members were briefed by representatives from the
Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the State of Washington.
RESEARCH ON IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE AND RECRUITMENT
On October 21, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a Member briefing on ideologically based violence and
recruitment. The Members were briefed by representatives from
the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and
Responses to Terrorism (START), a Center of Excellence of the
Department of Homeland Security at the University of Maryland.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296), the
Federal Protective Service (FPS) was transferred from General
Service Administration's (GSA's) Public Building Service (PBS),
into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Since the
transfer, the DHS Office of Inspector General has performed
various assessments of FPS, including a 2007 report entitled,
``Federal Protective Service Needs To Improve its Oversight of
the Contract Guard Program,'' and found that FPS was not
performing effective oversight of the contract guard program.
FPS failed to adequately address OIG's 2007 findings, and in
April 2009, OIG released another report entitled, ``Federal
Protective Service Contract Guard Procurement and Oversight
Process'' again concluding that FPS did not perform adequate
contract oversight of its guards.
Despite OIG's recommendations, FPS contract guard oversight
problems persisted. At the beginning of the 110th Congress, the
Committee requested that the General Accountability Office
(GAO) assess FPS's management and operations. In June 2008, GAO
released its findings to the Committee in a report entitled,
``The Federal Protective Service Faces Several Challenges That
Hamper Its Ability to Protect Federal Facilities'', and
identified inadequate oversight of the contract guard program
as a key challenge to FPS' ability to protect federal
facilities. Based on GAO's recent findings, Chairman Thompson
requested GAO to undertake a new evaluation and specifically
review the FPS contract security guard program. GAO's report
was set for release to the Committee in October 2009.
In an attempt to improve FPS's performance, DHS submitted a
proposal to Congress in the President's FY2010 budget request
recommending a transfer of FPS within DHS, from Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the National Protection and
Programs Directorate (NPPD). According to DHS, such a transfer
would be appropriate as it reflects the synergy between NPPD's
critical infrastructure protection mission and FPS' mission of
providing security for federal facilities. Congress approved
the transfer and on October 1, 2009, FPS officially began its
transition into NPPD.
On November 18, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``Federal Protective Service: Will
Continuing Challenges Weaken Transition and Impede Progress?''
The Committee received testimony from Hon. Rand Beers, Under
Secretary, National Protection Programs Directorate, Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Mark L. Goldstein, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Issues, Government Accountability Office; Mr.
David L. Wright, President, American Federation of Government
Employees - Local 918; and Mr. Stephen D. Amitay, Federal
Legislative Counsel, National Association of Security
Companies.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony on the
impending transfer of FPS to NPPD from ICE, and whether this
move would promote or hamper FPS' progress in addressing its
shortcomings. Members also discussed GAO's October 2009 report
entitled, ``Greater Attention to Key Practices Would Improve
the Federal Protective Service's Approach to Facility
Protection,'' which found that FPS failed to provide adequate
security to provide safety and security for federal buildings
and assets as well as the millions of people who work in or
visit these facilities safe.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee continued to
conduct oversight on FPS. On April 14, 2010, the Committee held
a follow-up hearing titled, ``Federal Protective Service: Would
Federalization of Guards Improve Security at Critical
Facilities?'' Subsequently, on September 14, 2010, Chairman
Thompson introduced to the House, H.R. 6122, the Federal
Protective Service Improvement and Accountability Act of 2010.
This legislation would direct FPS to increase its ranks while
fostering greater accountability and management of contract
guards and security service contracts.
Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296), the
Federal Protective Service (FPS) was transferred from General
Service Administration's (GSA's) Public Building Service (PBS),
into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With the
transfer, FPS brought with it to DHS some financial management
issues stemming from an inability to cover operating costs
through their fee-based security system. Since the transfer,
the DHS Office of Inspector General had performed various
assessments on FPS, including a 2007 report entitled, ``Federal
Protective Service Needs To Improve its Oversight of the
Contract Guard Program,'' and found that FPS was not performing
effective oversight of the contract guard program. FPS failed
to adequately address OIG's 2007 findings, and in April 2009,
OIG released another report entitled, ``Federal Protective
Service Contract Guard Procurement and Oversight Process''
again concluded that FPS was not performing adequate contract
oversight of its guards.
Despite OIG's recommendations, FPS contract guard oversight
problems persisted. At the beginning of the 110th Congress, the
Committee requested that the General Accountability Office
(GAO) assess FPS's management and operations. In June 2008, GAO
released its findings to the Committee in a report entitled,
``The Federal Protective Service Faces Several Challenges That
Hamper Its Ability to Protect Federal Facilities'', and
identified inadequate oversight of the contract guard program
as a key challenge to FPS' ability to protect federal
facilities. Based on GAO's recent findings, Chairman Thompson
requested GAO to undertake a new evaluation and specifically
review the FPS contract security guard program. GAO's report
was set for release to the Committee in October 2009.
In an attempt to improve FPS's performance, DHS submitted a
proposal to Congress in the President's FY2010 budget request
recommending a transfer of FPS within DHS, from Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the National Protection and
Programs Directorate (NPPD). According to DHS, such a transfer
would be appropriate as it reflects the synergy between NPPD's
critical infrastructure protection mission and FPS' mission of
providing security for federal facilities. Congress approved
the transfer and on October 1, 2009, FPS officially began its
transition into NPPD.
On November 18, 2009, the Committee held a Full Committee
hearing entitled ``Federal Protective Service: Will Continuing
Challenges Weaken Transition and Impede Progress?''. At the
hearing, the Committee took testimony on the impending transfer
of FPS to NPPD from ICE, and whether this move would promote or
hamper FPS' progress in addressing its shortcomings. Members
also discussed GAO's October 2009 report entitled, ``Greater
Attention to Key Practices Would Improve the Federal Protective
Service's Approach to Facility Protection'', which found that
FPS failed to provide adequate security.
On April 14, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a hearing entitled ``Federal Protective Service: Would
Federalization of Guards Improve Security at Critical
Facilities?'' The Committee received testimony from Mr. Gary W.
Schenkel, Director, Federal Protective Service, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Mark L. Goldstein, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Issues, Government Accountability Office; Mr.
Clark Kent Ervin, Director, Homeland Security Program, The
Aspen Institute; Mr. David L. Wright, President, National FPS
Union; and Mr. Stephen D. Amitay, Federal Legislative Counsel,
National Association of Security Companies.
The purpose of the hearing was to explore whether the
security of the 9,000 federal facilities and the safety of
nearly 2 million people who work in or visit these buildings
every day could be improved by converting positions currently
held by private security guards employed by firms under
contract with FPS. At the hearing, GAO released a report
entitled ``Federal Protective Service's Contract Guard Program
Requires More Oversight and Reassessment of Use of Contract
Guards,'' which was requested by Chairman Thompson. GAO
testified that (1) FPS failed to properly evaluate and
discipline contractors who employ security guards; (2) FPS
performed inadequate oversight to ensure that security guards
were trained, certified, and complying with post orders; and
(3) private security guards continued to neglect or
inadequately perform their assigned duties.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on FPS. On September 14, 2010,
Chairman Thompson introduced to the House H.R. 6122, the
Federal Protective Service Improvement and Accountability Act
of 2010. This legislation would direct FPS to increase its
ranks while fostering greater accountability and management of
contract guards and security service contracts.
WHITE HOUSE STATE DINNER SECURITY BREACH
On November 24, 2009, President Barack Obama and First Lady
Michelle Obama hosted their first State Dinner in honor of
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India. According to White
House officials, the President and First Lady were expected to
receive a total of 338 guests at the State Dinner.
On Wednesday, November 25th, the day following the dinner,
news outlets began reporting that two individuals, Mr. Tareq
and Mrs. Michaele Salahi, attended portions of the State Dinner
despite the fact they were not on the guest lists released by
the White House. The media alleged that the couple may have
``crashed'' the State Dinner. In response to these media
reports, Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan on November 25th
directed his Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) to
investigate whether or not uninvited guests breached security
protocols and attended the State Dinner.
On December 3, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``The United States Secret Service and
Presidential Protection: An Examination of a System Failure.''
The Committee received testimony from Mr. Mark Sullivan,
Director, U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony from
Secret Service Director Sullivan about the preliminary findings
of the OPR investigation into the White House State Dinner and
examine security vulnerabilities reported including weaknesses
in the Secret Service security plan to control access to the
White House grounds and within the White House complex. The
hearing also explored deviations from standard security
protocols which may have contributed to security breakdowns. In
addition to Director Sullivan, Mr. Tareq Salahi and Mrs.
Michaele Salahi were invited to testify. However, Mr. and Mrs.
Salahi failed to appear at the hearing to testify or cooperate
with the Committee's investigation.
The Committee met on December 9, 2009, and adopted
Committee Resolutions 3 and 4.
Subsequently, the Full Committee authorized the issuance of
a subpoena ad testificandum and a subpoena duces tecum to
require Mr. Tareq Salahi and Mrs. Michaele Salahi to provide
testimony and certain supplementary materials reflecting the
circumstances surrounding the White House State Dinner of
November 24, 2009 to the Committee on January 20, 2010. The
subpoena was issued on December 10, 2009, and served on
December 11, 2009.
On January 20, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security met
to continue the hearing entitled ``The United States Secret
Service and Presidential Protection: An Examination of a System
Failure.'' Mr. Tareq Salahi and Mrs. Michaele Salahi appeared
but refused to respond to Committee questions. In refusing to
respond to Committee questions, Mr. Tareq Salahi and Mrs.
Michaele Salahi invoked constitutional privileges.
Information gathered by the Secret Service during their
investigation into the security breach suggested that Mr. and
Mrs. Salahi gained access to the White House grounds and
complex without inclusion on the White House access list or the
invited guest list used by Secret Service uniformed officers to
screen attendees.
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION THOMPSON
From December 18 through 22, 2009, the Chair led Members of
the Committee on a Congressional Delegation to the Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan, the Federal Republic of Germany, and
the Republic of Turkey. The Members observed and evaluated the
economic, political, and security progress in Afghanistan, and
met with troops stationed in the region.
NEWARK AIRPORT SECURITY BREACH
On January 12, 2010, Committee Members and Staff conducted
a site visit of the Newark Liberty International Airport, in
Newark, New Jersey, to examine the January 3, 2010, aviation
security breach.
FLIGHT 253 TERRORIST INCIDENT
On December 25, 2009, Umar Farouk Abdulmatallab boarded
Northwest Flight 253 in Amsterdam and attempted to detonate an
explosive device containing PETN (an explosive powder) over
Detroit Michigan. When Mr. Abdulmatallab attempted to detonate
the device, the ignited admixture did not explode but instead
caused a fire that burned Mr. Abdulmatallab. Neither the other
passengers nor the plane was harmed. Mr. Adbulmatallab was
subsequently restrained until the plane landed in Detroit,
where he was arrested by federal law enforcement authorities.
This single failed terrorist act brought several security
vulnerabilities into sharp focus. In the ensuing weeks, and
after many Member briefings and staff meetings with officials
from the White House, Department of Homeland Security, Federal
Bureau of Investigation, the National Counterterrorism Center,
and others; the Committee identified various vulnerabilities
that included weaknesses in the process of gaining permission
to legally enter this country; gaps in the collection and
dissemination of information contained in various lists used to
identify dangerous or potentially dangerous individuals;
problems in the analysis of information relied upon in
compiling these lists; institutional inadequacies in
information sharing; insufficient interactions between members
of the intelligence community, and an inconsistent approach in
the use of screening technology.
In addition to various briefings and meetings held, the
Committee sent correspondence to the White House and the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to express its
support for the ongoing investigations and express its concerns
regarding security vulnerabilities. On January 8, 2010, the
Committee submitted a letter to President Barack Obama on the
necessity of providing sufficient resources and energy to
tackle long-standing and well-understood stovepipes in
information sharing, enhance the watch list process, and
strengthen all layers of our border security, including visa-
issuance process. Following the Secretary of Homeland
Security's, Janet Napolitano, announcement that the Department
of Homeland Security would fund the deployment of 450 Advanced
Imaging Technologies (AIT) to various airports across the
country, the Committee submitted a letter dated January 21,
2010 to then Acting TSA Administrator, Gale Rossides,
expressing privacy concerns associated with the AIT machines
and the need to establish safeguards to protect the privacy of
the traveling public.
On January 13, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a Classified Member-Only briefing on the Flight 253
incident.
From January 15 through 17, 2010, Committee Staff conducted
a Staff Delegation to London, England and Amsterdam,
Netherlands, to examine the attempted December 25, 2009,
bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253.
On January 27, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``Flight 253: Learning Lessons from an
Averted Tragedy.'' The Committee received testimony from Hon.
Jane Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security; Hon. Patrick F. Kennedy, Under Secretary, Management,
Department of State; and Hon. Michael E. Leiter, Director,
National Counterterrorism Center.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine the
circumstances surrounding the attempted terrorist bombing of
Northwest Flight 253 that occurred on December 25, 2009. At the
hearing, the witness from the General Accountability Office
(GAO) testified that federal agencies responsible for screening
activities missed several opportunities to use the terrorist
watchlist to identify the subject of the December 25th
attempted terrorist attack and possibly take action. The GAO
witness indicated the need for TSA to conduct a complete risk
assessment, including threat, vulnerability, and consequence
assessment - for the passenger screening program and
incorporate the results into its program strategy.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on the aftermath of Flight 253
and actions taken by the administration to address newly
exposed vulnerabilities. On February 24, 2010, the Subcommittee
on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing
entitled ``Visa Security and Passenger Pre-Screening Efforts in
the Wake of Flight 253,'' and examined relevant protocols and
procedures in place both before and in the aftermath of the
Flight 253 incident on Christmas Day 2009, as well as explore
potential further enhancements to visa security and passenger
prescreening. On March 17, 2010, the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a
hearing entitled, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint Security: Are
Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe'' and examined TSA's
standard operating procedures for passenger checkpoint security
at airports. On August 25, 2010, Chairman Thompson and the
Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection, Sheila Jackson Lee joined other
Members of the Congress in requesting GAO to undertake a review
of issues related to the terrorist watchlisting process. In
addition, on August 21, 2010, Chairman Thompson and Chairwoman
Jackson Lee joined other Members of the Congress in requesting
GAO to assess certain issues related to TSA's checkpoint covert
testing review and the testing of airport screeners.
FORT HOOD SHOOTING
On February 24, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a classified Member-only briefing on the November 9, 2009,
shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. The Members were briefed by
representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S 2011 BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY
On February 1, 2010, President Barack Obama submitted the
Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget request to the Congress. In the
budget request, the President proposed $56.34 billion in total
budget authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
a $987.88 million (1.78%) increase over the FY 2010 enacted
budget.
On February 25, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``The President's FY2011 Budget Request
for the Department of Homeland Security.'' The Committee
received testimony from Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary,
Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to provide Members the
opportunity to question the Secretary of Homeland Security,
Janet Napolitano, about the DHS's budget priorities. At the
hearing, Members and the Secretary discussed the President's
funding priorities in support of the DHS's mission and efforts
to deter, detect, prepare for, and respond to terrorism,
natural disasters and other catastrophic incidents.
Pursuant to clause 4(f) of Rule X of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, and section 301(d) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344), on March 5, 2010, the
Committee submitted to the House Committee on the Budget its
Views and Estimates on matters within its jurisdiction and
functions to be set forth in the budget for FY 2011. The
Committee expressed in its Views and Estimates that it
generally agreed with the President's Budget overall request,
yet identified areas of concern has identified the following
areas of concern within the budget request: (1) United States
Coast Guard; (2) Federal Emergency Management Agency (State and
Local Programs); (3) Customs and Border Protection; (4)
Transportation Security Administration; (5) National Cyber
Security Division; (6) Science and Technology Directorate
(University Programs); (7) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office;
and (8) National Protection and Programs Directorate.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to work with the White House, DHS, and the Congress
on finalizing legislation for the appropriations of DHS and
authorizing language that addressed Committee concerns that
included the following: 1) the proposed consolidation of
various freestanding grant programs under the State Homeland
Security Grant Program as well as a reduction of funding for
important grant programs such as State and Local Programs and
the FIRE Grants Program; 2) there was a continued rejection of
the U.S.-bound cargo screening requirements, as required under
the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act; 3)
deployment of airport checkpoint screening technologies,
including advanced imaging technology (AIT) without a strategic
plan for deployment of such technologies to ensure efficacy of
this approach and adherence to privacy requirements that
safeguard and protect passengers' rights; and 4) a one-year
extension of DHS's existing authority to regulate chemical
facilities under the Chemical Facility Anti-terrorism Standards
law.
VISA SECURITY
On December 25, 2009, Umar Farouk Adbulmatallab boarded
Northwest Flight 253 in Amsterdam and attempted to detonate an
explosive device containing PETN (an explosive powder) over
Detroit Michigan. When Mr. Adbulmatallab attempted to detonate
the device, the ignited admixture did not explode but instead
caused a fire that burned Mr. Abdulmatallab. Neither the other
passengers nor the plane were harmed. Mr. Adbulmatallab was
subsequently restrained until the plane landed in Detroit,
where he was arrested by federal law enforcement authorities.
Subsequently, State Department officials acknowledged that
Abdulmatallab's father came into the U.S. Embassy in Abuja,
Nigeria, on November 19, 2009, to express his concerns about
his son. Those officials at the Embassy in Abuja sent a ``VISAS
VIPER'' cable to the National Counterterrorism Center on
November 20, 2009. Abdulmutallab was entered in the Terrorist
Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE) on November 23, 2009,
but he was not nominated for the Terrorist Screening Database
or the No-Fly or Selectee lists. Furthermore, his visa was not
revoked. Therefore, on February 24, 2010, the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing
entitled ``Visa Security and Passenger Pre-Screening Efforts in
the Wake of Flight 253,'' and examined relevant protocols and
procedures in place both before and in the aftermath of the
Flight 253 incident on Christmas Day 2009, as well as explore
potential further enhancements to visa security.
On March 25, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a hearing entitled ``Visa Overstays: Can They be Eliminated?''
The Committee received testimony from Hon. Rand Beers, Under
Secretary, National Protection and Programs Directorate,
Department of Homeland Security; Hon. John T. Morton, Assistant
Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department
of Homeland Security; Hon. Richard L. Skinner, Inspector
General, Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. Edward Alden,
Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the Department of
Homeland Security's efforts to address the homeland security-
related concerns posed by individuals who overstay their visas
in the United States. Members questioned the administration and
private witnesses about progress with implementing the U.S.
VISIT entry-exit system for visitors to the United States and
efforts to respond appropriately to individuals who are
suspected to have remained in this country beyond their
authorized period of stay.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on the aftermath of Flight 253
and actions taken by the administration to address newly
exposed vulnerabilities in visa security. On August 25, 2010,
Chairman Thompson and the Subcommittee Chairwoman Jackson Lee
led other a request to GAO to undertake a review of issues
related to the terrorist watchlisting process.
VIEWS ON CURRENT HOMELAND SECURITY THREATS FROM WEAPONS OF MASS
DESTRUCTION COMMISSIONERS
In 2007, under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53), the Congress authorized
the creation an independent, bipartisan Commission for the
Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and
Terrorism (the Commission) to implement a key 9/11 Commission
recommendation - to address the grave threat that the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses to our
country.
The Congressionally-chartered Commission, lead by Former
Senator Bob Graham (Chair) and Former Senator Jim Talent (Vice-
Chair), was charged with assessing current Federal activities,
initiatives, and programs to prevent Weapons of Mass
Destruction (WMD) proliferation and terrorism, and to provide a
clear and comprehensive strategy and concrete recommendations
to address the WMD threat. The Commission focused on the two
WMD categories that have the greatest potential to kill the
largest numbers - biological and nuclear.
Pursuant to its statutory duties, the Commission submitted
a report to the President and Congress regarding its findings
and recommendations in December 2008. Subsequently, in January
2010, the Commission released a Prevention of WMD Proliferation
and Terrorism Report Card, assessing actions to-date taken by
the U.S. to address the recommendations made in World at Risk.
On April 21, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a hearing entitled ``Viewpoints on Homeland Security: A
Discussion with the WMD Commissioners.'' The Committee received
testimony from Hon. Bob Graham, Former Commission Chairman, the
Commission for the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Proliferation and Terrorism; and Hon. Jim Talent, Former
Commission Vice-Chairman of the Commission for the Prevention
of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss Commission
findings and recommendations for Administrative action as well
as Congressional legislation and oversight, and take testimony
on the Commissioners' views of the status of current efforts to
counter the WMD threat and views of forthcoming CHS legislation
to address the threat.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to work on implementing the recommendations of the
WMD Commission. On June 10, 2010, Mr. Pascrell of New Jersey
and Mr. King of New York introduced to the House H.R. 5498, WMD
Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2010, with Chairman
Thompson, and Ms. Yvette Clarke of New York, and Mr. Daniel E.
Lungren of California as original co-sponsors. This legislation
enhances homeland security by improving efforts to prevent,
deter, prepare for, detect, attribute, respond to, and recover
from an attack with a weapon of mass destruction, and for other
purposes. On June 23, 2010, the Committee considered the
measure and ordered it to be reported to the House.
VIEWS ON CURRENT HOMELAND SECURITY THREATS FROM 9/11 COMMISSIONERS
In 2002, under the Intelligence Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2003 (P. L. 107-306) the Congress authorized the
creation of an independent, bipartisan National Commission on
Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (hereinafter ``9/11
Commission'') to examine the facts surrounding the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001 and make recommendations
concerning how the United States could better protect itself
against future terrorist attacks. The 9/11 Commission held
twelve public hearings between March 2003 and June 2004 and,
consistent with its congressional mandate, released a report on
July 22, 2004.
In the 9/11 Commission report, the Commissioners found that
the attacks were the result of four failures ``in imagination,
policy, capabilities, and management.'' The Commission
presented 41 recommendations that, among other things,
recommended that Congress should create a single, principal
point of oversight and review for homeland security. Based on
those recommendations, in 2007, the Congress passed the
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act (P.L.
110-53).
On May 19, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``Viewpoints on Homeland Security: A
Discussion with the 9/11 Commissioners.'' The Committee
received testimony from Hon. Thomas Kean, Former Commission
Chairman, The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the
United States; and Hon. Lee Hamilton, Former Commission Vice-
Chairman, The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the
United States.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss progress on the
recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and to get their
viewpoints on the state of homeland security and intelligence.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to work extensively on conducting oversight of the
implementation of the recommendations made by the 9/11
Commission.
PASSENGER SECURITY CHECKPOINTS
On April 28, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security held
a classified Member briefing on the processes and technologies
at airport passenger security checkpoints with representatives
from the Department of Homeland Security.
MAY 1, 2010 ATTEMPTED BOMBING IN NEW YORK CITY
On May 6, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security received
a joint classified Member briefing with Members of the House
Leadership, the Committee on the Judiciary, the House Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence; the Committee on
Appropriations Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, Science;
Homeland Security; Defense; and the Select Intelligence
Oversight Panel, on the attempted May 1, 2010, bombing of Times
Square in New York City.
On May 13, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
Member briefing on TSA and CBP processes for vetting of
passengers on the watchlist. The briefing examined the Times
Square bombing attempt and the suspect's effort to flee the
U.S. on a commercial air carrier. Representatives from the
Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border
Protection, and the Terrorist Screening Center gave the
briefing.
CYBERSECURITY
Like other national security challenges in the post 9/11
era, the cyber threat is multifaceted and lacks clearly
delineated boundaries. Some cyber attackers operate through
foreign nations' military or intelligence-gathering operations,
whereas others have connections to terrorist groups or operate
as individuals. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the
home to the National Cyber Security Center, a clearinghouse to
coordinate information from all agencies to help secure cyber
networks and systems, foster collaboration and improve
situational awareness. DHS established the National Cyber
Security Division (NCSD) in June 2003 to serve as a national
focal point for addressing cyber security issues and to
coordinate implementation of the cyber security strategy within
the United States. NCSD reports to the Assistant Secretary and
is headed by the Office of the Director. It is comprised of
four branches: United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team
(US-CERT); Law Enforcement and Intelligence; Outreach and
Awareness, and Strategic Initiatives.
US-CERT is the operational arm of NCSD and is charged with
protecting the nation's Internet infrastructure by coordinating
defense against, and response to, cyber attacks. In addition,
US-CERT is responsible for analyzing and reducing cyber threats
and vulnerabilities, disseminating cyber trend and analysis
information and coordinating incident response activities. When
cyber incidents occur, agencies should notify US-CERT.
Currently, DHS strategy to secure the .gov domain consists of
two parts, reduce the number of external connections to the
internet, and then monitor the traffic into and out of the .gov
domain for malicious activity.
On June 16, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security held a
hearing entitled ``Cybersecurity: DHS' Role, Federal Efforts
and National Policy.'' The Committee received testimony from
Hon. Greg Schaffer, Assistant Secretary, Cybersecurity and
Communications, Department of Homeland Security; Hon. Richard
Skinner, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Gregory Wilshusen, Director, Information Technology,
Government Accountability Office; and Hon. Stewart A. Baker,
Partner, Steptoe & Johnson, LLP.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony on DHS's
efforts to secure cyberspace. Members also discussed with the
DHS Inspector General's recent assessment of US-CERT titled
``U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team Makes Progress in
Securing Cyberspace, but Challenges Remain,'' which was
publicly released at the hearing. The Inspector General made
the following seven recommendations to the National Protection
and Programs Directorate (NPPD) and US-CERT: must improve its
management oversight by developing a strategic plan,
establishing performance measures, and approving policies and
procedures to ensure that its analysis and warning program is
effective, ensure that it has sufficient staff to perform its
mission, improve its information sharing and communications
coordination efforts with the public, and improve its
situational awareness and identification capability by
monitoring the federal cyber infrastructure for network
anomalies in real-time.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to work extensively on ensuring NPPD and US-CERT
implements the OIG's recommendations.
THE BIPARTISAN POLICY COMMITTEE'S ASSESSMENT OF EVOLVING NATURE OF
TERRORISM
On September 15, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``The Evolving Nature of Terrorism -
Nine Years after the 9/11 Attacks.'' The Committee received
testimony from Mr. Peter Bergen, Counterterrorism Strategy
Initiative Co-Director, New America Foundation; Dr. Bruce
Hoffman, Professor, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service,
Georgetown University; and Stephen Flynn, PhD., President,
Center for National Policy. Mr. Bergen, Dr. Hoffman ad Dr,
Flynn were co-authors of a report issued on September 10, 2010,
by the Bipartisan Policy Center's National Security
Preparedness Group entitled ``Assessing the Terrorist Threat.''
The purpose of this hearing was to take testimony from the
co-authors of the Bipartisan Policy Center's National Security
Preparedness Group report. Members had the opportunity to ask
the authors about their findings on the evolving terrorist
threat since the September 11, 2001 attacks and what policy
recommendations they propose for U.S. government officials to
counter the evolving threat.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
continued to work extensively on continuing to follow the
evolving terrorist threat.
DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL
On April 20, 2010, an explosion and fire occurred on the
Deepwater Horizon oil rig, located approximately 72 miles
southeast of Venice, Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. Four days
after the explosion, through the use of remotely operated
underwater vehicles it was determined that oil was leaking from
the rig. As the primary responders in U.S. coastal waters, the
U.S. Coast Guard's (Coast Guard) response to the BP oil spill
began immediately after the explosion as an emergency search-
and-rescue mission. On April 21, pursuant to the National Oil
and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), Rear
Admiral Mary Landry was named the Federal On-Scene Coordinator
and a Regional Response Team was stood up. This team included
the Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the
Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Commerce (DOC), and
Interior (DOI), as well as state and local representatives. On
April 29, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano
designated the oil spill as a Spill of National Significance
(SONS).
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
began to work extensively on conducting oversight on federal
government's response efforts to the oil spill. On June 21,
2010, the Committee on Homeland Security conducted a site visit
to the New Orleans, Louisiana area to examine the homeland
security and response issues associated with the Deepwater
Horizon oil spill. After the site visit, on June 28, 2010,
Chairman Bennie Thompson requested the General Accountability
Office to review the security requirements for offshore oil
rigs. In addition, on July 12, 2010, the Subcommittee on
Management, Investigations, and Oversight conducted a field
hearing in New Orleans, LA entitled: ``The Deepwater Horizon
Oil Spill Chain of Command: An Examination of Information
Sharing Practices During a Spill of National Significance.''
During the hearing, Members had the opportunity to examine the
command structure, including roles and responsibilities, for
the response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
On July 15, the leak was stopped by capping the gushing
well after it released about 4.9 million barrels of crude oil.
It has been estimated that 53,000 barrels per day escaped from
the well just before it was capped. Experts have stated that
the daily flow rate diminished over time, starting at about
62,000 barrels per day and decreasing as the undersea reservoir
of oil was gradually depleted.
On September 19, 2010, almost exactly five months after the
initial explosion, BP announced that the well had been
effectively killed, ending the flow of oil into the Gulf of
Mexico.
On September 22, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a hearing entitled ``DHS Planning and Response:
Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater Horizon.'' The Committee
received testimony from Mr. Kevin Costner, Ocean Therapy
Solutions; Hon. Craig Paul Taffaro, Jr., President, St. Bernard
Parish, Louisiana, Mr. Richard ``Rich'' M. Chavez, Acting
Director, Operations Coordination and Planning, Department of
Homeland Security; RADM Peter V. Neffenger, (USCG), Deputy
National Incident Commander, Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Response; Hon. Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General,
Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. William O. Jenkins,
Jr., Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government
Accountability Office.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony from
administration officials about lessons learned from the
planning and response to the Oil Spill. Members also examined
the role of DHS in incident management of the Oil Spill and
whether it was prepared to work under the National Response
Framework in coordinating all agencies involved in a federal
response effort.
Currently, the Committee is awaiting a review from the DHS
Office of the Inspector General describing the relationship
between BP and the Mineral Management Service (MMS). Also, the
Committee awaits a review of the national contingency plan and
BP's relationship with the government, and after action
memorandum from administration officials involved in response
efforts to the Oil Spill.
TSA ENHANCED SCREENING AT AIRPORTS
On September 22, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
held a Member briefing with representatives from the
Transportation Security Administration on the Transportation
Security Administration's enhanced physical screening
procedures at airport security checkpoints.
INTEGRATED PUBLIC ALERT AND WARNING SYSTEM
On September 23, 2010, the Members of the Committee on
Homeland Security participated in a demonstration and briefing
with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management
Agency on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
(IPAWS).
AIR CARGO SECURITY
On November 16, 2010, the Members of the Committee on
Homeland Security received a classified briefing on air cargo
security and the recent incident relating to cargo from the
Republic of Yemen. Members were briefed by representatives from
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National
Counterterrorism Center, DHS Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, Transportation Security Administration, and Customs
and Border Protection.
STAFFDEL MARITIME SECURITY
From December 5 through 13, 2010, Committee Staff conducted
a Staff Delegation to Kingdom of Morocco, the Republic of
Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Committee Staff examined
counter-terrorism, maritime, and port security issues.
THREAT UPDATE
On December 2, 2010, the Members of the Committee on
Homeland Security received a classified Member-Only briefing on
the greatest homeland security threats to the Nation.
On December 17, 2010, the Members of the Committee on
Homeland Security as well as the House Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence, the House Armed Services Committee,
the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, and select Subcommittees of
the Committee on Appropriations received a classified Member-
Only briefing on current threats. The Members were briefed by
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security
including, the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, the
Transportation Security Administration, and Customs and Border
Enforcement.
----------
Full Committee Hearings Held
``DHS: The Path Forward.'' February 25, 2009. (Serial No. 111-
1)
``Examining 287(g): The Role of State and Local Law Enforcement
in Immigration Law.'' March 4, 2009. (Serial No. 111-3)
``Homeland Security Policymaking: HSC at a Crossroads and
Presidential Study Directive 1.'' April 2, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-16)
``The President's FY2010 Budget Request for the Department of
Homeland Security.'' May 13, 2009. (Serial No. 111-19)
H.R. 2868, the ``Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of
2009.'' June 16, 2009. (Serial No. 111-25)
``FEMA Housing: An Examination of Current Problems and
Innovative Solutions.'' July 8, 2009. (Serial No. 111-
27)
``Beyond Readiness: An Examination of the Current Status and
Future Outlook of the National Response to Pandemic
Influenza.'' July 29, 2009. (Serial No. 111-32)
``Diversity at The Department of Homeland Security: Continuing
Challenges and New Opportunities.'' October 14, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-39)
``Federal Protective Service: Will Continuing Challenges Weaken
Transition and Impede Progress?'' November 18, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-43)
``The United States Secret Service and Presidential Protection:
An Examination of a System Failure.'' December 3, 2009,
January 20, 2010. (Serial No. 111-46)
``Flight 253: Learning Lessons from an Averted Tragedy.''
January 27, 2010. (Serial No. 111-51)
``The President's FY 2011 Budget Request for the Department of
Homeland Security.'' February 25, 2010. (Serial No.
111-53)
``Visa Overstays: Can They be Eliminated?'' March 25, 2010.
(Serial No. 111-60)
``Federal Protective Service: Would Federalization of Guards
Improve Security at Critical Facilities?'' April 14,
2010.(Serial No. 111-61)
``Viewpoints on Homeland Security: A Discussion with the WMD
Commissioners.'' April 21, 2010. (Serial No. 111-63)
``Viewpoints on Homeland Security: A Discussion with the 9/11
Commissioners.'' May 19, 2010. (Serial No. 111-63)
``Cybersecurity: DHS' Role, Federal Efforts and National
Policy.'' June 16, 2010. (Serial No. 111-71)
``The Evolving Nature of Terrorism - Nine Years after the 9/11
Attacks.'' September 15, 2010. (Serial No. 111-79)
``DHS Planning and Response: Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater
Horizon.'' September 22, 2010. (Serial No. 111-80)
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk
Assessment
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney,
Pennsylvania
Yevette D. Clarke, New York
Laura Richardson,
California
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Bennie G. Thompson,
Mississippi
(Ex
Officio) Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Tom Graves, Georgia
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
------
The Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment held 11 days of hearings and received
testimony from 41 witnesses.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR COUNTERTERRORISM ACTIVITIES
On February 26, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
Classified Member briefing on strategic operational planning
for U.S. Government counterterrorism activities.
CYBER THREATS TO FEDERAL NETWORKS
On March 5, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology and the Subcommittee
on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk
Assessment held a joint Classified Member briefing on
cybersecurity threats to United States Federal networks.
HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE
On March 18, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``Homeland Security Intelligence: Its
Relevance and Limitations.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Commander Joan McNamara, Los Angeles Police
Department, Los Angeles, State of California; Sheriff Douglas
C. Gillespie, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Las
Vegas, State of Nevada; Mr. Gary Edwards, Chief Executive
Officer, National Native American Law Enforcement Association;
Chief John W. Gaissert, Commerce Police Department, Commerce,
State of Georgia; Ms. Caroline Fredrickson, Director,
Washington Legislative Office, American Civil Liberties Union;
Mr. Gregory T. Nojeim, Director, Project on Freedom, Security &
Technology, Center for Democracy & Technology; and Ms. Kate
Martin, Director Center for National Security Studies.
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Congress has focused
attention not only on how intelligence is collected, analyzed,
and disseminated in order to protect the nation against
terrorism but also on the questions of what ``homeland security
intelligence'' is, who produces it, and who its customers are.
During the 111th Congress, the Subcommittee conducted various
oversight activities, including holding a hearing, examining
the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) intelligence
enterprise and associated issues.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony regarding
homeland security intelligence, including its relevance,
collectors, and customers. The hearing informed the
Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding the DHS's Office
of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), and its intelligence and
information collection activities.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee continued to
conduct oversight on homeland security intelligence, including
intelligence gathering and information sharing. Subsequently,
on June 24, 2009, the Subcommittee held a budget hearing for
I&A. Further, on September 24, 2009 the Subcommittee held
another I&A related hearing entitled ``I&A Reconceived:
Defining a Homeland Security Intelligence Role,'' which focused
on homeland security information sharing between I&A and state
and local agencies. The topic was again revisited during the
May 12, 2010 hearing ``A DHS Intelligence Enterprise: Still
Just a Vision or Reality?'' At that hearing the competing
priorities of horizontal homeland security information sharing
at the Federal level versus the vertical information sharing to
the state and local levels through fusion centers were
examined.
FUTURE OF FUSION CENTERS
On April 1, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``The Future of Fusion Centers: Potential
Promise and Dangers.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Sheriff Leroy Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department;
Mr. Russell M. Porter, Director, State of Iowa Intelligence
Fusion Center; Mr. Robert Riegle, Director, State and Local
Program Office, Office of Intelligence & Analysis, Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. John E. Bateman, Assistant Commander,
Bureau of Information Analysis, Texas Department of Public
Safety; Mr. Bruce Fein, Principal, The Litchfield Group; Mr.
Ned Norris, Jr., Chairman, Tohono O'odham Nation; and Mr. David
Gersten, Acting Deputy Officer for Programs and Compliance,
Department of Homeland Security.
One of the primary oversight priorities for the
Subcommittee during the 111th Congress was information sharing
across intelligence agencies within the federal government and
between federal, state, and local homeland security entities.
The national fusion center network plays a central role in the
vertical sharing of information between the federal government
and state and local agencies. Prior to this hearing, in January
of 2009, Chairman Thompson requested the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of the support
provided by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's)
Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to the national
fusion center network.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine two recent
updates on the continued evolution of the national fusion
center network: (1) a DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)
report entitled ``DHS' Role in State and Local Fusion Centers
Is Evolving'', which had been requested by Chairman Thompson
and released on December 2008, about the development of fusion
centers; and (2) new fusion center operational baselines
generated by DHS, Department of Justice, and the Global Justice
Initiative. The Subcommittee took testimony focused on the
promise of fusion centers in terms of more and better
information sharing; the challenges the centers are facing; the
extent to which provisions of the Implementing Recommendations
of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53) pertaining to
fusion centers have been implemented; and how they can be
further improved. Testimony also highlighted the potential
pitfalls that fusion centers could face, and how to address
those challenges. The hearing highlighted several of the
Subcommittee's oversight priorities, including information
sharing, intelligence gathering, and the DHS I&A.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee continued to
monitor the development of the national fusion center network's
progress, with an emphasis on the support provided to it by I&A
and DHS. In addition to other oversight activities, on August
12-13, 2010, the Subcommittee led a staff delegation to South
Carolina to examine the South Carolina Intelligence and
Information Center, focusing on Federal Bureau of Investigation
and DHS I&A support to the Center as well as its effectiveness
in gathering intelligence information and responding to
threats.
FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET REQUEST
On June 24, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``FY2010 Budget for the Office of Intelligence
and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Bart R. Johnson,
Acting Under Secretary, Office of Intelligence and Analysis,
Department of Homeland Security.
On May 7, 2009 the President submitted to the Congress the
Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Budget Request. In the budget request,
the President requested funds for the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS's) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A),
which includes funding requests for both I&A and the Office of
Operations Coordination and Planning (OPS). By including I&A's
budget request with OPS, I&A is able to conceal its classified
funding and personnel figures. While these two offices operate
independently, they share DHS's mission of protecting the
homeland. After the release of the President's FY 2010 budget
request, the Subcommittee expressed funding support for the
Interagency Threat Assessment Coordination Group and state and
local fusion centers, and expressed budgetary concerns about
DHS's over-reliance on contractors to perform intelligence
related activities. Further, on May 6, 2009, Chairman Thompson
and Subcommittee Chair Harman requested a review of the
National Application Office for privacy and civil liberties
violations. A day before the hearing, on June 23, 2009, the
Secretary of Homeland Security announced the termination of the
National Applications Office program.
The purpose of this hearing was to assess DHS I&A's budget
priorities, as expressed in the President's FY 2010 Budget
Request. This hearing was divided into two portions, the first
of which occurred in public session to address DHS's top-line
budget request for I&A and to take unclassified testimony from
Mr. Johnson. At the conclusion of the open session, the hearing
entered into Executive Session and took classified testimony
from Mr. Johnson pertaining to sensitive I&A priorities,
operations, and resource requests in the FY 2010 budget.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to examine I&A's over-reliance on contractors, and
continually monitored the I&A's progress in reducing contractor
support. Under Secretary Wagner noted during the Subcommittee's
May 12, 2010 hearing ``A DHS Intelligence Enterprise: Still
Just a Vision or Reality?'' that the percentage of contractors
in the I&A workforce had been reduced to 55%, a moderate
reduction.
NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY SATELLITE IMAGERY
On July 21, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
Member briefing on the authorities, procedures, and processes
for requesting National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
satellite imagery, as used by DHS components under the existing
legal framework.
INFORMATION SHARING ENVIRONMENT IMPLEMENTATION
On July 30, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``Beyond ISE Implementation: Exploring the Way
Forward for Information Sharing.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Ambassador Thomas E. McNamara, Program Manager,
Information Sharing Environment, Office of the Director of
National Intelligence; Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes,
Superintendent, New Jersey State Police; and Mr. Jeffrey H.
Smith, Steering Committee, Markle Foundation.
The Information Sharing Environment (ISE) is a program
Congress mandates under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA, P.L. 108-458). The Act requires
the President to take action to facilitate ``the sharing of
terrorism and homeland security information, which may include
any method determined necessary and appropriate.'' The
President fulfilled this Congressional requirement by
appointing a Program Manager (PM-ISE) responsible for creating
and managing the ISE and by establishing the Information
Sharing Council (ISC). In addition, IRTPA requires the PM-ISE
to submit an annual performance report to the Congress
beginning no later than two years after its enactment. Under
these requirements, the PM-ISE subsequently released to the
Congress its Implementation Plan (dated November 2006), and
three Annual Reports released on September 2007, June 2008, and
June 2009.
The purpose of the hearing was to explore the current
status of ISE's initiative for information sharing and its and
the future outlook, examine the ISE's Annual Reports to the
Congress, and broader recommendations for improving information
sharing horizontally with Federal agencies and vertically with
State and local entities.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on ISE and its information
sharing related activities.
Additionally, based on oversight findings about the
challenges to information systems, Chairwoman Harman sponsored
the ``Reducing Over-Classification Act'' which was enacted into
law on October 7, 2010 (P.L. 111-258; H.R. 553).
INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYSIS
On September 24, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``I&A Reconceived: Defining a Homeland
Security Intelligence Role.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Bart R. Johnson, Acting Under Secretary,
Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland
Security.
Throughout the 111th Congress, the Subcommittee has
conducted vigorous oversight on the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS's) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A),
helping it grow and refine its mission. For example, in January
2009, Chairman Bennie Thompson requested the General
Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review of the support
activities provided by I&A to state and local governments, with
an emphasis on an examination of the national fusion center
network. In September 2010, GAO released its findings to the
Committee in a report, entitled ``Information Sharing: DHS
Could Better Define How it Plans to Meet Its State and Local
Mission and Improve Performance Accountability.'' Building on
previous 111th Subcommittee hearings on I&A, the purpose of
this hearing was to take testimony regarding efforts to improve
intelligence and information sharing processes at the DHS. At
the hearing, Members expressed concerned with a lack of
strategic focus from I&A It was also noted that although DHS
released a DHS Intelligence Enterprise Strategic Vision in
2006, it did not include a strategic plan for I&A. Acting Under
Secretary Bart Johnson, also announced at the hearing, that I&A
was undergoing a strategic realignment to better align its
organization to serve its mission.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on I&A and monitor its progress
under a strategic realignment. Further, the Subcommittee held a
follow-up hearing on May 12, 2010 with the newly Senate
confirmed Under Secretary Caryn Wagner and received further
insight into I&A's organizational realignment.
INTERAGENCY THREAT ASSESSMENT COORDINATION GROUP
On October 28, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a Member
briefing with representatives from the Interagency Threat
Assessment Coordination Group (ITACG).
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY REPORTING
On November 3, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
Member--only briefing on Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)
program.
THREAT OF AL-QAEDA
On November 19, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``Reassessing the Evolving al-Qaeda Threat to
the Homeland.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.
Peter Bergen, Senior Research Fellow, American Strategy
Program, and Co-Director, Counterterrorism Strategy Initiative,
New America Foundation; Dr. Martha Crenshaw, Senior Fellow,
Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford
University; Dr. Paul R. Pillar, Professor and Director of
Graduate Studies, Security Studies Program, Georgetown
University; and Lt. Gen. David W. Barno (Ret. US Army),
Director, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies,
National Defense University Department of Defense.
The Subcommittee has held regular intelligence and threat
briefings throughout the 111th Congress in order to provide
Members with a full threat picture of homeland security
activities and operations. These briefings have also assisted
the Subcommittee conduct oversight on the agencies engaging in
relevant intelligence gathering, threat reporting, and
counterterrorism, including an October 1, 2009 briefing on the
Najibullah Zazi terror plot. At the briefing, representatives
from the intelligence community briefed Members of a plot
involving Zazi and his intention to detonate explosives on the
New York City subway during rush hour as one of three
coordinated suicide ``martyrdom'' bombings. Subsequently, the
Subcommittee held a hearing to further investigate the
continuous threat al-Qaeda and other terrorists pose to the
United States.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony regarding
the current threat al-Qaeda posed to the homeland in light of
recent United States counterterrorism activities and war-
fighting policy. The hearing informed the Subcommittee's
oversight activities regarding DHS's intelligence and
information collection activities.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to monitor the evolving terrorist threat to the
United States. The Subcommittee continued to hold monthly
classified briefings, and also held topical classified
briefings, including a February 24, 2010 briefing on the Fort
Hood shooting, and a July 15, 2010 briefing on the al-Qaeda
Inspire Magazine.
VIOLENT EXTREMISM
On December 15, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``Violent Extremism: How Are People Moved from
Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of Terrorism?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. James Zogby,
President, Arab American Institute; Mr. Michael W. MacLeod-
Ball, Acting Director, American Civil Liberties Union; Dr.
Stevan Weine, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Illinois
at Chicago; and Dr. R. Kim Craigin, Senior Policy Analyst, RAND
Corporation.
By the end of 2009 it became apparent that the amount of
``homegrown'' terrorist plots - those either planned and
carried out on US soil, or carried out by US citizens - was on
the rise. The foiled terror plot by Najibullah Zazi and the
Fort Hood massacre carried out by Nidal Hasan underscored the
need for the Congress and the federal government to obtain a
better understanding of the ideologies, social circumstances,
and environments that can lead to homegrown violent extremism,
as well as reassess current government counterterrorism efforts
to reflect the increased threat to the homeland, while also
ensuring that citizens' privacy and civil liberties are
protected. The Committee and the Subcommittee has continued to
push for a substantive debate on these issues, including
holding progressive hearings to create forums for discussion.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony regarding
possible risk factors and pre-incident indicators of terrorist
activity. The hearing informed the Subcommittee's oversight
activities regarding Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's)
intelligence and information collection activities, and privacy
and civil liberties protection.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to contribute to the debate about homegrown violent
extremism, and continued to conducted oversight of intelligence
gathering, information sharing and counterterrorism efforts in
the United States. For example, the Subcommittee held a hearing
on March 17, 2010 on government efforts to engage in community
outreach in communities at risk for radicalization and violent
extremism, a crucial step in combating terrorism. Further, on
May 26, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the
role of the internet in radicalization, recruitment, and
plotting by terrorist organizations. This was followed by a
July 21, 2010 briefing from DHS and the National
Counterterrorism Center's Global Engagement Group on further
community outreach efforts in the effort to combat homegrown
violent extremism.
UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
From January 7-8, 2010, the Subcommittee Chair led a Member
site visit to the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) in
Tampa, Florida. The Members also examined the current
operations at the Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Naval Station
Guantanamo Bay. Members assessed the involvement of Department
of Homeland Security equities at that location.
WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES
On March 17, 2010, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``Working with Communities to Disrupt Terror
Plots.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms. Margo
Schlanger, Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties,
Department of Homeland Security; Supervisory Special Agent
Brett Hovington, Chief of the Community Outreach Unit, Federal
Bureau of Investigation; Sheriff Leroy Baca, Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department; Mr. Omar Alomari, Community Engagement
Officer, Ohio Department of Public Safety; Mr. Mohamed
Elibiary, President & CEO, The Freedom and Justice Foundation;
Professor Deborah A. Ramirez, Executive Director, Partnering
for Prevention and Community Safety, Northeastern University
School of Law; and Mr. Clark Kent Ervin, Director, The Aspen
Institute.
In light of a number of acts of homegrown violent extremism
in the United States, many of which were foiled with the
cooperation of community groups and leaders, many government
agencies began to reassess their community outreach programs.
In conjunction, the Subcommittee increased its oversight
efforts on community outreach programs at the federal
government, specifically at the Department of Homeland
Security. Programs that the Subcommittee evaluated included
DHS's Engagement Team (E-Team) at the Office of Civil Rights
and Civil Liberties, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's
field offices, and the National Counterterrorism Center's
(NCTC's) Global Engagement Group. At the conclusion of its
evaluation, the Subcommittee discovered that these programs
performed poorly and it was a result of the administration not
having an overall, comprehensive strategy for combating
homegrown violent extremism. As a result, government efforts at
the federal, state, and local levels had been poorly
coordinated.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimonies from
federal and local government officials, community engagement
advocates, and academic experts on efforts to work with at-risk
communities in countering violent extremism. Based on these
testimonies, the Subcommittee was able to extract a consensus
on what are the best practices for working with at-risk
communities in order to determine the best strategy at the
federal level for doing so.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to examine the federal, state, and local efforts to
engage with communities at risk for homegrown violent
extremism, including the Muslim community. The subcommittee
held a May 26th, 2010 hearing to examine the role of the
internet in recruiting, which also touched upon the need to
engage with communities to raise the awareness of this growing
issue. Further, on July 21st, 2010, the subcommittee held a
briefing with officials from NCTC and the DHS to examine the
NCTC's Global Engagement Group, including the programs it uses
to conduct outreach to communities and raise awareness of
homegrown violent extremism.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTELLIGENCE ENTERPRISE
On May 12, 2010, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``A DHS Intelligence Enterprise: Still Just a
Vision or Reality?'' the Subcommittee received testimony from
Hon. Caryn A. Wagner, Under Secretary, Office of Intelligence
and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. Bart
Johnson, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security.
One particular oversight priority for the Subcommittee was
the Office of Intelligence and Analysis's (I&A's) role in the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Intelligence Enterprise.
The DHS Intelligence Enterprise is designed to horizontally
coordinate all intelligence and information sharing efforts
Department-wide in order to safeguard the country from
terrorism and other security threats. The DHS Intelligence
Enterprise is comprised of I&A, two headquarters offices, and
the intelligence functions of Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Coast Guard, the
Transportation and Security Administration, and the U.S. Secret
Service. The Director of I&A, who serves as the Under Secretary
for Intelligence and Analysis, also serves as the Chief
Intelligence Officer for DHS, as well as the as head of the DHS
Intelligence Enterprise. A key oversight focus for the
subcommittee was assessing the progress of the DHS Intelligence
Enterprise, to ensure that all component agencies and
headquarters elements at DHS are sharing information and
coordinating operations to safeguard the country.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony regarding
efforts to improve and solidify the DHS Intelligence
Enterprise, as well as strategic planning for I&A.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to stress the importance of the state and local
information sharing mission, in addition to I&A's mission to
coordinate intelligence at the Federal level. Further, the
Subcommittee continued to conduct oversight of I&A, including
holding a hearing on September 29, 2010 to receive testimony on
I&A's efforts to coordinate information sharing among DHS
Headquarters elements.
INTERNET TERROR RECRUITMENT
On May 26, 2010, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``Internet Terror Recruitment and Tradecraft:
How Can We Address an Evolving Tool While Protecting Free
Speech?'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Bruce
Hoffman, Professor, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service,
Georgetown University; Mr. Brian Jenkins, Senior Adviser, The
RAND Corporation; Mr. Anthony Romero, Executive Director,
American Civil Liberties Union; Mr. John Morris, General
Counsel, Center for Democracy and Technology; Mr. John Philip
Mudd, Senior Research Fellow, Counterterrorism Strategy
Initiative, New America Foundation.
As the number of incidents involving homegrown violent
extremism spiked in 2009 and early 2010, new dimensions to the
evolving terrorist threat became apparent. A major evolution in
terrorist activity was their usage of the internet for
radicalization, recruitment, and operational purposes. The
Subcommittee had examined this problem in the past, namely
during the December 15, 2009 hearing entitled ``Violent
Extremism: How are People Moved from Constitutionally Protected
Thought to Acts of Terrorism.'' While the December 2009 hearing
examined the usage of the internet by terrorists, it did not
examine the issue in depth; therefore, the Subcommittee decided
to hold another hearing to further examine the internet
recruitment issue.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony regarding
the role of the internet in radicalization, recruitment, and
terrorist operations, as well as the extent to which law
enforcement efforts to counter this use of the internet are
balanced with civil liberties guaranteed by the First and
Fourth Amendments to the United States Constitution. The
hearing reflected and extended several of the Subcommittee's
oversight priorities, including information sharing,
intelligence gathering, and ensuring that these priorities are
consistent with privacy and civil liberties protection.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on the issue of internet
radicalization.
CURRENT THREAT STREAMS
On May 27, 2010, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
classified Member-only briefing on current threat streams.
Members were briefed by the Director of the National Counter
Terrorism Center.
AL-QAEDA IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA'S INSPIRE MAGAZINE
On July 15, 2010, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
classified Member-only briefing on the release of Al-Qaeda in
the Arabian Peninsula's (AQAP) Inspire magazine as well as
background information and current threats posed by al-Shabaab
an al-Qaeda affiliate.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS BRIEFING
On July 21, 2010, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a Member
briefing on the National Counterterrorism Center's efforts to
counter terrorist recruitment in the United States through the
use of a Community Awareness Briefing developed by the Global
Engagement Group.
OFFICE OF INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYSIS IN BORDER COMMUNITIES
On September 29, 2010, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``Is the Office of Intelligence and Analysis
Adequately Connected to the Border Homeland Communities?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Caryn A. Wagner,
Under Secretary, Office of Intelligence and Analysis,
Department of Homeland Security.
Throughout the 111th Congress, the subcommittee conducted
vigorous oversight on the Department of Homeland Security's
(DHS's) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), including
holding various hearings evaluating its operations and
performance and examining its evolving relationship with state
and local government entities. For example, the Subcommittee
held a hearing on May 12, 2010, examining the DHS Intelligence
Enterprise and I&A's strategic realignment, which primarily
focused on the Chief Intelligence Officer's role in
coordinating the Homeland Security Intelligence Enterprise.
Since that hearing, the Subcommittee continued to conduct its
oversight activities on I&A, and subsequently, called for an
update to be presented at this hearing.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony examining
I&A and Under Secretary Wagner's interaction with the DHS
headquarters elements, and focused on the need for improvements
in certain areas.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on I&A, DHS's intelligence and
information collection activities, information sharing, threat
communications and advisories, and the National Operations
Center.
THREATS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
On December 2, 2010, the Members of the Subcommittee on
Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk
Assessment held a classified Member-only counter-intelligence
briefing from the Department of Homeland Security.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Homeland Security Intelligence: Its Relevance and
Limitations.'' March 18, 2009. (Serial No. 111-9)
``The Future of Fusion Centers: Potential Promise and
Dangers.'' April 1, 2009. (Serial No. 111-14)
``FY2010 Budget for the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of
the Department of Homeland Security.'' June 24, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-26)
``Beyond ISE Implementation: Exploring the Way Forward for
Information Sharing.'' July 30, 2009. (Serial No. 111-
33)
``I&A Reconceived: Defining a Homeland Security Intelligence
Role.'' September 24, 2009. (Serial No. 111-36)
``Reassessing the Evolving al-Qa`ida Threat to the Homeland.''
November 19, 2009. (Serial No. 111-45)
``Violent Extremism: How Are People Moved from
Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of
Terrorism?'' December 15, 2009. (Serial No. 111-48)
``Working with Communities to Disrupt Terror Plots.'' March 17,
2010. (Serial No. 111-57)
``A DHS Intelligence Enterprise: Still Just a Vision or
Reality?'' May 12, 2010. (Serial No. 111-66)
``Internet Terror Recruitment and Tradecraft: How Can We
Address an Evolving Tool While Protecting Free
Speech?'' May 26, 2010. (Serial No. 111-67)
``Is the Office of Intelligence and Analysis Adequately
Connected to the Broader Homeland Communities?''
September 29, 2010. (Serial No. 111-83)
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon
Eleanor Holmes Norton,
District of Columbia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Dina Titus, Nevada
Vacancy
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,
Mississippi
(Ex
Officio) Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Daniel E. Lungren, California
Pete Olson, Texas
Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Steve Austria, Ohio
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
The Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection held 11 days of hearings, receiving
testimony from 55 witnesses, and considered one measure.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT
H.R. 2200 (H.R. 2503)
To authorize the Transportation Security Administration's
programs relating to the provision of transportation security,
and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2200 was introduced in the House on April 30, 2009, by
Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, Mr. Dent, and Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2200 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure
Protection.
On May 6, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation Security
and Infrastructure Protection considered H.R. 2200 and ordered
the measure forwarded, amended, to the Full Committee with the
recommendation that it be adopted by voice vote.
On May 14, 2009, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 2200 and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
On May 15, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Science and
Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security indicating jurisdictional interests in H.R.
2200. The letter further indicated that, in order to expedite
consideration of the measure by the full House, the Committee
on Science and Technology would not seek a sequential referral
of the bill. On that same day, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee
on Science and Technology acknowledging the jurisdictional
interest of the Committee on Science and Technology and the
agreement for the Committee to not seek a sequential referral
of H.R. 2200.
On May 19, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Small
Business sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security asserting jurisdictional claims over section
103 of the bill and requesting that section 103 be struck in
the Manager's amendment. On that same date, the Chair of the
Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Small Business acknowledging the
jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Small Business and
agreeing to offer a Manager's amendment with section 103 struck
from the bill.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 2200 to
the House on May 19, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-123.
The Committee on Rules met on May 21, 2009, and reported a
Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 2200. Rule filed
in the House as H. Res. 474.
The House considered H.R. 2200 under the provisions of H.
Res. 474 on June 4, 2009, and passed the bill, amended, by a
recorded vote of 397 yeas and 25 nays (Roll Vote No. 307).
During consideration, a motion to recommit with instructions
regarding detainees housed at the Naval Air Station Base,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, (H.R. 2503) was made in the House by Mr.
King of New York. The motion to recommit was adopted by voice
vote.
On June 8, 2009, H.R. 2200 was received in the Senate, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
THE MARCH 2009 MUMBAI ATTACKS
On March 11, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up Call for America's Private
Sector.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. James
Snyder, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Raymond W. Kelly,
Commissioner, New York Police Department; Mr. James W.
McJunkin, Deputy Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division,
Federal Bureau of Investigation; Ms. C. Christine Fair, Senior
Political Scientist, RAND Corporation; Mr. Brad Bonnell,
Director, Global Security, InterContinental Hotels Group; and
Mr. William G. Raisch, Executive Director, International Center
for Enterprise Preparedness, New York University.
On November 26, 2008, terrorists attacked, with automatic
weapons and explosives, a number of high-profile targets in
Mumbai, India, killing more than 160 people, including six
Americans. Among the sites attacked in Mumbai were two luxury
hotels, the main railway terminal, a Jewish cultural center, a
cafe frequented by foreigners, a cinema house, and two
hospitals.
The purpose of this March 2009 oversight hearing was to
examine the events surrounding the Mumbai attacks to assess the
efficacy of international information sharing and evaluate
vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure protection. In
accordance with the Committee's oversight plan to examine the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) national coordination
responsibilities and its sector-specific critical
infrastructure protection responsibilities, this hearing
provided insight into domestic measures that can be implemented
to secure critical assets in the United States.
DHS testified about its efforts to utilize the 18 critical
infrastructure sectors, comprised of government and industry
stakeholders, to identify potential standards necessary for the
creation of a Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness
Accreditation and Certification Program under Title IX of the
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act
(P.L.110-53). The hearing also revealed ongoing issues with DHS
outreach to private sector stakeholders, such as DHS's failure
to offer consistent, uniform communications to stakeholders
that contain timely, actionable data. Members emphasized the
need for DHS to heighten its engagement with private sector
stakeholders and improve communication and information sharing
regarding threats to critical infrastructure.
CYBER THREATS TO THE ELECTRIC GRID
On March 17, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology and the Subcommittee
on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a
joint Member Classified briefing on cyber threats to the
electric grid.
AIR CARGO SCREENING
On March 18, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can We Secure America's Skies?''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Ed Kelly, General
Manager, Air Cargo, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen Lord, Director,
Homeland Security & Justice Issues, Government Accountability
Office; Mr. Andre L. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer,
Freightscan; Mr. Jack Boisen, Chair, The International Air
Cargo Association; Mr. Brandon Fried, Executive Director,
Airforwarders Association; and Mr. James May, President and
Chief Executive Officer, Air Transport Association.
The purpose of this oversight hearing was to assess TSA's
compliance with the March 3, 2009 deadline set forth in Section
1602 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission
Act (P.L. 110-53), requiring screening of at least 50 percent
of cargo transported on passenger aircraft. The hearing also
specifically examined TSA's progress in applying cargo
screening requirements to inbound flights to the United States
originating at foreign locations. This hearing was part of the
Committee's continuing oversight activities addressing the risk
of terrorist attacks to aviation through the air cargo supply
chain and the Department's programs aimed at securing this
critical component of the aviation sector.
Section 1602 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/
11 Commission Act (P.L. 110-53) required the Department of
Homeland Security establish a system for screening 100 percent
of cargo transported on commercial passenger aircraft for
explosives by August 3, 2010. The statute also included a 50
percent screening benchmark milestone for cargo screening on
passenger planes to be implemented by March 3, 2009. The
vulnerabilities of the cargo hold area of a commercial service
passenger aircraft were exposed in the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103
explosion over Lockerbie, Scotland. While this was a suitcase
bomb located in the checked baggage section of the aircraft, it
highlighted the overall vulnerabilities of the belly area of
the passenger aircraft.
TSA established the Certified Cargo Screening Program
(CCSP) as the primary mechanism for satisfying the statutory
requirement contained in P.L. 110-53. Under this Program,
certified private sector entities, such as indirect air
carriers and freight forwarders, may conduct cargo screening
and provide secure transport of cargo to the aircraft following
screening. Air carriers are also authorized to conduct cargo
screening. At small airports, TSA personnel conduct cargo
screening for over-the-counter type shipments. While TSA
initially interpreted Section 1602 to apply solely to cargo on
commercial aircraft flying domestic routes within the United
States, the agency later conceded in late 2008 that the
statutory 100 percent screening mandate also applied to inbound
aircraft originating at foreign locations. To address this,
Committee reiterated Congressional intent that TSA establish a
system to verify that all cargo transported on passenger
aircraft inbound to the United States is screened for
explosives in Section 201 of H.R. 2200, the Transportation
Security Administration Authorization Act, which was reported
favorably by the Committee and passed overwhelmingly by the
House of Representatives in June 2009.
At the hearing, the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
testified to its preliminary findings based upon its ongoing
review of TSA's progress in meeting the statutory mandate for
screening cargo on passenger aircraft. This review was
originally requested by the Committee. TSA testified, stating
that it would not complete establishment of a system to screen
100 percent of cargo on passenger aircraft inbound to the
United States by the statutory deadline. To meet the mandate,
TSA indicated that it will pursue bilateral and multilateral
harmonization efforts to establish security screening standards
at foreign airports that have direct flights to the United
States.
On November 16, 2009, the Committee submitted comments to
TSA regarding the Interim Final Rule for TSA's CCSP cargo
screening program. In the comments, the Committee recommended
that TSA take the following actions to improve the program: (1)
devote more resources for oversight and verification of private
sector screening; (2) conduct an analysis of costs to the
private sector for CCSP implementation; (3) identify and
address barriers to the development of cargo screening
technologies; and (4) increase outreach to industry to expand
the number of certified private sector screening facilities.
FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET REQUEST
On June 10, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``The FY 2010 Budget for the National Protection and Programs
Directorate and the Transportation Security Administration.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Philip R.
Reitinger, Deputy Undersecretary, National Protection and
Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and Ms.
Gale D. Rossides, Acting Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
The Subcommittee evaluated the President's FY2010 budget
request for the National Protection and Programs Directorate
(NPPD) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
NPPD works to reduce risks to the Nation through its component
offices, which include the Office of Infrastructure Protection;
the Office of Cyber Security and Communications; the United
States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology
program; the Office of Risk Management and Analysis; and the
Federal Protective Service (transferred from Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) to NPPD in 2010). TSA is responsible
for securing all modes of transportation, including pipelines.
With approximately 52,000 personnel and $7.7 billion in budget
authority, TSA has substantial regulatory authority and a
nationwide presence at a majority of the Nation's commercial
service airports.
The purpose of this oversight hearing was to evaluate the
Administration's priorities and programs for NPPD and TSA as
contained in the FY 2010 budget request. At the hearing, the
Committee reviewed of the Department's national coordination
responsibilities, sector-specific critical infrastructure
protection responsibilities, and transportation security
strategy for aviation and other modes.
While the Subcommittee agreed with the President's funding
request for NPPD and the requested increase in NPPD's budget
for cybersecurity, the Subcommittee raised concerns regarding
whether TSA would receive adequate funding for air cargo
security oversight and surface transportation programs.
The Committee submitted comments regarding TSA's cargo
security Interim Final Rule, which focused on budget and
resource allocation issues impacting TSA's ability to verify
private sector cargo screening performed by participants
certified in the Certified Cargo Screening Program.
Specifically, the Committee raised concerns about whether TSA
has an adequate number of inspectors to conduct scheduled and
unscheduled site inspections of certified air cargo screening
facilities. In addition, the comments raised concerns about
TSA's oversight of private sector training programs for
employees conducting cargo screening.
To address concerns related to the budget framework for
TSA's surface transportation programs, the Subcommittee sent a
July 9, 2010 letter to the TSA Administrator about reported
understaffing of the Surface Transportation Security Inspection
Program. The Subcommittee further explored this issue in a July
2010 oversight hearing entitled ``Lost in the Shuffle:
Examining TSA's Management of Surface Transportation Security
Inspectors.''
GENERAL AVIATION
On July 15, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``General Aviation Security: Assessing Risks and the Road
Ahead.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Carlton
I. Mann, Assistant Inspector General for Inspections, Office of
the Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
John Sammon, Assistant Administrator, Transportation Sector
Network Management, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security; Dr. Charles Gallaway, Acting
Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Department of
Homeland Security; Ms. Martha King, Pilot; Mr. Robert
Olislagers, Executive Director, Centennial Airport; Mr. Jeremy
Rogalski, Investigative Reporter, KHOU-TV; Mr. Mark Van Tine,
President and CEO, Jeppessen, Inc.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
established several targeted security measures to improve
general aviation security, including developing screening
protocols for large charter aircraft and security awareness
training for flight school operators, and establishing the
General Aviation Hotline for incident reporting. In October
2008, TSA released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
entitled Large Aircraft Security Program, Other Aircraft
Security Program, and Airport Operator Security Program. This
rulemaking proposed several new security measures for general
aviation aircraft owners, flight crews and airport operators:
(1) requiring background and criminal history checks for flight
crews; (2) vetting of passengers against the No-Fly list; and
(3) establishing of a prohibited items list for general
aviation aircraft. Stakeholders expressed concerns regarding
the viability of the proposed rule in the general aviation
setting. Upon reviewing the NPRM and the issues raised by
stakeholders, on March 2, 2009, the Committee submitted
comments recommending that TSA engage more extensively with
stakeholders before proceeding to a final rulemaking.
The purpose of this oversight hearing was to further
examine TSA's programs for general aviation security and the
proposed rulemaking for general aviation security. The hearing
also assessed TSA's overall progress in implementing Section
1617 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission
Act (P.L. 110-53), which directed the development of a threat
and vulnerability assessment program for general aviation. The
Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security
testified about its report entitled, Transportation Security
Administration's Role in General Aviation Security (OIG-09-69),
a review performed at the request of Subcommittee Chairwoman
Sheila Jackson Lee following media reports of security
vulnerabilities at Houston area general aviation airports.
According to TSA, it expects to complete the overdue general
aviation threat and vulnerability assessment program required
in Section 1617 of P.L. 110-53 by the end of 2010.
Following the hearing, due to ongoing concerns with the
OIG's conclusion that most general aviation aircraft are too
light to inflict significant damage, the Committee requested
that GAO conduct a review of the risk associated with general
aviation aircraft. The request also sought a review of DHS and
TSA actions and programs aimed at mitigating general aviation
terror risk. In an August 25, 2010 letter, the Committee
requested that the newly confirmed TSA Administrator review its
comments on the general aviation security NPRM.
REGISTERED TRAVELER PROGRAM
On September 30, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``The Future of the Registered Traveler Program.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. John Sammon, Assistant
Administrator, Transportation Sector Network Management,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Carter Morris, Senior Vice President on
Transportation Policy, American Association of Airport
Executives; Ms. Alison Townley, Principal, Henry Incorporated;
Mr. Fred Fischer, Principal & Managing Partner, FLO
Corporation; and Mr. Michael W. McCormick, Executive Director,
National Business Travel Association.
The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (P.L. 107-71)
authorized TSA to establish requirements to implement trusted
passenger programs and to use available technologies to
expedite the security screening of passengers who participate
in such programs. Accordingly, TSA and private sector
stakeholders established the Registered Traveler program. The
program was intended to be part of a layered system intended to
strengthen aviation security through risk-based security
screening. Participants, or ``known'' travelers, would undergo
security background vetting and provide biometric
identification information in exchange for accelerated
checkpoint screening. Conceptually, this program would allow
Transportation Security Officers to focus limited screening
resources on ``unknown'' passengers. Section 233 of H.R. 2200,
the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act,
directed TSA to examine the efficacy of the Registered Traveler
program for security purposes and report back to Congress with
its findings.
To date, the security benefits envisioned for the program
have not been realized. Contributing factors include
ineffective industry outreach, a lack of clarity from TSA about
its expectations, and management problems at the participating
private sector firms. In June 2009, the largest Registered
Traveler service provider, Verified Identity Pass, Inc.,
operating as Clear, ceased its operations due to an inability
to secure financing. Because Clear operated in most of the
airports participating in the Registered Traveler program, this
ultimately forced the other service providers to temporarily
cease operations as well due to interoperability issues.
On September 30, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held an oversight
hearing on the Registered Traveler program and TSA's efforts to
implement a trusted passenger program as described in P.L. 107-
71. At the hearing, Subcommittee Members emphasized the
Congressional intent of trusted passenger programs as described
in P.L. 107-71. TSA testified that it was ``open'' to exploring
additional technological configurations that may afford a
security benefit to the program
THREATS TO THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR
On November 4, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a classified
Member-Only briefing on threats to the transportation sector.
Representatives from the Transportation Security Administration
were present to brief Members.
FOREIGN REPAIR STATIONS
On November 18, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``Is the Flying Public Protected? An Assessment of Security at
Foreign Repair Stations.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Hon. Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General, Department
of Transportation; Mr. Doug Dalbey, Deputy Director, Flight
Standards for Field Operations, Federal Aviation
Administration, Department of Transportation; Ms. Cindy Farkus,
Assistant Administrator for Office of Global Strategies,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Robert Roach, Jr., General Vice President,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers;
Mr. Robert Gless, Assistant Director, Air Transport Division,
Transport Workers Union of America; Mr. Chris Moore, Chairman,
Teamsters Aircraft Mechanics Coalition, International
Brotherhood of Teamsters; Mr. Basil Barimo, Vice President of
Operations and Safety, Air Transport Association; and Mr.
Christian A. Klein, Executive Vice President, Aeronautical
Repair Station Association.
U.S. air carriers are increasingly outsourcing their
aircraft maintenance operations. According to the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), there are approximately 4,187
domestic repair stations and about 709 FAA-certified foreign
repair stations. FAA certification requires repair stations to
meet a series of safety requirements that will ensure U.S.
airworthiness of an aircraft. Section 611 of the Vision 100-
Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-176)
directed TSA conduct a security review and audit of FAA-
certified aviation repair stations and notify FAA of
deficiencies identified during these audits. FAA is required to
suspend the certification of foreign repair stations that do
not cure identified deficiencies within 90 days, and revoke the
certification of stations found to have any deficiency poses an
immediate security risk. Further, the Act required TSA to issue
rulemaking regarding foreign and domestic aviation repair
station security.
Due to TSA's failure to issue a repair station security
rulemaking, the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act (P.L. 110-53) prohibited FAA from certifying any
new repair stations until TSA had issued rulemaking. H.R. 2200,
the Transportation Security Administration Authorization, also
directed TSA to issue its overdue rulemaking for aviation
repair stations.
The purpose of this oversight hearing was to examine TSA's
proposed rulemaking for aviation repair station security and to
explore the mechanism for TSA to notify FAA of deficiencies
identified during TSA's foreign repair station audits. The
hearing prompted TSA's release of the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking authorized in P.L. 108-176 just days before the
scheduled hearing.
On March 5, 2010, the Committee submitted comments on the
NPRM raising several critical concerns: lack of stakeholder
input in the drafting of the NPRM; lack of a staffing study to
determine inspector resources required to implement effective
security oversight of repair stations; the absence a
requirement for criminal history background checks on employees
with unescorted access at repair stations; and the failure to
address how TSA would leverage existing air carrier security
programs to improve repair station security. The comments also
raised concerns about TSA's ability to control Sensitive
Security Information distributed to foreign repair station
operators. In addition to these comments, in an August 25, 2010
letter from the Committee to John S. Pistole, the newly--
confirmed TSA Administrator, the Committee requested that
Administrator Pistole review the comments it submitted on the
repair station security NPRM.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION BREACH
On December 16, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``Has the TSA Breach Jeopardized National Security? An
Examination of What Happened and Why.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ms. Gale D. Rossides, Acting
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security.
In December 2009, the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) discovered an inadvertent disclosure of
Sensitive Security Information (SSI) dealing with passenger
screening operations at airports. TSA publicly announced that
the Screening Management Standard Operating Procedures manual
was improperly posted to the agency to the Federal Business
Opportunities (FBO) Web site without properly protecting
redacted material. The document had been posted on the FBO.gov
web site since May 3, 2009. TSA officials stated they were not
aware of the breach until December 6, 2009. The document was
originally posted on the FBO.gov web site in order for airports
and companies interested in obtaining a federal contract under
the Screening Partnership Program to gather TSA management
operation requirements for screening programs at airports.
Although TSA removed the document from the FBO.gov after
identifying the breach, several outside entities had already
posted it on their websites without any redactions.
On December 8, 2009, the Committee sent a letter to TSA
requesting a third-party investigation of the incident.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced
on December 9, 2009 that the Department's Inspector General had
begun an investigation.
The Subcommittee on held a hearing to examine the risk
associated with the improper posting of this SSI related to
passenger screening protocols. On February 16, 2010, DHS OIG
released a report with its findings regarding the
investigation. OIG recommended that DHS review and revise its
policies, procedures and training materials for employees
handling sensitive and secure information. To date, the
Department continues to evaluate its policies and procedures
for handling sensitive information and has taken some steps in
addressing the OIG's recommendations.
CHECKPOINT SECURITY
On March 17, 2010, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``An Assessment of Checkpoint Security: Are Our Airports
Keeping Passengers Safe?'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr. Robin Kane, Assistant Administrator, Security
Technology, Transportation Security Administration; Mr. Bradley
Buswell, Deputy Under Secretary, Science and Technology
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Dr. Susan
Hallowell, Director, Transportation Security Laboratory,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen Lord, Director,
Homeland Security and justice team, Government Accountability
Office; Mr. Kenneth J. Dunlap, Director of Security,
International Air Transport Association; Mr. Charles Barclay,
President, American Association of Airport Executives; Col.
Eric R. Potts (Ret.), Interim Aviation Director, Houston
Airport System; Mr. Marc Rotenberg, Executive Director,
Electronic Privacy Information Center; Mr. Brook Miller, Vice
President, Government Affairs, Smiths Detection; Mr. Mitchel J.
Laskey, President and CEO, Brijot Imaging Systems, Inc.
In response to the attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines
Flight 253 on December 25, 2009, in which a passenger smuggled
explosives onto the aircraft in his underwear, the President
directed that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
pursue enhanced screening technologies at airport passenger
screening checkpoints. TSA had already been piloting Advanced
Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanning machines at passenger
checkpoints at several airports; however, in the wake of the
Flight 253 incident, the Administration commenced an expedited
deployment. Accordingly, the President's fiscal year 2010
budget request included a statement indicating the
Administration's intent to deploy 1,000 AIT machines by the end
of fiscal year 2011. Prior to the incident, during
consideration of H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security
Administration Authorization Act, the House adopted an
amendment prohibiting TSA from using AIT for primary passenger
screening.
On January 21, 2010, the Committee wrote TSA seeking
clarification regarding AIT's ability to store and transmit
data. TSA responded that the mechanism to store or transmit
images is disabled following AIT laboratory testing.
The purpose of the Subcommittee hearing was to discuss
testing, development, procurement, and risk-based deployment of
checkpoint security technologies in light of the layered
security approach to aviation security that TSA has long
promoted. The hearing also evaluated security procedures of
international air carriers and at foreign airports. The
Subcommittee was particularly concerned with testimony from the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) stating that TSA had not
conducted a cost-benefit analysis to support the AIT
deployment. The Committee subsequently obtained TSA's
deployment plan for AIT after making several requests for the
information.
In a November 19, 2010 letter to TSA, the Committee
scrutinized TSA's decision to deploy AIT and enhanced pat down
protocols without first having published privacy and civil
liberties impact assessments.
CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS
On May 27, 2010, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a Member briefing
on the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. Representatives from
the Department of Homeland Security were present to respond to
Member questions.
100% AIR CARGO SCREENING MANDATE
On June 30, 2010, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``100% Air Cargo Screening: Remaining Steps to Secure Passenger
Aircraft.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. John
Sammon, Assistant Administrator, Transportation Sector Network
Management, Transportation Security Administration, Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen Lord, Director, Homeland
Security & Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office;
Mr. John Meenan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer, Air Transport Association; Mr. Harald Zielinski, Head
of Security and Environmental Management, Lufthansa Airlines
Cargo; Mr. Mike Middleton, Executive Vice President, Secure
Global Logistics; and Mr. Fernando Soler, Owner, S.O.S. Global
Express.
Section 1602 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/
11 Commission Act (P.L. 110-53) required the Department of
Homeland Security to establish a system for screening 100
percent of cargo transported on commercial passenger aircraft
for explosives by August 3, 2010.
TSA established the Certified Cargo Screening Program
(CCSP) as the primary mechanism for satisfying the statutory
requirement contained in Section 1602. Through the CCSP,
private sector stakeholders, including indirect air carriers
and freight forwarders, are certified to conduct cargo
screening, and, or, secure transport of cargo to the aircraft
following screening. Air carriers are also authorized to
conduct cargo screening, and at small airports, TSA personnel
conduct cargo screening for over-the-counter type shipments.
After initially interpreting Section 1602 as applying only to
cargo on commercial aircraft flying domestic routes, TSA
conceded in late 2008 that the statutory 100 percent screening
provision also applied to inbound aircraft originating at
foreign locations.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine TSA's compliance
with the upcoming August 3, 2010 statutory deadline for
screening 100 percent of cargo transported on commercial
passenger aircraft. TSA testified that as of the statutory
deadline, no unscreened domestic cargo would be permitted to be
transported on commercial aircraft. TSA also stated that it
would miss the statutory deadline for establishing a system for
screening 100 percent of cargo on passenger aircraft inbound to
the United States.
In response to the Committee's request, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) review TSA's progress in meeting
the statutory mandate for screening cargo on passenger
aircraft, and testified to its findings in the report, Aviation
Security: Progress Made but Actions Needed to Address
Challenges in Meeting the Air Cargo Screening Mandate, released
at the hearing. GAO raised the resource allocation and
verification issues it raised in a hearing on the same subject
in 2009. On August 25, 2010 the Committee wrote TSA
Administrator regarding the overdue implementation of the 100
percent cargo screening provision for inbound passenger
aircraft.
Following a Department of Homeland Security Office of
Inspector General (OIG) report Evaluation of Screening of Air
Cargo Transported on Passenger Aircraft (OIG-10-119), finding
vulnerabilities in cargo screening procedures of carriers and
cargo screening facilities, the Committee wrote to TSA
encouraging implementation of classified recommendations
contained in the report.
To assess TSA's progress on cargo screening, the Committee
requested that GAO conduct a review of Department of Homeland
Security policies and procedures to secure cargo on inbound
passenger aircraft and identify the major challenges to
screening cargo on U.S.-bound passenger aircraft for
explosives.
After intelligence and information sharing between the
Federal government and private sector air carriers enabled the
interception of the cargo packages from Yemen containing
explosives, the Committee urged Secretary Napolitano to
establish of a DHS Aviation Security Advisory Committee under
the Federal Advisory Committee Act. As outlined in a November
15, 2010 letter to the Secretary, the Advisory Committee would
serve as a platform for private sector aviation industry
stakeholders to engage officials from DHS, TSA, and Customs and
Border Protection. The Committee would facilitate threat
information sharing throughout the sector, and would afford
industry participants the opportunity to offer DHS input on the
impact of proposed security policies on stakeholders.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY INSPECTORS
On July 28, 2010, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``Lost in the Shuffle: Examining TSA's Management of Surface
Transportation Security Inspectors.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Lee R. Kair, Assistant Administrator,
Security Operations, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Carlton I. Mann, Assistant
Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Thomas C. Lambert, Chief of Police,
Senior Vice President for Public Safety, Metropolitan Transit
Authority of Harris County, Texas; and Mr. Clyde J. Hart,
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Policy, American
Bus Association.
Surface Transportation Security Inspectors (STSIs) are
uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in building and
maintaining working relationships with surface transportation
stakeholders, and acting as liaisons between stakeholders and
the Transportation Security Operations Center (TSOC). These
relationships are vital to effective implementation of surface
transportation security policies and initiatives. In recent
years, TSA implemented a series of organizational changes to
the command structure for the STSI Program. While STSIs had
historically reported to surface-focused supervisors, under the
new structure, they now report to aviation-focused supervisors
in the field. This shift resulted in a strained chain of
command; inspector morale issues; STSIs being assigned to non-
surface activities; hiring of supervisory and other inspectors
lacking in surface qualifications; and impaired relationships
with rail carriers and transit agencies.
Following up on a 2008 report on mass transit security, DHS
OIG issued a report in February 2009 on the Effectiveness of
TSA's Surface Transportation Security Inspectors (OIG-09-24).
The report found that STSIP was understaffed for the long term,
and that an aviation-focused command structure had
significantly undermined the quality and morale of the
workforce. The IG made several recommendations for improving
the Program, and the Committee incorporated these
recommendations into H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security
Administration Authorization Act.
Prior to the hearing, the Committee wrote TSA seeking an
update on actions taken in response to the OIG findings.
Information received from the agency revealed that despite
legislative action and the OIG recommendations, it had
proceeded with yet another reorganization of STSIP. This
initiative, ``TSI Evolution,'' was inconsistent with the
language of H.R. 2200 and the OIG recommendations, and may have
exacerbated the problems those efforts sought to address.
The purpose of this hearing was to evaluate TSA's
management of the STSIP in light of GAO and OIG findings
highlighting administrative problems throughout the Program. In
addition, stakeholders representing each of the surface modes
provided their perspective on STSIP's effectiveness in the
field. Witnesses testified to the fundamental need to
distinguish surface systems from other modes, and the
importance of risk assessments in developing sound security
policy for surface modes. Members also inquired about TSA's
progress on outstanding security regulations required by the
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Act Commission Act of
2007, including those governing security assessments and
frontline surface employee training.
On August 25, 2010, the Committee wrote to TSA urging the
Administrator to allocate more resources and implement a
management structure for surface transportation security
programs that reflects the importance and unique challenges in
securing the surface modes.
SECURING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
On September 23, 2010, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled
``Securing America's Transportation Systems: The Target of
Terrorists and TSA's New Direction.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. John S. Pistole, Administrator,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security.
The purpose of this hearing is to give Members of the
Subcommittee an opportunity to meet the new TSA Administrator
and discuss his plans and objectives for positioning TSA to
meet the challenge of securing the Nation's transportation
systems against terrorist attacks. The hearing also provided
Committee Members with an opportunity to communicate their
priorities and concerns about TSA programs and policies, many
of which were included in H.R. 2200, the Transportation
Security Administration Authorization Act. This hearing was
held in accordance with the Committee's oversight plan, which
calls for the review of the Department's transportation
security strategy for aviation and other modes.
Prior to the hearing, the Committee wrote TSA highlighting
key priorities for the new Administrator. These include the
need for a more effective TSA Ombudsman's Office in the absence
of collective bargaining rights, and improved training for TSOs
on new passenger screening technology and protocols. The letter
also endorsed the Administrator's decision to establish an
Office of Professional Responsibility within the Federal Air
Marshal Service.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up Call for America's Private
Sector.'' March 11, 2009. (Serial No. 111-6)
``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can We Secure America's Skies?''
March 18, 2009. (Serial No. 111-10)
``The FY 2010 Budget for the National Protection and Programs
Directorate and the Transportation Security
Administration.''
June 10, 2009. (Serial No. 111-23)
``General Aviation Security: Assessing Risks and the Road
Ahead.'' July 15, 2009. (Serial No. 111-28)
``The Future of the Registered Traveler Program.'' September
30, 2009. (Serial No. 111-37)
``Is the Flying Public Protected? An Assessment of Security at
Foreign Repair Stations.''November 18, 2009. (Serial
No. 111-44)
``Has the TSA Breach Jeopardized National Security? An
Examination of What Happened and Why.'' December 16,
2009. (Serial No. 111-49)
``An Assessment of Checkpoint Security: Are Our Airports
Keeping Passengers Safe?'' March 17, 2010. (Serial No.
111-57)
``100% Air Cargo Screening: Remaining Steps to Secure Passenger
Aircraft.'' June 30, 2010. (Serial No. 111-73)
``Lost in the Shuffle: Examining TSA's Management of Surface
Transportation Security Inspectors.'' July 28, 2010.
(Serial No. 111-73)
``Securing America's Transportation Systems: The Target of
Terrorists and TSA's New Direction.'' September 23,
2010. (Serial No. 111-81)
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California
Jane Harman, California
Zoe Lofgren, California
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New
Jersey
Al Green, Texas
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,
Mississippi
(Ex
Officio) Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Mike Rogers, Alabama
Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism held 14 days of hearings and received
testimony from 63 witnesses.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT OF 2009 / UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE
ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS ACT OF 2009
Public Law 111-145 (H.R. 1299/ S. 1023 : H.R. 2935)
To make technical corrections to the laws affecting certain
administrative authorities of the United States Capitol Police,
and for other purposes.
(To establish a non-profit corporation to communicate United
States entry policies and otherwise promote tourist, business,
and scholarly travel to the United States.)
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 3232 was introduced in the House on July 31, 2007, by
Mr. Delahunt and eleven original co-sponsors and referred to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee on Homeland Security, H.R. 3232
was referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism.
On September 23, 2008, the Committee on Energy and Commerce
considered H.R. 3232 and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House, amended, by voice vote.
On September 25, 2008, the House considered H.R. 3232 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 3232 was received the Senate on September 26, 2008,
read twice, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
S. 1661, the Senate companion measure, was introduced in
the Senate on June 19, 2007, by Mr. Dorgan and two original
cosponsors and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation considered S. 1661 on June 27, 2008, and ordered
the measure to be reported to the Senate with amendments,
favorably.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation reported S. 1661 to the Senate, amended, on
November 27, 2007, as S. Rpt. 110-233.
110th Congress
H.R. 2935, the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, was introduced
in the House on June 18, 2009, by Mr. Delahunt, Mr. Smith of
Texas, Ms. Titus, and 17 original co-sponsors and referred to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the
Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 2935 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On November 6, 2009, the House considered H. Res. 896 under
Suspension of the Rules, and agreed to the resolution by voice
vote. The text of H.R. 2935 was included as an amendment to the
Senate amendment to H.R. 1299, the United States Capitol Police
Administration Technical Corrections Act of 2009, pursuant to
H. Res. 896. The House subsequently agreed to H.R. 1299, as
amended.
The Senate considered H.R. 1299 on February 24 and 25,
2010, and agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment
to H.R. 1299 by a recorded vote of 78 yeas and 18 nays,
clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 1299 was presented to the President on March 2, 2010,
and signed into law on March 4, 2010 as Public Law 111-145.
U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION EMPLOYEES
P.L. 111-252 (H.R. 1517)
To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees
who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2
years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher
throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent
appointment in the competitive service.
Legislative History
H.R. 1517 was introduced in the House on March 16, 2009, by
Mr. Engel and Mr. King of New York, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Within the
Committee, H.R. 1517 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism considered H.R. 1517 on July 22, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with a
recommendation that it do pass, without amendment, by voice
vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 1517 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House with a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice
vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security agreeing that in order to expedite consideration of
the measure by the full House, the Committee would waive
further consideration of H.R. 1517. The letter further
requested the support for an appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be called. On that same date, the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to the
Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform and the agreement to waive
further consideration of H.R. 1517.
Committee on Homeland Security reported to the House on
December 14, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-373, Pt. I. The Committee on
Oversight and Government was subsequently discharged from
further consideration.
The House considered H.R. 1517 under Suspension of the
Rules on December 15, 2009, and passed the measure, as amended,
by a \2/3\ vote of 414 yeas and 1 nay (Roll no. 972).
H.R. 1517 was received in the Senate on December 16, 2009,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered H.R. 1517 on July 28, 2010, and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate with an Amendment in the
Nature of a Substitute. The Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 1517 to the
Senate on August 5, 2010 as S. Rpt. 111-248.
The Senate considered and passed H.R. 1517 on August 5,
2010, by unanimous consent, with and Amendment in the Nature of
a Substitute.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 1517 on
September 23, 2010, and concurred in the amendment by voice
vote, clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 1517 was presented to the President on September 28,
2010, and signed into law on October 5, 2010, as Public Law
111-252.
NORTHERN BORDER COUNTERNARCOTICS STRATEGY ACT OF 2010
Public Law 111-_ (H.R. 4748)\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\H.R. 4748 was presented to the President on December 28, 2010,
and is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of
this report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number
has not been assigned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To amend the Office of National Drug Control Policy
Reauthorization Act of 2006 to require a northern border
counternarcotics strategy, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 4748 was introduced in the House on March 3, 2010, by
Mr. Owens, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Pascrell, and two
original co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4748 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
The House considered H.R. 4748 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 27, 2010, and passed the measure by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 413 yeas and 0 nays, (Roll No. 475).
H.R. 4748 was received in the Senate on July 28, 2010, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
On December 20, 2010 the Senate Committee on the Judiciary
was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4748, the
bill was then passed by the Senate, after agreeing to an
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 4748
under Suspension of the Rules and concurred in the Senate
amendment by voice vote, clearing the measure for the
President.
H.R. 4748 was presented to the President on December 28,
2010.
ANTI-BORDER CORRUPTION ACT OF 2010
Public Law 111-_ (S. 3243)\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\S. 3243 was presented to the President on December 28, 2010, and
is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of this
report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number has not
been assigned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to administer
polygraph examinations to all applicants for law enforcement
positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to require
U.S. Customs and Border Protection to initiate all periodic
background reinvestigations of certain law enforcement
personnel, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
S. 3243 was introduced in the Senate on April 21, 2010, by
Mr. Pryor and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered S. 3243 on July 28, 2010, and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate, with an amendment,
favorably.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported S. 3243 to the Senate on September 27, 2010,
with no written report.
The Senate passed S. 3243 on September 28, 2010, with an
amendment, and an amendment to the title by unanimous consent.
S. 3243 was received in the House on September 28, 2010,
and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security,
within the Committee, S. 3243 was referred to the Subcommittee
on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On September 29, 2010, the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs filed the report on S. 3243
as S. Rpt. 111-338.
The House considered S. 3243 under Suspension of the Rules
on December 21, 2010, and passed the measure by voice vote,
clearing the measure for the President.
S. 3243 was presented to the President on December 28,
2010.
ALIEN SMUGGLING AND TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1029
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and title 18,
United States Code, to combat the crime of alien smuggling and
related activities, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 2399, the Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act
of 2007, was introduced in the House on May 21, 2007, by Mr.
Hill and three original cosponsors and referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on
Homeland Security.
The House considered H.R. 2399 under Suspension of the
Rules on May 22, 2007, and passed the bill, as amended by a
recorded vote, \2/3\ required, of 412 yeas, 0 nays, and 6
voting ``present''.
H.R. 2399 was received in the Senate on May 23, 2007, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
On April 24, 2008, during consideration of H.R. 2830, the
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007, the text of H.R. 2399
was added as Division B pursuant to H.Res. 1126.
111th Congress
H.R. 1029 was introduced in the House on February 12, 2009,
by Mr. Hill and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and
in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee on Homeland Security H.R. 1029 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On March 27, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary agreeing to waive further consideration of H.R. 1029
in order to expedite consideration of the measure by the full
House. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on the
Judiciary sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security acknowledging the Committee on Homeland
Security's willingness to support expediting consideration of
H.R. 1029 on the House Floor.
The House considered H.R. 1029 under Suspension of the
Rules on March 31, 2009, and passed the bill, amended, by voice
vote.
H.R. 1029 was received in the Senate on April 1, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Provisions of H.R. 1029 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
MOBILE BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION
H.R. 1148
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a
program in the maritime environment for the mobile biometric
identification of suspected individuals, including terrorists,
to enhance border security.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 2490 was introduced in the House on May 24, 2007, by
Mr. Bilirakis and three original co-sponsors and was referred
solely to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee H.R. 2490 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On June 26, 2008, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 2490.
The Full Committee considered H.R. 2490 on June 26, 2008,
and ordered the measure reported to the House, amended, with a
favorable recommendation. The Committee reported H.R. 2490 to
the House on July 10, 2008 as H.Rpt. 110-751.
The House considered H.R. 2490 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28, 2008, and passed the bill by a recorded vote
of 394 yeas, 3 nays, and 1 voting present.
H.R. 2490 was received in the Senate on July 30, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.
111th Congress
H.R. 1148 was introduced in the House on February 24, 2009,
by Mr. Bilirakis and three original co-sponsors, and referred
solely to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee H.R. 1148 was referred to the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
On March 24, 2009, the House considered H.R. 1148 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the bill by voice vote.
H.R. 1148 was received in the Senate on March 26, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Provisions of H.R. 1148 were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
BORDER SECURITY SEARCH ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1726
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a rule
with respect to border security searches of electronic devices,
and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 6869, the Border Security Search Accountability Act of
2008, was introduced in the 110th Congress by Ms. Loretta
Sanchez of California and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 6869 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
111th Congress
H.R. 1726 was introduced in the House on March 26, 2009, by
Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Ms. Clarke, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, and 16 original co-sponsors, and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1726
was referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism.
The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism considered H.R. 1726 on July 22, 2009, and was
forwarded to the Full Committee with a recommendation that it
do pass, amended, by voice vote.
MERIDA INITIATIVE
H.R. 3239
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, to submit a report on the effects
of the Merida Initiative on the border security of the United
States, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3239 was introduced in the House on March 16, 2009, by
Mrs. Kirkpatrick of Arizona and Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
California, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Within the
Committee, H.R. 3239 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism considered H.R. 3239 on July 22, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with a
recommendation that it do pass, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3239 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter
to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on March 5,
2010, agreeing to waive consideration of H.R. 3239 in order to
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House. On
that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security
sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
acknowledging the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs and the agreement for the Committee on Foreign
Affairs to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3239.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3239 to
the House on March 9, 2010 as H. Rpt. 111-429, Pt. I.
Subsequently, the Committee on Foreign Affairs was discharged
from further consideration of H.R. 3239.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
BORDER SECURITY THREATS
Mexico is a major drug producing and transit country and is
home to a number of violent drug cartels that have also been
tied to both human and arms trafficking. Increasing violence in
Mexico in recent years is largely the result of an ongoing turf
war for control of smuggling routes and U.S.-Mexico border
crossing areas. As violence and murder rates have escalated in
recent years in Mexico, and as the Mexican government has
sought to combat the cartels and their illicit activities, the
issue of border violence and potential spillover into the
United States has been a rising concern.
On February 26, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism held a Classified Member briefing
on border security threats. Representatives from the Department
of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Coast Guard were present.
The purpose of the briefing was to receive testimony about
U.S.-Mexico security cooperation, with a particular focus on
strategies and resources to combat transnational drug
trafficking organizations and address related violence in the
border region. Members examined efforts to support Mexico
through the Merida Initiative, initiatives to interdict weapons
and bulk cash being smuggled from the U.S. into Mexico, and the
Department of Homeland Security's plans to address potential
spillover violence in the U.S.
This was the first in a series of meetings the Subcommittee
held to examine the issues of cartel activity, border violence,
and U.S.-Mexico security cooperation. From April 3 to April 4,
2010, Committee members participated in a site visit to El
Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico to examine issues related
to the ongoing violence in Mexico and its impact on U.S. border
security.
On June 25, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism held a Classified Member briefing on
border security threats. The Subcommittee was briefed by
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
BORDER VIOLENCE
On March 12, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Border
Violence: An Examination of DHS Strategies and Resources.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Vice Admiral Roger T.
Rufe, Jr., (USCG Ret), Director, Office of Operations
Coordination, Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Alonzo Pena,
Department of Homeland Security Attache, U.S. Embassy, Mexico
City, Department of Homeland Security; Mr. John Leech, Acting
Director, Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Salvador Nieto, Deputy Assistant
Commissioner, Intelligence and Operations Coordination, Customs
and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and Mr.
Kumar Kibble, Deputy Director, Office of Investigations,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security.
On April 30, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism held a Member briefing on the
Department of Homeland Security's efforts to combat violence in
the U.S.-Mexico border region.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Human trafficking involves recruitment, harboring,
transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor
or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for
the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage,
debt bondage, or slavery. Trafficking in people for
prostitution and forced labor is one of the most prolific areas
of international criminal activity, with an estimated 600,000
to 800,000 people trafficked across borders annually.
There are a number of bilateral and multilateral
initiatives directed at combating human trafficking, perhaps
the most significant of which is the Protocol to Prevent,
Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women
and Children. The United States ratified the agreement in 2005,
thereby allowing the U.S. to join nearly 100 other countries as
parties to the Protocol. U.S. efforts on the issue have been
enhanced by the enactment of the Victims of Trafficking and
Violence Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 (P.L. 106-386) and its
subsequent reauthorization in 2008.
On March 19, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Human
Trafficking: Recent Trends.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Kumar Kibble, Deputy Director, Office of
Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department
of Homeland Security; Lt. Derek Marsh, Co-Director, Orange
County Human Trafficking Task Force, Orange County California;
and Ms. Anastasia Brown, Director, Refugee Programs, Migration
and Refugee Services, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony from
Federal, local and nonprofit entities involved in combating
human trafficking and providing assistance to trafficking
victims. Members examined existing initiatives aimed at
combating human trafficking; assessed whether additional DHS
resources and authorities are necessary to address the problem;
and discussed key provisions of the TVPA.
Committee staff traveled to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong
Kong from June 1 to June 8, 2010 and met with U.S. and foreign
government officials to discuss a number of issues, including
human trafficking.
WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE
Prior to enactment of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), Americans and citizens of
certain Western Hemisphere countries could enter the U.S.
simply by either making an oral declaration of citizenship (for
Americans and Canadians) or by showing drivers' licenses, birth
certificates, or other comparable documents. This policy was
known as the ``Western Hemisphere exception'' to the usual
requirement to show a passport upon entering the United States.
Section 7209 of IRTPA mandated that, no later than January 1,
2008, DHS and State develop and implement, a plan to require
all U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport
or other DHS-approved document that denotes the person's
citizenship and identity when entering the United States. The
plan to implement IRTPA's document requirements is known as the
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The statute was
enacted to implement a key 9/11 Commission recommendation to
better secure our borders.
Under WHTI, all U.S. citizens entering or re-entering the
U.S. by land, sea, or air from Canada, Mexico, and the
Caribbean are now required to present a passport or other WHTI-
compliant document. WHTI requirements also apply to certain
foreign nationals who previously were not required to present a
passport to travel to the U.S., including Canadians. WHTI
requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007,
and at land and sea ports on June 1, 2009.
On May 7, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism held a hearing on ``Implementing the
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at Land and Sea Ports: Are
We Ready?'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr.
Richard Barth, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Office of Policy Development, Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Thomas Winkowski, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field
Operations, Customs and Border Protection; Mr. John Brennan,
Senior Policy Advisor, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department
of State; Ms. Maria Luisa O'Connell, President, Border Trade
Alliance; and Mr. Angelo Amador, Director of Immigration
Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony from
the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and
private sector about preparations for and implementation of the
WHTI at land and sea ports. Members examined the program's
document requirements, discussed issues related to
implementation and enforcement, and heard from the witnesses
about potential effects on legitimate travel and commerce.
On June 22, 2010, staff traveled to Detroit, Michigan and
observed WHTI technology, infrastructure, and compliance at the
Ambassador Bridge port of entry.
PIRACY ON THE SEAS
On May 21, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism held a Member briefing on the security
threat of piracy on the seas.
FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET REQUEST
The Administration submitted its proposed Fiscal Year 2010
Federal Budget request to Congress on May 7, 2009. On June 11,
2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``The FY 2010 Budget
for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border
Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. John T. Morton, Assistant
Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Jayson P. Ahern, Acting Commissioner,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland
Security; and Admiral Thad W. Allen, Commandant, U.S. Coast
Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony from
representatives of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard
about budget priorities for their respective Department of
Homeland Security components, as expressed in the budget
request.
BORDER VIOLENCE
Within the federal government, three agencies are primarily
responsible for investigating drug and weapons violations at
the border. The Department of Justice's (DOJ) Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) enforces the controlled substances laws
and regulations of the United States and helps prosecute those
organizations and principal members involved in growing,
manufacturing, or distributing controlled substances appearing
in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States. DOJ's
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
enforces the federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol,
tobacco, firearms, explosives and arson by working directly and
in cooperation with other Federal, State and local law
enforcement agencies. Finally, the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) uses
its legal authority to investigate issues such as immigration
crime, human rights violations, and human smuggling; narcotics,
weapons and other types of smuggling; and financial crimes,
cybercrime, and export enforcement.
Because the cartels are often involved in dynamic criminal
enterprises encompassing a number of illicit activities, ICE,
DEA, and ATF may all have jurisdiction or be investigating the
same organization or person. Where overlaps occur, agencies
rely on memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to coordinate
activities, delineate responsibilities, and dictate lines of
authority. However, outdated MOUs signed prior to the creation
of DHS, exacerbated by turf battles, have hampered law
enforcement efforts at the border. In response, in June 2009,
ICE signed new MOUs with DEA and ATF to better coordinate their
narcotics and weapons investigations and provide additional
resources to fight violence along the border.
On July 16, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Combating
Border Violence: The Role of Interagency Coordination in
Investigations.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.
Kumar Kibble, Deputy Director, Office of Investigations,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Anthony Placido, Assistant Administrator for
Intelligence, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of
Justice; and Mr. Bill McMahon, Deputy Assistant Director,
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department
of Justice.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony about
coordination efforts between DHS and DOJ to combat border
violence and investigate drug and weapons violations. Members
discussed the recently signed MOUs between DEA, ATF, and ICE,
which were intended to better coordinate investigations and
bring additional resources to the border. Members also
questioned the witnesses about their plans for implementing the
MOUs and their commitment to cooperating under them.
Following the hearing, on July 23, 2009, the Committee
requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review the
terms and conditions of the MOUs to determine whether they
address the deficiencies GAO identified in previous work. This
project is currently pending.
SBINET
In order to better secure America's borders, the U.S.
government has sought to develop a technology solution to
complement efforts to deploy additional fencing and personnel
to the borders. The search for such a solution began in 1995
with the initial development of the Integrated Surveillance
Intelligence System (ISIS). Technological failures and
ineffective management hampered the program's progress. After
investing 10 years and $239 million in the project, the
Department of Homeland Security (Department) ended the ISIS
program.
In 2003, the Department began developing the American
Shield Initiative (ASI) with the goal of maintaining and
modernizing ISIS while expanding the technological capabilities
of the program. Like ISIS, ASI was intended to be a technology-
based program with ground sensors, cameras, and manned control
centers. However, the Department abandoned the program in 2005
without issuing any documents or seeking contractors to
implement the ASI program.
On November 2, 2005, the Department announced the Secure
Border Initiative (SBI). SBI was planned as a multi-dimensional
program to include additional border security personnel, such
as Border Patrol agents; more tactical infrastructure,
including pedestrian fencing and vehicle barriers; and
increased detention capacity. SBI also included a technology
component called SBInet, which was launched in September 2006.
Like ISIS and ASI, SBInet was intended to create a ``virtual
fence'' along the nation's borders using cameras, sensors,
radar, and other equipment. SBInet represents the federal
government's third major attempt at developing a technology
solution for securing America's borders.
On September 17, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled
``The Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Three Years Later.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Chief David Aguilar,
Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Mark Borkowski, Executive Director,
Secure Border Initiative, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Timothy E. Peters, Vice
President and General Manager, Global Security Systems, The
Boeing Company; Mr. Richard Stana, Director, Homeland Security
and Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony on the
Department's efforts to secure the nation's borders through its
Secure Border Initiative (SBI), and particularly through
SBInet. Members examined the status of the program three years
after DHS awarded the SBInet contract to the Boeing Company. In
conjunction with the hearing, GAO released the fourth in its
series of reports on SBI requested by the Committee, entitled
``Secure Border Initiative: Technology Deployment Delays
Persist and the Impact of Border Fencing Has Not Been
Assessed.''
This hearing was the first in a series the Subcommittee
held on the topic in the 111th Congress. Also, the hearings
were part of the Committee's vigorous oversight of the SBInet
program, which also included numerous briefings with DHS and
government contractors as well as several ongoing GAO requests.
BORDER SECURITY OPERATIONS
On September 23, 2009, the Members of the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism received a
briefing on border security operations by representatives from
the Department of Defense.
US-VISIT AIR EXIT PROGRAM
On October 8, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism received a briefing on the status
of US-VISIT air exit program and recently completed US-VISIT
air exit pilot projects. The Members were briefed by
representatives from the Department of Homeland Security.
On January 21, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism held a Member briefing on the
status of the exit portion of the US-VISIT program, focusing on
pilot projects to collect biometric data of foreign travelers
as they depart the United States at airports. Members were
briefed by representatives from the Department of Homeland
Security.
CARGO SECURITY AT LAND PORTS
Since the Nation's cargo delivery system was designed
primarily with accessibility and efficiency in mind, it is
vulnerable to attempts to smuggle humans, narcotics, weapons,
and terrorist instruments into the country. Furthermore,
increased efforts to secure our borders between the land ports
of entry (POEs) may cause criminal organizations to increase
smuggling attempts through the POEs. As those attempting to
cross or ship goods across the border illegally become more
sophisticated, DHS must respond by developing and implementing
measures to identify and respond to these threats. Within the
federal government, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are the two agencies
primarily responsible for overseeing cargo security and
investigating security breaches at land POEs.
On October 22, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Cargo
Security at Land Ports of Entry: Are We Meeting the
Challenge?'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Todd
Owen, Executive Director, Cargo and Conveyance Security, Office
of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection, Department
of Homeland Security; Ms. Janice Ayala, Deputy Assistant
Director, Office of Investigations, Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Colleen M.
Kelley, National President, National Treasury Employees Union;
and Mr. Stephen Russell, Chairman and CEO, Celadon Group, Inc.,
testifying on behalf of the American Trucking Associations.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony on the
Department of Homeland Security's efforts to identify,
interdict, and investigate cargo security threats at land
border POEs. The Subcommittee examined challenges to cargo
security and facilitation and explored what can be done to
better address security risks while expediting legitimate
trade. Members also questioned the witnesses about cargo
security programs, staffing, technology, infrastructure, and
investigations at our Nation's land borders.
IMMIGRATION DETENTION
The law provides broad authority to detain aliens while
awaiting a determination of whether they should be removed from
the United States and mandates that certain categories of
aliens are subject to mandatory detention. The immigration
detention system has experienced tremendous growth since 1996,
after passage of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) expanded the classes of
noncitizens subject to mandatory detention and the number of
deportable offenses. The terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001 increased focus on the authority under the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA) to detain non-citizens in the U.S.
The dramatic expansion of ICE's detention system has
created numerous challenges. In recent years, media coverage
and published reports have brought to light allegations of
mismanagement, and mistreatment at detention facilities. These
reports painted a disturbing picture of substandard detention
conditions, flawed oversight, medical inattention,
mismanagement, and ad hoc capacity expansion. In response, the
Obama Administration demonstrated an interest in improving
detention management by developing new detention management
positions, outlining plans for ambitious detention reforms, and
releasing a review of the current immigration detention system
with recommendations.
On December 10, 2009, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime
and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Moving
Toward More Effective Immigration Detention Management.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Dora Schriro,
Commissioner, New York City Department of Correction; Mr.
Christopher L. Crane, Vice President, Detention and Removal
Operations, American Federation of Government Employees
National ICE Council - 118; Mr. Donald M. Kerwin, Jr., Vice
President for Programs, Migration Policy Institute; Ms.
Brittney Nystrom, Senior Legal Advisor, National Immigration
Forum; and Mr. Mark Krikorian, Executive Director, Center for
Immigration Studies.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony on the
Department of Homeland Security's immigration detention system
and proposed immigration detention reforms. Members questioned
witnesses and stakeholders about challenges with the current
detention system; received feedback about ongoing reforms; and
heard recommendations for improved management.
In preparation for the hearing, Committee staff traveled to
Miami, Florida on December 9, 2009 and toured the DHS-owned
Krome Detention Facility.
NATIONAL TARGETING CENTER
On March 2, 2010, Representative Henry Cuellar, Chairman of
the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism, conducted a site visit of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection's National Targeting Center, located in the
Washington, DC region. The purpose of the visit was to observe
CBP's passenger prescreening activities, particularly in light
of the Flight 253 incident on Christmas Day 2009, as well as
examine CBP's efforts to screen and target U.S.-bound cargo.
On March 2, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism conducted a site visit of the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection's National Targeting Center in
Reston, Virginia. Members toured the facility and held a
briefing with officials from U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT VISA SECURITY PROGRAM
On March 4, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism held a Member briefing on the U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Visa Security Program.
On March 11, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Visa
Security and Passenger Pre-Screening Efforts in the Wake of
Flight 253.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.
Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., Director, Office of International
Affairs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Thomas S. Winkowski, Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and Mr.
David T. Donahue, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services,
Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
FLIGHT 253 INCIDENT
The case of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who allegedly
attempted to ignite an explosive device on Northwest Airlines
Flight 253 on Christmas Day 2009, refocused attention on the
responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
and the Department of State (State) for the visa process.
Abdulmutallab was traveling on a multi-year, multiple-entry
tourist visa issued to him in June 2008.
State Department officials have acknowledged that
Abdulmutallab's father had visited the U.S. Embassy in Abuja,
Nigeria, on November 19, 2009, to express his concerns about
his son. Following the visit, Embassy officials sent a ``VISAS
VIPER'' cable to the National Counterterrorism Center on
November 20, 2009. Abdulmutallab was then entered in the
Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE), but he was
not nominated for the Terrorist Screening Database or the No-
Fly or Selectee lists. Furthermore, his visa was not revoked.
On December 25, 2009, Abdulmutallab, allegedly attempted to
ignite an explosive device while traveling from Amsterdam's
Schiphol Airport on board Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines
Flight 253.
On March 11, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Visa
Security and Passenger Pre-Screening Efforts in the Wake of
Flight 253.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.
Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., Director, Office of International
Affairs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department
of Homeland Security; Mr. Thomas S. Winkowski, Assistant
Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and Mr.
David T. Donahue, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services,
Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony on the
roles of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and
Border Protection, and the Department of State in visa security
and passenger pre-screening, with a particular focus on the
Flight 253 incident. Members examined relevant protocols and
procedures in place both at the time of and in the aftermath of
the incident, as well as explored potential further
enhancements to visa security and passenger prescreening.
In order to examine events related to the attempted attack
firsthand, Committee Staff conducted a site visit to London,
England and Amsterdam, Netherlands from January 15 through 17,
2010.
SBINET
SBInet is the Department of Homeland Security's program for
acquiring, developing, integrating, and deploying an
appropriate mix of surveillance technologies and command,
control, communications, and intelligence technologies for
border security. On September 21, 2006, the Department awarded
an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to a
team led by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. Under this
arrangement, Boeing serves as the prime integrator for the
contract and operates pursuant to independent task orders.
According to the Boeing contract signed in September 2006,
an initial set of SBInet operational capabilities was supposed
to be deployed along the entire southwest border in early
fiscal year 2009, and a full set of operational capabilities
for the southern and northern borders was to be completed by
later in fiscal year 2009. However, there have been a series of
technical and management problems and delays, and it is unclear
whether DHS will continue to pursue the program beyond the
ongoing deployments in Arizona.
On March 18, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a joint hearing entitled
``SBInet: Does it Pass the Border Security Test?'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from Mr. Michael J. Fisher,
Acting Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Mark
Borkowski, Executive Director, Secure Border Initiative Program
Executive Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Randolph C. Hite,
Director, IT Architecture & Systems Issues, Government
Accountability Office; and Mr. Roger A. Krone, President,
Network and Space Systems, Boeing Defense, Space and Security,
the Boeing Company.
On June 17, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight continued its joint hearing
entitled ``SBInet: Does it Pass the Border Security Test?'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from Mr. Randolph C. Hite,
Director, IT Architecture & Systems Issues, Government
Accountability Office; Mr. Mark Borkowski, Executive Director,
Secure Border Initiative Program Executive Office, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Michael J. Fisher, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and Mr.
Roger A. Krone, President, Network and Space Systems, Boeing
Defense, Space and Security, the Boeing
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony on the
status of Department's efforts to implement SBInet, with
particular emphasis on testing of SBInet systems. The hearing
coincided with the release of a Government Accountability
Office (GAO) report on the program requested by the Committee,
entitled ``Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address
Testing and Performance Limitations that Place Key Technologies
at Risk.''
The continuation of the hearing focused on the challenges
the program had experienced to date, as well as implications
for the future of the program. In conjunction with the hearing,
GAO released another report on the program requested by the
Committee, entitled ``Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to
Reconsider its Proposed Investment in Key Technology Program.''
Partially as a result of the Committee's longstanding
vigorous oversight of the SBInet program, Homeland Security
Secretary Janet Napolitano ordered a review of the program in
January 2010. The results of that review have not yet been
announced, but it appears likely that DHS will decide to pursue
alternative border security solutions rather than continue with
SBInet.
BORDER SECURITY TECHNOLOGY
On April 12, 2010, Representative Henry Cuellar, Chairman
of the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism, led a site visit to Laredo, Texas to observe
a border security operation by the Departments of Homeland
Security and Defense.
MERIDA INITIATIVE
On October 22, 2007, the United States and Mexico announced
the Merida Initiative, a package of U.S. counterdrug and
anticrime assistance for Mexico and Central America that would
begin in FY2008 and last through FY2010. This announcement
signaled a major diplomatic step forward for U.S.-Mexican
counterdrug and security cooperation. Congress has appropriated
some $1.3 billion for Merida programs in Mexico in annual
appropriations, and discussions have turned to what the next
steps for the program should be, particularly in light of
persistent cartel activity in Mexico and concerns about
potential spillover in the U.S.-Mexico border region. The
purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony about U.S.-
Mexico security cooperation, with a particular focus on the
Merida Initiative. Members questioned witnesses about progress
with implementing the Merida Initiative, efforts to address
trafficking and associated violence in the U.S.-Mexico border
region, and the future of security cooperation between the two
nations.
On May 27, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security's
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism
and the Committee on Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Western
Hemisphere held a joint hearing entitled ``U.S.-Mexico Security
Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative.'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from Ms. Roberta S. Jacobson,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere
Affairs, Department of State; Ms. Mariko Silver, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Policy/Acting Assistant Secretary for
International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Alonzo R. Pena, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Allen Gina, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office
of Intelligence and Operations Coordination, Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Shannon K.
O'Neil, Douglas Dillon Fellow for Latin America Studies,
Council on Foreign Relations; Mr. Bill McDonald, Rancher,
Douglas, Arizona; and Hon. John D. Negroponte, Vice Chairman,
McLarty Associate.
BORDER SECURITY THREATS
On June 24, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism held a classified Member briefing on
border security threats. Representatives from the Department of
Homeland Security's Intelligence and Analysis, Customs and
Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the
U.S. Coast Guard, and from the Federal Bureau of Investigation
were present.
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Office of Air
and Marine (OAM) is the world's largest aviation and maritime
law enforcement organization. OAM's mission is to protect the
American people and the nation's critical infrastructure
through the coordinated use of integrated air and marine
forces. OAM is charged with detecting, interdicting, and
preventing acts of terrorism and the unlawful movement of
people, illegal drugs and other contraband toward or across the
borders of the United States. Among its aircraft, OAM operates
a fleet of Predator B Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). CBP's UAS
program is focused on helping identify and intercept illegal
cross-border and maritime activity. The program also supports
disaster relief efforts of other Department of Homeland
Security components.
On July 15, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``The Role of
Unmanned Aerial Systems in Border Security.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Michael C. Kostelnik, Major General,
(Ret. USAF), Assistant Commissioner, Office of Air and Marine,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland
Security; Rear Admiral Vincent B. Atkins, Assistant Commandant
for Capability (CG-7), United States Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security; Ms. Nancy Kalinowski, Vice President, System
Operations Services, Air Traffic Organization, Federal Aviation
Administration; and Mr. John M. Allen, Director, Flight
Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony about
DHS' use of UASs in carrying out its border and maritime
security missions. The Subcommittee examined the strengths and
limitations of current UAS deployments along our borders,
coordination and cooperation issues among relevant agencies,
safety considerations, and plans for future UAS deployment.
On July 16, 2010, following the hearing, Subcommittee
Chairman Cuellar wrote OAM Assistant Commissioner Kostelnik to
request interdiction metrics directly attributable to UAS
surveillance. The Committee will continue to monitor this issue
and the program's effectiveness.
ALIEN SMUGGLING
Alien smuggling is defined as the importation of a person,
with his or her consent, across an international border, in
violation of one or more countries' immigration laws. Alien
smuggling is a transnational crime generating revenues
estimated to total billions of dollars annually and is
recognized as a significant and growing threat to the security
of the U.S. While some aliens are smuggled into this country
seeking economic opportunities, others enter as part of
criminal enterprises and pose a risk to public safety. Along
the southwest border in particular, alien smuggling activities
pose a risk to law enforcement, border communities, and
smuggled aliens.
On July 22, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Enhancing
DHS' Efforts to Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across Our Borders.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. James A. Dinkins,
Executive Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations,
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of
Homeland Security; Mr. Michael J. Fisher, Chief of the Border
Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security; The Honorable Terry Goddard, Attorney
General, State of Arizona; Mr. Richard M. Stana, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government Accountability
Office; and Ms. Janice Kephart, Director of National Security
Policy, Center for Immigration Studies.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony on the
Department of Homeland Security's efforts to identify and
disrupt alien smuggling. Members examined ongoing efforts to
combat such smuggling and discussed suggestions for
strengthening efforts to address the problem. The hearing
coincided with the release of the GAO report, requested by the
Committee and Rep. Harry Mitchell, entitled ``Alien Smuggling:
DHS Needs to Better Leverage Investigative Resources and
Measure Program Performance Along the Southwest Border.''
Based on the GAO report's recommendations, ICE has taken
steps to enhance its investigative assets to combat alien
smuggling. In particular, ICE is reviewing its financial
investigative techniques and evaluating the expansion of its
Law Enforcement Agency Response (LEAR) Program in order to
better allocate agent resources.
BORDER AND MARITIME SECURITY
On September 29, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism held a Classified Member
briefing on border and maritime security updates.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Border Violence: An Examination of DHS Strategies and
Resources.'' March 12, 2009. (Serial No. 111-7)
``Human Trafficking: Recent Trends'' March 19, 2009. (Serial
No. 111-11)
``Implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at Land
and Sea Ports: Are We Ready?'' May 7, 2009. (Serial No.
111-18)
``The FY 2010 Budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast
Guard.'' June 11, 2009. (Serial No. 111-24)
``Combating Border Violence: The Role of Interagency
Coordination in Investigations.'' July 16, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-29)
``The Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Three Years Later.''
September 17, 2009. (Serial No. 111-35)
``Cargo Security at Land Ports of Entry: Are We Meeting the
Challenge?'' October 22, 2009. (Serial No. 111-40)
``Moving Toward More Effective Immigration Detention
Management.'' December 10, 2009. (Serial No. 111-47)
``Visa Security and Passenger Pre-Screening Efforts in the Wake
of Flight 253.'' March 11, 2010. (Serial No. 111-55)
``SBInet: Does it Pass the Border Security Test?'' (Joint
hearing with the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight) March 18 and June 17,
2010. (Serial No. 111-59)
``U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida
Initiative.''(Joint hearing with the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism and the
Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Western
Hemisphere. May 27, 2010. (Serial No. 111-68)
``The Role of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Border Security.''
July 15, 2010. (Serial No. 111-75)
``Enhancing DHS' Efforts to Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across Our
Borders.'' July 22, 2010. (Serial No. 111-76)
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New
Jersey
Al Green, Texas
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Bennie G. Thompson,
Mississippi (Ex Officio) Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Daniel E. Lungren, California
Peter T. King, New York
(Ex Officio)
----------
The Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and
Oversight held 12 days of hearings and received testimony from
45 witnesses.
On February 4, 2009, the Subcommittee met to organize.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY COMPONENT PRIVACY OFFICER ACT OF 2009
H.R. 1617
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for a
privacy official within each component of the Department of
Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 5170, the Department of Homeland Security Component
Privacy Officer Act of 2008, was introduced in the House by Mr.
Carney and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi on January 28, 2008, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 5170 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Management, Investigations, and Oversight.
On June 26, 2008, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight was discharged from consideration
of H.R. 5170.
On June 26, 2008, the Committee on Homeland Security
considered H.R. 5170 and ordered the bill reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote. The Committee reported H.R. 5170
to the House on July 10, 2008, as H.Rpt. 110-755.
The House considered H.R. 5170 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 28 and 30, 2008, and passed the bill on July 30,
2008, by voice vote.
H.R. 5170 was received in the Senate on July 31, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
111th Congress
H.R. 1617 was introduced in the House on March 19, 2009, by
Mr. Carney and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and referred solely
to the Committee on Homeland Security.
On March 24, 2009, the House considered H.R. 1617 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the bill by a \2/3\ recorded
vote of 412 yeas and 16 nays (Roll No. 147).
H.R. 1617 was received in the Senate on March 26, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
BERRY AMENDMENT EXTENSION ACT
H.R. 3116
To prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from procuring
certain items directly related to the national security unless
the items are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the
United States, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
In the 110th Congress, H.R. 917 was introduced in the House
on February 8, 2007, by Mr. Hayes and 15 original co-sponsors,
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 917 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Management, Investigations, and Oversight.
111th Congress
H.R. 3116 was introduced in the House on July 13, 2009, by
Mr. Kissell, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3116 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight.
The House considered H.R. 3116 under Suspension of the
Rules on September 15, 2010, and passed the measure by voice
vote.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
DHS WORKFORCE: PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
Since its creation, the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) has struggled with employee morale and satisfaction. In
both its 2004 and 2006 Federal Human Capital Surveys (FHCS),
the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) found that DHS ranked
among the lowest cabinet departments and independent agencies
in employee morale. In April 2008 DHS released results of its
first Annual Employee Survey for 2007 with 91% of the workforce
respondents indicating that they believe the work they do is
important but also indicating significant concerns regarding
DHS's pay, performance and promotion practices.
In January 2009, OPM released the results of it 2008
Federal Human Capital Survey, which showed DHS is slightly
trending upward in some areas. According to the survey, DHS
ranked among the ``most improved'' in Leadership and Knowledge
Management, Results-Oriented Performance Culture, Talent
Management, and Job Satisfaction. More specifically, DHS
improved over its 2006 ratings in both job satisfaction (33rd
of 36 Federal agencies) and results-oriented performance
culture (35th of 37 Federal agencies). However, DHS still
remained 35th out of 37th on leadership and knowledge
management, and declined from 33rd to 34th on talent
management. DHS's rankings were so low in each of these
categories that several components, including CBP, NPPD and
ICE, achieved higher marks than DHS as a whole.
On March 5, 2009, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled ``Putting
People First: A Way Forward for the Homeland Security
Workforce.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms.
Colleen M. Kelley, National President, National Treasury
Employees Union; Mr. John Gage, National President, American
Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO; Ms. Carol A.
Bonosaro, President, Senior Executives Association; and Mr. Max
Stier, President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service.
The purpose of the hearing was to take testimony to examine
if DHS management was addressing longstanding personnel
challenges. Members explored challenges such as low morale,
lack of a common culture, inadequate tools and resources, and
the lack of diversity at DHS and questioned witnesses on a
better path forward.
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on human capital policies at
DHS.
U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
The Department of Homeland Security, through the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, has used unmanned
aerial vehicles to conduct surveillance along the border
between the United States and Mexico. The use of UAVs allows
CBP to conduct missions in areas that are difficult to access
or considered too high risk for personnel. These unique systems
provide CBP with a remotely piloted asset that allows for a
persistent, broad area of surveillance along the Nation's
borders.
On March 19, 2009, the Subcommittee held a Member Briefing
on CBP's UAV program. Michael C. Kostelnik, Major General, USAF
(Ret), Assistant Commissioner, Office of CBP A&M, served as the
primary briefer. Briefers explained to members how CBP utilizes
its UAVs in furthering its mission to detect, interdict and
prevent acts of terrorism and the unlawful movement of people,
illegal drugs and other contraband toward or across the borders
of the Untied States. UAVs are also used to assist DHS
components in fulfilling homeland security missions, such as
monitoring and surveillance during major hurricanes and
tornadoes. Members conducted oversight of the costs of
operating an adequate UAVs, pilot and instructor shortages and
coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.
ST. ELIZABETH'S PROJECT
Since its inception, the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) and its components have been dispersed throughout the
National Capital Region (NCR). In the Washington, DC area, DHS
has seven core components in 85 buildings, accounting for
approximately 7 million gross square feet of government owned
or leased office space. According to DHS officials, this
diffusion of personnel adversely impacts critical coordination,
communication and cooperation among the components in the
preparation for and response to natural disasters and terrorist
threats. DHS argues that consolidation of its headquarters
operations will achieve greater efficiencies, improve mission
integration, and enhance the security of its facilities. The
location chosen as best suited for this consolidation is the
West Campus of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Southeast
Washington, DC.
On March 26, 2009, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled
``Consolidating DHS: An Update on the St. Elizabeth's
Project.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Donald
Bathurst, Chief Administrative Officer, Department of Homeland
Security; and Mr. William (Bill) Guerin, Assistant Commissioner
for Construction Programs, Public Buildings Service, General
Services Administration.
The purpose of this hearing was to receive an update from
DHS and the General Services Administration (GSA) on the steps
taken to ensure a seamless transition for all components of DHS
to the St. Elizabeth's site. The consolidation of DHS
headquarters is a massive undertaking with numerous
procurements, making it the largest federal government
construction effort since the building of the Pentagon.
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on the St. Elizabeth's project
by conducting frequent meetings with DHS and GSA to ascertain
construction scheduling and cost as well as interagency
coordination. In addition to conducting oversight meetings,
Committee Members and Staff also conducted site visits to
review progress on four separate occasions.
On February 20, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a site
visit of the St. Elizabeth's campus. The purpose of the site
visit was to tour the facility and observe the steps that have
been taken to further DHS Headquarters Consolidation
Initiative.
On March 20, 2010, Representative Christopher Carney,
Chairman of the Subcommittee, led a Member tour of the St.
Elizabeth's grounds to conduct oversight of construction and
other ongoing activities in furtherance of DHS Headquarters
Consolidation effort at St. Elizabeth's.
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight
Ranking Member Gus Bilirakis also led a tour of the St.
Elizabeth's grounds on March 23, 2010.
On June 22, 2010, Chairman Carney conducted a site visit of
the St. Elizabeth's campus. The purpose of the site visit was
to tour the facility and assess the progress that has been made
to further DHS Headquarters Consolidation Initiative.
On November 10, 2010, Subcommittee Staff conducted a site
visit of the St. Elizabeth's campus. The purpose of the site
visit was to oversee ongoing construction and ensure that the
project is proceeding with the scheduled timeline and budget
authorities.
FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET REQUEST
On May 7, 2009, the President submitted the Fiscal Year
(FY) 2010 Budget Request to the Congress. In the Budget
request, the President requested $55.11 billion in total budget
authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a
$2.63 billion (5%) increase over the FY 2009 enacted budget.
The budget request in net discretionary spending for
Departmental Management and Operations was $907.6 million and
1,557 Full Time Employees (FTE). This request represents a
difference of $60.1 million and 251FTE over the FY 2009 enacted
request of $844.5 million and 1,306 FTE.
On May 12, 2009, the Subcommittee held a budget briefing
with Hon. Elaine C. Duke, Acting Under Secretary for Management
to review DHS's management budget priorities for FY 2010.
On June 4, 2009, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled ``The FY
2010 Budget for Departmental Management and Operations at
DHS.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Elaine C.
Duke, Acting Under Secretary for Management, Department of
Homeland Security. The hearing provided Subcommittee Members
with the opportunity to explore the President's proposed FY
2010 Budget provisions. During the hearing, Members examined
challenges DHS faced regarding human capital management,
financial system consolidation, acquisition policies,
information security, and DHS-wide integration and sought to
ensure that the requested amounts were sufficient to meet those
challenges and provide a way forward for the new Departmental
leadership.
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
worked with the other Congressional Committees to ensure
appropriate funding for the Department.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DISABILITY AND SPECIAL NEEDS POLICY
TEAM
On May 20, 2009, Committee staff received a briefing on the
work of the Disability Policy and Special Needs Policy Team
from the Director for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Programs, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL).
During the briefing, staff was provided with an outline of the
Disability and Special Needs Policy Team's work and
accomplishments.
The CRCL Disability Policy and Special Needs Team
integrates and coordinates disability, civil rights, and
special needs policy across DHS; provides technical assistance
to DHS components in the implementation of disability policy;
and provides guidance to DHS leadership and components on civil
rights and civil liberties issues involving individuals with
disabilities and special needs.
On July 21, 2009, the Subcommittee held a Member briefing
on the work of DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties'
Disability and Special Needs Policy Team. Members received the
briefing from Mr. Timothy J. Keefer, Acting Officer for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties, DHS and Ms. Claudia Gordon, Senior
Policy Advisor, Disability and Special Needs Policy Team,
Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, DHS. The Disability
Policy and Special Needs Policy Team works throughout DHS in
addition to coordinating with twenty-five other federal
agencies, as the lead agency, through its work with the
Interagency Coordinating Council.
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct extensive oversight on disability and
special needs policies at DHS.
On July 21, 2009, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a Member briefing on the
work of the DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties' Disability
and Special Needs Policy Team.
FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL SERVICE PERSONNEL ISSUES
Federal Air Marshals (FAMS) are deployed on flights around
the world and within the United States to protect U.S. air
passengers and crew from harm. In the past, Subcommittee
oversight has revealed that FAMS' struggle with varied
personnel issues which have impacted morale and caused the
agency public embarrassment. However, in recent years,
improvements have been made but challenges remain.
One area of challenge for FAMS has been access to open
communication channels between ``rank-and-file'' air marshals
and upper management. Although improvements have been made in
this area, anecdotal evidence received by the Committee and
filings in several court cases indicate that air marshals
remain fearful of retaliatory assignments, promotion denials,
and pay inequities that result from air marshals vocalizing
their concerns regarding aviation security measures, training,
and personnel policies. As a result, Committee staff conducted
several briefings and Member-level meetings to examine steps
that have been put in place to foster better communication
between air marshals and management and further inquire into
whistleblower protections and claims of retaliation.
Committee staff interviews with FAMS officials also
revealed that written polices regarding appropriate
disciplinary actions did not exist. As a result, FAMS received
inconsistent and reportedly, unfair, treatment when rule
violations occur.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine personnel and
workforce issues that exist at the FAMS. Members received
testimony regarding changes that have been implemented in an
effort to overcome past challenges, had the opportunity to
question the witnesses regarding shortcomings that still exist,
and offered solutions for additional improvement.
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct extensive oversight on FAMS. On March 4,
2010, the Subcommittee held Classified Member briefing on the
FAMS personnel issues.
On July 23, 2009, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled
``Protecting the Protectors: Examining the Personnel Challenges
Facing the Federal Air Marshal Service.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Robert Bray, Assistant
Administrator/Director, Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air
Marshal Service, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Stephen Lord, Director,
Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government Accountability
Office; and Mr. Jon Adler, National President, Federal Law
Enforcement Officers Association.
CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION AIR AND MARINE PREDATOR OPERATIONS
FACILITY
The Department of Homeland Security, through the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, has used unmanned
aerial vehicles to conduct surveillance along the border
between the United States and Mexico. UAVs allow CBP to conduct
missions in areas that are difficult to access or considered
too high risk for manned personnel. These unique systems
provide CBP with a remotely piloted asset that allows for a
persistent, broad area of surveillance of the Nation's borders.
On August 12 through 14, 2009, the Subcommittee on
Management, Investigations, and Oversight Committee on Homeland
Security conducted a site visit to Tucson and Ft. Huachuca,
Arizona. The Subcommittee toured the Customs and Border
Protection Air and Marine Predator Operations Facility in Ft.
Huachuca, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement
undercover facility in Tucson.
ONE DHS - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSOLIDATION
Since its inception, the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) has recognized the need to integrate its myriad financial
management systems, which used to account for approximately $40
billion in appropriated funds. When DHS was created in March
2003 it merged 22 diverse agencies under one umbrella. As a
result of this multi-agency consolidation, it inherited 19
different financial management systems from legacy components.
Since that time, DHS has combined some of these systems and
is now operating from thirteen disparate systems that are
unable to exchange information. Despite the slight downward
shift in the number of systems being used, Committee oversight
has revealed that DHS has still struggled to create a
consolidated financial management system that is consistent
with federal government standards set forth in OMB Circulars A-
123, A-130 and A-127, requirements established by the General
Service Administration's Federal Systems Information Office,
and the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act (P.L. 104-
208).
On October 29, 2009, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled
``Creating `One DHS' Part I: Standardizing Department of
Homeland Security Financial Management.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. James L. Taylor, Deputy Inspector
General, Department of Homeland Security; Ms. Kay L. Daly,
Director, Financial Management and Assurance Issues, Government
Accountability Office; and Ms. Peggy Sherry, Acting Chief
Financial Office, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine DHS's disparate
financial management systems; the steps DHS is taking to unify
its financial operations into one integrated, standardized,
auditable system; and measures that can be utilized to ensure
that DHS's methodologies will meet existing standards and
protocols. During the hearing GAO released its preliminary
findings and recommendations from its report: Financial
Management Systems, DHS Lacks a Clear Strategy to Successfully
Consolidate its Existing Disparate Systems..
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct extensive oversight on financial
management consolidation at DHS. On March 26, 2010, Chairman
Thompson and Subcommittee Chairman Carney wrote to DHS Deputy
Secretary Jane Holl Lute requesting that the award of the
contract for Transformation and Systems Consolidation (TASC), a
computer systems intended to consolidate and integrate the
department's enterprise financial, acquisition and asset
management systems, be delayed until the Committee received
additional assurances that the program was ready to proceed.
On June 28, 2010, the White House's Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) issued a Memorandum directing an immediate
review of all Financial Systems Information Technology Projects
under consideration within the federal government. TASC fell
under the purview of this Memorandum. On July 16, 2010, both
Chairman Thompson and Subcommittee Chairman Carney sent a
letter to DHS Under Secretary for Management reiterating the
Committee's concern regarding the project and inquiring into
DHS's compliance with the OMB Memorandum. The Committee
followed up with the OMB process by sending OMB a letter on
September 16, 2010 requesting that the OMB Financial Review
Board take the Committee' concerns under advisement during
their review of the TASC procurement.
On May 25, 2010, the Chair and Ranking Minority Member of
the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight
sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Minority Member of the
Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on
Appropriations expressing their concerns about TASC and
requesting that funding be withheld until such time that it has
been determinedthat the program will meet certain requirements.
ONE DHS - DATA CENTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSOLIDATION
On November 12, 2009, the Subcommittee conducted a site
visit to Stennis, Mississippi. The Subcommittee toured the
National Center for Critical Information Processing and
Storage, which houses Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's)
primary Data Center in furtherance of Subcommittee's continuing
oversight of DHS' effort to consolidate its Data Centers from
19 separate locations to two, the largest of which is located
in Stennis, MS. The Committee followed up on information
obtained during the tour by conducting briefings with DHS.
QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW
The primary mission of the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) is to ``prevent terrorist attacks within the United
States, reduce the vulnerability of the United States to
terrorism, and minimize the damage, and assist in the recovery
from terrorist attacks that do occur in the United States.'' To
assist the DHS in achieving this goal, in the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-
53) Congress mandated that the Department complete a
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), patterned after
the Department of Defense's Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR).
The QHSR is a comprehensive assessment outlining its long-term
strategy and priorities for homeland security and guidance on
the Department's programs, assets, capabilities, budget,
policies, and authorities. According to the statute, the first
QHSR was required to be submitted to Congress by December 31,
2009, as mandated by section 2401 of the ``Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007'' (P.L. 110-
53).
On November 19, 2009, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a Member briefing on the
Department of Homeland Security Quadrennial Homeland Security
Review. The briefing provided Members an opportunity to examine
the Department's actions regarding the preparation of its first
QHSR and to ensure its timely issuance.
The briefing was the continuation of ongoing oversight of
the QHSR process, which included a letter written to the Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Policy on February 17, 2009 regarding
the Committee's expectations concerning the QHSR and inquiring
into the status of its preparation. That letter was followed by
briefings with DHS and correspondence to Deputy Secretary Lute
on August 11, 2009, which set forth the Committee's displeasure
with DHS's lack of meaningful progress on the QHSR. On
September 23, 2009, Subcommittee Chairman Christopher Carney
and DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy met to discuss
delays associated with the QHSR, the projected timeline and the
anticipated content. Upon the QSHR's release, the Committee
conducted follow-up conferences with DHS to discuss the review.
The Committee received the public version of the final
report, entitled ``Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Report:
A Strategic Framework for a Secure Homeland'' on February 1,
2010, just over a month past the deadline for submission of the
report to Congress. The document was released to the public on
the following day.
On April 29, 2010, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled ``Laying
the Framework for the Task Ahead: An Examination of the
Department of Homeland Security's Quadrennial Homeland Security
Review.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Jane
Holl Lute, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security;
Dr. James Carafano, Deputy Director, The Kathryn and Shelby
Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies and Director,
Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies,
The Heritage Foundation.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine DHS's completion
of its first QHSR. Members were provided with the opportunity
to examine DHS's process for completing the QHSR; its plans for
implementing the new policies contained within the document;
and determine whether the final product met the requirements
set forth in statute.
MEDICAL SURGE CAPACITY
Prior to the Presidential transition, the Homeland Security
Advisory Council identified the top ten challenges for the next
Secretary of Homeland Security. One challenge identified was
the need to close the gap in medical surge capacity, which is
defined as the health care system's ability to quickly expand
normal service capacity in response to a sharp increase in
demand for medical care. This field hearing, located in
Danville, PA, examined how DHS coordinates with the Department
of Health and Human Services, local hospital facilities, and
public health officials in establishing and coordinating a
national medical response strategy during an act of terrorism
or public health threat, including biological, chemical or
radiological events.
On January 25, 2010, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a field hearing in Danville,
Pennsylvania entitled ``Is the Medical Community Ready if
Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the Gap in Medical Surge
Capacity.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Tilman
Jolly, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical Readiness,
Department of Homeland Security; Dr. Gregg A. Pane, Director,
National Health Care Preparedness Programs, Office of
Preparedness and Emergency Operations, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department of Health
and Human Services; Ms. Shannon Fitzgerald, Director,
Pennsylvania Office of Public Health Preparedness, Pennsylvania
Department of Health; Ms. Cynthia A. Bascetta, Director, Health
Care, Government Accountability Office; Dr. John J.
Skiendzielewski, Director, Emergency Medicine Services,
Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania; Dr. Michael
O'Keefe, President & Chief Executive Officer, Evangelical
Community Hospital, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; Mr. Robert A.
Kane, Vice President of Operations, Susquehanna Health,
Williamsport, Pennsylvania; and Mr. Gary A. Carnes, President
and Chief Executive Officer, All Children's Health System, St.
Petersburg, Florida.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the Department's
efforts to enable National medical surge capacity during a
catastrophic incident. During the hearing, particular emphasis
and oversight was placed on Homeland Security Presidential
Directive 21, which requires the Secretary of Health and Human
Services in conjunction with the Secretary to develop ``an
operational concept for the medical response to catastrophic
health events that is substantively distinct from and broader
than that which guides day-to-day operations.''
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct extensive oversight on the medical surge
capacity at DHS.
DEPARTMENT ON HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE SPENDING
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducts
conferences for a variety of purposes, including employee and
stakeholder training, information sharing, and mission support.
During fiscal years 2005-2007, DHS reportedly spent
approximately $110 million on conference-related activities -
spending approximately $60 million in direct costs and an
additional $50 million identified as salary expenses for
employees attending conferences.
On September 20, 2007, Chairman Bennie Thompson requested
that DHS Inspector General (IG) examine DHS's spending on
conference-related activities. In particular, the IG was asked
to provide the Committee with information regarding the total
amount spent by DHS on producing or facilitating the production
of conferences, retreats and other off-site activities,
arranged by component agency or purchasing authority.
On February 4, 2010, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations and Oversight held a hearing entitled
``Furthering the Mission or Having Fun: Lax Travel Policies
Costs DHS Millions.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Ms. Elaine Duke, Undersecretary for Management, Department of
Homeland Security; and Mr. Carlton Mann, Assistant Inspector
General for Inspections, Office of Inspector General,
Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine IG's audit of the
amount of taxpayer dollars DHS spent on conferences, retreats,
and other offsite activities; in addition to the lack of
internal controls governing policies, oversight, and reporting
of conference planning and spending practices. During the
hearing, the Office of Inspector General released its
previously embargoed report, entitled ``DHS Conference Spending
Practices and Oversight.'' The report found that during fiscal
years 2005 - 2007, DHS spent approximately $110 million on
conference-related activities.
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct extensive oversight on conference spending
at DHS. On October 15, 2010 Chairman Thompson sent a letter to
Under Secretary for Management at DHS Rafael Borras to ensure
that DHS followed through with the IG recommendations,
including establishing common practices to review and approve
travel and conference requests.
SBINET
On November 2, 2005, the Department announced the Secure
Border Initiative (SBI). SBI was planned as a multi-dimensional
program to include additional border security personnel, such
as Border Patrol agents; more tactical infrastructure,
including pedestrian fencing and vehicle barriers, and
increased detention capacity. SBI also includes a technology
component called SBInet, which was launched in September 2006.
Like ISIS and ASI, SBInet is intended to create a ``virtual
fence'' along the nation's borders using cameras, sensors,
radar, and other equipment. SBInet is the federal government's
third major attempt at developing a technology solution for
securing America's borders.
On March 18, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a joint hearing entitled
``SBInet: Does it Pass the Border Security Test?'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from Mr. Michael J. Fisher,
Acting Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Mark
Borkowski, Executive Director, Secure Border Initiative Program
Executive Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Randolph C. Hite,
Director, IT Architecture & Systems Issues, Government
Accountability Office; and Mr. Roger A. Krone, President,
Network and Space Systems, Boeing Defense, Space and Security,
the Boeing Company.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony on
DHS's efforts to secure the nation's borders through its Secure
Border Initiative (SBI), and particularly through the
technology component of SBI, known as SBInet. The hearing gave
Subcommittee members the opportunity to question DHS,
Government Accountability Office (GAO), and private sector
witnesses about the status of the program, with particular
emphasis on testing of SBInet systems. The hearing coincided
with the release of GAO's report on the program, entitled
``Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address Testing and
Performance Limitations that Place Key Technologies at Risk.''
On June 17, 2010, the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight continued its joint hearing
entitled ``SBInet: Does it Pass the Border Security Test?'' The
Subcommittees received testimony from Mr. Randolph C. Hite,
Director, IT Architecture & Systems Issues, Government
Accountability Office; Mr. Mark Borkowski, Executive Director,
Secure Border Initiative Program Executive Office, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Michael J. Fisher, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and Mr.
Roger A. Krone, President, Network and Space Systems, Boeing
Defense, Space and Security, the Boeing Company.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony on
DHS's efforts to secure the nation's borders through SBInet.
The hearing gave Members an opportunity to question DHS, GAO,
and private sector witnesses about the status of the program,
with particular emphasis placed on DHS' management of SBInet.
During this hearing, GAO released its latest SBInet report
entitled, ``Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Reconsider
its Proposed Investment in Key Technology Program.''
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct extensive oversight on the SBInet program.
PIPELINE SECURITY
The national pipeline system is an extensive mode of
transportation with unique infrastructure security
characteristics and requirements. Virtually all the critical
pipeline infrastructure is owned or operated by private
entities. Over 2.5 million miles of petroleum and natural gas
transmission pipeline operated by more than 3,000 companies
crisscross the United States. Pipelines deliver approximately
two-thirds of the petroleum products and almost all of the
natural gas in the United States. These pipelines are integral
to the U.S. energy supply and have vital links to other
critical infrastructure, such as power plants, airports, and
military bases.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the
lead federal agency for security in all modes of
transportation, including pipelines. Pipeline security
activities at TSA are led by the Pipeline Security Division
(PSD) within the agency's Office of Transportation Sector
Network Management. The agency oversees industry's
identification and protection of pipelines by developing
security standards; implementing measures to mitigate security
risk; building stakeholder relations; and monitoring compliance
with security standards, requirements, and regulation. In an
effort to reduce risk, TSA conducts corporate security reviews,
critical facility inspections, and security training and
exercises for both government and private sector pipeline
personnel.
On April 19, 2010, the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight held a field hearing in Plant
City, Florida entitled ``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the
Lines of Responsibility Clear?'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Jack Fox, General Manager, Pipeline
Security, Transportation Sector Network Management,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Jeffrey Wiese, Associate Administrator for
Pipeline Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration, Department of Transportation; Mr. Paul W.
Parfomak, Specialist in Energy and Infrastructure Policy,
Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress; Mr.
Gary L. Forman, Chair, Pipeline Sector Coordinating Council;
Mr. Larry Gispert, Director, Hillsborough County Emergency
Management, Tampa, Florida; Mr. Ron Rogers, Assistant Chief -
Administration, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Tampa,
Florida; and Col. Ed Duncan, Commander, Department of
Operational Support, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office,
Tampa, Florida.
The purpose of the field hearing was to examine the
security of the Nation's pipeline networks, which transmit oil
and gas across the United States and have vital links to
critical infrastructure, such as power plants, airports, and
military bases. These systems present unique homeland security
challenges as they are vulnerable to both accidents and
terrorist attacks. Members had the opportunity to explore
existing management agreements between DHS and the Department
of Transportation (DOT) as well as to ascertain how DHS and DOT
coordinate with local officials and industry.
At the Chairman's direction, the Subcommittee and its staff
continued to conduct extensive oversight on pipeline security.
DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL
On April 20, 2010, an explosion and fire occurred on the
Deepwater Horizon oil rig, located approximately 72 miles
southeast of Venice, Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. Four days
after the explosion, through the use of remotely operated
underwater vehicles it was determined that oil was leaking from
the rig. As the primary responders in U.S. coastal waters, the
U.S. Coast Guard's (Coast Guard) response to the BP oil spill
began immediately after the explosion as an emergency search-
and-rescue mission. On April 21, pursuant to the National Oil
and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP), Rear
Admiral Mary Landry was named the Federal On-Scene Coordinator
and a Regional Response Team was stood up. This team included
the Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the
Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Commerce (DOC), and
Interior (DOI), as well as state and local representatives. On
April 29, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano
designated the oil spill as a Spill of National Significance
(SONS).
On July 12, 2010, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
New Orleans, Louisiana entitled ``The Deepwater Horizon Oil
Spill Chain of Command: An Examination of Information Sharing
Practices During a Spill of National Significance.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony Col. Michael D. Edmonson,
Deputy Secretary, Superintendent of State Police, Public Safety
Services, Louisiana DHS of Public Safety & Corrections, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana; Hon. Frank V. Hibbard, Mayor, Clearwater,
Florida; RADM Peter V. Neffenger, Deputy National Incident
Commander, United States Coast Guard, DHS; Ms. Juliette N.
Kayyem, Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, DHS;
and Mr. Ray Dempsey, Vice President of Strategy, BP America.
The Subcommittee also received comments from Mr. Roland Guidry,
Oil Spill Coordinator, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's
Office, and DHS of Public Safety & Corrections.
The purpose of the field hearing was to examine the command
structure, including roles and responsibilities, for the
response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, which was deemed a
Spill of National Significance (SONS). Members had an
opportunity to discern the chain of command, determine whether
the chain was being properly followed by the more than 38,000
personnel responding to the spill, and ascertain how
information flowed from the Unified Area Command in New Orleans
through the Incident Command Centers in Houma, LA, Mobile, AL
and St. Petersburg, FL to state and local entities.
Currently, the Committee is awaiting a review from the DHS
Office of the Inspector General describing the relationship
between BP and the Mineral Management Service (MMS). Also, the
Committee awaits a review of the national contingency plan and
BP's relationship with the government, and after action
memorandum from administration officials involved in response
efforts to the Oil Spill.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Putting People First: A Way Forward for the Homeland Security
Workforce.'' March 5, 2009. (Serial No. 110-4)
``Consolidating DHS: An Update on the St. Elizabeth's
Project.'' March 26, 2009. (Serial No. 110-12)
``The FY 2010 Budget for Departmental Management and Operations
at DHS.'' June 4, 2009. (Serial No. 111-20)
``Protecting the Protectors: Examining the Personnel Challenges
Facing the Federal Air Marshal Service.'' July 23,
2009. (Serial No. 111-31)
``Creating `One DHS' Part I: Standardizing Department of
Homeland Security Financial Management.'' October 29,
2009. (Serial No. 111-43)
``Is the Medical Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism
Strikes: Closing the Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
January 25, 2010. (Danville, PA). (Serial No. 111-50)
``Furthering the Mission or Having Fun: Lax Travel Policies
Cost DHS Millions.'' February 4, 2010. (Serial No. 111-
52)
``SBInet: Does it Pass the Border Security Test?'' (Joint
hearing with the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism) March 18 and June 17, 2010.
(Serial No. 111-59)
``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of Responsibility
Clear?'' (Plant City, FL) April 19, 2010. (Serial No.
111-63)
``Laying the Framework for the Task Ahead: An Examination of
the Department of Homeland Security's Quadrennial
Homeland Security Review.'' April 29, 2010. (Serial
No. 111-65)
``The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Chain of Command: An
Examination of Information Sharing Practices During a
Spill of National Significance.'' (New Orleans, LA)
July 12, 2010. (Serial No. 111-74)
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and
Technology
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
William L. Owens, New York
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson,
Mississippi
(Ex
Officio) Daniel E. Lungren, California
Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Steve Austria, Ohio
Peter T. King,New York
(Ex Officio)
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology held 10 days of hearings and received
testimony from 48 witnesses.
The Subcommittee met on February 4, 2009, for
organizational purposes.
----------
Legislative Activities of the Subcommittee
NUCLEAR FORENSICS AND ATTRIBUTION ACT
Public Law 111-140 (H.R. 730)
To strengthen efforts in the Department of Homeland Security to
develop nuclear forensics capabilities to permit attribution of
the source of nuclear material, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 2631, the Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act, was
introduced in the House on June 7, 2007, by Mr. Schiff, Mr.
Langevin, and three original co-sponsors. H.R. 2631 was
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Within the Committee, H.R.
2631 was referred to the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
On October 10, 2007, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity and Science and Technology held a hearing on H.R.
2631, the Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology considered H.R. 2631 on October 31,
2007, and forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for
consideration, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 2631 on
May 20, 2008, and ordered the measure reported to the House
with a favorable recommendation, as amended, by unanimous
consent.
Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 2631 to the
House on June 11, 2008, as H.Rpt. 110-708, Pt. 1.
H.R. 2631 was considered in the House under Suspension of
the Rules on June 18, 2008, and passed by voice vote.
H.R. 2631 was received in the Senate on June 19, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
On September 23, 2008, the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs considered H.R. 2631 and
ordered the measure reported to the Senate, as amended. The
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
reported H.R. 2631 to the Senate on September 25, 2008, with no
written report.
The Senate passed H.R. 2631 on September 26 (Legislative
Day of September 17), 2008, after agreeing to the Committee
Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
111th Congress
H.R. 730 was introduced in the House on January 27, 2009,
by Mr. Schiff, Mr. McCaul, and one other original co-sponsor
and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in
addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Within the
Committee, H.R. 730 was referred to Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
On March 20, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Foreign
Affairs sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security agreeing to waive further consideration of H.R. 730 in
order to expedite consideration by the full House. On that same
date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs and the agreement not to seek further
consideration of H.R. 730.
On March 20, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Science
and Technology sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security indicating a jurisdictional interest in H.R.
730, but agreeing to not seek a sequential referral in order to
expedite consideration by the full House. The letter further
indicated the right to seek appointment of Conferees should a
House-Senate Conference be convened. On that same date, the
Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a letter to
the Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Science and Technology and the agreement to not seek a
sequential referral of H.R. 730. The letter further indicated
the right to seek appointment of Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be called.
On March 24, 2009, the House considered H.R. 730 under
Suspension of the Rules and passed the bill by a \2/3\ recorded
vote of 402 yeas and 16 nays (Roll No. 148).
H.R. 730 was received in the Senate on March 26, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 730 to the Senate,
amended, with no written report.
On December 23, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 730, as
amended, by unanimous consent.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 730 under
Suspension of the Rules on January 20, 2010, and on January 21,
2010 agreed to the Senate amendment by a recorded vote of 397
yeas and 10 nays, clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 730 was presented to the President on February 4,
2010, and signed into law on February 16, 2010, as Public Law
111-140.
AUTHORIZE THE SECURING THE CITIES INITIATIVE
H.R. 2611
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the
Securing the Cities Initiative of the Department of Homeland
Security, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 2611 was introduced in the House on May 21, 2009, by
Mr. King of New York, and two original co-sponsors, and
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Within the
Committee, H.R. 2611 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 2611 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House with a favorable recommendation, amended, by voice
vote. The Committee reported H.R. 2611 to the House on January
12, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-398.
The House considered H.R. 2611 under Suspension of the
Rules on January 20, 2010, and passed the bill, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 2611 was received in the Senate on January 21, 2010,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010
H.R. 4842
To authorize appropriations for the Directorate of Science and
Technology of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal
years 2011 and 2012, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 4842 was introduced in the House on March 15, 2010, by
Ms. Clarke, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Mr. Daniel E.
Lungren of California, and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 4842 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology considered H.R. 4842 on March 15, 2010,
and ordered the measure to be forwarded to the Full Committee
with a recommendation that it pass, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 4842 on
April 15, 2010, and ordered the measure to be reported to the
House, as amended, by a recorded vote of 26 yeas and 0 nays
(Roll Call Vote No. 23).
On May 18, 2010, the Committee on Homeland Security
reported H.R. 4842 to the House as H. Rpt. 111-486, Part I.
On that same date, H.R. 4842 was sequentially referred to
the Committee on Science and Technology for a period ending not
later than June 18, 2010. On June 18, 2010, the referral to the
Committee on Science and Technology was extended for a period
ending not later than June 25, 2010. On June 25, 2010, the
Committee on Science and Technology was discharged from further
consideration of H.R. 4842.
The Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security on
June 25, 2010, agreeing to waive consideration of H.R. 4842 in
order to expedite consideration of the measure by the full
House. On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee
on Science and Technology acknowledging the jurisdictional
interests of the Committee on Science and Technology.
The House considered H.R. 4842 under Suspension of the
Rules on July 20, 2010, and passed the measure, as amended, by
voice vote.
Received in the Senate on July 21, 2010, read twice, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
WMD PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS ACT OF 2010
H.R. 5498
To enhance homeland security by improving efforts to prevent,
deter, prepare for, detect, attribute, respond to, and recover
from an attack with a weapon of mass destruction, and for other
purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 5498 was introduced in the House on March 15, 2010, by
Mr. Pascrell, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, Ms. Clarke, and Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of
California and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security,
and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the
Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Within the
Committee, H.R. 5498 was referred to the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
On June 15, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing on
H.R. 5498, the ``WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2010.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Sara (Sally) T.
Beatrice, PhD, Assistant Commissioner, Public Health
Laboratory, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, City of
New York; Randall S. Murch, PhD, Associate Director, Research
Program Development, National Capital Region, Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University; Robert P. Kadlec,
MD, Vice President, Global Public Sector, PRTM Management
Consulting; and Julie E. Fischer, PhD, Senior Associate, Global
Health Security Program, Henry L. Stimson Center.
On June 23, 2010, the Full Committee considered H.R. 5498
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a
favorable recommendation, amended, by a recorded vote of 26
yeas and 0 nays (Roll Call Vote No. 24).
On November 17, 2010, the Chair of the House Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence sent a letter to the Chair of
the Committee on Homeland Security indicating that, in order to
expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence would agree to not
seek a sequential referral of H.R. 5498. On that same date, the
Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security responded and
agreed to the waiving of the sequential referral and agreeing
to request to seek appointments of Conferees should a House-
Senate Conference be convened. On November 18, 2010, the Chair
of the Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter to the Chair
of the Committee on Homeland Security agreeing that, in order
to expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would waive consideration of H.R. 5498. On that same
date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent a
letter to the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 5498 to
the House on November 18, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-659, Pt. I.
Subsequently, the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, and the House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence were discharged from further consideration of H.R.
5498.
The referral of H.R. 5498 to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was extended on November 18, 2010, for a period ending
not later than December 3, 2010. On December 3, 2010, the
referral of the bill to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
was extended for a period ending not later than December 17,
2010. On December 17, 2010, the referral of the bill to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended for a period
ending not later than December 21, 2010. The referral of H.R.
5498 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce was extended on
December 21, 2010, for a period ending not later than December
22, 2010. On December 22, 2010, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 5498
and placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 411).
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
CYBER THREATS TO FEDERAL NETWORKS
Computer networks play an ever-expanding role in all
aspects of our society, including our government. In the U.S.
and around the world, government and private sector networks
are attacked every day by viruses, worms, and other types of
cyber attacks. While any of these attacks can be damaging,
attacks on government networks are of particular concern,
because they could negatively impact government functioning, or
result in a loss of sensitive or even classified data that
could threaten national security.
The purpose of the March 5, 2009 briefing was to inform
members, in a classified setting, on recent cyber penetrations
of the Federal networks. DHS briefed members on detection and
response efforts and future prevention activities.
On March 5, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology and the Subcommittee
on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk
Assessment held a joint Classified Member briefing on
cybersecurity threats to United States Federal networks.
FEDERAL CYBERSECURITY MISSION
Creating a secure cyberspace is surely in the national
interest, but to date all efforts to do so have been voluntary.
The White House and other Federal agencies have stepped in to
provide leadership, whether Federal authority to require secure
computing is necessary, and if so, what it should look like,
remains an open question.
On March 10, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity and Science and Technology held a hearing
entitled ``Reviewing the Federal Cybersecurity Mission.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Dave Powner, Director,
Information Technology Management Issues, Government
Accountability Office; Mr. Scott Charney, Vice President,
Trustworthy Computing, Microsoft; Mr. Amit Yoran, Chair and
CEO, NetWitness Corporation; Ms. Mary Ann Davidson, Chief
Security Officer, Oracle Corporation; and Dr. Jim Lewis,
Project Director, Center for Strategic and International
Studies.
The purpose of the hearing was to offer Members a chance to
learn about and provide oversight regarding the need for a
national strategic framework for cybersecurity, and what that
framework should include. The hearing took place halfway
through the National Security Council's 60-day interagency
review of the Federal cybersecurity mission, ordered by
President Obama and National Security Advisor Jim Jones.
Witnesses discussed what the key elements of such a framework
should be, including expectations of what it means to deal with
cyber attacks; national defensive and offensive capabilities;
law enforcement authorities and responsibilities; and policy
and governance authorities and responsibilities.
Following the hearing, the Committee asked GAO to
investigate and report on the findings of the policy review,
one of which was the national strategic framework. GAO reported
to the Committee on August 2, 2010, but at that time, and as of
the end of the 111th Congress, the national strategic framework
had not been completed. GAO found that while the goals and
objectives in the policy review were appropriate,
implementation was hampered due to a lack of specifically
assigned roles and responsibilities for Federal agencies
involved in different aspects of the national cybersecurity
mission.
The Committee has several GAO engagements on cybersecurity-
related topics, including: Cyberspace Policy: Executive Branch
Is Making Progress Implementing 2009 Policy Review
Recommendations, but Sustained Leadership Is Needed (GAO-11-
24); Critical Infrastructure Protection: Key Private and Public
Cyber Expectations Need to Be Consistently Addressed (GAO-10-
628); Cyberspace: United States Faces Challenges in Addressing
Global Cybersecurity and Governance (GAO-10-606);
Cybersecurity: Key Challenges Need to Be Addressed to Improve
Research and Development (GAO-10-466); Critical Infrastructure
Protection: Update to National Infrastructure Protection Plan
Includes Increased Emphasis on Risk Management and Resilience
(GAO-10-296); Critical Infrastructure Protection: OMB
Leadership Needed to Strengthen Agency Planning Efforts to
Protect Federal Cyber Asset (GAO-10-148); Information
Technology: Management Improvements Needed on the Department of
Homeland Security's Next Generation Information Sharing System
(GAO-09-40); and Critical Infrastructure Protection: Current
Cyber Sector-Specific Planning Approach Needs Reassessment
(GAO-09-969). The Committee also has two ongoing engagements:
Review of Cybersecurity Standards and Review of Smart Grid
Cybersecurity Guidelines and Related Issues.
Additionally, in November 2010, several Committee Members
introduced H.R. 6423, the Homeland Security Cyber and Physical
Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010, which would authorize
the DHS Office of Cybersecurity & Communications; create a new
Cybersecurity Compliance Division to oversee the establishment
of performance-based standards; require DHS to work with
network operators to develop tailored security plans that meet
risk-based, performance-based standards; and require DHS to
share threat intelligence and protect proprietary information.
CYBER THREATS TO THE ELECTRIC GRID
The operation of the electric grid is increasingly reliant
upon computers and computerized components. While this
increases the efficiency and ease of operation, it also creates
a vulnerability that could lead to improper functioning,
damage, and even destruction of key elements of the electric
grid.
Members were received testimony on recent, ongoing cyber
penetrations of electric grid computer networks, as well as
similar penetrations in other critical infrastructure networks.
Possible adversary identity and motives were also discussed.
In the months following the hearing, several news outlets
reported cyber penetrations of the U.S. electric grid by
hackers in China and Russia. On April 30, 2009, Chairman Bennie
G. Thompson introduced H.R. 2195, to amend the Federal Power
Act to provide additional authorities to adequately protect the
critical electric infrastructure against cyber attack, and for
other purposes.
In addition, the subcommittee held a hearing on electric
grid protection in July of 2009, and attended an international
summit on electric infrastructure security in September of
2010.
On March 17, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology and the Subcommittee
on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a
joint Member Classified briefing on cyber threats to the
electric grid.
CYBER VULNERABILITIES IN THE PAYMENT CARD INDUSTRY
For years critical infrastructure stakeholders have
experienced massive data breaches on their internal computer
networks, resulting in the compromise of sensitive customer
data such as credit card numbers or other personally
identifiable information. Many merchants who experienced
massive data breaches were certified to be ``compliant'' with
the credit card industry standards at the time of their
breaches.
On March 31, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity and Science and Technology held a hearing
entitled ``Do the Payment Card Industry Data Standards Reduce
Cybercrime?'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Ms. Rita
Glavin, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division,
Department of Justice; Mr. Robert Russo, Director, Payment Card
Industry Data Security Standards Council; Mr. Joseph Majka,
Head of Fraud Control and Investigations, Global Enterprise
Risk, Visa Inc.; Mr. Michael Jones, Chief Information Officer,
Michaels Stores Inc.; and Mr. Dave Hogan, Senior Vice President
and Chief Information Officer, National Retail Federation.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine data security
standards to identify common risks and best practices for data
security that could be applied among critical infrastructure
stakeholders and in government networks. This hearing provided
Members with an opportunity to assess what credit card industry
data security practices could be applied in other cybersecurity
settings, in light of the commonalities among most operating
systems, such as encryption, software, hardware spoofs, and
other vulnerabilities.
NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for
coordinating interagency efforts to address national animal
disease outbreaks. In the event of a national catastrophe, DHS
must be able to communicate with an effective and informed
Department of Agriculture that can rapidly identify diseased
and exposed animals. In the event of an outbreak, it is
essential that a functioning system is in place to allow for
immediate identification and assessment of the source of the
problems. One proposed approach is to create a national system
of traceability, and animal ID is a key component of this.
On May 5, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry of the
Committee on Agriculture entitled ``Review of the National
Animal Identification System.'' The Subcommittees received
testimony from Dr. John R. Clifford, Deputy Administrator,
Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, Department of Agriculture; Dr. Tom McGinn, Chief
Veterinarian, Director of Food, Agriculture and Veterinary
Defense, Department of Homeland Security; Dr. David C. Smith,
Assistant Director, Division of Animal Industry, New York State
Department of Agriculture and Markets; Dr. Jerry Gillespie,
Former Director of the Western Institute for Food Safety and
Security, University of California-Davis; and Mr. Kevin Kirk,
Michigan Department of Agriculture.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive testimony from
DHS, USDA, and livestock experts on the nation's ability to
trace livestock and poultry. Some Members expressed a desire
for the United States Government to implement a national animal
identification system (NAIS). They also discussed the impact to
our national biosecurity without such a system.
FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET REQUEST
Each year, the President's proposed budget outlines the
priorities of the administration for all activities carried out
by the Federal government. The subcommittee was charged with
the specific task of reviewing the proposed budgets for the
Science and Technology Directorate, the Office of Health
Affairs, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.
On June 9, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing
entitled ``The FY 2010 Budget for the Directorate for Science &
Technology, the Office of Health Affairs, and the Domestic
Nuclear Detection Office.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Mr. Brad Buswell, Acting Under Secretary, Science and
Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Dr.
Chuck Gallaway, Acting Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection
Office, Department of Homeland Security; and Dr. Jon Krohmer,
Acting Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer, Office of
Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to provide Members an
opportunity to review and discuss the budgets, strategic
agendas, and policies of the Science and Technology
Directorate, the Office of Health Affairs, and the Domestic
Nuclear Detection Office. This hearing was an opportunity for
Members to weigh in publicly on a broad range of issues
affecting each of these divisions within DHS. At the hearing,
Members raised concerns with the need for increased engagement
with and utilization of small businesses. In addition, Members
discussed plans for addressing issues with troubled programs,
such as DNDO's Advanced Spectroscopic Portal; and OHA's
National Biosurveillance Integration Center and BioWatch.
The subcommittee maintains close contact with S&T, DNDO,
and OHA, and closely monitors and provides oversight for their
programs and activities directly.
ELECTRIC GRID SECURITY
The United States electric grid remains highly vulnerable
to a cyber or physical attack that could potentially disable
wide portions of the grid for extended periods of time. DOD,
DHS, and DOE recently participated in a tabletop exercise
involving a physical and cyber terrorist attack on the electric
grid. The vulnerability of the Nation's electric grid is a
critical national and economic security issue that the
Committee members believe Congress can and must address with
urgency.
On July 21, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing
entitled ``Securing the Modern Electric Grid from Physical and
Cyber Attacks.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Dr.
William Graham, Chair, Commission to Assess the Threat to the
United States from Electromagnetic Pulse; Mr. Mark Fabro,
President and Chief Security Scientist, Lofty Perch; Mr.
Michael Assante, Chief Security Officer, North American
Electric Reliability Corporation; Mr. Steve Naumann, Vice
President of Wholesale Markets, Representing Edison Electric
Institute and Electric Power Supply Association; Mr. Joe
McClelland, Director of Reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission; Ms. Patricia Hoffman, Acting Assistant Secretary,
Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability; Mr. Sean
McGurk, Director, Control Systems Security Program, Department
of Homeland Security; and Ms. Cita Furlani, Director,
Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of
Standards and Technology.
The main purpose of the hearing was to raise awareness of
the vulnerabilities of the electric grid to disruption or
damage and identify the gaps that need to be addressed. Members
received testimony from the Commission to the United States
from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack Critical National
Infrastructures Commission, DHS, DOE, FERC, the Department of
Commerce, and private industry experts. Testimony revealed
industry standards were inadequate to protect critical
infrastructure, and that industry has been slow to implement
precautionary security measures. Chairman Thompson sponsored
legislation, H.R. 2195, the Critical Infrastructure Protection
Act, to improve existing security standards and require DHS to
perform vulnerability and threat assessments for critical
electric infrastructure and investigate security incidents
involving the electric grid.
SECURING RADIOLOGICAL SOURCES
A radiological dispersion device (RDD - often called a
``dirty bomb''), is a weapon of terror and asymmetrical
warfare, and works by dispersing radioactive material into the
air and contaminating a large area. Cesium Chloride (CsCl) is
an ideal radiological device for such a weapon. Protecting
legitimate sources of CsCl is the best way to thwart the RDD
threat.
On September 14, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology held a field
hearing in Brooklyn, New York entitled ``Status Report on
Federal and Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Craig Conklin,
Director, Sector Specific Agency Executive Management Office,
Office of Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Kenneth Sheely, Associate Assistant Deputy
Administrator for Global Threat Reduction, National Nuclear
Security Administration, Department of Energy; Mr. Robert
Lewis, Director, Division of Materials Safety and State
Agreements, Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Capt. Michael
Riggio, Counterterrorism Division, New York Police Department;
Mr. Gene Miskin, Director, Office of Radiological Health, New
York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Dr. Bonnie
Arquilla, Director of Disaster Preparedness, SUNY Downstate
Medical Center; and Mr. Gene Aloise, Director, Natural
Resources and Environment, Government Accountability Office.
The purpose of the hearing was to conduct oversight on a
partnership between DHS, DOE, and NRC, to protect these sources
nationwide, particularly in New York City. Members received
testimony from DHS, DOD, NRC, State officials, and GAO. GAO
testified at the hearing on its progress on a review for the
Committee, Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Preliminary
Observations on preparedness to Recover from Possible Attacks
Using Radiological or Nuclear Materials, (GAO-09-996T), later
completed in January of 2010. The Committee determined that the
program to secure these sources in the medical environment had
significantly improved security of radiological sources through
three key actions: (1) physically hardening hospital blood
irradiation machines by adding external locking devices; (2)
engaging with the irradiator manufacturers to determine if
future devices could be made that were inherently more secure;
and (3) updating and modernizing the NRC source tracking
regime. The Committee found that these efforts should continue
and receive ongoing Congressional support.
RESPONSE TO PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
A worldwide influenza pandemic could have very high costs,
in mortality, morbidity, and secondary impacts to the U.S. and
global economy. In recent years, two influenza strains, H5N1,
and H1N1, have raised the concern of a pandemic. In the case of
H1N1, a worldwide pandemic did come to pass, but luckily the
strain was not virulent enough to impose excessive health or
economic costs on the U.S. or the world.
On October 27, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing
entitled ``Real-Time Assessment of the Federal Response to
Pandemic Influenza.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Alexander Garza, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Assistant
Secretary for Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security;
Nicole Lurie, MD, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and
Response, Department of Health and Human Services; Mr. Richard
Serino, Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, Department of Homeland Security; and Ms. Marcy Forman,
Director, Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center,
Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of the hearing was to ensure that every effort
was made to prevent as much illness and save as many lives as
possible. Members received testimony from DHS and HHS. This
testimony revealed that several systematic improvements would
strengthen the public health security infrastructure:
biosurveillance; pandemic disaster assistance; real-time
recording of lessons learned; public messaging; and
pharmaceutical system security.
Following the hearing, in October 2009, the Committee wrote
a letter to Secretary Napolitano, asking her to have FEMA
review FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.17 _ Emergency
Assistance for Human Influenza Pandemic. The Secretary did so,
and the updated version was released in November 2009.
The Committee currently has two ongoing GAO engagements
regarding pandemic influenza: Pandemic Influenza Vaccine
Technologies and Lessons Learned from H1N1 Influenza Pandemic.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE
The Science and Technology (S&T) directorate is intended to
provide support to the Department's operational components and
to first responders and other government and private sector
entities engaged in the homeland security enterprise through
research, development, testing, and evaluation of promising
homeland security technologies. In the first years of the
Department's existence, the Directorate was often described as
a ``rudderless ship'', but it is widely acknowledged to be
making improvements in recent years.
On March 3, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing
entitled ``The Department of Homeland Security's Science and
Technology Directorate.'' The Subcommittee received testimony
from Hon. Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary for the Science and
Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of this hearing was to consider Under Secretary
Tara O'Toole's plans and priorities for S&T, and discuss
legislation authorizing. The Under Secretary testified about
her plans for realignment and reorganization within S&T;
continued efforts to better engage with small business; and
making improvements to the working partnerships with other DHS
entities, with particular focus on improving the process of
defining technology requirements.
The hearing informed the Committee's Science and Technology
authorization legislation, H.R. 4842.
BIOTHREAT IN THE UNITED STATES
In 2008, the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of
Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism (WMD Commission)
issued the report World at Risk. The Report asserted that the
chance of a WMD attack occurring somewhere in the world event
by 2013 was greater than 50%. In January of 2010, the WMD
Commission released a ``Report Card'' on the government's
progress in implementing the recommendations in the original
report.
Experts from the Office of the Director for National
Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and DHS
briefed the Committee on the current biological threat to the
United States. Members questioned briefers about the evolution
of the biological threat since these statements were originally
promulgated in 2008. The Committee discussed the need to focus
on addressing Congressional homeland security jurisdiction, in
part, to facilitate legislation directing a concerted
government-wide effort to address the threat.
On March 12, 2010, the Members of the Subcommittee on
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology
hosted a Classified Member briefing for the Members of the
Committee on Homeland Security on bioterrorism threats in the
United States.
This briefing in part prompted the Committee's development
and introduction of H.R. 5498, the WMD Prevention and
Preparedness Act of 2010.
A Full Committee hearing was held with the WMD
Commissioners in April of 2010.
BIOSURVEILLANCE
On May 25, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a Member
briefing to receive an update on the Department of Homeland
Security Office of Health Affairs and its major programs,
including BioWatch and the National Biosurveillance Integration
Center. Representatives from the office of Health Affairs and
Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Homeland Security
were present to respond to Member questions.
The goals of this briefing were to: (1) learn about the new
vision for and reorganization of OHA; (2) examine whether OHA
was fulfilling the Congressionally mandated responsibilities of
the CMO; (3) discuss the poor performance of the National
Biosurveillance Integration Center (NBIC) and what, if
anything, could be done to turn the Center around; (4) discuss
the BioWatch program, including the new technologies being
developed and its potential expansion to cover more of the
United States; and (5) discuss the recent decision to eliminate
the position of the Chief Veterinary Officer.
To further examine performance and management issues in the
office, the Committee requested that GAO review NBIC and OHA
national biosurveillance efforts under the following requests:
Biosurveillance: Efforts to Develop a National Biosurveillance
Capability Need a National Strategy and a Designated Leader
(GAO-10-645); and Biosurveillance: Developing a Collaboration
Strategy Is Essential to Fostering Interagency Data and
Resource Sharing (GAO-10-171). In addition, the Committee has
the following ongoing GAO engagements: Biosurveillance: State,
Local, Tribal; and Territorial Biosurveillance Capabilities.
The Committee authorized, within the Department, the
position of Chief Medical Officer as part of the Post-Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act (P.L. 109-295). The Chief
Medical Officer leads the Department's Office of Health Affairs
(OHA), which has performed poorly since its inception. Dr. Alex
Garza took over as the new Chief Medical Officer in August of
2009.
ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Committee members remain concerned about the vulnerability
of our electric grid. Key threats of concern include those
posed by electromagnetic phenomena such as an electromagnetic
pulse (EMP); created by a high-altitude nuclear weapon burst
radio-frequency or microwave-frequency devices; and most
especially by naturally occurring geomagnetic storms.
On September 20, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology Chairwoman
Yvette Clarke led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the
Parliament of the United Kingdom's Electric Infrastructure
Security Summit (EISS) in London, England. Rt. Hon. James
Arbuthnot MP, Chair of the United Kingdom House of Commons
Defense Select Committee chaired the Summit. Chairwoman Clarke
was an Honorary Co-Chair of the event, along with Congressman
Trent Franks of the House Armed Services Committee.
The Summit brought together senior government
representatives and scientists from Europe, the U.S. and other
regions to review results of new research on Electromagnetic
Pulses and severe solar flare infrastructure risks and
protection options. Participants explored the potential for
cooperation in implementing protective measures, and define the
mission and framework for the EISS process.
DOMESTIC NUCLEAR DETECTION OFFICE
The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), first
authorized under the SAFE Port Act (P.L. 109-347), is
responsible for developing and acquiring technology used by
operational components of the Department to detect smuggling of
nuclear and radiological material into the United States. In
addition, the DNDO is the agency responsible for coordination
of all U.S. government activities under the Global Nuclear
Detection Architecture.
On September 30, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a
hearing entitled ``The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office: Can
It Overcome Past Problems and Chart a New Direction?'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Warren M. Stern,
Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Department of
Homeland Security.
The hearing facilitated oversight with regard to DNDO
programs and activities, such as the Advanced Spectroscopic
Portal (ASP), the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA),
Radiation Portal Monitors (RPM), and the Securing the Cities
Initiative (STC). Members also discussed DNDO's future
challenges, such as limited supply of Helium-3, used to detect
gamma radiation signatures of special nuclear material (SNM)
such as uranium and plutonium. Other challenges include
currently unaddressed nuclear smuggling vulnerabilities like
rail, general aviation, small maritime craft, and border
crossings between ports of entry.
In addition to the hearing, the Committee provided
direction for the DNDO in H.R. 4842.
Finally, the Committee requested GAO engagements relevant
to DNDO activities, including: Combating Nuclear Smuggling:
DHS Improved Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal
Monitors, but Preliminary Results Show Limits of the New
Technology (GAO-09-655); and Combating Nuclear Terrorism:
Actions Needed to Better Prepare to Recover from Possible
Attacks Using Radiological or Nuclear Materials (GAO-10-204).
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``Reviewing the Federal Cybersecurity Mission'' March 10, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-5)
``Do the Payment Card Industry Data Standards Reduce
Cybercrime?'' March 31, 2009. (Serial No. 111-14)
``Review of the National Animal Identification System.'' Joint
hearing with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and
Poultry of the Committee on Agriculture. May 5, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-17)
``The FY 2010 Budget for the Directorate for Science &
Technology, the Office of Health Affairs, and the
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.'' June 9, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-22)
``Securing the Modern Electric Grid from Physical and Cyber
Attacks.'' July 21, 2009. (Serial No. 111-30)
``Status Report on Federal and Local Efforts to Secure
Radiological Sources.'' September 14, 2009. (Brooklyn,
New York) (Serial No. 111-34)
``Real-Time Assessment of the Federal Response to Pandemic
Influenza.'' October 27, 2009. (Serial No. 111-41)
``The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology
Directorate.'' March 3, 2010. (Serial No. 111-54)
H.R. 5498, the ``WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2010.''
June 15, 2010. (Serial No. 111-70)
``The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office: Can It Overcome Past
Problems and Chart a New Direction?'' September 30,
2010. (Serial No. 111-84)
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response
Laura Richardson, California, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mike Rogers, Alabama
District of Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Henry Cuellar, Texas Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri (Ex Officio)
Dina Titus, Nevada
William L. Owens, New York
Bennie G. Thompson,
Mississippi (Ex
Officio)
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness
and Response held 12 days of hearings and received testimony
from 43 witnesses.
----------
FIRST RESPONDER ANTI-TERRORISM TRAINING RESOURCES ACT
Public Law 111-245 (H.R. 3978)
To amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland
Security to accept and use gifts for otherwise authorized
activities of the Center for Domestic Preparedness that are
related to preparedness for and response to terrorism, and for
other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3978 was introduced in the House on November 2, 2009,
by Mr. Rogers of Alabama and referred to the Committee on
Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3837 was referred
to the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response.
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response considered H.R. 3978 on November 3, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with the
recommendation that it pass, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3978 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, without amendment, by voice vote.
Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3978 to the
House as H. Rpt. 111-376.
The House considered H.R. 3978 under Suspension of the
Rules on December 15, 2009, and passed the measure, as amended,
by a \2/3\ vote of 413 yeas and 1 nay (Roll no. 973).
H.R. 3978 was received in the Senate on December 16, 2009,
read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
On May 17, 2010, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs ordered H.R. 3978 to be reported to
the Senate, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs reported H.R. 3978 to the Senate on August 2, 2010,
with no written report.
The Senate considered H.R. 3978 on August 5, 2010, and
passed the measure, with an Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute by unanimous consent.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on September 14, 2010, indicating
jurisdictional interest in the Senate amendments to H.R. 3978.
On that same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure acknowledging the
jurisdictional interests of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
The House considered the Senate amendments to H.R. 3978 on
September 15, 2010, and concurred in the Senate amendments by
voice vote, clearing the measure for the President.
H.R. 3978 was presented to the President on September 22,
2010, and signed into law on September 30, 2010, as Public Law
111-245.
IDENTIFYING REDUNDANCIES AND DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE METRICS ACT
Public Law 111-271 (H.R. 3980)
To provide for identifying and eliminating redundant reporting
requirements and developing meaningful performance metrics for
homeland security preparedness grants, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3980 was introduced in the House on November 2, 2009,
by Mr. Cuellar and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3980 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response.
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response considered H.R. 3837 on November 3, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with the
recommendation that it pass, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3980 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure to be reported to
the House, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security on December 1, 2009, agreeing that, in order
to expedite consideration of the measure by the full House, the
Committee would not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3980.
The letter further requested the support for an appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be called. On that
same date, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security sent
a letter to the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure acknowledging the jurisdictional interests of
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the
agreement to not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 3980.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3980 to
the House on December 1, 2009, as H. Rpt. 111-346.
The House considered H.R. 3980 Suspension of the Rules on
December 2, 2009, and passed the bill, amended, by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 414 yeas and 0 nays.
H.R. 3980 was received in the Senate on December 3, 2009,
and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs considered H.R. 3980 on July 28, 2010, and ordered the
measure to be reported to the Senate with an Amendment in the
Nature of a Substitute. The Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs reported H.R. 3980 to the
Senate on September 16, 2010, as S. Rpt. 111-291.
The Senate passed H.R. 3980 on September 22, 2010, after
agreeing to the Committee Amendment in the Nature of a
Substitute.
The House considered the Senate amendment to H.R. 3980
under Suspension of the Rules on September 28, 2010, and
concurred in the Senate amendment by voice vote, clearing the
measure for the President.
H.R. 3890 was presented to the President on September 30,
2010, and signed into law on October 12, 2010 as Public Law
111-271.
CIVIL AIR PATROL
H.R. 1178
To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to
conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol personnel and
resources to support homeland security missions, and for other
purposes.
Legislative History
110th Congress
H.R. 1333, the Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support
Act of 2007, was introduced in the House on March 6, 2007, by
Mr. Dent, Mr. Reichert, Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida, Mr.
McCaul of Texas, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr.
King of New York, and 26 original co-sponsors. H.R. 1333 was
referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Within
the Committee on Homeland Security, the measure was referred to
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and
Response.
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness
and Response considered H.R. 1333 on April 30, 2007, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee for consideration,
amended, by voice vote.
On May 1, 2007, the National Commander of the Civil Air
Patrol, met with the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response to discuss the organization's current operations,
resources and capabilities, strategic challenges, and requests
for assistance.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 1333 on
May 20, 2008, and ordered the measure reported to the House
with a favorable recommendation, amended, by unanimous consent.
The Committee reported H.R. 1333 to the House as H.Rpt.
110-691, Pt. 1. Referral of the measure to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure extended for a period ending
not later than June 13, 2008.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure reported
H.R. 1333 to the House on June 12, 2008, as H.Rpt. 110-691, Pt.
2.
Considered in the House under Suspension of the Rules on
June 18, 2008, and passed the House by voice vote.
H.R. 1333 was received in the Senate on June 19, 2008, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs.
111th Congress
H.R. 1178 was introduced in the House on February 25, 2009,
by Mr. Dent, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, and seven
original co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the
Committee on Homeland Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 1178
was referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response.
On April 2, 2009, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure considered H.R. 1178 and ordered the measure
reported to the House, amended, by voice vote. The Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure reported H.R. 1178 to the
House on May 4, 2009 as H. Rpt. 11-93, Pt. I.
Referral of the bill to the Committee on Homeland Security
was extended on May 4, 2009, for a period ending not later than
June 3, 2009.
On May 7, 2009, the Chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure agreeing to waive further
consideration of H.R. 1178, and requesting the appointment of
Conferees should a House-Senate Conference be convened. On that
same date, the Chair of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure sent a letter to the Chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security agreeing to the jurisdictional interests of
the Committee on Homeland Security, and the waiving of further
consideration of H.R. 1178. The letter further indicated
support for the appointment of Conferees should a House-Senate
Conference be called.
The House considered H.R. 1178 on May 12, 2009, under
Suspension of the Rules, and passed H.R. 1178, as amended, by
voice vote.
H.R. 1178 was received in the Senate on May 13, 2009, and
referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs.
STRENGTHENING AND UPDATING RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT ACT
H.R. 3837
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for
clarification on the use of funds relating to certain homeland
security grants, and for other purposes.
Legislative History
H.R. 3837 was introduced in the House on October 15, 2009,
by Ms. Kilroy, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr.
Pascrell, Ms. Clarke, Mr. DeFazio, Ms. Richardson, Ms. Norton,
Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Cleaver, Ms. Titus, and one
original co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security. Within the Committee, H.R. 3837 was referred to the
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response.
The Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response considered H.R. 3837 on November 3, 2009, and
forwarded the measure to the Full Committee with the
recommendation that it pass, without amendment, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security considered H.R. 3837 on
November 17, 2009, and ordered the measure reported to the
House, amended, by voice vote.
The Committee on Homeland Security reported H.R. 3837 to
the House on July 22, 2010, as H. Rpt. 111-558.
----------
Oversight Activities of the Subcommittee
PREPAREDNESS AND RECOVERY LESSONS LEARNED FROM KATRINA
Hurricane Katrina affected over a half million people
located within approximately 90,000 square miles spanning
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and resulted in one of the
largest natural disaster relief and recovery operations in
United States history. Less than a month later, on September
24, 2005, Hurricane Rita made landfall between Sabine Pass, TX
and Johnsons Bayou, LA as a Category 3 storm. More than 3 years
after the 2005 hurricanes, the Gulf Coast embarked upon another
recovery effort in the wake of 2008 Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
Following the failed federal response to Hurricane Katrina and
subsequent backlash, in September 2008, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) released a report to the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs that
examined the experiences from past disasters to better
understand where States may better prepare their management of
the recovery process.
On March 3, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding Efforts: The Path
Forward.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. David
Garratt, Acting Deputy Administrator, FEMA's Disaster
Assistance Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
James Walke, Acting Assistant Administrator, FEMA's Disaster
Assistance Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Mr.
Stanley J. Czerwinski, Director, Strategic Issues, U.S.
Government Accountability Office; Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas, Mayor,
City of Galveston, Texas; and Ms. Amy Liu, Deputy Director,
Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Institute.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine the lessons
learned from past catastrophic incidents and discuss the areas
GAO identified as necessary to improve the process to help
state and local governments navigate the federal maze of public
assistance to enhance their capacity to recover from a
catastrophic incident. It also sought to benchmark the steps
that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has taken
to implement the GAO recommendations. Members were able to take
the opportunity to promote the need for a clear, implementable,
and timely recovery plan; encourage the application of timely
public assistance to enhance state and local government
capacity; discuss the benefit of implementing strategies for
private sector preparedness and recovery; and, stress the
importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to combating
fraud, waste and abuse.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on FEMA's implementation of GAO
recommendations and other related issues identified at the
hearing. Specifically, on May 13, 2009, Chairman Thompson
requested GAO to assess FEMA's application process for disaster
assistance to individuals and households. GAO is currently
performing this assessment and will present their findings at a
later date.
STATUS OF POST KATRINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REFORM ACT IMPLEMENTATION
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf
Coast region of the United States. In addition to the
destruction, Hurricane Katrina revealed colossal inadequacies
at the Federal, State, and local government levels to prepare
for, respond to, and recover from a catastrophic incident. In
response, the Congress passed the Post Katrina Emergency
Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295) to address
the shortcomings identified with the government's response to
the storm. On November 21, 2008, the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) released to the Committee a report entitled
``Actions Taken to Implement the Post-Katrina Emergency
Management Reform Act of 2006,'' which identified the
provisions that the Department Homeland Security (DHS) and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had and had not put
into effect. Specifically, GAO identified over 300 requirements
in PKEMRA and worked with FEMA to identify what, if any,
actions had been taken by the agency to address each
requirement.
On March 17, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``PKEMRA Implementation: An Examination of FEMA's
Preparedness and Response Mission.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Richard Skinner, Inspector General,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. William ``Bill'' Jenkins,
Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Government
Accountability Office; Mr. Corey Gruber, Acting Deputy
Administrator, National Preparedness Directorate, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security;
Ms. Mary Troupe, Executive Director, Mississippi Coalition of
Citizens with Disabilities; and Mr. Daniel Kaniewski, Deputy
Director, Homeland Security Policy Institute, The George
Washington University.
In light of the GAO findings, the purpose of this hearing
was to examine FEMA's implementation of PKEMRA, as described in
the Committee's oversight plan. Members had the opportunity to
hear the status of implementing PKEMRA; how PKEMRA is working
to strengthen FEMA within DHS; and how PKEMRA could be
strengthened in future DHS authorizing language.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on the PKEMRA issues identified
at the hearing. Among the various PKEMRA issues that oversight
was conducted on, the Committee worked to ensure that FEMA
fulfilled a PKEMRA requirement that it develop, coordinate, and
maintain a National Disaster Housing Strategy (NDHS). On July
8, 2009, the Committee held a Full Committee hearing on to
examine FEMA Housing and the NDHS.
SOUTHWEST BORDER VIOLENCE
The borders of the United States pose a major challenge to
state and local law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency
medical personnel. Today, Mexico is a major producer and
supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine to the U.S. market.
An estimated 90% of cocaine entering the United States transits
via Mexico. As trafficking networks have come under increasing
strain from Mexican President Felipe Calderon's
counternarcotics efforts, elements of Mexico's most powerful
cartels have become more aggressive-retaliating against
soldiers and tolerating more collateral damage among civilians
not directly involved in the drug trade. The growth and
severity of the violence in Mexico over the past few years has
been personified by the increase in assassinations of high-
level government and law enforcement officials, horrific
murders including beheadings, violent kidnappings, use of a
growing and varied arsenal of high-powered weapons and the
indiscriminate killing of civilians.
The extent to which such violence is spilling over to the
United States is not entirely clear and the subject of much
debate. In conjunction with the Full Committee and the
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism,
the Subcommittee conducted extensive oversight on the recent
escalation in violence to determine what impact if any, it
would have on federal, state, and local resources and what
contingency plans were in place to combat spillover violence.
On March 31, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``Examining Preparedness and Coordination Efforts of
First Responders along the Southwest Border.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Dr. Richard C. Barth, Acting Assistant
Secretary, Office of Policy, Department of Homeland Security;
Ms. Janice Ayala, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of
Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department
of Homeland Security; Major General Peter Aylward, Director of
the Joint Staff, National Guard Bureau; Sheriff Sigifredo
Gonzalez, Jr., Zapata County, Texas; and Sheriff Larry A.
Dever, Cochise County, Arizona.
The purpose of this hearing was to assess the unique
challenges that federal, state, and local first responders face
in border communities as the border violence escalated. Members
had the opportunity to discuss the emergency preparedness and
response needs specific to Southwest Border States, including
cross-border communications and information sharing
capabilities as outlined in the Committee's oversight plan.
Members also considered homeland security funding for resources
and equipment and cross-border training and exercises that are
needed to coordinate the emergency preparedness and response
efforts of federal, state, and local governments in border
regions.
INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS
On April 30, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a Member
briefing on the Department of Homeland Security's progress on
interoperable emergency communications.
FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET REQUEST
On May 7, 2009 the President submitted to Congress the
Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Budget Request. In the budget request,
the President requested that the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) receive a decrease of $362 million in total
budget authority, from $10.84 billion in FY 2009 to $10.48
billion in FY 2010, with the inclusion of $610 million from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5).
Although, the Committee generally agreed with the President's
FY 2010 budget request, the Committee recommended funding of
important grant programs such as State and Local Programs,
Emergency Food and Shelter, Port Security Grants, and the FIRE
Grants Program at the FY 2009 level.
On June 9, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness and Response held a hearing
entitled ``The FY2010 Budget for the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from
Hon. W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of this hearing was to assess FEMA's budget
priorities, as expressed in the President's FY 2010 Budget
Request. Members had the opportunity to question Administrator
Fugate about the budget request for FEMA and his priorities for
the agency.
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
worked with the Congress to ensure that funding for programs
such as State and Local Programs, Emergency Food and Shelter,
Port Security Grants, and the FIRE Grants Programs was fully
funded at the FY 2009 levels.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
On July 30, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a Member
briefing on hurricane preparedness for the 2009 hurricane
season. Representatives from the Department of Homeland
Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency's Office of
Disaster Assistance were present to respond to Member concerns.
PREPAREDNESS
In order to fulfill its citizen and community preparedness
mandate under the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act
of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295) and the National Preparedness
Guidelines, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
established the Community Preparedness Division. The mission of
FEMA's Community Preparedness Division is to ``provide
resources for public education, outreach, and training and
offer volunteer service opportunities for citizens to support
first responders, disaster relief activities, and community
safety efforts.'' According to a FEMA August 2009 report
entitled, Personal Preparedness in America: Findings from the
2009 Citizen Corps National Survey (Survey): only 56 percent of
respondents have set-aside disaster supplies in their home; 44
percent have a household emergency plan; and 38 percent are
aware of local sources of public safety information.
On October 1, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``Preparedness: State of Citizen and Community
Preparedness.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon.
Tim Manning, Deputy Administrator for National Preparedness,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. William ``Bill'' Jenkins, Jr., Director, Homeland
Security & Justice, Government Accountability Office; Ms. Wendy
Smith, Assistant City Manager, McAllen, Texas; and Ms. Suzanne
C. DeFrancis, Chief Public Affairs Officer, American Red Cross.
The purpose of this hearing was to conduct oversight on the
nation's citizen and community preparedness in light of FEMA's
August 2009 report. Members had the opportunity to discuss
FEMA's citizen and community preparedness programs-particularly
Citizen Corps and the Ready Campaign-and steps that FEMA should
take to help communities close the preparedness gaps identified
in its report. The hearing revealed the dismal state of citizen
preparedness throughout the nation, which prompted the Chairman
to request that FEMA develop a new strategy to enhance citizen
preparedness. The Subcommittee Chairman requested that FEMA
develop a new strategy to enhance citizen preparedness.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on FEMA's citizen and community
preparedness programs. Subsequently, in January 2010, GAO
released a related report requested by the Committee entitled
``FEMA Faces Challenges Integrating Community Preparedness
Programs into Its Strategic Approach.'' This report, as well as
the new FEMA strategy, was later examined at a subcommittee
Member briefing that was held on February 26, 2010.
PUBLIC ALERTS AND WARNINGS
On October 7, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a Member
briefing on public alerts and warnings. The Members were
briefed by representatives from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and the broadcast community.
PREPAREDNESS GRANTS
Since 2006, the Congress has mandated that the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establish performance
metrics to measure both the nation's level of preparedness, as
well as the effectiveness of the agency's administration of
state and local homeland security grant programs. The Post
Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L.
109-295) and the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Act, P.L. 110-53) both require
FEMA to develop metrics of preparedness that can be used by
federal, state, local, and tribal entities to identify and
close preparedness gaps with their homeland security resources.
To better understand FEMA's efforts to measure preparedness, on
September 17, 2009, the Committee sent a letter and survey to
states, urban areas, and tribal governments to examine FEMA's
new Cost-to-Capability (C2C) pilot program. While most of the
Committee's survey respondents expressed appreciation that FEMA
was trying to develop a tool that would be helpful for
grantees, they identified significant weaknesses with the
current tool.
On October 27, 2009, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``Preparedness: What has $29 billion in homeland
security grants bought and how do we know?'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Hon. Timothy Manning, Deputy
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department
of Homeland Security; Ms. Kathy Crandall, Director, Office of
Homeland Security & Justice Programs, Franklin County, Ohio;
and Mr. David Maxwell, Director, Arkansas Department of
Emergency Management.
The purpose of this hearing was to take testimony on FEMA's
efforts to measure the return on investment from homeland
security grants and the eligible uses of preparedness grants.
Members had the opportunity to hear FEMA explain its C2C pilot
program and its implications for the Homeland Security Grant
Program, as well as the concerns about the system expressed by
states and urban areas.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on effectiveness of the agency's
administration of state and local homeland security grant
programs and the C2C program. As a result of the hearing,
FEMA's leadership agreed that the C2C tool was an example of
government waste and cancelled the project. The Subcommittee's
oversight in this area resulted in the introduction and
enactment of H.R. 3980, the Identifying Redundancies and
Developing Performance Metrics Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-271),
which requires FEMA to eliminate redundant reporting
requirements, measure preparedness, and develop performance
metrics for grants.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY'S COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS STRATEGY
On February 26, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a Member
briefing on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's community
preparedness strategy. The Members were briefed by
representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
and the Government Accountability Office.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY REGIONAL OFFICES
Since the beginning of the 110th Congress, the Committee
has extensively explored the challenges of integrating
preparedness at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
and strengthening FEMA Regional Offices' (ROs') capacity and
capability to coordinate disaster response efforts. Among the
various Committee oversight activities, in October 2008, it
supported a Congressional request that the National Academy of
Public Administration (NAPA) initiate a panel to evaluate
FEMA's implementation of PKEMA as it relates to integrating
preparedness efforts across the agency and building robust ROs.
Shortly after his appointment as Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Administrator Craig
Fugate along with other FEMA leadership began emphasizing the
need to give its ROs greater responsibility for implementing
the Agency's emergency management programs. In July of 2009,
the Administrator delegated ten responsibilities that had been
under the purview of FEMA Headquarters to the ten Regional
Administrators. While empowering the Regions was an important
and positive step, the Committee became concerned that FEMA was
not providing the ROs the resources and expertise necessary to
implement these new responsibilities. With the Committee's
support, NAPA released its final report, ``FEMA's Integration
of Preparedness and Development of Robust Regional Offices, An
Independent Assessment'', in October 2009. The report found
that while FEMA had made progress toward preparedness
integration and building-out its ROs there were significant
ongoing challenges impacting FEMA's ability to achieve the
results mandated by the Post Katrina Emergency Management
Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295).
On March 16, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional Offices: An
Examination of Resources and Responsibilities.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. David Garratt,
Associate Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security; Mr. Tony Russell, Regional
Administrator, FEMA Region 6, Department of Homeland Security;
Dr. Christine Gibbs Springer, National Academy of Public
Administration; Mr. Brock Long, Director, Alabama Emergency
Management Agency.
The purpose of this hearing was to conduct oversight on the
authorities, functions, and effectiveness of the ten FEMA ROs.
Members had the opportunity to question witnesses about FEMA's
efforts to enhance ROs and the NAPA's recent report.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on the increased responsibility
at the FEMA ROs. On March 31, 2010, the Committee requested GAO
to further examine how preparedness and response, particularly
with respect to preparedness grants, would be improved with the
devolvement of authorities to the FEMA regions. In addition, in
August of 2010, the Committee sent correspondence to the
Administrator regarding the transfer of vacant Headquarters
positions to RO's.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY'S FISCAL YEAR 2011 BUDGET
On February 1, 2010, the President submitted to the
Congress the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request for the federal
government and its agencies. The President proposed that the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) receive an increase
of $168 million (1.64%) in total budget authority, from $10.36
billion in FY 2010 to $10.53 billion in FY 2011. While the
Committee supported the modest budget increase for FEMA, on
March 5, 2010 the Committee express in its Views and Estimates
on the FY 2011 Budget that it had concerns that the budget
request cuts vital homeland security grant programs by $164.6
million from the FY 2010 enacted level. In addition, the
Committee expressed its concerns with the President's proposal
that FEMA would consolidate several grants under the State
Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP).
On April 27, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``FEMA's FY 2011 Priorities and Beyond: Aligning
Budget, Mission, and Vision.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. William Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
The purpose of this hearing was to assess FEMA's budget
priorities, as expressed in the President's FY 2011 Budget
Request. Members had the opportunity to question Administrator
Fugate about FEMA's $10.5 billion request and his priorities as
outlined in ``The FEMA Administrator's Intent: Fiscal Years
2012-2016.''
At the Chairman's direction, the Committee and its staff
worked with the Congress to ensure that FEMA's State and Local
Programs, including the AFG and SAFER programs, would be funded
- at a minimum - at the FY 2010 enacted levels.
NATIONAL LEVEL EXERCISE
On May 5, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a Member
briefing to receive an update on the National Level Exercise
(NLE) 2010 and the future of the NLE Program. Members were
briefed by representatives from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina prompted changes in
efforts to address the needs of people with disabilities and
other vulnerable populations during disasters. The Post Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295)
included several provisions intended to focus the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) attention on improving
assistance to individuals with disabilities. PKEMRA required
FEMA to appoint a Disability Coordinator, coordinate policies
with the National Council on Disability (NCD), enhance
planning, and develop guidance for state and local partners to
improve response protocols for vulnerable populations. In
August 2009, NCD released a report entitled, ``Effective
Emergency Management: Making Improvements for Communities and
People with Disabilities.'' The report assessed scientific
studies of preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation
efforts in order to identify challenges still facing people
with disabilities and makes recommendations to federal, state,
local, and individual actors to address those challenges. The
report found that people with disabilities remain vulnerable
through all stages of a disaster. In response to NCD's report,
Chairman Bennie G. Thompson and Representative Henry Cuellar
wrote to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in September 2009
asking him to provide the Committee with information on the
Agency's activities-to-date that address the needs of people
with disabilities in all stages of disaster planning.
On June 15, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``Caring for Special Needs during Disasters: What's
being done for Vulnerable Populations?'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ms. Marcie Roth, Senior Advisor on
Disability Issues, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security; Dr. Jonathan M. Young,
Chairman, National Council on Disability; Dr. Carmen J.
Spencer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army-Elimination of
Chemical Weapons, United States Army, Department of Defense;
Mr. Jim Kish, Director, Technological Hazards Division, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Jon Gundry, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Los Angeles
County Office of Education; and Ms. Diana Rothe-Smith,
Executive Director, National Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disasters.
In light of the policy changes and the NCD report, the
Committee held a hearing to take testimony on the actions taken
by FEMA, non-profits, and localities to address the needs of
vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, the
poor, children, and persons with limited English proficiency,
during disasters. Members had the opportunity to question
witnesses about the steps taken to eliminate the gaps found
after Hurricane Katrina in planning, response, and recovery for
vulnerable populations. FEMA's Disability Coordinator testified
that the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
(ODIC) was established within FEMA to implement PKEMRA
requirements. During questioning, the Committee found that the
ODIC Fiscal Year 2010 budget did not provide sufficient staff
and resources to fulfill its statutory mission under PKEMRA.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on FEMA's responsibilities to
address the needs of people with disabilities and other
vulnerable populations during disasters. Following the hearing,
witnesses were asked to respond to questions for the record
that provided further insight on the efforts and challenges
that remain to improving preparedness of vulnerable
populations. Findings related to the ODIC budget resulted in a
bipartisan letter from ECPR subcommittee Chairwoman Laura
Richardson, ECPR subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Rogers, and
Representatives Emanuel Cleaver and Joseph Cao to the Secretary
of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano encouraging additional
funds for ODIC in the FY 2012 budget request. On December 2,
2010, Chairwoman Richardson introduced H.R. 6481, the
Disability Integration and Coordination Improvement Act, to
enhance the authority of ODIC and provide funding for staff and
operations. Additional Committee oversight activities included
staff participation at FEMA's 2010 Inclusive Emergency
Management National Capacity Building Conference, meetings with
the Disability Coordinator, and regular discussions with
disability advocates and stakeholder groups regarding
preparedness policies for vulnerable populations.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY'S GRANT PROGRAMS DIRECTORATE
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Grant
Programs Directorate (GPD) is responsible for state and local
government grants management at FEMA and the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS). The Congress, under the Post Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295),
consolidated within GPD not only grant operations for all-
hazards grants that had traditionally been administered by
FEMA, but also terrorism-focused preparedness grants that
previously had program responsibility residing in various DHS
components. In March 2010, a new Assistant Administrator for
GPD was confirmed by the Senate, who was supported by Chairman
Bennie Thompson and Ranking Member Peter King. The new
Assistant Administrator assumed leadership of a Directorate
that continues to struggle with organization and management
issues.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight to monitor FEMA's effort to
develop a roadmap for grant regionalization that is currently
planned to be initiated with the FY 2011 grant cycle.
Additionally, Committee oversight activities included regular
briefings related to: award decisions, creation of preparedness
metrics for grants, and expediting state and local governments
spending of grant funds.
In March of 2010, the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)
completed an audit titled Efficacy of DHS Grant Programs (OIG
10-69) on the steps FEMA has taken to mitigate duplication and
redundancy across its non-disaster, preparedness grant
programs. In the report, the OIG identified several weaknesses,
which included legislative, organizational, and State-level
challenges that hinder FEMA's ability to improve the efficacy
of its grant programs. Also, in March 2010, the National
Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) participated in an ECPR
subcommittee hearing to discuss the results of their October
2009 report entitled, ``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional Offices:
An Examination of Resources and Responsibilities,'' which
included analysis of FEMA's grant programs. NAPA's analysis
included consideration of FEMA Administrator's directive to
devolve grant management responsibilities to regional offices.
NAPA found similar results to the OIG that FEMA regional
offices believe they did not have the staff or expertise
necessary to fulfill their current grant management duties.
Further, the Regions indicated that there were lengthy delays
in receiving guidance from FEMA Headquarters on how to
implement their grant responsibilities.
On June 29, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``The Future of FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate.''
The Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Elizabeth Harman,
Assistant Administrator, Grant Programs Directorate, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security;
Ms. Anne L. Richards, Assistant Inspector General for Audits,
Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland
Security; Chief Alan Catalan, Fire Chief, Long Beach Fire
Department, Long Beach, California; and Ms. MaryAnn Tierney,
Deputy Managing Director, Office of Emergency Management, City
of Philadelphia.
The purpose of this hearing was to take testimony from the
new Assistant Administrator for the GPD at FEMA, regarding
priorities for the Directorate. The hearing allowed Members to
examine staffing at GPD; the efficacy of FEMA's grants,
application and grant draw down procedures' and the
implications of FEMA's move to devolve additional grant
management authorities to the ten Regional Offices. At the
hearing, FEMA's Assistant Administrator agreed to respond in
writing to the recommendations identified by the OIG.
2010 HURRICANE SEASON -- OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLANS
On July 14, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a Member
briefing on hurricane preparedness in the Gulf and the
potential impacts of a hurricane on the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill cleanup efforts. Representatives from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Coast Guard were
present and responded to Member questions.
INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS - NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN
Emergency communications is critical for ensuring that
public safety is able to effectively respond to disasters.
Communications issues severely hindered response efforts at the
World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon following the 9/11
terrorist attacks. Broadband spectrum offers numerous benefits
and would expand public safety's access and utilization of
emerging technologies (such as streaming video; automated
license plate recognition; and biometric technologies). As
required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(P.L. 111-5), on March 16, 2010, the Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) transmitted the National Broadband Plan (NBP)
to the Congress. The NBP proposes, pursuant to the Deficit
Reduction Act of 2005 (109 - 171), that the FCC auction the 10
megahertz (MHz) of spectrum in the 700 MHz band (known as the D
Block) to commercial interests as the best means for realizing
the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United
States' (also referred to as the 9/11 Commission) goal of a
nationwide, interoperable, public safety network. The plan
promotes a public /private partnership in which public safety
would be allowed to obtain additional spectrum via priority
access and roaming agreements during times of emergencies.
Funding to build out the network would come from auction
proceeds. To the contrary, a large cross-discipline collection
of public safety organizations have petitioned the Congress in
opposition to the FCC's plan to auction the D Block.
On July 27, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``Interoperable Emergency Communications: Does the
National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs of First Responders?''
The Subcommittee received testimony from RADM James Arden
Barnett, Jr. (Ret.), Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission; Mr. Greg Schaffer,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Cyber Security and
Communications, Department of Homeland Security; Chief Jeff
Johnson, President and Chairman of the Board, International
Association of Fire Chiefs; Deputy Chief Charles F. Dowd,
Communications Division, New York City Police Department; Mr.
Robert A. LeGrande, II, Founder, The Digital Decision, LLC; and
Mr. Eric Graham, Rural Cellular Association, Vice President for
Strategic Government Relations, Cellular South, Inc.
The purpose of this hearing was to take testimony from the
FCC and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as
the first responder community about the public safety aspects
of the FCC's NBP, including the proposal to auction the 10 MHz
of spectrum, known as the ``D-Block.'' Members had the
opportunity to question witnesses about the state of
interoperable emergency communications and the NBP's proposed
framework to provide a nationwide interoperable public safety
broadband wireless network. At the hearing, the Assistant
Secretary for the Office of Cyber Security and Communications
at DHS raised numerous concerns with the NBP's proposal to
auction the D Block and could not fully support the plan. It
was found that the administration intended to create a new task
force to address the interoperability issues left un addressed
in the NBP.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight to monitor the implementation of
the NBP. Specifically, on July 29, 2010, the Committee sent a
letter to President Barack Obama requesting that DHS lead the
taskforce in order to ensure that the views of the public
safety community are incorporated into the body's discussions.
Furthermore, the Committee advocated in the letter for
additional consideration of the costs associated for emergency
communications by State and local jurisdictions, particularly
rural areas.
EMERGENCY LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT
When states and localities are overwhelmed by a
catastrophic disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) is responsible for delivering life-saving commodities to
assist their populations. The Logistics Management Directorate
(LMD) within FEMA is the office responsible for developing the
policies, standards, and budgetary and operational practices
that enable emergency officials to provide relief to disaster
victims and affected communities. In July of 2010, the DHS
Office of Inspector General (OIG) released to the Committee a
report titled ``FEMA's Logistics Management Process for
Responding to Catastrophic Disasters,'' that analyzed the
strengths and weaknesses of the FEMA LMD's process for
responding to catastrophic disasters. The OIG found that FEMA
has made significant progress in enhancing its logistics
capability, but noted several major deficiencies that could
hinder FEMA's ability to further enhance response operations.
In particular, the OIG found several planning and coordination
issues with FEMA's new Logistics Supply Chain Management System
(LSCMS). The report suggests that an imbalance in resources and
capabilities could create communication issues and delay the
arrival of much needed disaster relief supplies.
On September 29, 2010, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing
entitled ``Emergency Logistics Management: Transforming the
Delivery of Disaster Relief for the 21st Century.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Matt Jadacki,
Assistant Inspector General, Emergency Management Oversight,
Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland
Security; Mr. Eric Smith, Assistant Administrator, Logistics
Management Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security, accompanied by Ms. Elizabeth
A. Zimmerman, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of
Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security; and Mr. Stephen A. Irwin,
Chair, Donations Management Committee, National Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disaster, and Director, Agency
Services, Convoy of Hope.
The purpose of this hearing was to take testimony from
FEMA, the OIG, and National Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disasters about their logistical efforts to ensure the
effective delivery of goods and services to disaster victims.
Members had the opportunity to examine FEMA's Logistics
Directorate, the development of FEMA's new supply chain and
inventory management system, and the collection, inventory
management, and distribution of donated goods. The hearing
provided a platform to discuss the $321 million anticipated to
be spent on FEMA's LSCMS and the potential for wasteful
spending.
At the Chairman's direction, Committee and its staff
continued to conduct oversight on the operations of FEMA LMD.
Additional Committee oversight activities included regular
meetings with FEMA to track progress with completing the LSCMS,
addressing coordination issues with its federal partners, and
providing additional support for state and local jurisdictions.
----------
Subcommittee Hearings Held
``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding Efforts: The Path Forward.''
March 3, 2009. (Serial No. 111-2)
``PKEMRA Implementation: An Examination of FEMA's Preparedness
and Response Mission.'' March 17, 2009. (Serial No.
111-8)
``Examining Preparedness and Coordination Efforts of First
Responders along the Southwest Border.'' March 31,
2009. (Serial No. 111-13)
``The FY2010 Budget for the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.'' June 9, 2009. (Serial No. 111-21)
``Preparedness: State of Citizen and Community Preparedness.''
October 1, 2009. (Serial No. 111-38)
``Preparedness: What Has $29 billion in Homeland Security
Grants Bought and How Do We Know?'' October 27, 2009.
(Serial No. 111-38)
``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional Offices: An Examination of
Resources and Responsibilities.'' March 16, 2010.
(Serial No. 111-56)
``FEMA's FY 2011 Priorities and Beyond: Aligning Budget,
Mission, and Vision.'' April 27, 2010. (Serial No. 111-
64)
``Caring for Special Needs during Disasters: What's being done
for Vulnerable Populations?'' June 15, 2010. (Serial
No. 111-69)
``The Future of FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate.'' June 29,
2010. (Serial No. 111-72)
``Interoperable Emergency Communications: Does the National
Broadband Plan Meet the Needs of First Responders?''
July 27, 2010. (Serial No. 111-77)
``Emergency Logistics Management: Transforming the Delivery of
Disaster Relief for the 21st Century.'' September 29,
2010. (Serial No. 111-82)
Committee on Homeland Security Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress
Rule X. Clause 2(d) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives for the 111th Congress requires each standing
Committee in the first session of a Congress to adopt an
oversight plan for the two- year period of the Congress and to
submit the plan to the Committee on Government Reform and the
Committee on House Administration.
Rule XI. Clause 1(2)(d)(1) requires each Committee to
submit to the House of Representatives not later than January
2, of each odd-numbered year, a report on the activities of
that committee under Rule X and Rule XI during the Congress
ending on January 3 of such year. Clause 1(2)(d)(3) of Rule XI
also requires that such report include a summary of the action
taken and recommendations made with respect to each such plan;
and a summary of any additional oversight activities undertaken
by the Committee, and any recommendations made or actions taken
thereon.
Part A of this section contains the Committee on Homeland
Security Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress which the Full
Committee considered and adopted by a voice vote of February 4,
2009, a quorum being present.
Part B of this section contains a summary of the actions
taken by the Committee on Homeland Security to implement the
Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress and the recommendations
made with respect to this plan. Part B also contains a summary
of the additional oversight activities undertaken by the
Committee, and the recommendations made or actions taken
thereon.
PART A--COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY OVERSIGHT PLAN
Pursuant to Rule X, clause 2(d) of the Rules of the House,
each standing Committee is required to adopt an oversight plan
for the two-year period of the Congress. Moreover, the Rule
requires that the oversight plan must be submitted to the
Committees on Government Reform and House Administration not
later than February 15 of the first session of the Congress.
This is the oversight plan of the Committee on Homeland
Security for the 111th Congress. It includes the areas in which
the Committee expects to conduct oversight during the 111th
Congress, but does not preclude oversight or investigation of
additional matters as the need arises.
MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will assess the
progress of the Department of Homeland Security in meeting its
major management and integration challenges. The Homeland
Security Act of 2002 transferred 22 separate agencies into the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During the 111th
Congress, the Committee will conduct oversight of the
effectiveness of DHS efforts to integrate and coordinate the
management and administration of these numerous legacy
entities, especially regarding the effectiveness of its efforts
to streamline activities relating to human capitol recruitment
and retention, asset investment, acquisitions, financial
management and other departmental administrative functions
essential to the short and long-term effectiveness of the
Department in fulfilling its critical mission functions.
Additionally, the Committee will examine the Department's
efforts to establish and locate a new headquarters within
Washington, DC.
procurement and contracts management
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will review the
efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve
the integration and coordination of the procurement functions
of its major legacy components, and to ensure that effective
management controls are put in place to prevent contract waste,
fraud and abuse while promoting efficiency and effectiveness.
The Committee will review the authorities and activities of the
Chief Procurement Officer to ensure the effective management of
this key function. The Committee also will review the
Department's implementation of Section 831(a) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002, which grants the Secretary authority with
respect to research and development projects to use more
flexible contracting mechanisms in an effort to attract
``nontraditional government contractors'' for needed homeland
security technologies, as well as the Secretary's use of
``insourcing'' and other ``streamlined'' acquisition practices.
financial management
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will review the
efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address
the financial management challenges of individual components,
including the implementation of internal controls and the
mitigation of organizational weaknesses which preclude the
issuance of clean audit opinions. Additionally, the Committee
will examine the Department's efforts to integrate the
financial management systems of the component agencies into a
unified system and the Department's compliance with the
Department of Homeland Security Financial Accountability Act,
P.L. 108-330.
human capital management
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will monitor the
Department's efforts to plan and implement strategic human
capital management programs that address current and emerging
human capital challenges and establish a results-oriented
organizational culture. Additionally the Committee will examine
the authorities and activities of the Chief Human Capital
Officer (CHCO) and the coordination of policy between and among
the Department's CHCOs. Further, the Committee will examine the
Department's use of contract employees to fulfill its staffing
needs.
information technology systems management
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will review the
efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address
information technology (IT) challenges, including the
management and integration of the Department's information
technology systems. The Committee will review the authorities
and activities of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the
coordination of policy and acquisition within and among the
Department's CIOs. The Committee also will monitor the
Department's progress in IT architectural planning, investment
management, policy development, operations, and related
personnel management. Additionally, the Committee will monitor
the Department's compliance with the Federal Information
Security Management Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. 3541.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
federal preparedness and response efforts
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure
effective coordination of the Department's efforts to prevent,
prepare for, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and
other major emergencies. Additionally, on October 4, 2006,
President Bush signed into law P.L. 109-295, the Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations Bill of 2007. Title VI of this
law, cited as the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act
of 2006, made substantial changes to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) that ultimately resulted in the
integration of all preparedness and response activities in the
Department. The Committee will examine the Department's efforts
to implement the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act
of 2006.
national preparedness goal and system
Both the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of
2006 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8),
direct the Department of Homeland Security to develop, and
update as necessary a National Preparedness Goal that defines
the target level of preparedness to ensure the Nation's ability
to prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against
natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made
disasters.
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will oversee the
implementation of the National Preparedness Goal and System to
gage improvements in the Nation's ability to prevent, respond
to, recover from, and mitigate against natural disasters, acts
of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
national response framework/incident management
The National Response Framework (NRF) presents the guiding
principles that enable all response partners to prepare for and
provide a unified national response to disasters and
emergencies. It establishes a comprehensive, national, all-
hazards approach to domestic incident response. In the 111th
Congress, the Committee will examine the effectiveness of the
NRF, including the Department's role in coordinating the
response obligations of all applicable Federal departments and
agencies and the coordination between the Department and State
and local governments, first responders, and the private sector
in implementing the NRF.
In addition, during the 111th Congress, the Committee will
oversee the Department's implementation of the National
Incident Management System (NIMS). The Committee will review
the Department's integration of NIMS with the National Response
Framework.
interoperable communications
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will monitor the
provisions in the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act
of 2006 which created an Office of Emergency Communications.
Specifically, the Committee will oversee the Department's
coordination and planning, technical assistance, communications
standards and best practices for interoperable communications
systems for first responders. The Committee also will oversee
the Department's implementation of grants for interoperable
communications.
assistance to state and local governments and first responders
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will examine the
Department's allocation and administration of grants to State
and local governments. In particular, the Committee will review
the coordination of grant programs within the Department and
across the Federal government; challenges in the funding
pipeline; and the distribution and spending of such grants at
the State and local levels.
first responder training
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will review the
efficacy of Federal terrorism preparedness training,
incorporation of such training into first responder
certification processes, and the level of coordination between
Federal, State, and local training programs. The Committee
intends to review the Department of Homeland Security's current
training programs for first responders. The Committee will
review the extent of State and local government utilization and
awareness of these programs, the compatibility of the
Department's programs with existing training requirements and
certifications for first responders, and whether the Department
is effectively utilizing existing training infrastructures at
the State and local levels.
exercises and simulations
In Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, the
President directed DHS to create a national program and multi-
year planning system to conduct terrorism preparedness-related
exercises. During the 111th Congress, the Committee will review
DHS' National Exercise Program, and will evaluate the extent to
which this program enhances preparedness.
emergency warnings
The Committee will examine the Federal government's efforts
to provide prompt and useful alerts and warning information to
those persons at risk; to ensure interoperability among
different warning systems; to provide for security and uniform
standards and protocols for the use of warning systems; and to
develop meaningful metrics to assess the effectiveness of such
systems.
INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK ASSESSMENT
dhs' office of information analysis
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will review
efforts to build the intelligence, analytical, and assessment
capabilities of the Department and to ensure its full
participation in the Intelligence Community in furtherance of
its homeland security mission. The Committee will examine
whether the Department is receiving relevant intelligence and
law enforcement information from other Federal agencies on a
timely basis; whether the Secretary of Homeland Security is
appropriately involved in the prioritization of the Federal
government's intelligence collection requirements for homeland
security purposes; and the Department's role in managing,
distributing, and otherwise using terrorist threat information
in furtherance of its homeland security mission.
In addition, the Committee will explore the Department's
role in the activities of the National Counterterrorism Center
(NCTC) and the dissemination of terrorist threat information
among Federal, State and local governments and the private
sector.
dhs' intelligence and information collection activities
The Committee will examine the Department's information
collection efforts to ensure that they contribute materially to
the Department's overall homeland security/counterterrorism
mission. In particular, the Committee will oversee the efforts
of the Department to coordinate and integrate the activities of
its various intelligence and analytic units and offices and to
ensure that national-level terrorist threat intelligence is
being disseminated to the operational entities within the
Department. As part of this oversight, the Committee will
examine the effectiveness with which the Department's
intelligence and threat assessments are utilized in carrying
out Department-wide initiatives to understand and assess
critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and to conduct national
risk assessments. This oversight also will include a review of
the Department's plans use of Open Source Information, as
recommended in the 9/11 Commission Report and the Intelligence
Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
information sharing
The Homeland Security Act of 2002, and a subsequent
Memorandum of Understanding on Information Sharing entered into
by the Attorney General, Director of Central Intelligence, and
Secretary of Homeland Security, mandated routine sharing of
homeland security-related information between and among
Federal, State and local officials, in order to assess the
nature and scope of terrorist threats to the United States and
to evaluate and act on that information in light of U.S.
vulnerabilities. During the 111th Congress, the Committee will
examine information sharing among Federal, State and local
governments, law enforcement entities, first responders, and
emergency management personnel. The Committee also will examine
the development and implementation of the information sharing
environment mandated under the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, and whether the Department is
meeting the terrorism threat-related information requirements
of State, local, and private sector officials in a timely and
responsive manner. In addition, the Committee will examine the
issue of unclassified information designations by DHS and other
Federal agencies, such as ``Sensitive Security Information,''
and any impact such designations may have on the ability of the
Department or other Federal agencies to share information among
Federal, state, local, and private sector partners.
threat communications and advisories
In the 111th Congress, the Committee intends to review the
Department's policies and procedures with respect to issuing
threat and warning advisories, including the Homeland Security
Advisory System, to ensure that they convey information in a
timely and relevant manner to Federal, State, and local
government officials and other entities.
intelligence-driven efforts to counter terrorism-related smuggling
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will examine the
operations and progress of the Terrorist Screening Center, the
Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center, and other cooperative
efforts to prevent and interdict terrorist travel, including
the Department of Homeland Security's interaction with and
participation in such entities and efforts. In addition, the
Committee will review the Department's intelligence-driven
efforts to prevent and interdict terrorist travel and the
smuggling of illicit terrorism-related materials, including the
expansion of its ability to analyze terrorist techniques,
patterns, indicators, and trends, and to share such information
in a timely manner to enable front-line Department personnel to
identify, intercept, and disrupt terrorists attempting to
travel into and within the United States.
the national operations center
The Department of Homeland Security's National Operations
Center (NOC) serves as the national nerve center for
information sharing and domestic incident management, by
increasing the vertical coordination between Federal, State,
and local government and private sector partners. In the 111th
Congress, the Committee will oversee the Department's efforts
to collect and fuse information in the NOC in order to maintain
domestic situational awareness, and to carry out its role as
the primary national-level center during domestic incidents and
special events.
privacy and civil liberties protection
Section 222 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the Act)
created a Privacy Officer for the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), to ensure that DHS' information gathering and
analysis functions, across its many directorates and offices,
adhere to established standards for protection of personal
privacy. Section 705 of the Act also established an Officer for
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to review and assess
information alleging abuses of civil rights or civil liberties
by employees and officials of the Department, and the
Intelligence Reform and Prevention Act of 2004 required the
Department's Inspector General to designate a senior staff
member to handle similar issues and work with the Officer for
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties on such matters. During the
111th Congress, the Committee will monitor the Department's
efforts to ensure appropriate privacy and civil liberties
protections.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
national strategy for transportation security
During the 111th Congress, the Committee plans to examine
the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) progress in
developing a risk-based National Strategy for Transportation
Security, as required by section 4001 of the Intelligence
Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The Committee will
examine the Department's efforts to develop strategies for
addressing terrorist threats in varied transportation
environments. The Committee also will review the potential
efficacy and cost of current and proposed practices to protect
the mass transit industry's passengers and infrastructure from
terrorist attack, including hardening of facilities, the use of
biological, chemical and radiological sensors, passenger
screening, and other methods to prevent or mitigate a terrorist
attack. Additionally, the Committee will examine the use of
transportation security grants.
passenger and baggage screening
During the 111th Congress, the Committee intends to review
the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) progress in
developing and deploying passenger, baggage screening
technologies, including the cost-effectiveness and accuracy of
such technologies. The Committee also will review TSA's
passenger search policies and practices and passenger pre-
screening programs including the use of no-fly and selectee
lists, the implementation of the Secure Flight program and
other measures that affect the safety of domestic and
international air travelers. As part of this oversight, the
Committee plans to examine TSA's staffing needs.
aviation security
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will examine the risks
and consequences of different types of terrorist attacks on or
utilizing aircraft, and the development of security measures to
reduce or mitigate such risks. As part of this oversight, the
Committee expects to review efforts by the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) relating to air cargo security
and general aviation aircraft. The Committee also will review
airport perimeter and access control procedures and practices
as well as related technology to assess the effectiveness of
TSA requirements for limiting access to the secure areas of
commercial and general aviation airports. In addition, the
Committee will examine the training and management of the
Federal Air Marshals Service.
airspace security
The Committee will review efforts of the Department to
carry out its responsibilities to interdict any airspace
incursions into the restricted zone of the National Capital
Region (NCR), as well as its responsibilities with respect to
detecting air assets crossing U.S. borders. The Committee's
oversight in this area also will include the roles and
responsibilities of each of the Federal agencies involved
(including Department of Defense assets such as the U.S.
Northern Command, the North American Aerospace Defense Command,
and the Air National Guard) in and responsible for
interdiction, identification, and investigation of aircraft
that violate airspace restrictions within the United States.
critical infrastructure protection
Under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7 (HSPD-7),
the Department is responsible for integrating sector-specific
strategies into a National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure
Protection, and for coordinating Federal efforts across all
such infrastructure sectors. During the 111th Congress, the
Committee will examine the Department's national coordination
responsibilities and its sector-specific critical
infrastructure protection responsibilities. The Committee also
will examine the coordination of efforts between the Department
of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the States
with respect to critical infrastructure protection activities.
In addition, the Committee will review the Department's
progress in identifying, prioritizing, recommending, and
implementing protective measures to reduce vulnerabilities for
critical infrastructure and key resources, including its
administration of programs to promote private sector sharing of
critical infrastructure threat and vulnerability-related
information, and its administration of systems and programs to
provide timely warnings of potential risks to critical
infrastructure.
BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
port and maritime security
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will examine various
aspects of port security, including the security of port
facilities; the screening of vessels, passengers, cargo, and
crew for potential terrorists or instrumentalities of
terrorism; the development of international security standards
for shipping and containers, and the development of secure
identification cards for maritime employees. The Committee
plans to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the
Department's supply chain security programs and the status and
implementation of the Maritime and Transportation Security Act
of 2002 and the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE)
Port Act of 2006, and the relevant provisions of the
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
In the 111th Congress, the Committee plans to monitor the
Coast Guard's efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness
through an examination of existing and alternative programs
that contribute to this goal. As part of this effort, the
Committee will review the progress and efficacy of the Coast
Guard's Deepwater Program.
border screening
In the 111th Congress, the Committee intends to review
efforts to ensure the deployment and implementation of
technology and training to assist border and consular officials
in identifying, intercepting, and disrupting terrorists or
others who would do us harm attempting to enter or travel
within the United States. As a part of this effort, the
Committee will review the efforts of the Department to detect,
detain, and remove aliens apprehended at or near U.S. borders
and ports of entry who are subject to deportation, particularly
those from countries of terrorist concern. The Committee will
examine the integration, security, and reliability of criminal,
immigration, and terrorist databases used to screen persons
seeking to enter this country. The Committee will monitor the
Department's progress in fully implementing the US-VISIT
program and its supporting technologies and databases, the
potential benefits and challenges of various biometric
technologies; the impact of the program on cross-border travel
at ports of entry, the ability of the Department to use
overstay reports generated by the program for enforcement
purposes and the integration of the US-VISIT program with other
screening programs. The Committee will also closely monitor
implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative in a
manner to achieve both enhanced border security and to expedite
legitimate and qualified travelers, as recommended by the 9/11
Commission. The Committee also will assess DHS progress with
respect to the integration and effectiveness of transportation
and border security screening systems for passengers and cargo
transported within the United States and across our borders.
The Committee also will examine the existing state of
infrastructure at our nation's ports of entry and assess
improvements that may be required to enhance implementation of
border security programs.
border security technology
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004 mandated an advanced technology pilot program along the
northern border and a comprehensive surveillance plan for the
southwest border. Both plans emphasize the use of technology -
particularly sensors, video and unmanned aerial vehicles (or
remotely piloted aircraft) - to enhance border security. In the
111th Congress, the Committee will monitor the Department's
efforts to implement these programs in an effective and
efficient manner.
EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
biodefense
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will examine efforts
of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve and
expand efforts to detect biological attacks. The Committee will
conduct comprehensive oversight of the Department's activities
as outlined in Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)
10 (``Biodefense for the 21st Century''). The Committee will
examine the short and long-term effectiveness of these
activities, as well as the Department's coordination of the
Federal government's biodefense initiatives, including defenses
against agro-terrorism and the safety of nation's food supply.
The Committee will conduct oversight of the Department's
actions to provide for response capabilities to a biological
event, including medical countermeasures development and
procurement activities as well as surge capacity needed for
large-scale events such as a pandemic outbreak.
wmd terrorism and nuclear smuggling
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will conduct oversight
of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs focused on
assessing threats related to nuclear terrorism, including the
development of threat certification, characterization,
detection, and source attribution techniques. The Committee
will review the integration of threat assessments with the
development of detection capabilities and countermeasures.
Also, the Committee will examine the Department's progress
in refining risk-based methods for identifying, screening, and
scanning high-risk cargo entering the United States, and the
development of non-intrusive inspection technologies and
capabilities for detecting and interdicting commerce in and
transit of nuclear, radiological, chemical, and biological
weapons, components, and precursors.
Additionally, the Committee will review the efforts of the
Department to deploy and operate nuclear and radiological
detection equipment, including but not limited to radiation
portal monitors and alternative approaches to tracking and
monitoring cargo in transit. Finally, the Committee will
examine the Department's efforts to develop and execute
response and recovery efforts in the event of a WMD event.
r&d investment and coordination
The Committee will review the Department's efforts to
strategically invest in basic research and development (R&D)
designed to enhance the long-term prevention mission of the
Department and the Department's efforts to carry out its
statutory responsibilities for coordinating government-wide R&D
in support of all homeland security missions.
counter-proliferation activities
The Committee will review the efforts of the Department in
counter-proliferation of nuclear and biological weapons,
materials, and precursors and the detection and assessment of
chemical and radiological threats, including the coordination
of such activities within the Department with related efforts
of other Federal agencies.
cybersecurity
The Committee will examine the Department's efforts to
prevent cyber attacks against America's critical
infrastructures; reduce national vulnerability to cyber
attacks; and minimize damage and recovery time if cyber attacks
should occur. The Committee will focus on improving integration
of the cybersecurity mission within the Department, and
coordination of cybersecurity best practices, risk assessments
and warnings across all levels of government and the private
sector. The Committee also will review DHS' cyber-related
remediation activities, including plans for recovery in the
event of a coordinated terrorist attack, and the Department's
efforts to coordinate with the private sector to develop
mechanisms for information sharing on cybersecurity threats,
vulnerabilities and solutions. The Committee will examine the
Department's efforts to support research and development and
educational activities to improve cybersecurity. Finally, the
Committee will review the Department's investment in research
and development (R&D) designed to implement the National
Strategy to Secure Cyberspace.
science and technology directorate
The Directorate for Science and Technology (S&T
Directorate) is the primary research and development arm of the
Department. The S&T Directorate provides federal, state and
local officials with the technology and capabilities to protect
the nation. In the 111th Congress, the Committee will conduct
oversight of the coordination of homeland security-related
research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) within
the Department and the adequacy of mission support provided by
the Directorate to operational elements of the Department,
state and local authorities, and the private sector.
technology clearing house and technology transfer
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will review the
Department activities relating to evaluation, testing, and
certification of private sector homeland security technologies.
The Committee also will evaluate the Department's role in
facilitating the transfer and commercialization of existing
technologies (including modification of military technologies)
for use by Federal, state, and local governments and first
responders to prevent, prepare for, or respond to terrorist
attacks.
s&t fellowship program and centers for excellence
During the 111th Congress, the Committee will review the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) efforts to attract the
Nation's most talented scientists and build partnerships with
the academic community through its Homeland Security Centers of
Excellence and its Scholars and Fellows program. The Committee
will review the Centers assignments and their role in
fulfilling the Department's mission.
the homeland security institute
The Homeland Security Institute (the Institute), created
under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and sponsored by the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is a Federally-funded
research and development center (FFRDC) that produces strategic
analysis for the science and technology (S&T) mission of DHS.
In the 111th Congress, the Committee will examine the
Department's operation, management and utilization of the
Institute.
safety act implementation
The Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective
Technologies Act of 2002 (the SAFETY Act) was included as
Subtitle G of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and gave the
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the
authority to designate, upon application, certain anti-
terrorism technologies as qualified to participate in a Federal
liability protection program. In the 111th Congress, the
Committee will review the Department's efforts to coordinate
such designation with operational components of the Department
and with other Federal, State, and local government agencies.
Part B--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OVERSIGHT PLAN
Part B of this section contains a summary of the actions
taken by the Committee on Homeland Security to implement the
Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress and the recommendations
made with respect to this plan. Part B also contains a summary
of the additional oversight activities undertaken by the
Committee, and the recommendations made or actions taken
thereon.
MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
As part of the Committee's oversight on the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations and Oversight, conducted oversight of the
effectiveness of DHS in integrating, consolidating, and
coordinating management activities and administrative functions
across DHS headquarters and each of its components. In
accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan, the
Subcommittee held hearings, briefings, and exchanged frequent
correspondence focusing on the integration of DHS's financial
management systems, the merging of its Data Centers, and the
consolidation of its Headquarters operations at the site of St.
Elizabeth's Hospital. Moreover, Subcommittee Staff visited
DHS's primary data center in Stennis, Mississippi, to see
firsthand the efficacy of DHS's intended plans and monitor the
ongoing process of merging DHS's data and information
technology. Subcommittee Members and Staff also led frequent
visits to the St. Elizabeth's site to conduct oversight of the
project, monitor contractor performance, and ensure that the
schedule determined by both DHS and the General Services
Administration (GSA), as authorized by Congress, was proceeding
as planned.
Throughout the Subcommittee's oversight of DHS's
integration and consolidation efforts, Members and Staff met
with representatives from DHS Chief Administrative Officer,
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Office of
Procurement Operations, Resource Management Transformation
Office, the Office of the Inspector General, Office of Small
and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, the Under Secretary for
Management and the General Services Administration Public
Buildings Service and Office of Small Business Utilization
Offices, in addition to the Government Accountability Office.
Additionally, during the 111th Congress, DHS produced its
first Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), as mandated
by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act
of 2007 (P.L. 110-53). The Subcommittee conducted Member
briefings, held a hearing, and conducted numerous meetings with
DHS representatives during the planning, drafting, and
implementation phases of the QHSR process. The Subcommittee
Members and Staff also met with DHS officials regarding the
Bottom-up Review, which served as a counterpart to the QHSR to
ensure that both documents adequately reflected DHS mission and
satisfied legislative requirements. As part of this oversight,
Subcommittee Members and staff met and corresponded with the
Deputy Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, and the
Office of Policy, in addition to key non-governmental
organizations.
The Subcommittee also fulfilled its role of conducting
oversight of leadership offices in DHS Office of the Secretary
and Executive Management by monitoring the activities of the
Chief Privacy Officer and the Officer for Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties. The Subcommittee conducted frequent briefings
and exchanged correspondence with both offices to ensure that
homeland security polices implemented by DHS were balanced with
necessary privacy, civil rights and civil liberties
protections. The Subcommittee conducted oversight regarding
DHS's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) activities, as led by
the Chief Privacy Officer; compliance with the No Fear Act
(P.L. 107-174); and compliance with the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-
579), the eGovernment Act (P.L. 107-347) and the Code of
Federal Regulations. The Subcommittee also conducted oversight
of the Transportation Security Administration's screening
procedures to ensure fairness, equity and the protection of
privacy at our Nation's airports. Likewise, the Subcommittee
conducted oversight of electronic media searches and other U.S.
Custom and Border Protection's activities at ports of entry to
ensure compliance with existing laws, policies and regulations.
Moreover, the Subcommittee exchanged letters and conducted
meetings with DHS representatives, community leaders, and
advocacy organizations regarding privacy, civil rights and
civil liberties protections at Fusion Centers and the re-
establishment of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight
Board, as mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the
9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53).
In an effort to conduct oversight of DHS-wide privacy
policies and procedures and to ensure consistency throughout
the various components, Subcommittee staff met with Component
Privacy Officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
National Protection and Programs Directorate, Federal Emergency
Management Agency and the Transportation Security
Administration. The Subcommittee also conducted oversight of
the establishment and implementation of the U.S. Coast Guard's
Civil Rights Action Plan.
procurement and contracts management
As part of the Committee's oversight on the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations and Oversight, conducted oversight on the
effectiveness of DHS to improve the integration and
coordination of its procurement functions and ensure that
effective management controls were put in place to prevent
waste, fraud and abuse. In accordance with the Committee's
Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held briefings and exchanged
correspondence regarding DHS's contracting activities. The
Subcommittee exchanged correspondence with DHS officials
regarding contracts that were awarded through other than full
and open competition, as revealed by DHS Office of Inspector
General (OIG). The Subcommittee also conducted hearings and
closely monitored DHS's high-risk contracts, such as SBInet,
the Transformation and Systems Consolidation financial
management procurement, the TSA HRAccess (formerly Integrated
Hiring Operations & Personnel Program) contract, the EAGLE II
acquisition strategy, and contracts related to the St.
Elizabeth's Headquarters Consolidation project.
Moreover, the Subcommittee conducted oversight of inter-
governmental contracts and agreements between DHS and other
Federal government agencies, such as the interagency contracts
between DHS and DHS of Defense governing data center
operations.
In performing its oversight functions, the Subcommittee met
with the Chief Procurement Officer, the Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization and the Office of
Procurement Operations. Subcommittee staff also met with and
monitored the contracting activities of, and requested
documents from, Heads of Contracting Activity at the following
Component agencies: the United States Coast Guard, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center, and the Transportation Security
Administration.
financial management
As part of the Committee's oversight on the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations and Oversight, conducted oversight on the
effectiveness of DHS to improve its financial management
system. In accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan, the
Subcommittee held a hearing and held numerous Member and Staff
briefings with the Under Secretary for Management, Chief
Financial Officer, Office of Procurement Activity, Resource
Management Transformation Office and the Transformation and
System Consolidation Program Manager's Office to express the
Committee's concerns and offer solutions.
During the 111th Congress, DHS focused heavily on its
intention to consolidate the 19 separate financial management
systems it inherited from legacy components into one integrated
system, called the Transformation and Systems Consolidation
program. The purpose of the new system is to allow DHS to
obtain a clean audit and to better manage its financial
functions. The Subcommittee conducted extensive oversight of
DHS's process and through those efforts determined that the
cost of the system, the procurement method utilized by DHS, and
the intended strategy lent itself to an uncertain result. As a
result, the Subcommittee took multiple steps in an effort to
monitor and oversee the cost, timeframe, procurement activity,
and strategy of DHS's efforts. The Subcommittee monitored DHS's
process of obtaining approval for its strategy from the Office
of Management and Budget. Subcommittee staff exchanged letters
and held a conference with Office of Management and Budget
staff to ensure that the Committee's position on DHS's
financial management strategy was communicated to all necessary
and interested parties. The Subcommittee also met with the
Office of the Inspector General and the Government
Accountability Office to review their recommendations for a
clearer strategy and conducted oversight over DHS's adherence
to and implementation of recommended actions.
The Subcommittee also conducted oversight of the residual
effects of DHS 's inadequate financial management, such as the
lack of internal controls governing policies, oversight, and
reporting of conference planning and spending practices; the
failure of DHS leadership to ascertain that select financial
management practices of the U.S. Secret Services were in
violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341);
interagency transfers of funds for data center operations
without appropriate documentation and receipts, which could
have resulted in overpayments; and the failure of the Science
and Technology Directorate to remit certain fees to the U.S.
Treasury, as required by law.
human capital management
As part of the Committee's oversight on the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) the Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations and Oversight, conducted oversight on the
effectiveness of DHS to improve human capital management. In
accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan, the
Subcommittee held hearings, briefings, and meetings regarding
DHS's personnel practices and its ability to attract, hire,
promote, retain and support an adequate, prepared and well-
equipped workforce. Subcommittee Chair Christopher Carney also
introduced legislation honoring the brave men and women that
lost their lives in the line of duty while serving as a part of
DHS workforce.
On March 5, 2009, Subcommittee held its first hearing in
the 111th Congress entitled ``Putting People First: A Way
Forward for the Homeland Security Workforce,'' Subcommittee
Members illustrated their commitment to the DHS workforce.
Subsequent oversight during the 111th Congress focused on that
commitment. Subcommittee Members and Staff met with the Chief
Human Capital Officer to discuss, monitor and exercise
oversight of DHS's effort to balance its workforce by reducing
its over reliance on contractors and hiring and retiring a
greater number of federal employees. Meetings were conducted
with the Chief Security Officer to exercise oversight of the
DHS's clearance and suitability process in an effort to
decrease the backlog experienced by new recruits during the on-
boarding process and to ensure that the clearance process is
fair and equitable throughout the entire DHS. During the H1N1
outbreak, the Subcommittee conducted oversight of the U.S.
Custom and Border Protection and the Transportation Security
Administration efforts to adequately equip and inform its
workforce to avoid risk and illness.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on July 23, 2009,
entitled ``Protecting the Protectors: Examining the Personnel
Challenges Facing the Federal Air Marshal Service'', and
conducted oversight of personnel challenges and issues faced by
the Federal Air Marshal Service and met with Transportation
Security Administration representatives throughout the 111th
Congress to monitor and oversee human capital efforts designed
to protect and enhance this vital workforce. Likewise,
Subcommittee staff met with representatives from the Chief
Human Capital Office and the Chief Procurement Office to
monitor the DHS's efforts to adequately staff and train its
acquisition workforce. The Subcommittee also participated in
efforts to seek whistleblower protections and collective
bargaining rights for employees of the Transportation Security
Administration.
The Subcommittee also examined DHS human capital practices
to ensure diversity, fairness and compliance with equal
employment opportunity laws and veteran's preferences. The
Subcommittee conducted a series of workforce briefings with the
Office of Human Capital at all seven major components and
Headquarters, employee representatives, think tanks and several
employees on an individual basis, to explore how the DHS can
improve hiring practices, training, retention and the morale of
the workforce.
Moreover, as part of the Subcommittee's oversight efforts
Members and Staff met with the Chief Human Capital Officer, The
Chief Procurement Officer, the Chief Security Officer, the
Transportation Security Administration Administrator, the
Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service, DHS Director of
Recruiting, Staffing and Services, and the Program Manager for
Veterans Outreach, the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil
Liberties, and the Deputy Officer for Equal Employment
Opportunity Programs. Meetings were also conducted with
representatives from the Office of Personnel Management, the
Government Accountability Office, advocacy organizations, non-
governmental organizations, and organized labor organizations
to discuss the personnel and workforce strategies and issues of
DHS. Moreover, Subcommittee Members and Staff visited airports,
ports of entry and training facilities to discuss employee
morale, workforce issues and ascertain the effect of DHS
workforce polices in the workplace.
information technology systems management
As part of the Committee's oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security's management of its information technology
systems, the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and
Oversight conducted oversight of the DHS's plans to consolidate
its information technology from numerous data centers, located
throughout the country, into two data centers located in
Virginia and Mississippi. In accordance with the Committee's
Oversight Plan, Subcommittee conducted several meetings and
exchanged correspondence with the Chief Information Officer in
an effort to monitor and conduct oversight over this process.
Moreover, Subcommittee staff visited DHS's primary data center,
located in Stennis, Mississippi to determine whether the
facility was adequately equipped to meet DHS's goals and plans.
The Subcommittee also conducted oversight of interagency
memoranda of agreement governing data center operations and
information technology processes to ensure that the agreements
were in compliance with Federal laws and standards.
Subcommittee staff met with representatives from the Office of
Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office to
determine and oversee the feasibility of the DHS's information
technology efforts and related costs.
Subcommittee staff also conducted meetings with the Chief
Privacy Officer and Component representatives, namely, the
Transportation Security Administration to address and conduct
oversight of DHS efforts to protect personal identifiable
information contained within DHS information technology systems
to ensure compliance with the Federal Information Security
Management Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3541), Privacy Act (P.L.
93-579), and the eGovernment Act (P.L. 107-347).
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
federal preparedness and response efforts
As part of the Committee's oversight of federal
preparedness and response efforts, the Subcommittee on
Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response conducted
extensive oversight on the Department of Homeland Security's
(DHS's) federal preparedness and response capabilities and
compliance with the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform
Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295). In furtherance of its
oversight efforts, the Subcommittee examined: the DHS's
implementation of PKEMRA; the FEMA Administrator's initiative
to devolve more authorities to the FEMA Regions; FEMA's ability
to measure preparedness and assess risk; FEMA's ability to
leverage private sector and non-governmental organizations'
(NGO) resources during emergency response; federal, state, and
local coordination prior to and during catastrophic events; and
FEMA's ability to provide goods in a timely manner to a
disaster. In accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan,
the Subcommittee held various hearings and staff briefing and
meetings to gather information with numerous stakeholders,
including DHS, other federal, state, and local authorities,
private sector businesses, NGOs, and other experts.
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf
Coast region of the United States. Hurricane Katrina revealed
colossal inadequacies at the federal, State, and local
government levels to prepare for, respond to, and recover from
a catastrophic incident. In response, the Congress passed the
PKEMRA to address shortcomings identified with the government's
response to the storm. The Committee and Subcommittee have
continued to monitor FEMA's implementation of PKEMRA and other
statutes addressing the shortfalls identified after Katrina.
Following the enactment of PKEMRA, the Committee requested the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine FEMA's
implementation of PKEMRA. On November 21, 2008, GAO released a
report entitled ``Actions Taken to Implement the Post-Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006,'' which identified the
provisions that DHS and FEMA had and had not put into effect.
Specifically, GAO identified over 300 requirements in PKEMRA
and worked with FEMA to identify what, if any, actions had been
taken by the agency to address each requirement. This report
and its findings were later the focus for the March 17, 2009
Subcommittee hearing entitled ``PKEMRA Implementation of FEMA'S
Preparedness and Response Mission.'' The hearing highlighted
the challenges still facing FEMA nearly five years after
Hurricane Katrina and provided a framework for further
oversight on PKEMRA implementation.
Additional deficiencies were examined at a March 3, 2009,
Subcommittee hearing entitled ``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding
Efforts: The Path Forward.'' At the hearing, Members examined,
among other things, the public assistance application program
utilized after a disaster and the benefits of implementing
strategies for private sector preparedness and recovery. On May
13, 2009, Chairman Thompson requested GAO to assess FEMA's
application process for disaster assistance to individuals and
households. On October 28, 2010, Chairman Thompson requested
GAO to conduct an analysis of FEMA's Disaster Reserve Workforce
Division. As part of Committee's oversight on business
preparedness, Chairman Thompson also submitted comments to a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued by FEMA regarding
its Voluntary Private Sector Accreditation and Certification
Preparedness Program, which appeared in the Federal Register on
October 1, 2010. The comments call for a low-cost, yet flexible
small business PS-Prep program with strong oversight and
technical assistance.
The Subcommittee has also conducted extensive oversight on
FEMA's initiative to empower its Regional Offices as directed
by PKEMRA's mandate to establish robust regional offices. To
this end, the Subcommittee utilized a congressional-chartered
report drafted by the National Academy of Public
Administration, entitled ``FEMA's Integration of Preparedness
and Development of Robust Regional Offices,'' to supports its
oversight activities. The independent assessment was released
in October 2009 and found that while FEMA had made progress
toward preparedness integration and building-out its Regions,
there were significant ongoing challenges impacting FEMA's
ability to achieve the results mandated by PKEMRA. The report
served as the basis for a March 16, 2010, Subcommittee hearing
entitled ``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional Offices: An
Examination of Resources and Responsibilities.'' After the
hearing, the Subcommittee, on March 31, 2010, requested GAO to
further examine how preparedness and response, particularly
with respect to preparedness grants, would be improved with the
devolvement of authorities to the FEMA regions. In August of
2010 additional correspondence was sent to the Administrator
regarding the transfer of vacant Headquarters positions to the
Regions. Subcommittee Staff also visited FEMA's National
Response Coordination Center and FEMA Region II Headquarters in
New York City to review the impact of FEMA's new regional
office empowerment initiative.
national preparedness goal and system
As part of the Committee's oversight of the national
preparedness goal and system, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response conducted extensive
oversight on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's)
efforts to define the target level of preparedness to ensure
the nation's ability to prevent, respond to, recover from, and
mitigate against natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and
other man-made disasters. Through its oversight efforts, the
Subcommittee examined: the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's (FEMA's) preparations for the 2009 and 2010 hurricane
seasons; the ability of citizens to prepare themselves for
future catastrophes; the ability of the DHS to leverage private
sector resources for preparedness and response; the ability of
FEMA to measure preparedness and assess risk; FEMA's efforts to
include the disability community in preparedness planning; and,
the effectiveness of homeland security national and regional
exercises. In accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan,
the Subcommittee held various hearings and staff briefings and
meetings to gather information with numerous stakeholders,
including DHS, other federal, state, and local authorities,
private sector businesses, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), and other experts.
The Committee and the Subcommittee has long been concerned
with the engagement of citizens in disaster response and has
conducted extensive oversight to ensure FEMA treats citizens as
assets to disaster relief, not liabilities. To examine the
requirements in the National Preparedness Guidelines and Target
Capabilities List for strengthening citizen and community
preparedness, the Subcommittee held a hearing on October 1,
2009, entitled ``Preparedness: State of Citizen and Community
Preparedness.'' The hearing revealed the dismal state of
citizen preparedness throughout the nation, which prompted the
Subcommittee Chairman to request that FEMA develop a new
strategy to enhance citizen preparedness. Subsequently, in
January 2010, GAO released a related report requested by the
Committee entitled ``FEMA Faces Challenges Integrating
Community Preparedness Programs into Its Strategic Approach.''
This report, as well as the new FEMA strategy, were later
examined at a February 26, 2010, Member briefing.
Measuring the nation's preparedness for natural disasters
and terrorist attacks is a continuing challenge for FEMA and
the Subcommittee has conducted extensive oversight on this
issue. Since 2006, the Congress has mandated that FEMA
establish performance metrics to measure both the nation's
level of preparedness, as well as the effectiveness of state
and local homeland security grant programs administered by
FEMA. Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006
(PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295) and the Implementing Recommendations of
the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53) require FEMA to
develop metrics of preparedness that can be used by federal,
State, local, and tribal entities to identify and close
preparedness gaps with their homeland security resources. To
better understand FEMA's efforts to measure preparedness, on
September 17, 2009, the Committee sent a letter and survey to
states, urban areas, and tribal governments to examine FEMA's
new Cost-to-Capability (C2C) pilot program. The feedback from
these surveys on C2C was nearly uniform. While most of the
respondents expressed appreciation that FEMA was trying to
develop a tool that would be helpful for grantees, they
identified significant weaknesses with the current tool. This
survey was later examined in an October 27, 2009, Subcommittee
hearing entitled ``Preparedness: What has $29 billion in
homeland security grants bought and how do we know?'' As a
result of the hearing, FEMA's leadership agreed that the C2C
tool was an example of government waste and cancelled the
project. The Subcommittee anticipates this action saved
taxpayers at least $5 million in FY 2010. The Subcommittee's
oversight in this area resulted in the introduction and
enactment of H.R. 3980, the Identifying Redundancies and
Developing Performance Metrics Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-271),
which requires FEMA to eliminate redundant reporting
requirements, measure preparedness, and develop performance
metrics for grants.
The Subcommittee also examined FEMA's efforts to ensure the
National Preparedness System encompasses the needs of all
persons, including those with functional needs and the elderly,
sick, and poor. In August 2009, the National Council on
Disability (NCD) released a comprehensive report entitled,
``Effective Emergency Management: Making Improvements for
Communities and People with Disabilities.'' The report assesses
scientific studies of preparedness, response, recovery, and
mitigation efforts in order to identify challenges still facing
people with disabilities and makes recommendations to federal,
state, local, and individual actors to address those
challenges. In response to NCD's report, the Committee sent a
letter to the FEMA Administrator in September 2009 requesting
information on the agency's activities-to-date that address the
needs of people with disabilities in all stages of disaster
planning. To further investigate FEMA's efforts to conduct
inclusive planning, the Subcommittee held a hearing on June 15,
2010, entitled ``Caring for Special Needs during Disasters:
What's being done for Vulnerable Populations?'' During the
hearing, it became evident that FEMA's Office of Disability
Integration and Coordination needed additional resources to
meet the mandates of PKEMRA. Accordingly, the Subcommittee sent
a letter on July 1, 2010, to the Secretary of Homeland Security
requesting more resources for the office. On December 2, 2010,
Subcommittee Chairwoman, Ms. Richardson of California,
introduced H.R. 6481, the Disability Integration and
Coordination Improvement Act, to ensure the office has the
resources it needs to fulfill its mission. Additional Committee
and Subcommittee oversight activities included staff
participation at FEMA's 2010 Inclusive Emergency Management
National Capacity Building Conference, meetings with the
Disability Coordinator, and regular discussions with disability
advocates and stakeholder groups regarding preparedness
policies for vulnerable populations.
national response framework/incident management
As part of the Committee's oversight on the National
Response Framework (NRF), the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response examined the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) efforts to prepare
for and provide a unified national response to disasters and
emergencies. Through its oversight efforts, the Subcommittee
examined: the implementation of the National Response
Framework, including Emergency Support Functions (ESF) 5 -
Emergency Management, ESF 6 - Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing, and Human Services, ESF 7 - Logistics Management and
Resource Support, ESF 9 - Search and Rescue, and ESF 10 - Oil
and Hazardous Materials; the capabilities needed to respond to
a border violence incident; the delivery of goods and services
during a disaster; the effectiveness of mutual aid agreements
in assisting in response efforts; the ability of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to properly credential those
responding to a catastrophe; and the Department of Defense's
support of civil authorities. In accordance with the
Committee's Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held various
hearings and staff briefings and meetings to gather information
with numerous stakeholders, including DHS, other Federal,
State, and local authorities, private sector businesses, NGOs,
and other experts.
With drug-related violence beginning to escalate along the
southwest border in 2009, the Subcommittee examined DHS's
incident planning efforts as well as the unique emergency
response and communication challenges faced by state and local
first responders. On March 31, 2009, the Subcommittee held a
hearing entitled, ``Examining Preparedness and Coordination
Efforts of First Responders along the Southwest Border.'' The
hearing explored federal contingency plans to address growing
violence, homeland security funding for resources and
equipment, and cross-border training and exercises.
Since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina overwhelmed the
logistical capacity of Federal, State, and local governments to
respond and recover, the Subcommittee has continued to monitor
FEMA's capacity and capability to delivery goods and services
during a catastrophic disaster. To examine the NRF and in
particular, ESF 7 (Logistics, Management and Resource Support)
and the Volunteer and Donations Management Support Annex, the
Subcommittee held a hearing on September 29, 2010, entitled,
``Emergency Logistics Management: Transforming the Delivery of
Disaster Relief for the 21st Century.'' At the hearing, the
Subcommittee analyzed FEMA's National Donations Management
Network and discussed with witnesses a July 2010 DHS Office of
Inspector General report entitled ``FEMA's Logistics Management
Process for Responding to Catastrophic Disasters,'' which
discussed the $321 million anticipated to be spent on FEMA's
new logistics supply chain and inventory system and the
potential for wasteful spending.
The Subcommittee also conducted vigorous oversight of
FEMA's efforts to prepare for hurricanes and coordinate the
federal response pursuant to the NRF. On July 30, 2009, the
Subcommittee held a Member briefing on hurricane preparedness
for the 2009 hurricane season. Further, on July 14, 2010, the
Subcommittee held a Member briefing on hurricane preparedness
in the Gulf for the 2010 hurricane season and the potential
impacts of a hurricane on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
cleanup efforts. This briefing allowed Members to examine ESF
10, Oil and Hazardous Materials Response, and the potential
responses needed to address the commingling of oil with storm
surge from a hurricane. This Subcommittee briefing was
complemented by significant activities at the Full Committee
level, including a site visit to Louisiana in July 2010 and a
hearing on September 22, 2010, entitled, ``DHS Planning and
Response: Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater Horizon.''
interoperable communications
As part of the Committee's oversight on interoperable
communications, the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response conducted extensive oversight on the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Office of Emergency
Communications (OEC) and its compliance with the enhancements
made to emergency communications in the Post-Katrina Emergency
Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295). Through
its oversight efforts, the Subcommittee examined: the DHS's
ability to support public safety interoperable communications
through grant programs and technical guidance; cross-border
interoperable emergency communications capabilities; public
safety spectrum allocation; and the national strategy to
coordinate communication efforts at the federal, state, tribal,
territorial, regional and local levels. In accordance with the
Committee's Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held various
hearings and staff briefings and meetings to gather information
with numerous stakeholders, including DHS, other Federal,
State, and local authorities, private sector businesses, NGOs,
and other experts.
In response to the communication failures highlighted after
9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, Congress created the Office of
Emergency Communications (OEC) within DHS. The Committee and
Subcommittee have continually examined the work of the OEC to
ensure that it is improving the ability of first responders-
firefighters, police officers, emergency medical providers-to
communicate and share vital voice and data information across
disciplines and jurisdictions. On April 30, 2009, the
Subcommittee held a Member briefing on DHS's progress on
interoperable emergency communications and the efforts of the
OEC to implement the National Communications Plan and provide
critical guidance to first responders throughout the nation.
The Subcommittee was also heavily engaged in the
administration's efforts to provide a nationwide interoperable
broadband public safety network and the role of DHS in the
Federal Communication Commission's proposal to provide
interoperable communications to first responders through the
auction of the 10 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum known as the ``D-
Block,'' in the 700 MHz band. On July 27, 2010, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Interoperable Emergency
Communications: Does the National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs
of First Responders?'' At the hearing, DHS expressed some
reservations about the FCC's auction proposal and recommended
more analysis to resolve all outstanding issues. The Committee
subsequently sent a letter on July 29, 2010, to President
Barack Obama requesting that DHS play a primary role in any new
taskforce designated to study the FCC's proposal to better
champion the voice of the public safety community.
assistance to state and local governments and first responders
As part of the Committee's oversight on the Department of
Homeland Security's (DHS's) assistance to state and local
government and first responders, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response conducted extensive
oversight on the DHS's allocation and administration of grants
to state and local governments. Through its oversight efforts,
the Subcommittee examined: the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's (FEMA's) ability to measure preparedness; FEMA's
formula to assess risk; FEMA's proposal to consolidate
individual grant programs into the State Homeland Security
Grant Program (SHSGP); FEMA's grant guidance; and FEMA's
ability to improve the efficacy of its grant programs. In
accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan, the
Subcommittee held various hearings and staff briefings and
meetings to gather information with numerous stakeholders,
including DHS, other Federal, State, and local authorities,
private sector businesses, non-governmental organizations, and
other experts.
Because the funding levels and general administration of
homeland security grants can change yearly with the President's
budget submission, the Committee and Subcommittee closely
followed FEMA's proposed budget for fiscal years (FY) 2010 and
2011. With respect to the FY 2011 FEMA budget, the President
proposed cutting the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) program and the Assistance to Firefighter
Grant (AFG) by 25% from FY10 enacted levels and consolidating
four grant programs, including the Citizen Corps grants
program, into the State Homeland Security Grant Program. On
April 27, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing with the
Administrator of FEMA to examine proposed funding levels, the
proposed changes to preparedness grants, and his strategic
vision for the FEMA Regions. At the hearing, Subcommittee
members made it clear that the Regional initiative needed to be
reevaluated and that cuts to vital grant programs would
undermine security and hamper the life-saving efforts of first
responders across the country.
In an effort to examine the effectiveness of the DHS's
programs that provide funding to state and local governments
and first responders, the Subcommittee conducted vigorous
oversight on FEMA's management of homeland security grants.
After receiving numerous concerns about a FEMA proposal that
required grantees to submit an environmental and historic
preservation (EHP) review for preparedness grant programs, the
Subcommittee sent a letter, on April 22, 2010, to the FEMA
Administrator requesting that FEMA reassess its ability to
implement such guidance and prevent backlogs of grant awards.
Further, the Subcommittee held a hearing on June 20, 2010,
entitled ``The Future of FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate,''
and examined this issue along with the findings of a March 2010
DHS Office of Inspector General Report entitled ``Efficacy of
DHS Grant Programs.'' The hearing also presented another
opportunity for Members to question FEMA about its initiative
to devolve new grant authority to the Regions. Following the
hearing, FEMA changed its position to require EHPs for only a
small selection of projects undertaken with preparedness grant
programs.
The Subcommittee's oversight on homeland security grants
also resulted in the several pieces of legislation. After
learning of FEMA's proposal to prohibit the use of homeland
security grant funds for the sustainment and maintenance of
equipment purchased with such grant funds, Ms. Mary Jo Kilroy
of Ohio introduced H.R. 3837, the Strengthening and Updating
Resources and Equipment on October 15, 2009. The purpose of
this legislation was to overturn FEMA's arbitrary policy and
ensure homeland security grant funds could continue to be used
for sustainment and maintenance of equipment. On the same day,
Ms. Kilroy, Chairman Bennie Thompson, Ranking Member Peter King
and other Members of the Committee sent a letter to the
Administrator of FEMA urging him to rescind the policy. H.R.
3837 was further discussed during an October 27, 2009,
Subcommittee hearing entitled ``Preparedness: What has $29
billion in homeland security grants bought and how do we
know?'' The Subcommittee favorably considered H.R. 3978 on
November 3, 2009 and the Full Committee ordered the measure to
be reported to the House on November 17, 2009. Three days after
H.R. 3837 was reported, FEMA issued an Information Bulletin
rescinding its September 22, 2009 maintenance policy.
Similarly, after numerous state emergency management
offices raised concerns over a FEMA directive that allowed the
agency to unilaterally impose spending requirements for state
grant dollars, Subcommittee Chairwoman Richardson introduced
H.R. 5562, The Homeland Security Grant Management Improvement
Act to prohibit the practice. The Committee met on June 23,
2010, to consider H.R. 5562, and ordered the measure to be
reported to the House with a favorable recommendation, without
amendment, by voice vote. The bill was further considered at a
June 29, 2010, Subcommittee hearing entitled ``The Future of
FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate,'' where state witnesses
reiterated the need for Congress and FEMA to reevaluate
restrictive grant guidance imposed by FEMA.
first responder training
As part of the Committee's oversight on first responder
training, the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response conducted extensive oversight on the
efficacy of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's)
programs that provide training, technical assistance, and other
resources to the nation's first responders. The Subcommittee
examined: coordination among federal emergency response teams,
military, and local officials during a disaster; resources and
technical assistance available for first responder training;
and national training centers for state and local first
responders. In accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan,
the Subcommittee held various hearings and staff briefings and
meetings to gather information with numerous stakeholders,
including DHS, other federal, State, and local authorities,
private sector businesses, non-governmental organizations, and
other experts.
The Committee and Subcommittee's long oversight of first
responder training and resources resulted in the introduction
of two measures. On February 25, 2009, Mr. Dent introduced H.R.
1178, a bill to direct the Comptroller General of the United
States to conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol
personnel and resources to support homeland security missions,
including exercises and training. The House considered and
passed H.R. 1178 on May 12, 2009. On November 2, 2009, Mr.
Rogers of Alabama introduced H.R. 3978, the First Responder
Anti-Terrorism Training Resources Act. H.R. 3978 permits the
Secretary of Homeland Security to accept and use gifts for
authorized activities of the Center for Domestic Preparedness
that are related to preparedness for and response to terrorism.
The Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama, is
the nation's premier training site for first responders. The
legislation was considered by the Subcommittee on November 3,
2009 and the full Committee on November 17, 2009 considered and
ordered the measure reported to the House. The measure was
passed by the House under suspension of the rules on December
15, 2009, and passed the Senate, as amended, on September 22,
2010. The House passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3978 on
September 28, 2010, and the legislation became Public Law 111-
245 on September 30, 2010.
exercises and simulations
As part of the Committee's oversight on exercises and
simulations, the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response conducted extensive oversight on the
Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) National Exercise
Program and the coordination among federal, state, and local
agencies participating in exercises. Through its oversight
efforts, the Subcommittee examined: the Secretary of Homeland
Security's proposal to overhaul the National Exercise Program;
lessons learned from pervious exercises; and coordination with
federal, state, tribal, and private stakeholders. In accordance
with the Committee's Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held
various hearings and staff briefings and meetings to gather
information with numerous stakeholders, including DHS, other
federal, State, and local authorities, private sector
businesses, non-governmental organizations, and other experts.
The Committee and Subcommittee have closely watched the
Secretary of Homeland Security's initiative to significantly
modify the National Exercise Program. Upon the release of the
Secretary's plan to ``scale down'' national level exercises
(NLE), the Subcommittee held a Member briefing on May 5, 2010,
to discuss the modifications to NLE 2010 and to evaluate
lessons learned from previous national level exercises. After
learning that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
still does not have a robust after-action reporting process in
an October 2010 DHS Office of Inspector General Report
entitled, ``FEMA's Implementation of Recommendations from Top
Officials 4,'' the Committee sent a letter to FEMA on December
1, 2010, requesting more information on the Secretary's plan to
learn from past exercises and implement corrective action.
Subcommittee Members and staff also observed many exercises
across the country in furtherance of the Subcommittee's
oversight plan. In July 2009, Subcommittee staff traveled to
Texas to observed NLE 2009. In May 2010, Subcommittee
Chairwoman Laura Richardson and staff observed NLE 2010 and
discussed preparedness activities with federal and state
participants involved in the exercise. Committee staff also
observed Department of Defense led exercises, Vibrant Response
in Indiana in July 2010 and Capitol Shield in Virginia in
September 2010.
emergency warnings
As part of the Committee's oversight on emergency warnings,
the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response conducted extensive oversight on the Federal Emergency
Management Agency's (FEMA's) efforts to provide a robust public
alerts warning system. Through its efforts, the Subcommittee
examined FEMA's efforts to provide: prompt and useful alerts
and warning information to persons at risk of a disaster;
uniform standards and protocols for the use of warning systems;
essential information through various media sources, including
television, social networks, and the internet; support in
various languages for diverse communities; and, meaningful
metrics to assess the effectiveness of the warning systems. In
accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan, the
Subcommittee held various hearings and staff briefings and
meetings to gather information with numerous stakeholders,
including DHS, other federal, state, and local authorities,
private sector businesses, non-governmental organizations, and
other experts.
The Committee and Subcommittee understand the importance of
effective and robust early warnings systems and have closely
monitored the development of the Integrated Public Alerts
Warning System (IPAWS) by FEMA. On October 7, 2009, the
Subcommittee held a Member briefing on public alerts and
warnings and received an update on IPAWS and other emergency
warnings issues from FEMA and broadcast representatives. Over
the course of the 111th Congress, Subcommittee staff held
several briefings to discuss IPAWS and hosted an information
demonstration on the system in September 2010. Chairman Bennie
Thompson and Subcommittee Chairwoman Laura Richardson
participated in the IPAWS demonstration project. After a
tsunami devastated American Samoa in September 2009, the
Subcommittee closely analyzed the emergency alert systems used
on the island and urged FEMA to better prepare the island for
future tsunamis.
INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK ASSESSMENT
dhs' office of information analysis
The Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment conducted oversight of the DHS's
Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) including DHS's usage
of homeland security intelligence and information; I&A's
efforts to support the national fusion center network and
state, local, tribal and private sector partners; the DHS's
over-reliance on contractors for its intelligence and
information sharing equities; the DHS Intelligence Enterprise;
state and local coordination including the efforts of the
Interagency Threat Assessment Coordination Group (ITACG); and
I&A support to Departmental assets including components and
headquarters elements. In accordance with the Committee's
Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held various hearings and
staff briefing and meetings to gather information with numerous
stakeholders, including DHS, other federal, state and local
authorities, the private sector, and other experts.
On January 12, 2009, Chairman Thompson requested the
General Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of the
support provided by the I&A to the national fusion center
network. T he report would require GAO to determine how I&A
provides intelligence and information to state and local
agencies through fusion centers, whether this information is
provided in a timely and useful manner, and efforts to improve
this flow of information by I&A. The report was released to the
Committee in September 2010; and concluded that although I&A is
making efforts to improve the information flow to fusion
centers, it is lacking performance metrics for doing so and
needs to improve its efforts.
On March 18, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Homeland Security Intelligence: Its Relevance and
Limitations,'' and took testimony on the topic of homeland
security intelligence, including homeland security relevance,
collectors, and customers. The hearing further informed the
Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding the I&A, and DHS
intelligence and information collection activities.
On April 1, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The Future of Fusion Centers: Potential Promise and
Dangers,'' and took testimony on fusion centers, focusing on
fusion center development and new fusion center baselines for
operations developed by DHS, the Department of Justice, and the
Global Justice Initiative. The hearing further informed the
Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding the DHS I&A, and
information sharing.
On June 24, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``FY2010 Budget for the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of
the Department of Homeland Security,'' and examined the
President's FY 2010 budget request for the I&A. The hearing
further informed the Subcommittee's oversight activities
regarding the I&A's budget priorities for FY 2010.
On September 24, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``I&A Reconceived: Defining a Homeland Security
Intelligence Role,'', and took testimony on efforts to improve
intelligence and information sharing processes at DHS. The
hearing further informed the Subcommittee's oversight
activities regarding I&A, DHS intelligence and information
sharing collection activities, and information sharing.
On September 29, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Is the Office of Intelligence and Analysis
Adequately Connected to the Broader Homeland Communities,'' and
took testimony on the extent to which I&A interacts with other
headquarters elements within the Department. The hearing
further informed the Subcommittee's oversight activities
regarding the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, DHS
intelligence and information collection activities, information
sharing, threat communications and advisories, and the National
Operations Center.
In addition to the subcommittee hearings held during the
111th Congress, the Subcommittee reviewed efforts to build the
intelligence, analytical, and assessment capabilities of DHS
and examined whether I&A has been able to fully participate in
the Intelligence Community for homeland security purposes.
Within the context of evaluating enemy attacks against the
United States, the Subcommittee examined whether DHS received
relevant intelligence and law enforcement information from
other Federal agencies in a timely fashion.
Meetings with the operational components of DHS, as well as
the I&A, allowed the Subcommittee to determine that the
Secretary of Homeland Security is appropriately involved in the
prioritization of the Federal government's intelligence
collection requirements for homeland security purposes.
However, meetings and briefings also indicated to the
Subcommittee that intelligence collection requests generated by
the components, and disseminated through I&A to the rest of the
Intelligence Community, have not been performed in accordance
with National priority intelligence requirements.
The Subcommittee also examined the DHS's role in managing,
distributing, and otherwise using terrorist threat information
in furtherance of its homeland security mission. The
Subcommittee noted that I&A had increasingly improved its
ability to pull information and intelligence out of highly
classified materials in order to create and distribute
information and intelligence classified at lower levels to
appropriately cleared state and local governmental personnel
and others in the private sector. This was specific to certain
situations. In the case of managing, distributing, and
otherwise using terrorist threat information to the public, the
Subcommittee found that DHS had shown improvement, but needed
to continue refining its messages and getting information out
to the public so that they can taken any necessary actions in
response to threats to the Nation.
In addition, the Subcommittee explored DHS's role in the
activities of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and
how it disseminates terrorist threat information among Federal,
State, and local governments and the private sector. In
particular, the Subcommittee has taken an ongoing interest in
the Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group
(ITACG). Subcommittee staff received a status briefing on the
ITACG on October 19, 2010, including a review of its mission
and activities, as well as how state and local detailees to the
ITACG are being utilized now that the DHS is funding and
managing these personnel, and the NCTC is continuing to house
and also manage their activities. The Subcommittee continues to
be concerned about how the detailees are being utilized,
whether their input and opinions are being taken seriously, and
whether they are being allowed to fulfill Congressional intent
for the ITACG.
dhs' intelligence and information collection activities
As part of the Committee's oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) and federal counterterrorism efforts,
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment conducted oversight of the DHS's
intelligence and information sharing activities. In furtherance
of its oversight efforts, the Subcommittee examined: DHS's
usage of homeland security intelligence and information;
requests made to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
(NGA) satellite imagery; I&A's efforts to support the national
fusion center network and state, local, tribal and private
sector partners; the DHS's over-reliance on contractors for its
intelligence and information sharing equities; the DHS
Intelligence Enterprise; and I&A support to Departmental assets
including components and headquarters elements. In accordance
with the Committee's Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held
various hearings and staff briefing and meetings to gather
information with numerous stakeholders, including DHS, other
federal, state and local authorities, the private sector, and
other experts.
On March 18, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Homeland Security Intelligence: Its Relevance and
Limitations,'' and took testimony on the topic of homeland
security intelligence, including homeland security relevance,
collectors, and customers. The hearing further informed the
Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding the I&A, and DHS
intelligence and information collection activities.
On July 21, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
Member briefing on the authorities, procedures, and processes
for requesting National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
satellite imagery, as used by DHS components under the existing
legal framework.
On September 24, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``I&A Reconceived: Defining a Homeland Security
Intelligence Role,'' and took testimony on efforts to improve
intelligence and information sharing processes at DHS. The
hearing further informed the Subcommittee's oversight
activities regarding I&A, DHS intelligence and information
sharing collection activities, and information sharing.
On November 19, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Reassessing the Evolving al-Qaeda Threat to the
Homeland,'' and took testimony regarding the current threat al-
Qaeda posed to the homeland in light of United States
counterterrorism and war fighting policy. The hearing further
informed the Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding DHS
intelligence and information collection activities.
On December 15, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Violent Extremism: How Are People Moved from
Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of Terrorism,'' and
took testimony regarding possible risk factors and pre-incident
indicators of terrorist activity. The hearing further informed
the Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding DHS
intelligence and information collection activities, and privacy
and civil liberties protection.
From January 7-8, 2010, the Subcommittee Chair let a Member
site visit to the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) in
Tampa, Florida. The Members also examined the current
operations at the Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Naval Station
Guantanamo Bay. Members assessed the involvement of Department
of Homeland Security equities at that location.
On May 12, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``A DHS Intelligence Enterprise: Still Just a Vision or
Reality,'' and took testimony on efforts to improve and
solidify the Homeland Security Intelligence Enterprise, as well
as strategic planning for I&A. The hearing informed the
Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding I&A, and DHS
intelligence and information collection activities.
On May 26, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Internet Terror Recruitment and Tradecraft: How Can We
Address an Evolving Tool While Protecting Free Speech,'' and
took testimony on the role of the internet in radicalization,
recruitment, and terrorist operations, as well as the extent to
which law enforcement efforts to counter this use of the
internet are balanced with civil liberties guaranteed by the
First and Fourth Amendments. The hearing further informed the
Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding DHS intelligence
and information collection activities, and privacy and civil
liberties protection.
As a result of the subcommittee hearings and briefings
held, the Subcommittee found that the I&A continues to find it
difficult to coordinate and integrate the intelligence and
intelligence-related activities of DHS's operational components
as it is has no formal control over these elements. I&A works
only with strategic intelligence while the operational
components need tactical intelligence for their operations, as
well as strategic intelligence to help them understand the
context in which those operations occur. The Subcommittee found
that this exacerbates the coordination and integration efforts
of I&A.
Further, Briefings from I&A also revealed problems in the
dissemination of strategic and national level terrorist threat
intelligence to DHS operational entities. While, the
operational components have developed their own direct
relationships with members of the intelligence community; and
as a result, they often received strategic intelligence
directly from other members of the intelligence community days
in advance of receiving it from the DHS's own I&A. This
highlights a breakdown of disseminating threat level
intelligence between I&A and DHS component agencies.
The Subcommittee also examined the effectiveness and
utilization of DHS intelligence and threat assessments in
fulfilling DHS's initiatives to understand and assess critical
infrastructure vulnerabilities and to conduct national risk
assessments. The Subcommittee also undertook a limited review
of the Department's use of Open Source Information, as
recommended in the 9/11 Commission Report and the Intelligence
Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458).
information sharing
As part of the Committee's oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) and federal counterterrorism efforts,
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment conducted extensive oversight of
DHS's intelligence and information sharing activities. In
furtherance of its oversight efforts, the Subcommittee
examined: the Department's usage of homeland security
intelligence and information; the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis's (I&A's) efforts to support the national fusion
center network and state, local, tribal and private sector
partners; the Department of Homeland Security Intelligence
Enterprise; the attempted terrorist attack by Umar Farouk
Abdulmutallab; and I&A support to Departmental assets including
components and headquarters elements. In accordance with the
Committee's Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held various
hearings and staff briefing and meetings to gather information
with numerous stakeholders, including DHS, other federal, state
and local authorities, the private sector, and other experts.
On April 1, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The Future of Fusion Centers: Potential Promise and
Dangers,'' and took The Subcommittee took testimony on fusion
centers, focusing on fusion center development and new fusion
center baselines for operations developed by DHS, the
Department of Justice, and the Global Justice Initiative. The
hearing further informed the Subcommittee's oversight
activities regarding the DHS Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, and information sharing.
On July 30, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Beyond ISE Implementation: Exploring the Way Forward for
Information Sharing,'' and took to explore the current status
of and the future outlook of information sharing, focusing on
the Information Sharing Environment Annual Report to the
Congress, and broader recommendations for improving information
sharing horizontally with federal agencies and vertically with
State and local entities. The hearing further informed the
Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding information
sharing.
On November 3, 2009, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
Member- only briefing on Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR).
In the wake of the attempted attack on Northwest Airlines
Flight 253 by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab on December 25, 2009,
the Committee took swift action to examine the series of events
leading up to the attempted attack, including the shortcomings
in information sharing between intelligence and law enforcement
agencies that contributed to the incident. On January 13, 2010,
the Committee held a Classified Member-Only briefing on the
incident, and from January 15 through 17, 2010, Committee Staff
conducted a Staff Delegation to London, England and Amsterdam,
Netherlands, to examine events related to the attempted attack
firsthand. Finally, on January 27, 2010, the Committee also
held a Full Committee hearing entitled ``Flight 253: Learning
Lessons from an Averted Tragedy.''
The Subcommittee examined information sharing among
Federal, State and local governments, law enforcement entities,
first responders, and emergency management personnel. On
numerous occasions throughout the 111th Congress, the
Subcommittee visited fusion centers across the country to
examine first-hand information sharing efforts, especially
information shared between DHS and state and local fusion
centers. For example, on August 12-13, 2010, the Subcommittee
led a staff delegation to South Carolina to examine the South
Carolina Intelligence and Information Center, focusing on
Federal Bureau of Investigation and DHS I&A support to the
Center as well as its effectiveness in gathering intelligence
information and responding to threats.
Further, the Subcommittee also examined the development and
implementation of the information-sharing environment mandated
under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004 (P.L. 108-458). As a result of its examination, the
Subcommittee found that while the DHS tried to meet the
terrorism threat-related information requirements of state,
local, and private sector officials, but has not always done so
in a timely and responsive manner.
The Subcommittee also examined the issue of unclassified
information designations by DHS and other Federal agencies,
such as ``Sensitive Security Information,'' and the impact such
designations had on the ability of the Department or other
Federal agencies to share information among Federal, state,
local, and private sector partners.
The Committee and Subcommittee's long oversight of
information sharing challenges resulted in the introduction of
H.R. 553, the Reducing Over-Classification Act by Subcommittee
Chairwoman Harman on January 1, 2009. H.R. 553 was considered
and passed by the House on February 3, 2009 under suspension of
the rules. H.R. 553 was passed by the Senate, as amended, on
September 27, 2010. The House concurred in the Senate amendment
to H.R. 553 on September 28, 2010 and was signed into law by
the President on October 7, 2010 as P.L. 111-258.
threat communications and advisories
As part of the Committee's oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) and federal counterterrorism efforts,
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment conducted extensive oversight of the
DHS's threat communications and advisories programs. In
furtherance of its oversight efforts, the Subcommittee
examined: the Department's usage of homeland security
intelligence and information; Office of Intelligence and
Analysis (I&A's) efforts to share information with state,
local, tribal and private sector partners; and the Department's
threat advisory programs, especially the National Operations
Center. In accordance with the Committee's Oversight Plan, the
Subcommittee held various hearings and staff briefing and
meetings to gather information with numerous stakeholders,
including DHS, other federal, state and local authorities, the
private sector, and other experts.
On May 27, 2010, the Subcommittee held a classified Member-
only briefing on current threat streams. Members were briefed
by the Director of the National Counter Terrorism Center.
On July 15, 2010, the Subcommittee on held a classified
Member-only briefing on the release of al-Qaeda in the Arabian
Peninsula's (AQAP) Inspire magazine as well as background
information and current threats posed by al-Shabaab.
On September 29, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Is the Office of Intelligence and Analysis
Adequately Connected to the Broader Homeland Communities,'' and
took testimony on the extent to which the DHS Office of
Intelligence and Analysis interacts with other headquarters
elements within the Department. The hearing further informed
the Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding the DHS
Office of Intelligence and Analysis, DHS intelligence and
information collection activities, information sharing, threat
communications and advisories, and the National Operations
Center.
In addition to these subcommittee briefings and hearings,
the Subcommittee undertook a review of the Department's
policies and procedures with respect to issuing threat and
warning advisories, including the Homeland Security Advisory
System, to ensure that they conveyed information in a timely
and relevant manner to Federal, State, and local government
officials and other entities.
intelligence-driven efforts to counter terrorism-related smuggling
As part of the Committee's oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) and federal counterterrorism efforts,
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment conducted extensive oversight on
intelligence-driven efforts to counter terrorism-related
smuggling. In furtherance of its oversight efforts, the
Subcommittee examined the DHS's Terrorist Screening Center, the
Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center, and the Office of
Counternarcotics Enforcement. In accordance with the
Committee's Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held various staff
briefing and meetings to gather information with numerous
stakeholders, including DHS, other federal, state and local
authorities, the private sector, and other experts.
The Subcommittee conducted vigorous oversight of the
operations and progress of the Terrorist Screening Center, the
Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center, and other cooperative
efforts to prevent and interdict terrorist travel, including
the DHS's interaction with and participation in such entities
and efforts. In addition, the Subcommittee conducted a review
of DHS's intelligence-driven efforts to prevent and interdict
terrorist travel and the smuggling of illicit terrorism-related
materials.
The Subcommittee also examined the role of the DHS Office
of Counternarcotics Enforcement (CNE) in coordinating the
efforts of DHS's counternarcotics assets including CNE's role
in disseminating intelligence regarding links between drug-
trafficking and terrorism, and coordinating policy and
operations at the Department. The Committee requested the DHS
Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to assess the activities
of CNE and evaluate whether it was fulfilling its statutory
requirements. On May 4, 2010, OIG released to the Committee its
report entitled, ``The Responsibilities of the Office of
Counternarcotics Enforcement'', and determined that CNE
continues to face inherent difficulties, including its
inability to fulfill statutory responsibilities on coordinating
counternarcotics policy for DHS and its component agencies. In
light of OIG's nine recommendations to CNE, the Committee sent
a letter to CNE on October 8, 2010, and requested that the
Director of CNE implement OIG's recommendations on improving
its efficacy and effectiveness. The Committee and the
Subcommittee continues to work with CNE to ensure it is meeting
its statutory requirements.
the national operations center
As part of the Committee's oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) and federal counterterrorism efforts,
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment conducted extensive oversight of
DHS's National Operations Center. In furtherance of its
oversight efforts, the Subcommittee examined: the Department's
usage of homeland security intelligence and information; Office
of Intelligence and Analysis' (I&A's) efforts to share
information with state, local, tribal and private sector
partners; and the Department's threat advisory programs,
especially the National Operations Center. In accordance with
the Committee's Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held various
hearings and staff briefing and meetings to gather information
with numerous stakeholders, including DHS, other federal, state
and local authorities, the private sector, and other experts.
The Subcommittee conducted oversight on DHS's efforts to
collect and fuse information in the National Operations Center
in order to maintain domestic situational awareness, and to
carry out its role as the primary national-level center during
domestic incidents and special events. On September 29, 2010,
the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Is the Office of
Intelligence and Analysis Adequately Connected to the Broader
Homeland Communities,'' and took testimony on the extent to
which I&A interacts with other headquarters elements within
DHS. The hearing further informed the Subcommittee's oversight
activities regarding I&A, DHS intelligence and information
collection activities, information sharing, threat
communications and advisories, and the National Operations
Center.
In addition to the hearing, the Subcommittee staff visited
the National Operations Center to oversee these efforts.
privacy and civil liberties protection
As part of the Committee's oversight of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) and federal counterterrorism efforts,
the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment conducted extensive oversight of
DHS's efforts to ensure appropriate privacy and civil liberties
protections. In furtherance of its oversight efforts, the
Subcommittee examined: DHS's usage of homeland security
intelligence and information; the Department's intelligence
gathering methods, including the National Applications Office;
Federal, state, and local efforts to conduct outreach to
communities to prevent terrorism; the spectrum between legally-
protected free speech and illegal violent extremism; the legal
ramifications of policing the internet in order to combat
violent radicalization and terrorism; and ensuring that Federal
intelligence gathering efforts are in line with privacy and
civil liberties protections. In accordance with the Committee's
Oversight Plan, the Subcommittee held various hearings and
staff briefing and meetings to gather information with numerous
stakeholders, including DHS, other federal, state and local
authorities, the private sector, and other experts.
On May 6, 2009, Chairman Bennie Thompson, as well as Chair
Jane Harman of the Subcommittee, sent a letter to the Secretary
of Homeland Security requesting a review of the National
Application Office for privacy and civil liberties violations.
In response to the Committee's letter, on June 23, 2009, the
Secretary of Homeland Security announced the termination of the
National Applications Office program.
On December 15, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Violent Extremism: How Are People Moved from
Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of Terrorism,'' and
took testimony regarding possible risk factors and pre-incident
indicators of terrorist activity. The hearing further informed
the Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding DHS
intelligence and information collection activities, and privacy
and civil liberties protection.
On March 17, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Working with Communities to Disrupt Terror Plots,'' and took
testimony from federal and local government officials,
community engagement advocates, and academic experts on efforts
to work with at-risk communities in countering violent
extremism. The hearing further informed the Subcommittee's
oversight activities regarding information sharing, and privacy
and civil liberties protection.
On May 26, 2010, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Internet Terror Recruitment and Tradecraft: How Can We
Address an Evolving Tool While Protecting Free Speech,'' and
took testimony on the role of the internet in radicalization,
recruitment, and terrorist operations, as well as the extent to
which law enforcement efforts to counter this use of the
internet are balanced with civil liberties guaranteed by the
First and Fourth Amendments. The hearing further informed the
Subcommittee's oversight activities regarding DHS intelligence
and information collection activities, and privacy and civil
liberties protection.
As part of the Committee's oversight, the Subcommittee
continued to examine the relationship between DHS and privacy
and civil liberties protection, including the DHS's State and
Local Fusion Center Program; privacy and civil liberties
training for intelligence and other personnel within the
Department and at state, local, and tribal levels; privacy and
civil liberties protections for the sharing of products from
I&A; the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties community
engagement programs; privacy and civil liberties implications
in the study of terrorism; and the role of privacy and civil
liberties in countering ideologically based violence and
recruitment.
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
national strategy for transportation security
During the 111th Congress, the Subcommittee on
Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection examined
the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) development and
implementation of a risk-based National Strategy for
Transportation Security (NSTS), as required by section 4001 of
the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004,
and as amended by section 1202 of the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The NSTS,
last revised in 2006, provided a strategy for transportation
security and modal security plans that addressed the evaluation
of transportation assets and the establishment of corresponding
mitigation approaches. In January 2009, DHS issued the updated
National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), which is the
comprehensive Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources
planning framework supporting directives outlined in Homeland
Security Presidential Directive - 7. The initial Transportation
System Sector Specific Plan (TSSSP) was issued in May 2007 and
established a five-year strategic plan to determine how the
sector security partnership will achieve outlined sector-
specific goals and objectives. In September 2009, the
Department informed the Committee that it intends to satisfy
the biennial mandate to revise the NSTS through the existing
NIPP and TSSSP documents. The TSSSP is reviewed annually and
updated every three years. The 2010 revision of the TSSSP is
still under review by the Department and has not been released.
The 2007 TSSSP established three goals for securing the
transportation sector: prevent and deter acts of terrorism
using or against the transportation system; enhance the
resilience of the transportation sector; and improve the cost-
effective use of resources for transportation security. In its
oversight, the Subcommittee evaluated programs, policies and
rulemaking to assess the Department's efforts to secure all
modes of transportation against terrorist threats and security
vulnerabilities and increase resiliency throughout the sector.
In addition to conducting specific oversight in accordance with
the Committee's oversight plan in the areas of Passenger and
Baggage Screening and Aviation Security, which are discussed
later in this report, the Subcommittee also reviewed the
Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) management and
administration of critical surface transportation security
programs.
Unlike security of the aviation sector, for which the
Federal Government is directly responsible, security of mass
transit and passenger rail systems largely falls to local
authorities. In the course of its oversight, and in light of
several terrorist attacks during the last decade on transit
systems abroad, the Subcommittee focused on evaluating TSA's
surface transportation security programs. On July 28, 2010, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Lost in the Shuffle:
Examining TSA's Management of Surface Transportation Security
Inspectors.'' At the hearing, Members examined the Surface
Transportation Security Inspection Program within the context
of findings and recommendations of GAO and OIG regarding
organizational changes and accountability. The hearing also
gave Members an opportunity to inquire about outstanding
security regulations mandated in the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Act Commission Act of 2007,
governing frontline employee security training for surface mode
employees and security assessments. To date, TSA has yet to
issue these important regulations that should impact the
framework for the STSIP administration.
In 2009, the Committee sought to address the OIG's findings
and recommendations by adding the language in section 302 of
H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration
Authorization Act of 2009. Despite this legislative action and
the findings of the DHS OIG, TSA began implementing an
initiative called ``TSI Evolution,'' which reorganized STSIP in
a manner inconsistent with the language of H.R. 2200 and the
OIG recommendations. On August 25, 2010, the Committee wrote to
the TSA Administrator urging him to allocate more resources to
its surface program and implement a management structure that
reflects the importance and unique challenges in securing the
surface modes.
Further, on December 10, 2010, the Committee and the Senate
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs sent a
joint letter to the TSA Administrator and the Administrator of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency opposing the
Administration's proposed changes to the allocation of Transit
Security Grant Program funds for capital projects. If
implemented, the changes would reduce funding to the majority
of the Nation's transit systems grantees. The TSGP was
authorized in section 1406 Implementing Recommendations of the
9/11 Commission Act of 2007 and has become the primary
mechanism used by the Federal government to help local transit
authorities cover costs associated with critical transit
security programs and projects.
On the matter of resiliency, the Committee requested that
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) assess the extent to
which DHS has incorporated resiliency into the programs working
with critical asset owners and operators, and is positioned to
disseminate information on resiliency practices to asset owners
and operators throughout the critical sectors. The Subcommittee
reviewed GAO's three recommendations contained in the report
entitled Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Efforts to
Assess and Promote Resiliency Are Evolving but Program
Management Could Be Strengthened (GAO-10-772), and the
Department's response. In assessing the cost-effective use of
resources, the Subcommittee specifically evaluated the
President's fiscal year 2010 budget request for TSA and the
Department's planned deployment of Advanced Imaging Technology
(AIT) machines at passenger checkpoints.
passenger and baggage screening
The Subcommittee continued its oversight into the critical
area of passenger and baggage screening. In particular, the
Subcommittee evaluated how the Department continued to
implement passenger and baggage screening security measures as
authorized in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of
2001 (P.L. 107-71), which established a Federal workforce at
commercial service airports to screen passengers and baggage
for explosives and other prohibited items.
On January 12, 2010, Committee Members conducted a site
visit of the Newark Liberty International Airport to examine
events surrounding the January 3, 2010 security breach in which
a passenger bypassed security screening, entering the secure
area of a terminal through the TSA passenger screening
checkpoint exit lane. Officials from the airport administration
and local TSA briefed the Members on security measures
instituted following the incident to address security
vulnerabilities at the airport's passenger screening
checkpoints. The site visit further supported the
Subcommittee's interest in evaluating passenger checkpoint
security and technology.
In response to the attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines
Flight 253 on December 25, 2009, in which a passenger boarding
the aircraft in Amsterdam smuggled explosives onto the aircraft
by stitching the explosives into his underwear, the President
directed that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
pursue enhanced screening technologies at U.S. airport
passenger screening checkpoints. TSA had already been piloting
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanning machines at
passenger checkpoints at several airports. In the wake of the
Flight 253 incident, the Administration commenced an expedited
deployment of AIT. Accordingly, the President's fiscal year
2011 budget request included a statement indicating the
Administration's intent to deploy 1,000 AIT machines by the end
of fiscal year 2011. During consideration of H.R. 2200, the
Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, an
amendment was adopted to the bill that prohibited the use of
AIT as a technology for conducting primary passenger screening.
In light of the expedited AIT deployment, on March 17,
2010, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing, ``An
Assessment of Checkpoint Security: Are Our Airports Keeping
Passengers Safe?'' At the hearing, Members evaluated TSA's
processes for development, procurement, and deployment of
checkpoint security technologies at U.S. airports. In addition
Members examined security procedures being implemented by
international air carriers and at foreign airports.
Prior to the Subcommittee hearing, the Committee requested
in writing clarification from TSA on the AIT machines' ability
to store and transmit data. TSA responded that the mechanism to
store or transmit images is disabled following AIT laboratory
testing. Based on the Subcommittee hearing and subsequent
oversight, on November 19, 2010, the Committee wrote the TSA
Administrator questioning TSA's decision to deploy AIT and
enhanced pat down protocols without the Department first having
published important privacy and civil liberties impact
assessments.
After several requests to TSA, the Committee received a
deployment plan for AIT, which lacked information as to the
risk-based nature, if any, of the AIT deployment. Further, GAO
testified during the March hearing that TSA had not conducted a
cost-benefit analysis for the AIT deployment. This suggests
that the AIT deployment was not implemented in accordance with
one of the stated goals of the Transportation Security Sector
Specific Plan, to improve the cost-effective use of resources
for transportation security. Further, the Administration
requested $218.9 million in fiscal year 2011 for additional
personnel full time equivalents necessary for the AIT
deployment.
Another area of concern for the Subcommittee in terms of
assessing the effective use of resources is TSA's deployment
and continued use of the Screening of Passengers by Observation
Technique (SPOT) program, a behavior-based profiling program in
use at several U.S. airports. According to GAO, TSA has not
established any metrics or criteria for evaluating whether the
external factors isolated and identified in the SPOT program
are in fact predictive of dangerous behavior.
On August 17, 2010, the Committee wrote to TSA expressing
its concern that, notwithstanding the fact that TSA had failed
to develop a mechanism for evaluating, on an ongoing basis, the
SPOT program's validity or effectiveness for use as a
counterterrorism measure in airports, TSA had continued to seek
budget increases for the program and continue with its
deployment. TSA responded that TSA is currently working with
the Department's Science and Technology Directorate on a
validation study of the SPOT program.
In the course of its oversight of passenger and baggage
screening, the Subcommittee also evaluated the Registered
Traveler program. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act
of 2001 authorized TSA to establish requirements to implement
trusted passenger programs and to use available technologies to
expedite the security screening of passengers who participate
in such programs. Accordingly, TSA and private sector
stakeholders established the Registered Traveler program. The
program was broadly envisioned to be one of many initiatives
constituting a layered system for strengthening aviation
security using risk-based security screening of participants or
``known'' travelers who had previously undergone security
background vetting and provided biometric identification
information to facilitate such risk-based screening.
Conceptually, this program would allow Transportation Security
Officers to focus screening on ``unknown'' passengers. The
Committee included section 233 into H.R. 2200, into the
Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act, which
directed TSA to examine the efficacy of the Registered Traveler
program for security purposes and report back to Congress with
its findings.
On September 30, 2009, the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held an oversight
hearing to examine the Registered Traveler program and TSA's
efforts to implement a trusted passenger program. This hearing
was held soon after the cessation of operations of the major
vendor operating under the Registered Traveler program, Clear.
TSA ceased performing Security Threat Assessments for program
participants in 2008, and, to date, the security benefits
envisioned for the program have not been realized.
Also in the course of the Subcommittee's oversight of TSA's
passenger screening processes and associated technology, on
December 16, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing
to examine the risk associated with the improper posting to the
Internet of unredacted sensitive Security Operating Procedures
related to passenger screening protocols. In December 2009, TSA
announced the discovery of the inadvertent disclosure of
Sensitive Security Information (SSI) dealing with passenger
screening operations at airports. On December 8, 2009, the
Committee sent a letter to TSA requesting a third-party
investigation of the incident. Secretary Napolitano announced
on December 9, 2009 that the Department's Office of Inspector
General (OIG) had begun an investigation. On February 16, 2010,
OIG released a report with its findings regarding the
investigation. The IG recommended DHS review and revise of
policies, procedures and training materials for employees
handling sensitive and secure information. To date, the
Department continues to evaluate its policies and procedures
for handling sensitive information and has taken some steps in
addressing the OIG's recommendations.
In August 2010, TSA informed the Committee that it was
piloting enhanced pat down passenger screening protocols at two
commercial service airports, with a planned deployment for
later in the year. On September 22, 2010, Committee Members
received a briefing on TSA's enhanced passenger screening
protocols, where several Members expressed concerns about the
invasiveness of the protocols. On November 19, 2010, the
Committee wrote to the TSA Administrator criticizing TSA's
decision to deploy AIT and enhanced pat down protocols without
first having published important privacy and civil liberties
impact assessments.
aviation security
In addition to its oversight of passenger and baggage
screening, the Subcommittee also assessed key programs and
policies impacting the broader aviation security landscape. In
the course of this oversight, the Subcommittee held several
hearings and briefings to evaluate TSA's efforts regarding
budget priorities, general aviation security, aviation repair
station security, and the implementation of a system for the
screening of 100 percent of cargo being transported on
passenger aircraft. The Committee's oversight in this area
resulted in several provisions included in H.R. 2200, the
Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act.
In evaluating the Department's strategic implementation of
the TSSSP's broad goal of prevention and deterrence of
terrorist attacks against transportation systems, the
Subcommittee began the 111th Congress assessing the security of
cargo transported on passenger aircraft. The Aviation and
Transportation Security Act of 2001 authorized several measures
to secure the passenger aircraft against terrorist attack,
including the mandatory fortification of cockpit doors; the
employment of Federal personnel to conduct passenger and
baggage screening; the deployment of Federal air marshals; and
the requirement that all checked passenger baggage be screened
for explosives. To further secure passenger aircraft, Congress
included section 1602 in the Implementing Recommendations of
the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, which required the Department
to establish a system for explosives screening of 100 percent
of cargo transported on commercial passenger aircraft by August
3, 2010. The statutory provision also included a 50 percent
screening benchmark milestone for cargo on passenger planes to
be implemented by March 3, 2009.
On March 18, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing, ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can We Secure America's
Skies?'' The hearing examined TSA's progress in establishing a
system for the screening of at least 50 percent of cargo
transported on passenger aircraft by the March 3, 2009
statutory deadline. The Committee subsequently authorized
section H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration
Authorization Act, which, in section 201, clarified
Congressional intent that TSA's cargo screening system should
include commercial passenger flights inbound to the United
States.
The Committee later submitted comments to TSA on November
16, 2009, regarding the Interim Final Rule for TSA's Certified
Cargo Screening Program.
On June 30, 2010, the Subcommittee held another oversight
hearing, ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Remaining Steps to Secure
Passenger Aircraft,'' to evaluate TSA's progress in meeting the
August 3, 2010, 100 percent screening deadline for cargo
transported on passenger aircraft.
On August 25, 2010, the Committee wrote TSA regarding the
overdue implementation of the 100 percent cargo screening
provision for inbound passenger aircraft, a significant missed
statutory deadline. Further, in an October 20, 2010 letter to
TSA, the Committee urged TSA to implement classified
recommendations contained in the DHS Office of Inspector
General (OIG) report, Evaluation of Screening of Air Cargo
Transported on Passenger Aircraft (OIG-10-119), which cited
vulnerabilities in the cargo screening procedures used by air
carriers and cargo screening facilities.
In response to the October 2010 incident, involving
explosives shipped from Yemen in mail packages on passenger and
all-cargo commercial aircraft, the Committee requested that GAO
conduct a review of DHS procedures for screening and securing
cargo transported on commercial aircraft to the United States.
The request also asked GAO to identify the major challenges in
ensuring that cargo on U.S.-bound passenger aircraft is
screened for explosives. Further, the Committee wrote Secretary
Napolitano on November 15, 2010, urging the establishment of a
DHS Aviation Security Advisory Committee under the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. The Advisory Committee would serve as a
platform for private sector aviation industry stakeholders to
engage officials from DHS, TSA, and Customs and Border
Protection in order to improve threat information sharing
throughout the sector. It would also provide industry with a
mechanism for offering input on DHS security policies that
would impact industry stakeholders.
The Subcommittee also focused on potential security
vulnerabilities with general aviation. In October 2008, TSA
released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on new security
measures to be implemented by general aviation aircraft owners,
flight crews, and airport operators. Stakeholders expressed
concerns regarding the viability of the proposed rule in the
general aviation setting. Upon reviewing the NPRM and the
issues raised by stakeholders, on March 2, 2009, the Committee
submitted comments recommending that TSA engage more
extensively with stakeholders before proceeding to a final
rulemaking.
On July 15, 2009, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing, ``General Aviation Security: Assessing Risks and the
Road Ahead,'' to examine TSA's programs and the proposed
rulemaking for general aviation security. In its evaluation of
TSA's general aviation security programs, the Subcommittee
heard testimony from DHS OIG on its report, Transportation
Security Administration's Role in General Aviation Security
(OIG-09-69). The report was requested by Subcommittee
Chairwoman Jackson Lee. The Subcommittee had concerns with the
OIG's conclusion that most general aviation aircraft are too
light to inflict significant damage, prompting its request that
GAO conduct a review of the risk associated with general
aviation aircraft. The request also sought an evaluation of the
actions and programs DHS and TSA instituted to mitigate such
risk. On August 25, 2010, the Committee requested in writing
that the newly confirmed TSA Administrator review the
Committee's comments and concerns regarding the general
aviation security NPRM.
With regard to aviation repair station security, the
Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on November 18, 2009,
``Is the Flying Public Protected? An Assessment of Security at
Foreign Repair Stations,'' to evaluate TSA's progress in
establishing a security oversight program for aviation repair
stations. The notice of the hearing prompted TSA to issue its
overdue NPRM for repair station security just days before the
hearing. Due to the previous Administration's failure to issue
repair station security rulemaking as required by P.L. 108-176,
Congress prohibited FAA in section 1616 of the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 from
certifying any new repair stations until TSA had issued its
repair station rulemaking. H.R. 2200, the Transportation
Security Administration Authorization Act, also directed TSA to
issue its overdue rulemaking for aviation repair stations. The
Committee submitted comments to TSA raising concerns about the
NPRM. In addition to these comments, in an August 25, 2010
letter to the newly confirmed TSA Administrator, the Committee
requested that the Administrator review its submitted comments
on the repair station security NPRM.
To further evaluate the Department's efforts to adhere to
the TSSSP, the Committee held several briefings on critical
programs. On November 4, 2009, TSA officials briefed the
Subcommittee on threats to the transportation sector. On April
28, 2010, a briefing was held on the findings of a DHS OIG
report on covert testing at TSA passengers screening
checkpoints. On April 29, 2010, the Committee held a briefing
on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. On May
13, 2010, a briefing was held on TSA and CBP passenger pre-
screening processes, including the Secure Flight program, in
response to the Times Square bombing attempt, wherein the
bomber was able to board a commercial airliner, even after his
name was placed on the No-Fly list.
With regard to the Secure Flight passenger pre-screening
program, the Subcommittee continued to evaluate TSA's progress
in implementing Secure Flight. In particular, oversight was
performed regarding TSA's assuming the function of vetting
commercial airline passengers against the Federal No-Fly and
Selectee watchlists, as required by the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. In May 2009, GAO informed the
Committee of the results of its assessment of the Secure Flight
program, as directed by the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act of 2005. According to GAO, TSA had satisfied
nine of the ten evaluation conditions, and had conditionally
achieved the remaining condition. TSA announced in November
2010 that Secure Flight had been implemented for domestic and
foreign air carriers operating flights within and inbound to
the United States.
airspace security
The Committee has continued to review efforts of the
Department to carry out its responsibilities to secure the
National Capital Region airspace from unauthorized incursions.
The Committee's oversight in this area includes evaluating the
roles and responsibilities of each of the Federal agencies
involved in the interdiction, identification, and investigation
of aircraft that violate airspace restrictions. These agencies
participate in an inter-agency working group that includes the
Department of Defense, Transportation Security Administration,
United States Secret Service, and the Federal Aviation
Administration.
critical infrastructure protection
As part of its oversight of the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS) efforts to secure the Nation's critical
infrastructure, the Committee held several hearings and
briefings on the Department's efforts to secure critical
infrastructure. The Subcommittee examined vulnerabilities
regarding specific critical sectors; the Department's
regulatory framework for securing the Nation's chemical
facilities; the Department's progress addressing cybersecurity
concerns; the efficacy of public and private sector
partnerships to secure critical infrastructure; the
Department's efforts to promote resiliency throughout the
critical sectors; and DHS risk management practices related to
resource allocation for infrastructure protection efforts.
Following the November 26, 2008, terrorist attack on high-
profile targets in Mumbai, India, the Subcommittee studied the
event to assess how DHS could improve critical infrastructure
protection in the United States. On March 11, 2009, the
Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the Mumbai attack to
evaluate international information sharing and vulnerabilities
in critical infrastructure protection. In accordance with the
Committee's oversight plan to examine the Department's national
coordination responsibilities and its sector-specific critical
infrastructure protection responsibilities, this hearing
explored domestic measures that can be implemented to secure
critical assets in the United States.
DHS testified about its efforts to utilize the 18 critical
infrastructure sectors, comprised of government and industry
stakeholders, to identify potential standards necessary for the
creation of a Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness
Accreditation and Certification Program under Title IX of the
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act
(P.L.110-53). The hearing also revealed ongoing issues with DHS
outreach to private sector stakeholders, such as the
Department's failure to offer consistent, uniform
communications to stakeholders that contain timely, actionable
data. Members emphasized the need for DHS to heighten its
engagement with private sector stakeholders and improve
communication and information sharing regarding threats to
critical infrastructure.
On March 17, 2009, the Subcommittee held a joint briefing
with the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology on cyber threats to the Nation's
electric grid. Homeland Security Presidential Directive - 7
designated the DHS as the lead Federal agency for
cybersecurity. However, through oversight, the Committee has
found that DHS has had inadequate authority to fulfill its
cybersecurity mission. In November 2010, several Committee
Members introduced H.R. 6423, the Homeland Security Cyber and
Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010, which would
authorize the DHS Office of Cybersecurity & Communications;
create a new Cybersecurity Compliance Division to oversee the
establishment of performance-based standards; require DHS to
work with network operators to develop tailored security plans
that meet risk-based, performance-based standards; and require
DHS to share threat intelligence and protect proprietary
information.
On May 27, 2010, the Subcommittee held a briefing on the
Department's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
program to assess DHS progress in ranking chemical facilities
according to risk and in conducting inspections of CFATS-
regulated facilities. As part of the Department of Homeland
Security Appropriations Act of 2007, Congress authorized DHS to
issue interim final regulations relating to the security of our
nation's chemical facilities. During the 111th Congress, the
House passed H.R. 2868, the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism
Act of 2009, which granted DHS continuing authority to
implement and enforce the CFATS regulations. H.R. 2868 was
referred to the Senate following its passage in the House, but
no further action has been taken. The Department requested
extension of the current CFATS authorization to allow time for
Congress to complete a comprehensive CFATS bill. This Committee
and the Committee on Appropriations supported this request.
On the matter of resiliency, the Committee requested that
the Government Accountability Office (GAO) assess: (1) the
extent to which DHS has incorporated resiliency into the
programs it uses to work with critical asset owners and
operators; and (3) whether DHS is positioned to disseminate
information it gathers on resiliency practices to asset owners
and operators throughout the critical sectors. The Subcommittee
reviewed GAO's three recommendations contained in the report,
Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Efforts to Assess and
Promote Resiliency Are Evolving but Program Management Could Be
Strengthened (GAO-10-772), and the Department's response to the
report.
BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
port and maritime security
Concerns about the ability of terrorists to smuggle weapons
of mass destruction inside cargo containers bound for the
United States have heightened since the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001. As part of the Committee's oversight of
port and maritime security, the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism examined the development
of international security standards for maritime cargo;
reviewed implementation of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential Program; and investigated the
screening of vessels, passengers, cargo, and crew for potential
terrorists or instrumentalities of terrorism.
On June 11, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``The FY 2010 Budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard.''
Members examined the budgetary priorities of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard in fulfilling
their port and maritime security missions. Of particular
concern was the Administration's continued failure to request
funding necessary to implement the 100 percent maritime cargo
scanning requirement mandated by the Implementing the 9/11
Commission Recommendations Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53).
Unfortunately, relatively little progress has been made toward
the full implementation of this mandate by the 2012 statutory
deadline.
Indeed, ongoing concern regarding the Department's failure
to make significant progress on the 100 percent scanning
mandate prompted significant correspondence and meetings
between the Committee and the Department during the 111th
Congress. March 2, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a site
visit to CBP's National Targeting Center - Cargo, where Members
were briefed on CBP's programs and procedures to screen and
target U.S.-bound cargo. Between June 1 and June 8, 2010,
Committee staff traveled to the Republic of Singapore,
Malaysia, and Hong Kong to obtain information on the
Department's implementation of maritime supply chain security
programs in these countries. Most recently, on September 29,
2010, GAO released a report prepared at the request of the
Committee entitled ``Supply Chain Security: DHS Should Test and
Evaluate Container Security Technologies Consistent with All
Identified Operational Scenarios to Ensure the Technologies
Will Function as Intended.'' The Committee will continue to
engage the Department on this matter as the Administration
develops its strategy on supply chain security, currently
expected to be released in the coming months.
Also, on April 29, 2009, the Committee held a Member
briefing on Transportation Worker Identification Credential
(TWIC). The Committee and Subcommittee have a longstanding
interest in the implementation of the program, and have urged
the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Coast Guard
to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Issues related to
the TWIC application, vetting, waiver and appeals, and card
issuance processes as well as the procurement of card reader
devices necessary for enforcement have been of particular
concern. As a result of this oversight, several provisions
addressing these concerns were included by the Committee in the
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281).
Furthermore, the Subcommittee held multiple classified
briefings by CBP and the Coast Guard regarding threats to port
and maritime security and the agencies' efforts to counter such
threats. On April 6, 2010, Committee staff traveled to Coast
Guard Sector New York to receive information on the activities
of the Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Program. In
addition, at the request of the Committee, GAO produced the
following two maritime security reports: ``Maritime Security:
Varied Actions Taken to Enhance Cruise Ship Security, but Some
Concerns Remain''; and ``Maritime Security: Ferry Security
Measures Have Been Implemented, but Evaluating Existing Studies
Could Further Enhance Security.'' Finally, on May 21, 2009, the
Subcommittee held a Member briefing on the Coast Guard's
efforts to help combat piracy off the Horn of Africa, including
threats to U.S.-flagged vessels.
border screening
The Nation's borders consist of land, maritime and air
boundaries. The agencies charged with managing these borders
are responsible for carrying out their security mission at
ports of entry, between ports of entry, in the skies, on the
water and, increasingly, overseas. As part of the Committee's
oversight of border screening matters, the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism conducted
extensive oversight of the border screening functions of the
Department. Specifically, the Subcommittee examined the
deployment and implementation of programs, technology and
training to assist border and consular officials in
identifying, intercepting, and disrupting terrorists who would
do us harm, particularly in light of the Northwest Airlines
Flight 253 incident on Christmas Day 2009; the need to better
secure our ports of entry while facilitating legitimate trade
and travel, including through implementation of the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative; and the efforts of the Department
to deploy an exit component to the US-VISIT program and detect,
detain, and remove aliens who remain in the U.S. beyond their
authorized period of stay. The Subcommittee also reviewed the
Department's efforts to combat escalating violence along the
U.S.-Mexico border.
In the wake of the attempted attack on Flight 253 by Umar
Farouk Abdulmutallab on December 25, 2009, the Committee took
swift action to examine the series of events leading up to the
attempted attack; study the Federal response to the incident;
and address ways to help prevent similar terrorist acts in the
future. On January 13, 2010, the Committee held a Classified
Member-Only briefing on the incident, and from January 15
through 17, 2010, Committee Staff conducted a Staff Delegation
to London, England and Amsterdam, Netherlands, to examine
events related to the attempted attack firsthand. Finally, on
January 27, 2010, the Full Committee held a hearing entitled
``Flight 253: Learning Lessons from an Averted Tragedy.''
In the 111th Congress, much of the Subcommittee's work on
border screening built upon the actions of the Full Committee
related to the Flight 253 incident. These Subcommittee
activities included a briefing, site visit, and hearing. On
March 2, 2010, the Subcommittee conducted a site visit of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection's National Targeting Center -
Passenger to observe CBP's passenger prescreening activities,
including new programs and procedures put into effect after
Flight 253. On March 4, 2010, the Subcommittee held a Member
briefing on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Visa
Security Program. The briefing focused on the existing status
of the program, its potential role in incidents like the Flight
253 matter, and plans for expansion of and improvements to the
program. The Subcommittee's work culminated with a hearing
entitled ``Visa Security and Passenger Pre-Screening Efforts in
the Wake of Flight 253'' on March 11, 2010.
Also related to passenger screening, on May 13, 2010, the
Committee held a Member briefing on Transportation Security
Administration and Customs and Border Protection processes for
vetting of passengers on the terrorist watchlist. The briefing
examined the Times Square bombing attempt and the suspect's
effort to flee the U.S. on a commercial air carrier.
While there continues to be much focus on securing the
Nation's land borders between the ports of entry, the
Subcommittee also has long recognized the importance of better
securing the ports of entry themselves. At the same time, the
Subcommittee has focused on how to achieve increased security
without causing unnecessary delays to legitimate travelers and
commerce. For example, the Subcommittee has closely monitored
implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative,
which mandated new documents for travelers between the U.S. and
Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. At a May 7, 2009 hearing
entitled ``Implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative at Land and Sea Ports: Are We Ready?'' the
Subcommittee focused on Federal and State efforts to conduct
public education and outreach on the new document requirements;
issue the necessary documents to the traveling public; and
deploy document readers at ports of entry.
The Subcommittee's interest in security at ports of entry
is not limited to passengers. The Subcommittee has also
monitored the Department's efforts to implement programs to
both secure and expedite cargo across our land borders. For
example on October 22, 2009, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``Cargo Security at Land Ports of Entry: Are We
Meeting the Challenge?'' to examine cargo security programs,
staffing, technology, infrastructure, and investigations at our
Nation's land borders.
With respect to the US-VISIT program, the Committee and
Subcommittee continued to conduct careful oversight of the
Department's implementation of the program, including efforts
to implement the US-VISIT air exit requirements in the
Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007
(P.L. 110-53). On October 8, 2009, the Subcommittee received a
briefing on the status of recently completed US-VISIT air exit
pilot projects. On January 21, 2010, the Subcommittee followed
up with a Member briefing on the status of the Department's
plans to implement the air exit portion of the program.
Building on the Subcommittee's efforts, on March 25, 2010, the
Full Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing entitled
``Visa Overstays: Can They be Eliminated?'' where Members
discussed the limitations of the current exit system and its
implications on identifying and removing individuals who
overstay their visas in the U.S. The Committee also sent
significant correspondence to the Department, examining the
various challenges for implementing US-VISIT biometric exit;
the potential impact of the program at airports; and the
ability of the Department to use overstay reports generated by
the program for enforcement purposes.
The Committee and Subcommittee have also monitored the
Department's interior immigration enforcement and detention
practices. The Committee held a hearing entitled ``Examining
287(g): The Role of State and Local Law Enforcement in
Immigration Law'' on March 4, 2009. In conjunction with the
hearing, the Government Accountability Office released a report
requested by the Committee, expressing concern about the lack
of adequate oversight of the program by the Department. In
response, the Department announced several changes to the
287(g) program, including requiring all participants to sign
new agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to
continue in the program.
Also, the Subcommittee held hearings on the Department's
efforts to combat human trafficking and alien smuggling and
improve immigration detention with hearings entitled ``Human
Trafficking: Recent Trends'' on March 12, 2009; ``Enhancing
DHS' Efforts to Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across Our Borders'' on
July 22, 2010; and ``Moving Toward More Effective Immigration
Detention Management'' on December 10, 2009.
Finally, the Subcommittee has extensively examined the
ongoing issue of violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. These
Subcommittee activities included a March 19, 2009 hearing
entitled ``Border Violence: An Examination of DHS Strategies
and Resources;'' a July 16, 2009 hearing entitled ``Combating
Border Violence: The Role of Interagency Coordination in
Investigations;'' and a May 27, 2010 hearing entitled U.S.-
Mexico Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida
Initiative.'' Members examined issues related to the drug
trafficking organizations responsible for much of the violence;
cross-border weapons and bulk cash smuggling; and opportunities
for the U.S. and Mexico to cooperate on security matters of
mutual interest and benefit.
These Subcommittee hearings were complemented by
significant activities on this issue at the Full Committee
level. On March 31, 2009, the Committee held a Classified
Member briefing on the violence occurring along the U.S.-Mexico
border. Following the briefing, on April 3 and 4, 2009, it
conducted a site visit to El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez,
Mexico to examine southern border violence issues, meet with
Federal, State, and local representatives, and tour relevant
facilities and infrastructure.
EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
biodefense
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD), or chemical, biological,
radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) weapons are of
interest to U.S. enemies, including terrorists groups such as
al-Qaeda as well as rogue nations like Iran and North Korea. A
particular danger exists from biological weapons, chiefly
because a biological attack is difficult to distinguish from a
naturally occurring phenomenon, the impacts are not immediately
evident, and the attack can spread through secondary infection.
The Committee recognizes the particular danger posed by
biological weapons - and also by naturally occurring outbreaks
- and has conducted rigorous oversight in an attempt to ensure
that the U.S. is protected and ready to respond to such
incidents.
In the 111th Congress, the Committee carried through with
its intent to examine detection of biological attacks and the
Federal government's biodefense initiatives, including
detection and response to biological attacks on people,
livestock, and agricultural products in the nation's food
supply. The Committee conducted oversight of response
capabilities pertaining to a biological event, including
medical countermeasures development and procurement, and
medical surge capacity needed for large-scale events such as a
pandemic outbreak. Oversight was focused principally on the
Department of Homeland Security, but also included other
Federal agencies with a role in these efforts, including the
Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the Department of Defense.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology held two Member briefings in March of
2010 on this topic. The first was a classified briefing on
biological threats that the United States faces. The second was
unclassified and focused on the major biodefense initiatives of
the DHS Office of Health affairs.
The subcommittee also held several hearings, including
``Review of the National Animal Identification System,'' a
joint hearing with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and
Poultry of the Committee on Agriculture (May 5, 2009); ``Real-
Time Assessment of the Federal Response to Pandemic Influenza''
(October 27, 2009); and ``WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act
of 2010'' (June 15, 2010).
In addition to the subcommittee's actions, the Full
Committee held two hearings which examined these topics:
``Beyond Readiness: An Examination of the Current Status and
Future Outlook of the National Response to Pandemic Influenza''
(July 29, 2009); and ``Viewpoints on Homeland Security: A
Discussion with the 9/11 Commissioners'' (May 19, 2010).
The Committee also requested several reports from GAO on
biosurveillance, biological countermeasures, and biodefense
preparedness and response. The Committee currently has two
ongoing GAO engagements regarding pandemic influenza: Pandemic
Influenza Vaccine Technologies and Lessons Learned from H1N1
Influenza Pandemic; and has requested and received the
following reports on national biosurveillance from GAO:
Biosurveillance: Efforts to Develop a National Biosurveillance
Capability Need a National Strategy and a Designated Leader
(GAO-10-645) and, Biosurveillance: Developing a Collaboration
Strategy Is Essential to Fostering Interagency Data and
Resource Sharing (GAO-10-171). In addition, the Committee the
following ongoing GAO engagements: Biosurveillance: State,
Local, Tribal; and Territorial Biosurveillance Capabilities.
wmd terrorism and nuclear smuggling
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) vary in type (chemical,
biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive, or CBRNE),
sophistication, source material characteristics, ease of
detection, and ability to be transported. They also differ
greatly in their destructive power. While a nuclear weapon
could cause large-scale devastation and loss of life, a
radiological weapon or ``dirty bomb'' has very low destructive
or killing capacity and is instead intended to cause mostly
economic and psychological damage through area deniability.
Strategies for countering these weapons also vary, and involve,
as appropriate, planning, material procurement, assembly,
transport, delivery, detonation, response, and recovery.
In the 111th Congress, the Committee conducted oversight of
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs focused on
nuclear terrorism, including threat certification,
characterization, detection, and source attribution techniques.
Also, the Committee examined the Department's progress in
refining risk-based methods for identifying, screening, and
scanning high-risk cargo entering the United States. This
includes the development of non-intrusive inspection
technologies and capabilities for detecting and interdicting
transit of nuclear, radiological, chemical, and biological
weapons, components, and precursors. Finally, the Committee
examined the Department's efforts to protect nuclear and
radiological source material, and to develop and execute
response and recovery efforts in the event of a WMD event.
Although most of the oversight focused on DHS efforts, the
Committee also evaluated other Federal agencies with relevant
responsibilities, including the Department of Health and Human
Services, the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology held hearings including ``Status Report
on Federal and Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources''
(September 14, 2009); ``WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of
2010'' (June 15, 2010); and ``The Domestic Nuclear Detection
Office: Can It Overcome Past Problems and Chart a New
Direction?'' (September 30, 2010).
The Full Committee also held hearings that included these
topics: ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination of the Current
Status and Future Outlook of the National Response to Pandemic
Influenza'' (July 29, 2009); and ``Viewpoints on Homeland
Security: A Discussion with the 9/11 Commissioners'' (May 19,
2010).
The Committee also requested several reports from GAO on
combating nuclear smuggling through detection, nuclear and
radiological source security, and recovery from radiological or
nuclear attacks: Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS Improved
Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal Monitors, but
Preliminary Results Show Limits of the New Technology (GAO-09-
655); and Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Actions Needed to Better
Prepare to Recover from Possible Attacks Using Radiological or
Nuclear Materials (GAO-10-204).
r&d investment and coordination
Technological innovation is a key component of a successful
Homeland Security enterprise. Therefore, the Committee has a
keen interest in assessing the Department's priorities for
research and development (R&D), and its engagement with private
industry, in particular small businesses, which are widely
recognized for providing the most entrepreneurial and
innovative approaches.
The Committee reviewed the Department's efforts to
strategically invest in basic R&D for purposes of improving the
effectiveness of the Department's operational components, and
to benefit first responders and other State and Local
authorities with homeland security missions. The Department has
struggled to effectively engage with small businesses in the
past. Through the oversight efforts of the Committee, as well
as new leadership at the DHS Science and Technology
Directorate, that situation is improving, though more can be
done.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology held oversight hearings on these topics
including: ``The FY 2010 Budget for the Directorate for Science
& Technology, the Office of Health Affairs, and the Domestic
Nuclear Detection Office'' (June 9, 2009); and ``The Department
of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate''
(March 3, 2010).
In addition, on March 28, 2009, the Full Committee held a
meeting entitled, ``The U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
Doing Business with America'', at the Kroger Gymnasium,
Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, where technology
Research and Development was a major topic of interest. This
meeting was an opportunity for the Science and Technology
Directorate and interested small businesses to interact outside
of the context of a particular request for proposal or other
formal engagement, in efforts to foster to better working
relationships between DHS and small business.
counter-proliferation activities
Efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons that could
be used by terrorists or rogue nations against the country are
a key element of homeland security. Counter-proliferation
activities can take many forms, from intelligence gathering,
precursor or component monitoring, to observation and
interdiction during movement of weapons or adversaries.
The Committee reviewed the efforts of the Department in
counter-proliferation of nuclear and biological weapons,
materials, and precursors. The Committee also evaluated DHS
activities related to protection, detection and assessment of
chemical and radiological threats, including the coordination
of such activities within the Department throughout the Federal
government
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology held oversight hearings on counter-
proliferation topics including: ``Status Report on Federal and
Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources'' (September 14,
2009); and ``The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office: Can It
Overcome Past Problems and Chart a New Direction?'' (September
30, 2010).
The Committee requested GAO engagements relevant to DNDO
activities, including: Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS
Improved Testing of Advanced Radiation Detection Portal
Monitors, but Preliminary Results Show Limits of the New
Technology (GAO-09-655); and Combating Nuclear Terrorism:
Actions Needed to Better Prepare to Recover from Possible
Attacks Using Radiological or Nuclear Materials (GAO-10-204).
cybersecurity
Computer networks are now a pervasive and essential part of
our society. They are used in all financial transactions,
manufacturing, and the functioning of critical infrastructure,
essential services, and government operations. While these
networks have made possible many innovations, efficiencies, and
even entire new markets and industries, they have also
introduced a pervasive vulnerability to every aspect of our
society. There is seemingly no limit to the reach of computer
networks, and therefore no part of our society that is not
vulnerable to computer-based attacks.
The Committee examined the Department's efforts to prevent
cyber attacks against the Federal (.gov) network and America's
critical infrastructures; reduce national vulnerability to
cyber attacks; and minimize damage and recovery time if cyber
attacks should occur. The Committee was intent on improving
integration of the cybersecurity mission within the Department
and across the Federal government, and coordination of
cybersecurity best practices, risk assessments and warnings
across all levels of government and the private sector. The
Committee also reviewed DHS' cyber-related remediation
activities, including plans for response and recovery in the
event of a coordinated terrorist cyber attack. It also reviewed
the Department's efforts to coordinate with the private sector
to develop mechanisms for information sharing on cybersecurity
threats, vulnerabilities and solutions; and to provide support
to the private sector during attacks. Further, the Committee
evaluated the Department's efforts to support research and
development, and educational activities to improve
cybersecurity. Finally, the Committee reviewed the Department's
investment in research and development (R&D) in support of
implementation of the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology and the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a joint
Classified Member briefing on cybersecurity threats to United
States federal networks on March 5, 2009. On March 17, 2009,
the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology and the Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection held a joint Member
Classified briefing on cyber threats to the electric grid.
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology also held the following oversight
hearings addressing cybersecurity: ``Reviewing the Federal
Cybersecurity Mission'' (March 10, 2009); ``Do the Payment Card
Industry Data Standards Reduce Cybercrime?'' (March 31, 2009);
``The FY 2010 Budget for the Directorate for Science &
Technology, the Office of Health Affairs, and the Domestic
Nuclear Detection Office (June 9, 2009); Securing the Modern
Electric Grid from Physical and Cyber Attacks'' (July 21,
2009); and ``The Department of Homeland Security's Science and
Technology Directorate'' (March 3, 2010).
The Full Committee also held a cybersecurity oversight
hearing: ``Cybersecurity: DHS' Role, Federal Efforts and
National Policy'' (June 16, 2010). In addition, the Committee
requested several GAO engagements to review cybersecurity
challenges facing the Department and the Nation: Cyberspace
Policy: Executive Branch Is Making Progress Implementing 2009
Policy Review Recommendations, but Sustained Leadership Is
Needed (GAO-11-24); Critical Infrastructure Protection: Key
Private and Public Cyber Expectations Need to Be Consistently
Addressed (GAO-10-628); Cyberspace: United States Faces
Challenges in Addressing Global Cybersecurity and Governance
(GAO-10-606); Cybersecurity: Key Challenges Need to Be
Addressed to Improve Research and Development (GAO-10-466);
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Update to National
Infrastructure Protection Plan Includes Increased Emphasis on
Risk Management and Resilience (GAO-10-296); Critical
Infrastructure Protection: OMB Leadership Needed to Strengthen
Agency Planning Efforts to Protect Federal Cyber Assets. (GAO-
10-148); Information Technology: Management Improvements Needed
on the Department of Homeland Security's Next Generation
Information Sharing System (GAO-09-40); and Critical
Infrastructure Protection: Current Cyber Sector-Specific
Planning Approach Needs Reassessment (GAO-09-969). The
Committee also has two ongoing engagements: Review of
Cybersecurity Standards and Review of Smart Grid Cybersecurity
Guidelines and Related Issues.
The Committee and Subcommittee's long oversight of
cybersecurity vulnerabilities resulted in the introduction of
three pieces of legislation with significant cybersecurity
provisions. They are: (1) H.R. 2195, to amend the Federal Power
Act to provide additional authorities to adequately protect the
critical electric infrastructure against cyber attack, and for
other purposes; (2) H.R. 4842, the Homeland Security Science
and Technology Authorization Act of 2010; and (3) H.R. 6423,
the Homeland Security Cyber and Physical Infrastructure
Protection Act of 2010.
science and technology directorate
The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) was created
under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) and was
intended to conduct scientific and technological research,
development, testing, and evaluation that would support and
benefit the Department's operational components, as well as
State and Local authorities such as first responders, emergency
managers, and others involved in the Homeland Security
Enterprise such as private sector entities. Unfortunately, for
several years S&T was often described as a ``rudderless ship,''
seeming disconnected from and providing little benefit to the
entities it was designed to support. The Committee, other
committees in Congress, and the Department have all engaged in
an effort to correct these deficiencies and move toward the
goal of enhancing homeland security activities with effective
technology.
In the 111th Congress, the Committee conducted oversight of
the coordination of homeland security-related research,
development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities
conducted or funded by the Department's Science and Technology
Directorate. In particular, the Committee considered the
adequacy of mission support provided by the Directorate to
operational elements of the Department, state and local
authorities, and the private sector.
In pursuit of these goals, the Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held two
hearings where these topics were discussed: ``The FY2010 Budget
for the Directorate for Science & Technology, the Office of
Health Affairs, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office''
(June 9, 2009); and ``The Department of Homeland Security's
Science and Technology Directorate'' (March 3, 2010).
In addition to formal hearings, on March 28, 2009, the
Committee held a meeting, ``The U.S. Department of Homeland
Security: Doing Business with America'', at the Kroger
Gymnasium, Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. This
meeting was an opportunity for the Science and Technology
Directorate and interested small businesses to interact outside
of the context of a particular request for proposal or other
formal engagement, in efforts to foster to better working
relationships between DHS and small business.
technology clearing house and technology transfer
Technology transfer is the process of sharing of
technologies, methods of manufacturing, and best practices
between government agencies, the government and private sector
companies, and between companies. The aim of the transfer is to
ensure that scientific and technological developments are
accessible to a wide range of users to pursue development of
better products and services or use or modify an existing
technology for new applications.
During the 111th Congress, the Committee reviewed the
Department's evaluation, testing, and certification of private
sector homeland security technologies. The Committee also
evaluated the Department's role in technology transfer and
commercialization of existing technologies for use by Federal,
state, and local governments and first responders for homeland
security purposes. These topics were discussed at the following
Subcommittee hearings: ``The FY 2010 Budget for the Directorate
for Science & Technology, the Office of Health Affairs, and the
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office'' (June 9, 2009); and ``The
Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology
Directorate'' (March 3, 2010). They were also addressed at did
the March 28, 2009 Committee meeting, ``The U.S. Department of
Homeland Security: Doing Business with America.''
s&t fellowship program and centers for excellence
Technological innovation is impossible without our Nation's
best and brightest recruited, engaged, motivated, and
supported. The success of any mission comes down to the talents
and abilities of the people working on that mission. It is
therefore critical for the success of the Homeland Security
Enterprise, and especially the scientific and technological
development component of that enterprise, to recruit and retain
talented scientists, engineers, and technologist.
During the 111th Congress, the Committee reviewed the
Department's efforts to attract or partner with the Nation's
most talented scientists through its Homeland Security Centers
of Excellence and its Scholars and Fellows program, by
reviewing the Centers' activities, research, and their role in
fulfilling the Department's mission.
As part of this effort, the Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology investigated
these topics during their hearings on: ``The FY 2010 Budget for
the Directorate for Science & Technology, the Office of Health
Affairs, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office'' (June 9,
2009); and ``The Department of Homeland Security's Science and
Technology Directorate'' (March 3, 2010). Discussion of
fellowships and the Centers of Excellence was also examined
through Full Committee: hearing, ``Diversity at The Department
of Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities'' (October 14, 2009).
the homeland security institute
The Homeland Security Institute was created under the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 and sponsored by the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS). It was a federally-funded research
and development center (FFDC) that produced strategic analysis
for DHS. During the In the 111th Congress, the Homeland
Security Institute was replaced with two new FFRDC's, the
Studies and Analysis Institute and the Systems Engineering and
Development Institute. The Committee conducted oversight on the
bidding process and the reassignment and realignment of subject
areas from the HSI to the two new centers. Much of this
oversight was conducted during the hearings on ``The FY 2010
Budget for the Directorate for Science & Technology, the Office
of Health Affairs, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office''
(June 9, 2009); and ``The Department of Homeland Security's
Science and Technology Directorate'' (March 3, 2010).
safety act implementation
The Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective
Technologies Act of 2002 (the SAFETY Act) gives the Secretary
of DHS the authority to designate, upon application, certain
anti-terrorism technologies as qualified to participate in a
Federal liability protection program. This can provide a
sizable incentive to a company developing a technology or
process for homeland security applications. In the 111th
Congress, the Committee reviewed the Department's efforts to
coordinate such designation with operational components of the
Department and with other Federal, State, and local government
agencies. The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity,
and Science and Technology discussed the Safety Act during two
of its hearings: ``The FY 2010 Budget for the Directorate for
Science & Technology, the Office of Health Affairs, and the
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office'' (June 9, 2009); and ``The
Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology
Directorate'' (March 3, 2010). In addition, Safety Act
designation and process was a topic of much interest during the
Committee meeting ``The U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
Doing Business with America'' (March 28, 2009).
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A P P E N D I C E S
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APPENDIX I
Committee Rules--Committe on Homeland Security
Adopted February 4, 2009
RULE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(A) Applicability of the Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives.-- The Rules of the U.S. House of
Representatives (the ``House'') are the rules of the
Committee on Homeland Security (the ``Committee'') and
its subcommittees insofar as applicable.
(B) Applicability to Subcommittees.--Except where the
terms ``Full Committee'' and ``subcommittee'' are
specifically mentioned, the following rules shall apply
to the Committee's subcommittees and their respective
Chairmen and Ranking Minority Members to the same
extent as they apply to the Full Committee and its
Chairman and Ranking Minority Member.
(C) Appointments by the Chairman.--The Chairman shall
designate a Member of the Majority party to serve as
Vice Chairman of the Full Committee. The Vice Chairman
of the Full Committee shall preside at any meeting or
hearing of the Full Committee during the temporary
absence of the Chairman. In the absence of both the
Chairman and Vice Chairman, the Chairman's designee
shall preside.
(D) Recommendation of Conferees.--Whenever the Speaker
of the House is to appoint a conference committee on a
matter within the jurisdiction of the Full Committee,
the Chairman shall recommend to the Speaker of the
House conferees from the Full Committee. In making
recommendations of Minority Members as conferees, the
Chairman shall do so with the concurrence of the
Ranking Minority Member of the Committee.
(E) Motions To Disagree.--The Chairman is directed to
offer a motion under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules
of the House whenever the Chairman considers it
appropriate.
(F) Committee Website.--The Chairman shall maintain an
official Committee website for the purposes of
furthering the Committee's legislative and oversight
responsibilities, including communicating information
about the Committee's activities to Committee Members,
other Members, and the public at large. The Ranking
Minority Member may maintain a similar website for the
same purposes.
RULE II.--TIME OF MEETINGS.
(A) Regular Meeting Date.--The regular meeting date and
time for the transaction of business of the Full
Committee shall be on the first Wednesday that the
House is in Session each month, unless otherwise
directed by the Chairman.
(B) Additional Meetings.--At the discretion of the
Chairman, additional meetings of the Committee may be
scheduled for the consideration of any legislation or
other matters pending before the Committee or to
conduct other Committee business. The Committee shall
meet for such purposes pursuant to the call of the
Chairman.
(C) Consideration.--Except in the case of a special
meeting held under clause 2(c)(2) of House Rule XI, the
determination of the business to be considered at each
meeting of the Committee shall be made by the Chairman.
RULE III.--NOTICE AND PUBLICATION.
(A) Notice.--
(1) Hearings.--Pursuant to clause 2(g)(3) of
rule XI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, the Chairman of the Committee
shall make public announcement of the date,
place, and subject matter of any hearing before
the Full Committee or subcommittee at least one
week before the commencement of the hearing.
However, if the Chairman of the Committee, with
the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member,
determines that there is good cause to begin
the hearing sooner, or if the Committee so
determines by majority vote, a quorum being
present for the transaction of business, the
Chairman shall make the announcement at the
earliest possible date. The names of all
witnesses scheduled to appear at such hearing
shall be provided to Members no later than 48
hours prior to the commencement of such
hearing.
(2) Meetings.--The date, time, place and
subject matter of any meeting, other than a
hearing or a regularly scheduled meeting, shall
be announced at least 36 hours in advance of a
meeting, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and
Federal holidays except when the House is in
session on such a day, to take place on a day
the House is in session, and 72 hours in
advance of a meeting, excluding Saturdays,
Sundays, and Federal holidays except when the
House is in session on such a day, to take
place on a day the House is not in session,
except in the case of a special meeting called
under clause 2(c)(2) of House Rule XI. These
notice requirements may be waived by the
Chairman with the concurrence of the Ranking
Minority Member.
(a) Copies of any measure to be
considered for approval by the
Committee at any meeting, including any
mark, print or amendment in the nature
of a substitute shall be provided to
the Members at least 24 hours in
advance.
(b) The requirement in subsection (a)
may be waived or abridged by the
Chairman, with advance notice to the
Ranking Minority Member.
(3) Publication.--The meeting or hearing
announcement shall be promptly published in the
Daily Digest portion of the Congressional
Record. To the greatest extent practicable,
meeting announcements shall be entered into the
Committee scheduling service of the House
Information Resources.
RULE IV.--OPEN MEETINGS AND HEARINGS; BROADCASTING.
(A) Open Meetings.--All meetings and hearings of the
Committee shall be open to the public including to
radio, television and still photography coverage,
except as provided by Rule XI of the Rules of the House
or when the Committee, in open session and with a
majority present, determines by recorded vote that all
or part of the remainder of that hearing on that day
shall be closed to the public because disclosure of
testimony, evidence, or other matters to be considered
would endanger the national security, compromise
sensitive law enforcement information, tend to defame,
degrade or incriminate a witness, or violate any law or
rule of the House of Representatives.
(B) Broadcasting.--Whenever any hearing or meeting
conducted by the Committee is open to the public, the
Committee shall permit that hearing or meeting to be
covered by television broadcast, internet broadcast,
print media, and still photography, or by any of such
methods of coverage, in accordance with the provisions
of clause 4 of Rule XI of the Rules of the House.
Operation and use of any Committee-operated broadcast
system shall be fair and nonpartisan and in accordance
with clause 4(b) of Rule XI and all other applicable
rules of the Committee and the House. Priority shall be
given by the Committee to members of the Press
Galleries.
(C) Transcripts.--A transcript shall be made of the
testimony of each witness appearing before the
Committee during a Committee hearing. All transcripts
of meetings or hearings that are open to the public
shall be made available.
RULE V.--PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS AND HEARINGS.
(A) Opening Statements.--At any meeting of the
Committee, the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member
shall be entitled to present oral opening statements of
five minutes each. Other Members may submit written
opening statements for the record. The Chairman
presiding over the meeting may permit additional
opening statements by other Members of the Full
Committee or of that subcommittee, with the concurrence
of the Ranking Minority Member.
(B) The Five-Minute Rule.--The time any one Member may
address the Committee on any bill, motion, or other
matter under consideration by the Committee shall not
exceed five minutes, and then only when the Member has
been recognized by the Chairman, except that this time
limit may be extended when permitted by unanimous
consent.
(C) Postponement of Vote.--The Chairman may postpone
further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on
the question of approving any measure or matter or
adopting an amendment. The Chairman may resume
proceedings on a postponed vote at any time, provided
that all reasonable steps have been taken to notify
Members of the resumption of such proceedings. When
proceedings resume on a postponed question,
notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous
question, an underlying proposition shall remain
subject to further debate or amendment to the same
extent as when the question was postponed.
(D) Contempt Procedures.--No recommendation that a
person be cited for contempt of Congress shall be
forwarded to the House unless and until the Full
Committee has, upon notice to all its Members, met and
considered the alleged contempt. The person to be cited
for contempt shall be afforded, upon notice of at least
72 hours, an opportunity to state why he or she should
not be held in contempt prior to a vote of the Full
Committee, with a quorum being present, on the question
whether to forward such recommendation to the House.
Such statement shall be, in the discretion of the
Chairman, either in writing or in person before the
Full Committee.
RULE VI.--WITNESSES.
(A) Questioning of Witnesses.--
(1) Questioning of witnesses by Members will be
conducted under the five-minute rule unless the
Committee adopts a motion permitted by House
Rule XI (2)(j)(2).
(2) In questioning witnesses under the 5-minute
rule, the Chairman and the Ranking Minority
Member shall first be recognized. In a
subcommittee meeting or hearing, the Chairman
and Ranking Minority Member of the Full
Committee are then recognized. All other
Members that arrive before the commencement of
the meeting or hearing will be recognized in
the order of seniority on the Committee,
alternating between Majority and Minority
Members. Committee Members arriving after the
commencement of the hearing shall be recognized
in order of appearance, alternating between
Majority and Minority Members, after all
Members present at the beginning of the hearing
have been recognized. Each Member shall be
recognized at least once before any Member is
given a second opportunity to question a
witness.
(3) The Chairman, in consultation with the
Ranking Minority Member, or the Committee by
motion, may permit an extension of the period
of questioning of a witness beyond five minutes
but the time allotted must be equally
apportioned to the Majority party and the
Minority and may not exceed one hour in the
aggregate.
(4) The Chairman, in consultation with the
Ranking Minority Member, or the Committee by
motion, may permit Committee staff of the
Majority and Minority to question a witness for
a specified period of time, but the time
allotted must be equally apportioned to the
Majority and Minority staff and may not exceed
one hour in the aggregate.
(B) Minority Witnesses.--Whenever a hearing is
conducted by the Committee upon any measure or matter,
the Minority party Members on the Committee shall be
entitled, upon request to the Chairman by a Majority of
those Minority Members before the completion of such
hearing, to call witnesses selected by the Minority to
testify with respect to that measure or matter during
at least one day of hearing thereon.
(C) Oath or Affirmation.--The Chairman of the Committee
or any Member designated by the Chairman, may
administer an oath to any witness.
(D) Statements by Witnesses.--
(1) Consistent with the notice given, witnesses
shall submit a prepared or written statement
for the record of the proceedings (including,
where practicable, an electronic copy) with the
Clerk of the Committee no less than 48 hours in
advance of the witness's appearance before the
Committee. Unless the 48-hour requirement is
waived or otherwise modified by the Chairman
after consultation with the Ranking Minority
Member, the failure to comply with this
requirement may result in the exclusion of the
written testimony from the hearing record and/
or the barring of an oral presentation of the
testimony.
(2) To the greatest extent practicable, the
written testimony of each witness appearing in
a non-governmental capacity shall include a
curriculum vitae and a disclosure of the amount
and source (by agency and program) of any
Federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract
(or subcontract thereof) received during the
current fiscal year or either of the two
preceding fiscal years by the witness or by an
entity represented by the witness to the extent
that such information is relevant to the
subject matter of, and the witness'
representational capacity at, the hearing.
RULE VII.--QUORUM.
Quorum Requirements.--Two Members shall constitute a
quorum for purposes of taking testimony and receiving
evidence. One-third of the Members of the Committee
shall constitute a quorum for conducting business,
except for (1) reporting a measure or recommendation;
(2) closing Committee meetings to the public, pursuant
to Committee Rule IV; (3) authorizing the issuance of
subpoenas; and (4) any other action for which an actual
majority quorum is required by any rule of the House of
Representatives or by law. The Chairman shall make
reasonable efforts, including consultation with the
Ranking Minority Member when scheduling meetings and
hearings, to ensure that a quorum for any purpose will
include at least one minority Member of the Committee.
RULE VIII.--DECORUM.
(A) Breaches of Decorum.--The Chairman may punish
breaches of order and decorum, by censure and exclusion
from the hearing; and the Committee may cite the
offender to the House for contempt.
(B) Access to Dais.--Access to the dais before, during
and after a hearing, markup, or other meeting of the
Committee shall be limited to Members and Staff of the
Committee. Subject to availability of space on the
dais, Committee Member's personal staff may be present
on the dais during a hearing if their employing Member
is seated on the dais and during a markup or other
meeting if their employing Member is the author of a
measure or amendment under consideration by the
Committee, but only during the time that the measure or
amendment is under active consideration by the
Committee, or otherwise at the discretion of the
Chairman or Ranking Minority Member.
(C) Wireless Communications Use Prohibited.-- During a
hearing, mark-up, or other meeting of the Committee,
ringing or audible sounds or conversational use of
cellular telephones or other electronic devices is
prohibited in the Committee room.
RULE IX.--SUBCOMMITTEES.
(A) Generally.--The Full Committee shall be organized
into the following six standing subcommittees:
(1) Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism;
(2) Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response;
(3) Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection;
(4) Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment;
(5) Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology; and
(6) Subcommittee on Management, Investigations,
and Oversight.
(B) Selection and Ratio of Subcommittee Members.--The
Chairman and Ranking Member of the Full Committee shall
select their respective Members of each subcommittee.
The ratio of Majority to Minority Members shall be
comparable to the Full Committee, except that each
subcommittee shall have at least two more Majority
Members than Minority Members.
(C) Ex Officio Members.--The Chairman and Ranking
Minority Member of the Full Committee shall be ex
officio members of each subcommittee but are not
authorized to vote on matters that arise before each
subcommittee. The Chairman and Ranking Minority Member
of the Full Committee shall not be counted to satisfy
the quorum requirement for any purpose other than
taking testimony unless they are regular members of
that subcommittee.
(D) Powers and Duties of Subcommittees.--Except as
otherwise directed by the Chairman of the Full
Committee, each subcommittee is authorized to meet,
hold hearings, receive testimony, mark up legislation,
and report to the Full Committee on all matters within
its purview. Subcommittee Chairmen shall set hearing
and meeting dates only with the approval of the
Chairman of the Full Committee. To the greatest extent
practicable, no more than one meeting and hearing
should be scheduled for a given time.
(E) Special Voting Provision.--If a tie vote occurs in
a subcommittee on the question of reporting any measure
to the Full Committee, the measure shall be placed on
the agenda for Full Committee consideration as if it
had been ordered reported by the subcommittee without
recommendation.
RULE X.--COMMITTEE PANELS.
(A) Designation.--The Chairman of the Full Committee,
with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member,
may designate a panel of the Committee consisting of
members of the Committee to inquire into and take
testimony on a matter or matters that warrant enhanced
consideration and to report to the Committee.
(B) Duration.--No panel appointed by the Chairman shall
continue in existence for more than six months after
the appointment.
(C) Party Ratios and Appointment.--Consistent with the
party ratios established by the Majority party, all
Majority members of the panels shall be appointed by
the Chairman of the Committee, and all Minority members
shall be appointed by the Ranking Minority Member of
the Committee. The Chairman of the Committee shall
choose one of the Majority members so appointed who
does not currently chair another subcommittee of the
Committee to serve as Chairman of the panel. The
Ranking Minority Member of the Committee shall
similarly choose the Ranking Minority Member of the
panel.
(D) Ex-Officio Members.--The Chairman and Ranking
Minority Member of the Full Committee may serve as ex-
officio Members of each committee panel but are not
authorized to vote on matters that arise before a
committee panel and shall not be counted to satisfy the
quorum requirement for any purpose other than taking
testimony.
(E) Jurisdiction.--No panel shall have legislative
jurisdiction.
(F) Applicability of Committee Rules.--Any designated
panel shall be subject to all Committee Rules herein.
RULE XI.--REFERRALS TO SUBCOMMITTEES.
Referral of Bills and Other Matters by Chairman.--
Except for bills and other matters retained by the
Chairman for Full Committee consideration, each bill or
other matter referred to the Full Committee shall be
referred by the Chairman to one or more subcommittees
within two weeks of receipt by the Committee. In
referring any measure or matter to a subcommittee, the
Chair may specify a date by which the subcommittee
shall report thereon to the Full Committee. Bills or
other matters referred to subcommittees may be
reassigned or discharged by the Chairman.
RULE XII.--SUBPOENAS.
(A) Authorization.--Pursuant to clause 2(m) of Rule XI
of the House, a subpoena may be authorized and issued
under the seal of the House and attested by the Clerk
of the House, and may be served by any person
designated by the Full Committee for the furtherance of
an investigation with authorization by--
(1) a majority of the Full Committee, a quorum
being present; or
(2) the Chairman of the Full Committee, after
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member
of the Full Committee, during any period for
which the House has adjourned for a period in
excess of 3 days when, in the opinion of the
Chairman of the Full Committee, authorization
and issuance of the subpoena is necessary to
obtain the material or testimony set forth in
the subpoena. The Chairman of the Full
Committee shall notify Members of the Committee
of the authorization and issuance of a subpoena
under this rule as soon as practicable, but in
no event later than one week after service of
such subpoena.
(B) Disclosure.--Provisions may be included in a
subpoena with the concurrence of the Chairman and the
Ranking Minority Member of the Full Committee, or by
the Committee, to prevent the disclosure of the Full
Committee's demands for information when deemed
necessary for the security of information or the
progress of an investigation, including but not limited
to prohibiting the revelation by witnesses and their
counsel of Full Committee's inquiries.
(C) Subpoena duces tecum.--A subpoena duces tecum may
be issued whose return to the Committee Clerk shall
occur at a time and place other than that of a
regularly scheduled meeting.
(D) Affidavits and Depositions.--The Chairman of the
Full Committee, in consultation with the Ranking
Minority Member of the Full Committee, or the Committee
may authorize the taking of an affidavit or deposition
with respect to any person who is subpoenaed under
these rules but who is unable to appear in person to
testify as a witness at any hearing or meeting. Notices
for the taking of depositions shall specify the date,
time and place of examination. Depositions shall be
taken under oath administered by a Member or a person
otherwise authorized by law to administer oaths. Prior
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member of the
Full Committee shall include written notice three
business days before any deposition is scheduled to
provide an opportunity for Minority staff to be present
during the questioning.
RULE XIII.--COMMITTEE STAFF.
(A) Generally.--Committee staff members are subject to
the provisions of clause 9 of House Rule X and must be
eligible to be considered for routine access to
classified information.
(B) Staff Assignments.--For purposes of these rules,
Committee staff means the employees of the Committee,
detailees, fellows or any other person engaged by
contract or otherwise to perform services for, or at
the request of, the Committee. All such persons shall
be either Majority, Minority, or shared staff. The
Chairman shall appoint, determine remuneration of,
supervise, and may remove Majority staff. The Ranking
Minority Member shall appoint, determine remuneration
of, supervise, and may remove Minority staff. In
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, the
Chairman may appoint, determine remuneration of,
supervise and may remove shared staff that is assigned
to service of the Committee. The Chairman shall certify
Committee staff appointments, including appointments by
the Ranking Minority Member, as required.
(C) Divulgence of Information.--Prior to the public
acknowledgement by the Chairman or the Committee of a
decision to initiate an investigation of a particular
person, entity, or subject, no member of the Committee
staff shall knowingly divulge to any person any
information, including non-classified information,
which comes into his or her possession by virtue of his
or her status as a member of the Committee staff, if
the member of the Committee staff has a reasonable
expectation that such information may alert the subject
of a Committee investigation to the existence, nature,
or substance of such investigation, unless authorized
to do so by the Chairman or the Committee.
RULE XIV.--COMMITTEE MEMBER AND COMMITTEE STAFF TRAVEL.
(A) Approval of Travel.--Consistent with the primary
expense resolution and such additional expense
resolutions as may have been approved, travel to be
reimbursed from funds set aside for the Committee for
any Committee Member or Committee staff shall be paid
only upon the prior authorization of the Chairman.
Travel may be authorized by the Chairman for any
Committee Member or Committee staff only in connection
with official Committee business, such as the
attendance of hearings conducted by the Committee and
meetings, conferences, site visits, and investigations
that involve activities or subject matters under the
general jurisdiction of the Full Committee.
(1) Proposed Travel by Majority Party Members
and Staff.--In the case of proposed travel by
Majority party Committee Members or Committee
staff, before such authorization is given,
there shall be submitted to the Chairman in
writing the following: (a) the purpose of the
travel; (b) the dates during which the travel
is to be made and the date or dates of the
event for which the travel is being made; (c)
the location of the event for which the travel
is to be made; and (d) the names of Members and
staff seeking authorization. On the basis of
that information, the Chairman shall determine
whether the proposed travel is for official
Committee business, concerns subject matter
under the jurisdiction of the Full Committee,
and is not excessively costly in view of the
Committee business proposed to be conducted.
(2) Proposed Travel by Minority Party Committee
Members and Committee Staff.--In the case of
proposed travel by Minority party Committee
Members or Committee staff, the Ranking
Minority Member shall provide to the Chairman a
written representation setting forth the
information specified in items (a), (b), (c),
and (d) of subparagraph (1) and his or her
determination that such travel complies with
the other requirements of subparagraph (1).
(B) Foreign Travel.--All Committee Members and
Committee staff requests for foreign travel must
include a written representation setting forth the
information specified in items (a), (b), (c), and (d)
of subparagraph (A)(1) and be submitted to the Chairman
not fewer than ten business days prior to the start of
the travel. Within thirty days of the conclusion of any
such foreign travel authorized under this rule, there
shall be submitted to the Chairman a written report
summarizing the information gained as a result of the
travel in question, or other Committee objectives
served by such travel. The requirements of this section
may be waived or abridged by the Chairman.
RULE XV.--CLASSIFIED AND CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION.
(A) Security Precautions.--Committee staff offices,
including Majority and Minority offices, shall operate
under strict security precautions administered by the
Security Officer of the Committee. A security officer
shall be on duty at all times during normal office
hours. Classified documents and controlled unclassified
information (CUI)--formerly known as sensitive but
unclassified (SBU) information--may be destroyed,
discussed, examined, handled, reviewed, stored,
transported and used only in an appropriately secure
manner in accordance with all applicable laws,
executive orders, and other governing authorities. Such
documents may be removed from the Committee's offices
only in furtherance of official Committee business.
Appropriate security procedures, as determined by the
Chairman in consultation with the Ranking Minority
Member, shall govern the handling of such documents
removed from the Committee's offices.
(B) Temporary Custody of Executive Branch Material.--
Executive branch documents or other materials
containing classified information in any form that were
not made part of the record of a Committee hearing, did
not originate in the Committee or the House, and are
not otherwise records of the Committee shall, while in
the custody of the Committee, be segregated and
maintained by the Committee in the same manner as
Committee records that are classified. Such documents
and other materials shall be returned to the Executive
branch agency from which they were obtained at the
earliest practicable time.
(C) Access by Committee Staff.--Access to classified
information supplied to the Committee shall be limited
to Committee staff members with appropriate security
clearances and a need-to-know, as determined by the
Chairman and Ranking Minority Member, and under their
direction of the Majority and Minority Staff Directors.
(D) Maintaining Confidentiality.--No Committee Member
or Committee staff shall disclose, in whole or in part
or by way of summary, to any person who is not a
Committee Member or authorized Committee staff for any
purpose or in connection with any proceeding, judicial
or otherwise, any testimony given before the Committee
in executive session. Classified information and
controlled unclassified information (CUI) shall be
handled in accordance with all applicable laws,
executive orders, and other governing authorities and
consistently with the provisions of these rules and
Committee procedures.
(E) Oath.--Before a Committee Member or Committee staff
may have access to classified information, the
following oath (or affirmation) shall be executed:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will not
disclose any classified information received in
the course of my service on the Committee on
Homeland Security, except as authorized by the
Committee or the House of Representatives or in
accordance with the Rules of such Committee or
the Rules of the House.
Copies of the executed oath (or affirmation) shall be retained
by the Chief Clerk as part of the records of the Committee.
(F) Disciplinary Action.--The Chairman shall
immediately consider disciplinary action in the event
any Committee Member or Committee staff member fails to
conform to the provisions of these rules governing the
disclosure of classified or unclassified information.
Such disciplinary action may include, but shall not be
limited to, immediate dismissal from the Committee
staff, criminal referral to the Justice Department, and
notification of the Speaker of the House. With respect
to Minority staff, the Chairman shall consider such
disciplinary action in consultation with the Ranking
Minority Member.
RULE XVI.--COMMITTEE RECORDS.
(A) Committee Records.--Committee Records shall
constitute all data, charts and files in possession of
the Committee and shall be maintained in accordance
with House Rule XI, clause 2(e).
(B) Legislative Calendar.--The Clerk of the Committee
shall maintain a printed calendar for the information
of each Committee Member showing any procedural or
legislative measures considered or scheduled to be
considered by the Committee, and the status of such
measures and such other matters as the Committee
determines shall be included. The calendar shall be
revised from time to time to show pertinent changes. A
copy of such revisions shall be made available to each
Member of the Committee upon request.
(C) Members Right To Access.--Members of the Committee
and of the House shall have access to all official
Committee Records. Access to Committee files shall be
limited to examination within the Committee offices at
reasonable times. Access to Committee Records that
contain classified information shall be provided in a
manner consistent with these rules.
(D) Removal of Committee Records.--Files and records of
the Committee are not to be removed from the Committee
offices. No Committee files or records that are not
made publicly available shall be photocopied by any
Member.
(E) Executive Session Records.--Evidence or testimony
received by the Committee in executive session shall
not be released or made available to the public unless
agreed to by the Committee. Members may examine the
Committee's executive session records, but may not make
copies of, or take personal notes from, such records.
(F) Public Inspection.--The Committee shall keep a
complete record of all Committee action including
recorded votes. Information so available for public
inspection shall include a description of each
amendment, motion, order or other proposition and the
name of each Member voting for and each Member voting
against each such amendment, motion, order, or
proposition, as well as the names of those Members
present but not voting. Such record shall be made
available to the public at reasonable times within the
Committee offices.
(G) Recorded Votes on the Official Committee Website.--
The Chairman shall create a record of the votes on any
question of agreeing to a bill, resolution, or
amendment or ordering reported any bill or resolution
on which a recorded vote is demanded in open session in
the Full Committee. Such record shall be made available
on the Committee's official website not later than
three legislative days after adjournment of the markup
at which such vote was taken, excluding days when the
House is in session pro forma. Such record shall
identify the offeror of the bill, resolution, or
amendment, in addition to a description of the bill,
resolution, or amendment, the name of each Member
voting for and each Member voting against such bill,
resolution, or amendment, and the names of the Members
voting present.
(H) Separate and Distinct.--All Committee records and
files must be kept separate and distinct from the
office records of the Members serving as Chairman and
Ranking Minority Member. Records and files of Members'
personal offices shall not be considered records or
files of the Committee.
(I) Disposition of Committee Records.--At the
conclusion of each Congress, non-current records of the
Committee shall be delivered to the Archivist of the
United States in accordance with Rule VII of the Rules
of the House.
(J) Archived Records.--The records of the Committee at
the National Archives and Records Administration shall
be made available for public use in accordance with
Rule VII of the Rules of the House. The Chairman shall
notify the Ranking Minority Member of any decision,
pursuant to clause 3(b)(3) or clause 4(b) of the Rule,
to withhold a record otherwise available, and the
matter shall be presented to the Committee for a
determination on the written request of any member of
the Committee. The Chairman shall consult with the
Ranking Minority Member on any communication from the
Archivist of the United States or the Clerk of the
House concerning the disposition of noncurrent records
pursuant to clause 3(b) of the Rule.
RULE XVII.--CHANGES TO COMMITTEE RULES.
These rules may be modified, amended, or repealed by the
Full Committee provided that a notice in writing of the
proposed change has been given to each Member at least 48 hours
prior to the meeting at which action thereon is to be taken.
APPENDIX II
Membership Changes
January 2009
On January 4, 2009, Mr. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi
was appointed as Chairman of the Committee on Homeland
Security, and Mr. Peter T. King of New York was appointed as
Ranking Member pursuant to H. Res. 8 and H. Res. 12,
respectively. On January 9, 2009, pursuant to H. Res. 38,
additional Minority Members were appointed to the Committee. On
January 28, 2009, pursuant to H. Res. 96, additional Majority
Members were appointed to the Committee.
----------
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Mike Rogers, Alabama
Zoe Lofgren, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Henry Cuellar, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Laura Richardson, California Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey
Emmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
Vacancy
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
Loretta Sanchez, California, Chairwoman
Jane Harman, California Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Zoe Lofgren, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Henry Cuellar, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Al Green, Texas (Ex Officio)
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK
ASSESSMENT
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Yevette D. Clarke, New York Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Al Green, Texas Mark E. Souder, Indiana
James A. Himes, Connecticut Peter T. King, New York
Vacancy (Ex Officio)
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Laura Richardson, California Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New Jersey Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Al Green, Texas Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, AND SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California Daniel E. Lungren, California
Laura Richardson, California Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King,New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
November 19, 2009
On November 19, 2009, Mr. William L. Owens was appointed as
a Member of the Majority to sit after Mr. Ben Ray Lujan
pursuant to H. Res. 236.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Mike Rogers, Alabama
Zoe Lofgren, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Henry Cuellar, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Laura Richardson, California Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
William L. Owens, New York
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey
Emmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
Loretta Sanchez, California, Chairwoman
Jane Harman, California Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Zoe Lofgren, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Henry Cuellar, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Al Green, Texas (Ex Officio)
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK
ASSESSMENT
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Yevette D. Clarke, New York Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Laura Richardson, California Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Al Green, Texas Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Laura Richardson, California Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
William L. Owens, New York Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri (Ex Officio)
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New Jersey Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Al Green, Texas Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, AND SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California Daniel E. Lungren, California
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Paul C. Broun, Georgia
William L. Owens, New York Steve Austria, Ohio
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King,New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
January 27, 2010
On January 22, 2010, Ms. Loretta Sanchez resigned as
Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism. On January 27, 2010, Mr. Henry Cuellar was
appointed as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism; and Ms. Laura Richardson was
appointed as Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Mike Rogers, Alabama
Zoe Lofgren, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Henry Cuellar, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Laura Richardson, California Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
William L. Owens, New York
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey
Emmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK
ASSESSMENT
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Yevette D. Clarke, New York Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Laura Richardson, California Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Al Green, Texas Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Jane Harman, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Al Green, Texas (Ex Officio)
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New Jersey Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Al Green, Texas Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, AND SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California Daniel E. Lungren, California
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Paul C. Broun, Georgia
William L. Owens, New York Steve Austria, Ohio
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King,New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE
Laura Richardson, California, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Henry Cuellar, Texas Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
William L. Owens, New York Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri (Ex Officio)
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
March 8, 2010
On March 8, 2010, Mr. Eric J.J. Massa resigned as a Member
of the House of Representatives.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Mike Rogers, Alabama
Zoe Lofgren, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Henry Cuellar, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Laura Richardson, California Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
William L. Owens, New York
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey
Emmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Dina Titus, Nevada
Vacancy
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK
ASSESSMENT
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Yevette D. Clarke, New York Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Laura Richardson, California Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Al Green, Texas Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Steve Austria, Ohio
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Dina Titus, Nevada
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Jane Harman, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Al Green, Texas (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New Jersey Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Al Green, Texas Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, AND SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California Daniel E. Lungren, California
Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico Paul C. Broun, Georgia
William L. Owens, New York Steve Austria, Ohio
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King,New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE
Laura Richardson, California, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Henry Cuellar, Texas Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
William L. Owens, New York Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri (Ex Officio)
Dina Titus, Nevada
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
May 6, 2010
On May 5, 2010, Mr. Ben Ray Lujan, New Mexico resigned as a
Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. On May 6, 2010,
Mr. William L. Owens of New York was appointed to the Committee
pursuant to H. Res. 1334 to rank after Ms. Dina Titus of
Nevada.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Mike Rogers, Alabama
Zoe Lofgren, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Henry Cuellar, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Laura Richardson, California Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Steve Austria, Ohio
Emmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Dina Titus, Nevada
William L. Owens, New York
Vacancy
Vacancy
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK
ASSESSMENT
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Yevette D. Clarke, New York Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Laura Richardson, California Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Al Green, Texas Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Steve Austria, Ohio
James A. Himes, Connecticut Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Jane Harman, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Al Green, Texas (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New Jersey Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Al Green, Texas Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, AND SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Paul C. Broun, Georgia
William L. Owens, New York Steve Austria, Ohio
Vacancy Peter T. King,New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE
Laura Richardson, California, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Henry Cuellar, Texas Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
William L. Owens, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
May 17, 2010
On May 17, 2010, Mr. Mark E. Souder resigned as a Member of
the House of Representatives. Subsequently, on May 27, 2010,
additional changes were made to the Subcommittees.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Daniel E. Lungren, California
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Henry Cuellar, Texas Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Pete Olson, Texas
Laura Richardson, California Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Steve Austria, Ohio
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Vacancy
Emmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Dina Titus, Nevada
William L. Owens, New York
Vacancy
Vacancy
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK
ASSESSMENT
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Yevette D. Clarke, New York Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Laura Richardson, California Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Vacancy
Al Green, Texas Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Steve Austria, Ohio
James A. Himes, Connecticut Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Jane Harman, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Lamar Smith, Texas
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Al Green, Texas (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New Jersey Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Al Green, Texas Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, AND SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Paul C. Broun, Georgia
William L. Owens, New York Steve Austria, Ohio
Vacancy Peter T. King,New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE
Laura Richardson, California, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Henry Cuellar, Texas Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
William L. Owens, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
June 16, 2010
On June 16, 2010, Mr. Tom Graves was appointed to the
Committee pursuant to H. Res. 1447.
The Committee on Homeland Security Membership and
Subcommittee Membership was as follows:
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Jane Harman, California Lamar Smith, Texas
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Daniel E. Lungren, California
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Henry Cuellar, Texas Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Yvette D. Clarke, New York Pete Olson, Texas
Laura Richardson, California Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Steve Austria, Ohio
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Tom Graves, Georgia
Emmanuel Cleaver, Missouri
Al Green, Texas
James A. Himes, Connecticut
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio
Dina Titus, Nevada
William L. Owens, New York
Vacancy
Vacancy
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, INFORMATION SHARING, AND TERRORISM RISK
ASSESSMENT
Jane Harman, California, Chair
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Yevette D. Clarke, New York Charels W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Laura Richardson, California Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Tom Graves, Georgia
Al Green, Texas Peter T. King, New York
James A. Himes, Connecticut (Ex Officio)
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, Chairwoman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Daniel E. Lungren, California
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Steve Austria, Ohio
James A. Himes, Connecticut Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
Henry Cuellar, Texas, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Jane Harman, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Zoe Lofgren, California Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona Lamar Smith, Texas
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Peter T. King, New York
Al Green, Texas (Ex Officio)
Vacancy
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS, AND OVERSIGHT
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania, Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bill Pascrell, Jr, New Jersey Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Al Green, Texas Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Peter T. King, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGING THREATS, CYBERSECURITY, AND SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Yvette D. Clarke, New York, Chairwoman
Loretta Sanchez, California Daniel E. Lungren, California
Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio Paul C. Broun, Georgia
William L. Owens, New York Steve Austria, Ohio
Vacancy Peter T. King,New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
(Ex Officio)
______
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE
Laura Richardson, California, Chairman
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia Pete Olson, Texas
Henry Cuellar, Texas Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, Louisiana
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri Peter T. King, New York
Dina Titus, Nevada (Ex Officio)
William L. Owens, New York
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(Ex Officio)
APPENDIX III
List of Public Laws \10\ \11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\H.R. 4748 was presented to the President on December 28, 2010,
and is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of
this report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number
has not been assigned.
\11\S. 3243 was presented to the President on December 28, 2010,
and is expected to be signed into law. As of the date of the filing of
this report, the measure has not been signed and a Public Law number
has not been assigned.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Law Date Approved Bill Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
111-84.............................. October 28, 2009....... H.R. 2647............. ``National Defense
Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2010''
To authorize
appropriations for
fiscal year 2010 for
military activities of
the Department of
Defense, for military
construction, and for
defense activities of
the Department of
Energy, to prescribe
military personnel
strengths for such
fiscal year, and for
other purposes.
111--140............................ February 16, 2010...... H.R. 730.............. ``Nuclear Forensics and
Attribution Act''
To strengthen efforts in
the Department of
Homeland Security to
develop nuclear
forensics capabilities
to permit attribution of
the source of nuclear
material, and for other
purposes.
111--145............................ March 2, 2010.......... H.R. 1299............. ``United States Capitol
(H.R. 2935)........... Police Administrative
Technical Corrections
Act of 2009''
To make technical
corrections to the laws
affecting certain
administrative
authorities of the
United States Capitol
Police, and for other
purposes.
111--198............................ July 2, 2010........... H.R. 5623............. ``Homebuyer Assistance
and Improvement Act of
2010''
To amend the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 to
extend the homebuyer tax
credit for the purchase
of a principal residence
before October 1, 2010,
in the case of a written
binding contract entered
into with respect to
such principal residence
before May 1, 2010, and
for other purposes.
111--245............................ September 30, 2010..... H.R. 3978............. ``First Responder Anti-
Terrorism Training
Resources Act''
To amend the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 to
authorize the Secretary
of Homeland Security to
accept and use gifts for
otherwise authorized
activities of the Center
for Domestic
Preparedness that are
related to preparedness
for a response to
terrorism, and for other
purposes.
111--252............................ October 5, 2010........ H.R. 1517............. To allow certain U.S.
Customs and Border
Protection employees who
serve under an overseas
limited appointment for
at least 2 years, and
whose service is rated
fully successful or
higher throughout that
time, to be converted to
a permanent appointment
in the competitive
service.
111--258............................ October 7, 2010........ H.R. 553.............. ``Reducing Over-
Classification Act''
To require the Secretary
of Homeland Security to
develop a strategy to
prevent the over-
classification of
homeland security and
other information and to
promote the sharing of
unclassified homeland
security and other
information, and for
other purposes.
111--271............................ October, 12 2010....... H.R. 3980............. ``Redundancy Elimination
and Enhanced Performance
for Preparedness Grants
Act''
To provide for
identifying and
eliminating redundant
reporting requirements
and developing
meaningful performance
metrics for homeland
security preparedness
grants, and for other
purposes.
111--281............................ October 15, 2010....... H.R. 3619............. ``Coast Guard
Authorization Act of
2010''
To authorize
appropriations for the
Coast Guard for fiscal
year 2011, and for other
purposes.
111--_.............................. December _, 2010....... H.R. 4748............. ``Northern Border
Counternarcotics
Strategy Act of 2010 ''
To amend the Office of
National Drug Control
Policy Reauthorization
Act of 2006 to require a
northern border
counternarcotics
strategy, and for other
purposes.
111--_.............................. December _, 2010....... S. 3243............... ``Anti-Border Corruption
Act of 2010''
To require U.S. Customs
and Border Protection to
administer polygraph
examinations to all
applicants for law
enforcement positions
with U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, to
require U.S. Customs and
Border Protection to
initiate all periodic
background
reinvestigations of
certain law enforcement
personnel, and for other
purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX IV
Status of Legislation Referred to the Committee
PUBLIC LAWS
H.R. 2647 <\12\ (H. Res. 572) (H.R. 2990) (H.
Res. 808) (S. 1390)._To authorize appropriations for fiscal
year 2010 for military activities of the Department of Defense,
to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2010,
and for other purposes. Referred to Armed Services June 2,
2009. Reported amended June 18, 2009; Rept. 111-166. Union
Calendar. Supplemental report filed June 23, 2009; Pt. II.
Considered June 24, 2009. Passed House amended June 25, 2009;
Roll No. 460: 389-22. Received in Senate and ordered placed on
the calendar July 6, 2009. Passed Senate with amendment July
23, 2009. Senate insisted on its amendment and asked for a
conference July 23, 2009. House disagreed to Senate amendment
and agreed to a conference Oct. 6, 2009. Members of the
Committee on Homeland Security were appointed as Conferees.
Conference report filed in the House Oct. 7, 2009; Rept. 111-
288. House agreed to conference report Oct. 8, 2009; Roll No.
770: 281-146; Conference report considered in Senate Oct. 20,
21, 2009. Senate agreed to conference report Oct. 22, 2009;
Roll No. 327: 68-29. Presented to the President Oct. 26, 2009.
Approved Oct. 28, 2009. Public Law 111-84.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ < indicates legislation not referred but to which
Members of the Committee were appointed as Conferees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 730._To strengthen efforts in the Department of
Homeland Security to develop nuclear forensics capabilities to
permit attribution of the source of nuclear material, and for
other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security and in addition
to Foreign Affairs Jan. 27, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed House
Mar. 24, 2009; Roll No. 148: 402-16. Received in Senate and
referred to Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Mar. 26,
2009. Reported with amendment Dec. 17, 2009; no written report.
Passed Senate with amendment Dec. 23, 2009. House agreed to
Senate amendment under suspension of the rules Jan. 21, 2010;
Roll No. 16: 397-10. Presented to the President Feb. 4, 2010.
Approved Feb. 16, 2010. Public Law 111-140.
H.R. 1299 \13\ (H. Res. 896, H.R. 2935)._To make technical
corrections to the laws affecting certain administrative
authorities of the United States Capitol Police, and for other
purposes. Referred to House Administration Mar. 4, 2009.
Reported Mar. 30, 2009; Rept. 111-66. Union Calendar. Rules
suspended. Passed House Mar. 31, 2009; Roll No. 174: 416-1.
Received in Senate and referred to Rules and Administration
Apr. 1, 2009. Committee discharged. Passed Senate with
amendment Oct. 29, 2009. House agreed to Senate amendment with
an amendment pursuant to H. Res. 896 Nov. 6, 2009. Senate
agreed to House amendment to Senate amendment Feb. 25, 2010.
Roll No. 28: 78-18. Presented to the President Mar. 2, 2010.
Approved Mar. 4, 2010. Public Law 111-145. (Note: H.R. 1299, as
passed by the House, included the text of H.R. 2935, pursuant
to H.Res. 896.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ indicates legislation which included the text of legislation
which was referred to the Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 5623._To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
extend the homebuyer tax credit for the purchase of a principal
residence before October 1, 2010, in the case of a written
binding contract entered into with respect to such principal
residence before May 1, 2010, and for other purposes. Referred
to Ways and Means and in addition to the Budget, Homeland
Security, and Energy and Commerce June 29, 2010. Rules
suspended. Passed House amended June 29, 2010; Roll No. 401:
409-5. Received in Senate June 29, 2010. Ordered placed on the
calendar June 30, 2010. Passed Senate June 30, 2010. Presented
to the President July 1, 2010. Approved July 2, 2010. Public
Law 111-198.
H.R. 3978._To amend the Implementing Recommendations of the
9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of
Homeland Security to accept and use gifts for otherwise
authorized activities of the Center for Domestic Preparedness
that are related to preparedness for and response to terrorism,
and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security. Ordered
reported to the House Nov. 17, 2009. Reported Dec. 15, 2009;
Rept. 111-376. Union Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House
Dec. 15, 2009; Roll No. 973: 413-1. Referred to Senate Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs Dec. 16 2009. Passed Senate
with amendment Aug., 5, 2010. House agreed to Senate amendments
under suspension of the rules Sept. 15, 2010. Presented to the
President Sept. 22, 2010. Approved Sept. 30, 2010. Public Law
111-245.
H.R. 1517._To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border
Protection employees who serve under an overseas limited
appointment for at least 2 years, and whose service is rated
fully successful or higher throughout that time, to be
converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive
service. Referred to Homeland Security; Oversight and
Government Reform. Ordered reported to the House Nov. 17, 2009.
Reported amended from Homeland Security Dec. 14, 2009; Rept.
111-373, Pt. I. Oversight and Government Reform discharged.
Dec. 14, 2009. Union Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House
amended Dec. 15, 2009; Roll No. 972: 414-1. Referred to Senate
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Dec. 16 2009.
Reported from Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Aug. 5, 2010l Rept. 111-248. Passed Senate with amendment Aug.
5, 2010. House agreed to Senate amendment under suspension of
the rules Sept. 23, 2010. Presented to the President Sept. 28,
2010. Approved Oct. 5, 2010. Public Law 111-252.
H.R. 553._To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to
develop a strategy to prevent the over-classification of
homeland security and other information and to promote the
sharing of unclassified homeland security and other
information, and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland
Security Jan. 15, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed House Feb. 3,
2009. Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Feb. 4, 2009. Ordered reported to the
Senate, amended, Nov. 4, 2009. Reported with amendment May 27
(Legislative day of May 26), 2010; Rept. 111-200. Passed Senate
with amendment Sept. 27, 2010. House agreed to Senate amendment
under suspension of the rules Sept. 28, 2010. Presented to
President Sep. 30, 2010. Approved Oct. 7, 2010. Public Law 111-
258.
H.R. 3980._To provide for identifying and eliminating
redundant reporting requirements and developing meaningful
performance metrics for homeland security preparedness grants,
and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security Nov. 2,
2009. Reported Dec. 1, 2009; Rept. 111-346. Union Calendar.
Rules suspended. Passed House amended Dec. 2, 2009; Roll No.
922: 414-0. Received in Senate and referred to Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs Dec. 3, 2009. Reported with
amendment Sept. 16, 2010; Rept. 111-291. Passed Senate with
amendment Sept. 22, 2010. House agreed to Senate amendment
under suspension of the rules Sept. 28, 2010. Presented to
President Sept. 30, 2010. Approved Oct. 12, 2010. Public Law
111-271.
H.R. 3619 (H. Res. 853) (S. 1194)._To authorize
appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2010, and
for other purposes. Referred to Transportation and
Infrastructure Sept. 22, 2009. Reported amended Oct. 16, 2009;
Rept. 111-303, Pt. I. Referred to Homeland Security Oct. 16,
2009 for a period ending not later than Oct. 16, 2009. Homeland
Security discharged Oct. 16, 2009. Union Calendar. Considered
Oct. 22, 2009. Passed House amended Oct. 23, 2009; Roll No.
813: 385-11. Received in Senate Oct. 26, 2009. Ordered placed
on the calendar Nov. 2, 2009. Passed Senate with amendment May
7, 2010. House agreed to Senate amendment with amendments
pursuant to H. Res. 1665 Sept. 28, 2010. Senate concurred in
House amendment with amendments by Unanimous Consent Sept. 30,
2010. House agreed to Senate amendments to the House amendment
to the Senate amendment without objection Sept. 30, 2010.
Presented to President Oct. 4, 2010. Approved Oct. 5, 2010.
Public Law 111-281.
H.R. 4748._To amend the Office of National Drug Control
Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006 to require a northern border
counternarcotics strategy, and for other purposes. Referred to
the Judiciary and in addition to Homeland Security Mar. 3,
2010. Rules suspended. Passed House amended July 27, 2010; Roll
No. 475: 413-0. Received in Senate and referred to the
Judiciary July 28, 2010. Senate discharged Judiciary Dec. 20,
2010. Passed Senate with amendment Dec. 20, 2010. House
concurred in Senate amendment under suspension of the rules
Dec. 21, 2010. Presented to President Dec. 28, 2010. Approved
Dec. _, 2010. Public Law 111-_.\14\
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\14\Not signed into law by the date of the filing of this report.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
S. 3243._To require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to
administer polygraph examinations to all applicants for law
enforcement positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
to require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to complete all
periodic background reinvestigations of certain law enforcement
personnel, and for other purposes. Referred to Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs Apr. 21, 2010. Reported
amended Sept. 27, 2010; Rept. 111-338. Passed Senate amended
Sept. 28, 2010. Received in House and referred to Homeland
Security Sept. 28, 2010. Rules suspended. Passed House Dec. 21,
2010. Presented to President Dec. 28, 2010. Approved Dec. _,
2010. Public Law 111-_.\15\
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\15\Not signed into law by the date of the filing of this report.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGISLATION IN SENATE
H.R. 549._To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish the Office for Bombing Prevention, to address
terrorist explosive threats, and for other purposes. Referred
to Homeland Security Jan. 15, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed
House amended Feb. 3, 2009. Received in Senate and referred to
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Feb. 4, 2009.
H.R. 559._To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish an appeal and redress process for individuals wrongly
delayed or prohibited from boarding a flight, or denied a
right, benefit, or privilege, and for other purposes. Referred
to Homeland Security Jan. 15, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed
House Feb. 3, 2009; Roll No. 49: 413-3. Received in Senate and
referred to Commerce, Science and Transportation Feb. 4, 2009.
H.R. 1029._To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and
title 18, United States Code, to combat the crime of alien
smuggling and related activities, and for other purposes.
Referred to the Judiciary and in addition to Homeland Security
Feb. 12, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed House amended Mar. 31,
2009. Received in Senate and referred to the Judiciary Apr. 1,
2009.
H.R. 1148._To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to
conduct a program in the maritime environment for the mobile
biometric identification of suspected individuals, including
terrorists, to enhance border security. Referred to Homeland
Security Feb. 24, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed House Mar. 24,
2009. Received in Senate and referred to Commerce, Science and
Transportation Mar. 26, 2009.
H.R. 1178._To direct the Comptroller General of the United
States to conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol
personnel and resources to support homeland security missions,
and for other purposes. Referred to Transportation and
Infrastructure and in addition to Homeland Security Feb. 25,
2009. Reported amended from Transportation and Infrastructure
May 4, 2009; Rept. 111-93, Pt. I. Referral to Homeland Security
extended May 4, 2009 for a period ending not later than June 3,
2009. Rules suspended. Passed House amended May 12, 2009.
Received in Senate and referred to Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs May 13, 2009.
H.R. 1617._To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
provide for a privacy official within each component of the
Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Referred to Homeland Security Mar. 19, 2009. Rules suspended.
Passed House Mar. 24, 2009; Roll No. 147: 412-3. Received in
Senate and referred to Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs Mar. 26, 2009.
H.R. 2200. (H. Res. 474)._To authorize the Transportation
Security Administration's programs relating to the provision of
transportation security, and for other purposes. Referred to
Homeland Security Apr. 30, 2009. Reported amended May 19, 2009;
Rept. 111-123. Union Calendar. Passed House amended June 4,
2009; Roll No. 307: 397-25. Received in Senate and referred to
Commerce, Science and Transportation June 8, 2009.
H.R. 2611._To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
authorize the Securing the Cities Initiative of the Department
of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. Referred to
Homeland Security May 21, 2009. Reported amended Jan. 12, 2010;
Rept. 111-389. Union Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House
amended Jan. 20, 2010. Received in Senate and referred to
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Jan. 21, 2010.
H.R. 2868 (H. Res. 885)._To amend the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 to extend, modify, and recodify the authority of the
Secretary of Homeland Security to enhance security and protect
against acts of terrorism against chemical facilities, and for
other purposes. Referred to Homeland Security and in addition
to Energy and Commerce June 15, 2009. Reported amended from
Homeland Security July 13, 2009; Rept. 111-205, Pt. I. Referral
to Energy and Commerce extended July 13, 2009 for a period
ending not later than July 31, 2009. Referred to the Judiciary
July 13, 2009 for a period ending not later than July 31, 2009.
Referral to Energy and Commerce and the Judiciary extended July
31, 2009 for a period ending not later than Sept. 30, 2009.
Referral to Energy and Commerce and the Judiciary extended
Sept. 30, 2009 for a period ending not later than Oct. 23,
2009. Reported amended from Energy and Commerce Oct. 23, 2009;
Pt. II. The Judiciary discharged. Oct. 23, 2009. Union
Calendar. Considered Nov. 5, 2009. Passed House amended Nov. 6,
2009; Roll No. 875: 230-193. Received in Senate and referred to
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Nov. 9, 2009.
H.R. 3791 (H. Res. 909)._To amend sections 33 and 34 of the
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, and for other
purposes. Referred to Science and Technology Oct. 13, 2009.
Reported amended Nov. 7, 2009; Rept. 111-333, Pt. I. Referred
to Homeland Security Nov. 7, 2009 for a period ending not later
than Nov. 7, 2009. Homeland Security discharged Nov. 7, 2009.
Union Calendar. Passed House amended Nov. 17, 2009; Roll No.
901: 395-31. Received in Senate and referred to Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs Nov. 19, 2009.
H.R. 3963._To provide specialized training to Federal air
marshals. Referred to Homeland Security Oct. 29, 2009. Reported
Dec. 1, 2009; Rept. 111-345. Union Calendar. Rules suspended.
Passed House Dec. 2, 2009. Received in Senate and referred to
Commerce, Science and Transportation Dec. 3, 2009.
H.R. 4842._To authorize appropriations for the Directorate
of Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland
Security for fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and for other
purposes. Referred to House Homeland Security. Ordered reported
to the House Apr. 15, 2010. Reported amended May 18, 2010;
Rept. 111-486, Pt. I. Referred to Science and Technology May
18, 2010 for a period ending not later than June 18, 2010.
Referral extended June 18, 2010 for a period ending not later
than June 25, 2010. Science and Technology discharged June 25,
2010. Union Calendar. Rules suspended. Passed House amended
July 20, 2010. Received in Senate and referred to Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs July 21, 2010.
LEGISLATION PASSED THE HOUSE
H. Res. 14._Recognizing the importance of the Border Patrol
in combating human smuggling and commending the Department of
Justice for increasing the rate of human smuggler prosecutions.
Referred to the Judiciary and in addition to Homeland Security
Jan. 6, 2009. Considered under suspension of rules May 6, 2009.
Rules suspended. Passed House amended May 7, 2009.
H. Res. 28._Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that the Transportation Security Administration
should, in accordance with the congressional mandate provided
for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission
Act of 2007, enhance security against terrorist attack and
other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit
lines. Referred to Homeland Security Jan. 7, 2009. Reported
amended Dec. 1, 2009; Rept. 111-347. House Calendar. Considered
under suspension of rules Dec. 2, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed
House amended Dec. 3, 2009; Roll No. 926: 417-3.
H. Res. 195._Recognizing and honoring the employees of the
Department of Homeland Security on its sixth anniversary for
their continuous efforts to keep the Nation safe. Referred to
Homeland Security Feb. 26, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed House
Mar. 4, 2009; Roll No. 95: 418-0.
H. Res. 201._Recognizing Beverly Eckert's service to the
Nation and particularly to the survivors and families of the
September 11, 2001, attacks. Referred to Homeland Security Mar.
2, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed House Mar. 4, 2009; Roll No.
94: 419-0.
H. Res. 498._Honoring and congratulating the U.S. Border
Patrol on its 85th anniversary. Referred to Homeland Security
June 2, 2009. Rules suspended. Passed House June 9, 2009.
H. Res. 681._Expressing condolences to the family and loved
ones of Agent Robert Rosas and standing in solidarity with the
brave men and women of the United States Border Patrol as they
remember the service and sacrifice of Agent Rosas and continue
their mission to preserve and defend our borders. Referred to
Homeland Security July 27, 2009. Committee discharged. Passed
House July 29, 2009.
H. Res. 722._Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched
against the United States on September 11, 2001. Referred to
Oversight and Government Reform and in addition to Foreign
Affairs, Armed Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, the
Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Intelligence Sept. 8, 2009.
Rules suspended. Passed House Sept. 9, 2009; Roll No. 693: 416-
0.
H. Res. 731._Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that the employees of the Department of
Homeland Security, their partners at all levels of government,
and the millions of emergency response providers and law
enforcement agents nationwide should be commended for their
dedicated service on the Nation's front lines in the war
against acts of terrorism. Referred to Homeland Security Sept.
10, 2009. Considered under suspension of rules Sept. 30, 2009.
Rules suspended. Passed House Oct. 1, 2009.
H. Res. 1320._Expressing support for the vigilance and
prompt response of the citizens of New York City, the New York
Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad,
the Fire Department of New York, other first responders, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and
Border Protection, the United States Attorney's Office for the
Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland
Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint
Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department,
Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement
agencies in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in
Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism
and investigative work following the attempted attack, and
their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective
response to terrorism. Referred to Homeland Security May 4,
2010. Rules suspended. Passed House amended May 5, 2010; Roll
No. 246: 418-0.
LEGISLATION PENDING IN THE HOUSE
H.R. 3376._To amend title 46, United States Code, to ensure
the traditional right of self-defense of United States mariners
against acts of piracy, and for other purposes. Referred to
Transportation and Infrastructure July 29, 2009. Reported from
Transportation and Infrastructure Dec. 19, 2009; Rept. 111-386,
Pt. I. Referred to the Judiciary and Homeland Security Dec. 19,
2009 for a period ending not later than Mar. 25, 2010. Referral
to the Judiciary and Homeland Security extended Mar. 25, 2010
for a period ending not later than May 28, 2010. Referral to
the Judiciary and Homeland Security extended May 28, 2010 for a
period ending not later than Aug. 6, 2010. Referral to the
Judiciary and Homeland Security extended Aug. 6, 2010 for a
period ending not later than Sept. 30, 2010. Referral to the
Judiciary and Homeland Security extended Sep. 30, 2010 for a
period an extension for further consideration ending not later
than Dec. 3, 2010. Referral to the Judiciary and Homeland
Security extended Dec. 3, 2010 for a period an extension for
further consideration ending not later than Dec. 17, 2010.
Referral to the Judiciary and Homeland Security extended Dec.
17, 2010 for a period an extension for further consideration
ending not later than Dec. 21, 2010. Referral to the Judiciary
and Homeland Security extended Dec. 21, 2010 for a period an
extension for further consideration ending not later than Dec.
22, 2010. Judiciary and Homeland discharged Dec. 22, 2010.
H.R. 1174._To establish the Federal Emergency Management
Agency as a cabinet-level independent agency in the executive
branch, and for other purposes. Referred to Transportation and
Infrastructure and in addition to Homeland Security Feb. 25,
2009. Reported amended from Transportation and Infrastructure
Apr. 13, 2010; Rept. 111-459, Pt. I. Referral to Homeland
Security extended Apr. 13, 2010 for a period ending not later
than Sept. 30, 2010. Referral to Homeland Security extended
Apr. 13, 2010 for a period ending not later than Sept. 30,
2010. Referral to Homeland Security extended Sept. 30, 2010 for
a period ending not later than Dec. 3, 2010. Referral to
Homeland Security extended Dec. 3, 2010 for a period ending not
later than Dec. 17, 2010. Referral to Homeland Security
extended Dec. 17, 2010 for a period ending not later than Dec.
21, 2010. Referral to Homeland Security extended Dec. 21, 2010
for a period ending not later than Dec. 22, 2010. Homeland
Security discharged Dec. 22, 2010.
LEGISLATION REPORTED TO THE HOUSE
H.R. 1881._To enhance the transportation security functions
of the Department of Homeland Security by providing for an
enhanced personnel system for employees of the Transportation
Security Administration, and for other purposes. Referred to
Homeland Security and in addition to Oversight and Government
Reform Apr. 2, 2009. Reported from Homeland Security Sept. 29,
2009; Rept. 111-273, Pt. I. Reported from Oversight and
Government Reform Sept. 29, 2009; Pt. II.
H.R. 3239._To require the Secretary of Homeland Security,
in consultation with the Secretary of State, to submit a report
on the effects of the Merida Initiative on the border security
of the United States, and for other purposes. Referred to
Homeland Security and in addition to Foreign Affairs July 16,
2009. Reported amended from Homeland Security Mar. 9, 2010;
Rept. 111-429, Pt. I. Foreign Affairs discharged Mar. 9, 2010.
H.R. 3837._To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
provide for clarification on the use of funds relating to
certain homeland security grants, and for other purposes.
Referred to House Homeland Security. Ordered reported to the
House Nov. 17, 2009. Reported amended July 22, 2010; Rept. 111-
558.
H.R. 5105 (S. 3263)._To establish a Chief Veterinary
Officer in the Department of Homeland Security, and for other
purposes. Referred to House Homeland Security, Agriculture Apr.
21, 2010. Ordered to be reported Jun. 23, 2010. Reported,
amended, November 30, 2010; Rept. 111-668, Pt. I. Referral to
Agriculture extended Nov. 30, 2010 for a period ending not
later than Dec. 10, 2010. Referral to Agriculture extended Dec.
10, 2010 for a period ending not later than Dec. 17, 2010.
Referral to Agriculture extended Dec. 17, 2010 for a period
ending not later than Dec. 21, 2010. Referral to Agriculture
extended Dec. 21, 2010 for a period ending not later than Dec.
22, 2010. Agriculture discharged Dec. 22, 2010.
H.R. 5498._To enhance homeland security by improving
efforts to prevent, deter, prepare for, detect, attribute,
respond to, and recover from an attack with a weapon of mass
destruction, and for other purposes. Referred to House Homeland
Security, Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Transportation and
Infrastructure, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence (Permanent
Select) Jun. 10, 2010. Ordered to be reported Jun. 23, 2010.
Reported amended from Homeland Security Nov. 18, 2010; Rept.
111-659, Pt. I. Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure,
Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence discharged Nov. 18, 2010.
Referral to Energy and Commerce extended Nov. 18, 2010 for a
period ending not later than Dec. 3, 2010. Referral to Energy
and Commerce extended Dec. 3, 2010 for a period ending not
later than Dec. 17, 2010. Referral to Energy and Commerce
extended Dec. 17, 2010 for a period ending not later than Dec.
21, 2010. Referral to Energy and Commerce extended Dec. 21,
2010 for a period ending not later than Dec. 22, 2010. Energy
and Commerce discharged Dec. 22, 2010.
H.R. 5562._To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
prohibit requiring the use of a specified percentage of a grant
under the Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland
Security Grant Program for specific purposes, and for other
purposes. Referred to House Homeland Security, Jun. 21, 2010.
Ordered to be reported Jun. 23, 2010. Reported Nov. 30, 2010;
H. Rept. 111-663.
H. Res. 404._Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security
to transmit to the House of Representatives, not later than 14
days after the date of the adoption of this resolution, copies
of documents relating to the Department of Homeland Security
Intelligence Assessment titled, ``Rightwing Extremism: Current
Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in
Radicalization and Recruitment''. Referred to Homeland Security
May 6, 2009. Reported amended June 4, 2009; Rept. 111-134.
H. Res. 922._Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security
to transmit to the House of Representatives all information in
the possession of the Department of Homeland Security relating
to the Department's planning, information sharing, and
coordination with any state or locality receiving detainees
held at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on or after January
20, 2009. Referred to Homeland Security Nov. 19, 2009. Reported
amended Dec. 15, 2009; Rept. 111-377.
H. Res. 980._Of inquiry directing the Secretary of Homeland
Security to transmit to the House of Representatives a copy of
the Transportation Security Administration's Aviation Security
Screening Management Standard Operating Procedures manual in
effect on December 5, 2009, and any subsequent revisions of
such manual in effect prior to the adoption of this resolution.
Referred to Homeland Security Dec. 16, 2009. Reported adversely
Jan. 27, 2010; Rept. 111-403.
H. Res. 1610 (H. Res. 722)._Expressing the sense of the
House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks
launched against the United States on September 11, 2001.
Referred to Oversight and Government Reform and in addition to
Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, Transportation and
Infrastructure, the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and
Intelligence Sept. 14, 2010. Considered under suspension of
rules Sept. 14, 2010. Rules suspended. Passed House Sept. 15,
2010; Roll No. 525: 410-0.
H. Res. 1618._Urging the Federal Government, States,
localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other
entities, and the people of the United States to observe
National Preparedness Month, and for other purposes. Referred
to Homeland Security Sept. 14, 2010. Rules suspended. Passed
House Sept. 23, 2010.
LEGISLATION PENDING AT FULL COMMITTEE
H.R. 1726._To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to
issue a rule with respect to border security searches of
electronic devices, and for other purposes. Referred to
Homeland Security Mar. 26, 2009. Reported to the Full Committee
from the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism, Jul. 22, 2009.
APPENDIX V
Committee Legislative Reports
H.Rpt. 111-123 H.R. 2200 Transportation Security Administration
Authorization Act.
To authorize the Transportation Security
Administration's programs relating to
the provision of transportation
security, and for other purposes.
Filed May 19, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-134 H. Res. 404 Directing the Secretary of Homeland
Security to transmit to the House of
Representatives, not later than 14 days
after the date of the adoption of this
resolution, copies of documents relating
to the Department of Homeland Security
Intelligence Assessment titled,
``Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic
and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence
in Radicalization and Recruitment''.
Filed June 4, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-205, H.R. 2868 Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of
Pt. I 2009.
To amend the Homeland Security Act of
2002 to extend, modify, and recodify the
authority of the Secretary of Homeland
Security to enhance security and protect
against acts of terrorism against
chemical facilities, and for other
purposes.
Filed July 13, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-273, H.R. 1881 Transportation Security Workforce
Pt. I Enhancement Act of 2009.
To enhance the transportation security
functions of the Department of Homeland
Security by providing for an enhanced
personnel system for employees of the
Transportation Security Administration,
and for other purposes.
Filed September 29, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-345 H.R. 3963 Criminal Investigative Training
Restoration Act.
To provide specialized training to
Federal air marshals.
Filed December 1, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-346 H.R. 3980 Identifying Redundancies and Developing
Performance Metrics Act.
To provide for identifying and
eliminating redundant reporting
requirements and developing meaningful
performance metrics for homeland
security preparedness grants, and for
other purposes.
Filed December 1, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-347 H. Res. 28 Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives that the Transportation
Security Administration should, in
accordance with the congressional
mandate provided for in the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission
Act of 2007, enhance security against
terrorist attack and other security
threats to our Nation's rail and mass
transit lines.
Filed December 1, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-373 H.R. 1517 To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border
Protection employees who serve under an
overseas limited appointment for at
least 2 years, and whose service is
rated fully successful or higher
throughout that time, to be converted to
a permanent appointment in the
competitive service.
December 14, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-376 H.R. 3798 First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training
Resources Act.
To amend the Implementing Recommendations
of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to
authorize the Secretary of Homeland
Security to accept and use gifts for
otherwise authorized activities of the
Center for Domestic Preparedness that
are related to preparedness for and
response to terrorism, and for other
purposes.
December 15, 2009
H.Rpt. 111-377 H. Res. 922 Directing the Secretary of Homeland
Security to transmit to the House of
Representatives all information in the
possession of the Department of Homeland
Security relating to the Department's
planning, information sharing, and
coordination with any state or locality
receiving detainees held at Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on or
after January 20, 2009.
December 15, 2009.
H.Rpt. 111-398 H.R. 2611 To amend the Homeland Security Act of
2002 to authorize the Securing the
Cities Initiative of the Department of
Homeland Security, and for other
purposes.
January 12, 2010.
H.Rpt. 111-403 H. Res. 980 Of inquiry directing the Secretary of
Homeland Security to transmit to the
House of Representatives a copy of the
Transportation Security Administration's
Aviation Security Screening Management
Standard Operating Procedures manual in
effect on December 5, 2009, and any
subsequent revisions of such manual in
effect prior to the adoption of this
resolution.
January 27, 2010.
H. Rpt. 111- H.R. 3239 To require the Secretary of Homeland
429, Pt. I Security, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, to submit a report
on the effects of the Merida Initiative
on the border security of the United
States, and for other purposes.
March 8, 2010
H.Rpt. 111-486, H.R. 4842 ``Homeland Security Science and
Pt. I Technology Authorization Act of 2010''
To authorize appropriations for the
Directorate of Science and Technology of
the Department of Homeland Security for
fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and for
other purposes.
May 18, 2010
H. Rpt. 111-558 H.R. 3837 To amend the Homeland Security Act of
2002 to provide for clarification on the
use of funds relating to certain
homeland security grants, and for other
purposes.
July 22, 2010
H. Rpt. 111- H.R. 5498 ``WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of
659, Pt. I 2010''
To enhance homeland security by improving
efforts to prevent, deter, prepare for,
detect, attribute, respond to, and
recover from an attack with a weapon of
mass destruction, and for other
purposes.
November 18, 2010
H. Rpt. 111-663 H.R. 5562 ``Homeland Security Grant Management
Improvement Act''
To amend the Homeland Security Act of
2002 to prohibit requiring the use of a
specified percentage of a grant under
the Urban Area Security Initiative and
State Homeland Security Grant Program
for specific purposes, and for other
purposes.
November 30, 2010
H. Rpt. 111- H.R. 5105 To establish a Chief Veterinary Officer
668, Pt. I in the Department of Homeland Security,
and for other purposes.
November 30, 2010
APPENDIX VI
Executive Communications, Memorials, Petitions and Presidential
Messages
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Executive Communication 549
February 10, 2009--A letter from Assistant Secretary
Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's first quarterly report for fiscal
year 2009 from the Office of Security and Privacy, pursuant to
Pub. L. 110-53 121 Stat. 266, 360.
Executive Communication 550
February 10, 2009--A letter from Secretary, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's Annual Report
from the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, pursuant
to 42 U.S.C. 2000ee-1.
Executive Communication 639
February 23, 2009--A letter from Acting Assistant
Secretary Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting an Addendum to the United States
Department of Homeland Security Other Transaction Authority
Report to Congress Fiscal Years 2004 - 2007, pursuant to Pub.
L. 107-296, ( 831(a)(1).
Executive Communication 753
March 2, 2009--A letter from Director, Office of
Counternarcotics Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's biennial Southwest Border
Counternarcotics Strategy for calendar year 2008.
Executive Communication 892
March 16, 2009--A letter from Acting Secretary of Health
and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting notification that the Office of Management and
Budget has approved the Department's recommendation that 1.7
million courses of smallpox antivirals be procured for the
Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) using the Special Reserve
Fund, as authorized by the Project BioShield Act of 2004.
Executive Communication 1098
March 30, 2009--Letter from Auditor, District of
Columbia, transmitting a report entitled, ``Implementation of
Omnibus Homeland Security Act: D.C. Government Needs to Sharpen
Its Focus on Homeland Defense''.
Executive Communication 1177
April 1, 2009--Letter from Assistant Secretary,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report entitled, ``United States Department of Homeland
Security Other Transaction Authority Report to Congress Fiscal
Year 2008'', pursuant to Pub. L. 107-296, ( 831(a)(1), as
amended.
Executive Communication 1290
April 21, 2009--Letter from Acting Officer for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's report for the Office of Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year
2009, pursuant to 6 U.S.C. 345(b).
Executive Communication 1651
May 6, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment on FEMA-1822-DR, pursuant to
Pub. L. 110-239, ( 539.
Executive Communication 1652
May 6, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1827-DR,
pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 1653
May 6, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1824-DR,
pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 1654
May 6, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information for FEMA-1828-DR,
pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 1655
May 6, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information for FEMA-1821-DR,
pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 1656
May 6, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information for FEMA-1825-DR,
pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 1657
May 6, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1826-DR,
pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 1883
May 18, 2009--Letter from Deputy Chief Counsel,
Regulations, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Department's final rule - Rail Transportation Security [Docket
No.: TSA-2006-26514; Amendment nos. 1520-6, 1580-1] (RIN: 1652-
AA51) Received April 30, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 2141
June 12, 2009--Letter from the Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report entitled, ``Privacy Office Second Quarter Fiscal Year
2009 Report to Congress'', pursuant to Public Law 110-53; to
the Committee on Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 2242
June 16, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1832-DR, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2243
June 16, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1829-DR, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2244
June 16, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1830-DR, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2399
June 23, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting a draft bill ``to
authorize the Transportation Security Administration to adjust
the fee imposed on passengers of air carriers and foreign air
carriers to pay the costs of aviation security, and for other
purposes''.
Executive Communication 2403
June 23, 2009--Letter from Director, Executive Office of
the President, Office of National Drug Policy, transmitting the
Office's 2009 National Southwest Border Counternarcotics
Strategy, pursuant to Pub. L. 109-469, ( 1110.
Executive Communication 2594
July 10, 2009--Letter from Deputy, Regulations and
Security Standards, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule - False Statements
Regarding Security Background Checks [Docket No.: TSA-2008-
0011] (RIN: 1625-AA65) Received June 23, 2009, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 2702
July 16, 2009--Letter from Administrator, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on the
Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1833-DR for
the State of Georgia, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2703
July 16, 2009--Letter from Administrator, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on the
Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1836-DR for
the State of Alabama, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2704
July 16, 2009--Letter from Administrator, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on the
Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1834-DR for
the State of Arkansas, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2705
July 16, 2009--Letter from Administrator, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on the
Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1835-DR for
the State of Alabama, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2726
July 17, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1831-DR for the State of Florida, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-
329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2777
July 22, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1840-DR for the State of Florida, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-
329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 2865
July 28, 2009--Letter from Deputy Chief Counsel,
Regulations and Security Standards, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's final rule - Revision
of Enforcement Procedures [Docket No.: TSA-2009-0013] (RIN:
1652-AA62) Received July 21, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 2866
July 28, 2009--Letter from Assistant Secretary,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Administration's certification that
the level of screening services and protection provided at
Roswell International Air Center will be equal to or greater
than the level that would be provided at the airport by TSA
Transportation Security Officers, pursuant to 49 U.S.C.
44920(d).
Executive Communication 2936
July 29, 2009--Letter from the Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
third quarterly report for fiscal year 2009 from the Office of
Security and Privacy, pursuant to Public Law 110-53, section
803; to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 3200
September 8, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1842-DR for the state of Alabama, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-
329, ( 539.
Executive Communication 3201
September 8, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1841-DR for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, pursuant to Pub.
L. 110-329 ( 539.
Executive Communication 3382
September 15, 2009--Letter from the Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information for the
state of Texas; jointly to the Committees on Homeland Security,
Transportation and Infrastructure, and Appropriations.
Executive Communication 3383
September 15, 2009--Letter from the Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1851-DR for the State of Tennessee, pursuant to Public Law
110-239, section 539; jointly to the Committees on Homeland
Security, Transportation and Infrastructure, and
Appropriations.
Executive Communication 3453
September 16, 2009--Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1849-DR for the State of Kansas; jointly to the Committees
on Appropriations, Homeland Security, and Transportation and
Infrastructure.
Executive Communication 3454
September 16, 2009--Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1850-DR for the State of Illinois; jointly to the
Committees on Appropriations, Homeland Security, and
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Executive Communication 3455
September 16, 2009--Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1847-DR for the State of Missouri; jointly to the
Committees on Appropriations, Homeland Security, and
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Executive Communication 3456
September 16, 2009--Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1848-DR for the State of Kansas; jointly to the Committees
on Appropriations, Homeland Security, and Transportation and
Infrastructure.
Executive Communication 3457
September 16, 2009--Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1845-DR for the State of Arkansas; jointly to the
Committees on Appropriations, Homeland Security, and
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Executive Communication 3458
September 16, 2009--Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1843-DR for the State of Alaska; jointly to the Committees
on Appropriations, Homeland Security, and Transportation and
Infrastructure.
Executive Communication 3771
September 23, 2009--Letter from Deputy Chief Counsel,
Regulations and Security Standards, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's ``Major'' final rule -
Air Cargo Screening [Docket No.: TSA-2009-0018; Amendment Nos.
1515-1, 1520-8, 1522-New, 1540-10, 1544-9, 1546-5, 1548-5,
1549-New] (RIN: 1625-AA64) received September 8, 2009, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 4031
October 7, 2009--Letter from Acting Administrator,
Transportation Security Administration Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Administration's certification that
the level of screening services and protection provided at 7
Montana airports will be equal to or greater than the level
that would be provided at the airport by TSA Transportation
Security Officers and that the screening company is owned and
controlled by citizens of the Unites States, pursuant to 49
U.S.C. 44920(d).
Executive Communication 4158
October 16, 2009--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting a report
entitled, ``Privacy Office Annual Report to Congress''.
Executive Communication 4190
October 20, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1852-DR for the State of Maine.
Executive Communication 4191
October 20, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1853-DR for the State of Nebraska.
Executive Communication 4221
October 21, 2009--Letter from Director, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1855-DR
for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Executive Communication 4266
October 23, 2009--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
fourth quarterly report for fiscal year 2009 from the Office of
Security and Privacy, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-53, ( 803.
Executive Communication 4832
December 2, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
transmitting the Department's report on the Preliminary Damage
Assessment information on FEMA-1857-DR for the State of New
York.
Executive Communication 4833
December 2, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
transmitting the Department's report on the denial of appeal
for disaster assistance for the State of Oklahoma.
Executive Communication 4834
December 2, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
transmitting the Department's report on the Preliminary Damage
Assessment information on FEMA-1856-DR for the State of
Tennessee.
Executive Communication 4835
December 2, 2009--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
transmitting the Department's report on the denial of appeal
for assistance for the State of Pennsylvania.
Executive Communication 4976
December 9, 2009--Letter from the Administrator, FEMA,
transmitting the Department's report on the Preliminary Damage
Assessment information on FEMA-1860-DR for the State of Kansas;
jointly to the Committees on Appropriations, Transportation and
Infrastructure, and Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 4977
December 9, 2009--Letter from the Administrator, FEMA,
transmitting the Department's report on the Preliminary Damage
Assessment information on FEMA-1859-DR for the Territory of
American Samoa; jointly to the Committees on Appropriations,
Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 4978
December 9, 2009--Letter from the Administrator, FEMA,
transmitting the Department's report on the Preliminary Damage
Assessment information on FEMA-1858-DR for the State of
Georgia; jointly to the Committees on Appropriations,
Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 5456
January 12, 2010--Letter from Deputy, Regulations and
Security Standards, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule - False Statements
Regarding Security Background Checks [Docket No.: TSA-2008-
0011] (RIN: 1652-AA65) Received December 14, 2009, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 5852
January 27, 2010--Letter from Deputy Chief Privacy
Officer, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the
Department's Privacy Office's report entitled, ``2009 Data
Mining Report to Congress'', pursuant to Pub. L. 110-53 (121
Stat. 266).
Executive Communication 6125
February 22, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department Homeland of Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the denial of appeal for disaster assistance for the
State of California.
Executive Communication 6126
February 22, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the denial of appeal for disaster assistance for the
State of Indiana.
Executive Communication 6127
February 22, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the denial of appeal for disaster assistance for the
Sovereign Tribal Nation of the Havasupai Tribe.
Executive Communication 6128
February 22, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1861-DR for the State of Arkansas.
Executive Communication 6229
February 24, 2010--Letter from Assistant Secretary,
Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's report entitled, ``United States
Department of Homeland Security Other Transaction Authority
Report to Congress Fiscal Year 2009'', pursuant to Pub. L. 107-
296, ( 831(a)(1), as amended.
Executive Communication 6347
March 2, 2010--Letter from Grants Management Officer, DHS
Office of Grants Policy & Oversight t, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's final rule - Department
of Homeland Security Implementation of OMB Guidance on
Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension [Docket No.: DHS-2007-
0006] (RIN: 1601-AA46) Received January 14, 2010, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 6348
March 2, 2010--Letter from Acting Director,
Infrastructure Security Compliance Division, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's final rule -
Appendix to Chemical Facility Anti-Terorism Standards [DHS-
2006-0073] (RIN: 1601-AA41) Received January 13, 2010, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 6351
March 2, 2010--Letter from Administrator, Department of
Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on the
Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1863-DR for
the State of Louisiana.
Executive Communication 6391
March 3, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1862-DR for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Executive Communication 6542
March 11, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1865-DR for the State of Alaska.
Executive Communication 6543
March 11, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1867-DR for the State of New Jersey.
Executive Communication 6544
March 11, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1868-DR for the State of Kansas.
Executive Communication 6545
March 11, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1864-DR for the State of Nebraska.
Executive Communication 6546
March 11, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1870-DR for the State of Alabama.
Executive Communication 6547
March 11, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1869-DR for the State of New York.
Executive Communication 6548
March 11, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1866-DR for the State of Alabama.
Executive Communication 6990
April 13, 2010--Letter from Chief, Trade and Commercial
Regulations Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule - Name Change of Two
DHS Components [CBP Dec. 10-13] received March 10, 2010,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 6994
April 13, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1871-DR for the State of North Carolina.
Executive Communication 7020
April 14, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1872-DR for the State of Arkansas.
Executive Communication 7021
April 14, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1873-DR for the State of New Jersey.
Executive Communication 7225
April 27, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1874-DR for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Executive Communication 7226
April 27, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1875-DR for the State of Maryland.
Executive Communication 7383
May 6, 2010--Letter from, the President of the United
States, transmitting a report consistent with the requirements
of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2009.
Executive Communication 7431
May 11, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1878-DR
for the State of Nebraska.
Executive Communication 7488
May 13, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1876-DR
for the State of Oklahoma.
Executive Communication 7489
May 13, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1877-DR
for the State of Iowa.
Executive Communication 7644
May 25, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1883-DR
for the State of Oklahoma.
Executive Communication 7645
May 25, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1884-DR
for the State of California.
Executive Communication 7646
May 25, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1879-DR
for the State of North Dakota.
Executive Communication 7647
May 25, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1880-DR
for the State of Iowa.
Executive Communication 7648
May 25, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1881-DR
for the State of West Virginia.
Executive Communication 7661
May 26, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1882-DR
for the District of Columbia.
Executive Communication 7662
May 26, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1886-DR
for the State of South Dakota.
Executive Communication 7663
May 26, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1887-DR
for the State of South Dakota.
Executive Communication 7664
May 26, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1885-DR
for the State of Kansas.
Executive Communication 7690
May 27, 2010--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
second quarter report for fiscal year 2010 from the Office of
Security and Privacy, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-53, ( 803.
Executive Communication 7808
June 8, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1889-DR
for the State of New Jersey.
Executive Communication 7809
June 8, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1892-DR
for the State of New Hampshire.
Executive Communication 7810
June 8, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1893-DR
for the State of West Virginia.
Executive Communication 7811
June 8, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1891-DR
for the State of Maine.
Executive Communication 7812
June 8, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1890-DR
for the District of Columbia.
Executive Communication 7813
June 8, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA, Department
of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's report on
the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on FEMA-1888-DR
for the State of Arizona.
Executive Communication 7849
June 9, 2010--Letter from Director, Office of National
Drug Control Policy, transmitting 2010 National Drug Control
Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
Executive Communication 7975
June 17, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1897-DR for the State of New Jersey.
Executive Communication 7976
June 17, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1896-DR for the State of Delaware.
Executive Communication 7993
June 21, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1894-DR for the State of Rhode Island.
Executive Communication 7994
June 21, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1898-DR for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Executive Communication 7995
June 21, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1899-DR for the State of New York.
Executive Communication 7996
June 21, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1895-DR for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Executive Communication 8120
June 25, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1902-DR for the State of Nebraska.
Executive Communication 8121
June 25, 2010--Letter from Administrator, FEMA,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
report on the Preliminary Damage Assessment information on
FEMA-1900-DR for the State of Minnesota.
Executive Communication 8176
June 29, 2010--Letter from Acting Director, Acquisition
Policy and Legislation Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule - Revision of
Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation;
Restrictions on Foreign Acquisition (HSAR Case 2009-004 [Docket
No.: DHS-2009-0081] (RIN: 1601-AA57) received June 15, 2010,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 8524
July 22, 2010--Letter from Acting Director, Acquisition
Policy and Legislation Branch, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule - Homeland Security
Acquisition Regulation; Lead System Integrators [HSAR Case
2009-003] [Docket No.: DHS-2009-0006] (RIN: 1601-AA49),
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
Executive Communication 9360
September 14, 2010--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
third quarter report for fiscal year 2010 from the Office of
Security and Privacy, pursuant to Pub. L. 110-53, ( 803.
Executive Communication 9372
September 14, 2010--Letter from Director, Office of
National Drug Control Policy, transmitting a letter regarding
the Office's 2011 National Southwest Border Counternarcotics
Strategy.
Executive Communication 10311
November 15, 2010--Letter from the Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting a report
entitled, ``DHS Privacy Office 2010 Annual Report to
Congress'', pursuant to Public Law 107-296, section 222; to the
Committee on Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 10312
November 15, 2010--Letter from the Deputy Chief Counsel,
Regulations and Security Standards, Department of Homeland
Security, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Revision
of Enforcement Procedures [Docket No.: TSA-2009-0013] (RIN:
1625-AA62) received September 29, 2010, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 10528
November 30, 2010--Letter from Chief Privacy Officer,
Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's
fourth quarter report for fiscal year 2010 from the Office of
Security and Privacy.
Executive Communication 10791
December 9, 2010--Letter from Director, Office of
National Drug Control Policy, transmitting the report entitled
the National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy
Implementation Update.
Executive Communication 10954
December 15, 2010--Letter from the Secretary, Department
of Transportation, transmitting a report entitled ``The
Transportation of Hazardous Materials: Insurance, Security, and
Safety Costs''; jointly to the Committees on Transportation and
Infrastructure and Homeland Security.
Executive Communication 11252
December 22, 2010--Letter from the Officer for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's report for the Office of Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties for the Fiscal Year 2009 and the
Fourth Quarter of 2009, pursuant to 6 U.S.C. 345(b); jointly to
the Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security.
----------
MEMORIALS
Memorial 35
April 22, 2009--Memorial of the House of Representatives
of Michigan, relative to House Resolution No. 11 to memorialize
the President, the Congress, and the Department of Homeland
Security of the United States to change requirements,
agreements, and memorandums of understanding relating to the
creation of enhanced drivers licenses.
Memorial 66
June 8, 2009--Memorial of the 52nd Legislature of
Oklahoma, relative to Senate Resolution No. 42 disagreeing with
President Obama's Administration's characterization of
returning military veterans and other supporters of traditional
American values.
Memorial 112
July 15, 2009--Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Louisiana, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 82
memorializing the Congress of the United States to enact
legislation and appropriate monies in order to provide
additional homeland security funding for state maritime
enforcement agencies.
Memorial 113
July 15, 2009--Memorial of the House of Representatives
of the State of Oklahoma, relative to House Resolution No. 1043
disapproving the United States Department of Homeland
Security's assessment report concerning Rightwing Extremism.
Memorial 188
September 15, 2009Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Texas, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 10
urging the Congress of the United States to provide emergency
funding and resources to begin immediately addressing
increasing delays at United States ports of entry on the Texas-
Mexico border; to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Memorial 189
September 15, 2009--Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Texas, relative to House Concurrent Resolution No. 79
urging the United States Congress to refine Department of
Homeland Security policy to consider risk levels as well as
population size in assessing the financial needs of first
responders in border communities along the international
boundary created by the Rio Grand; to the Committee on Homeland
Security.
Memorial 215
October 22, 2009--Memorial of the House of
Representatives of the State of Michigan, relative to House
Concurrent Resolution No. 6 memorializing the President and the
Congress of the United States, and the Department of Homeland
Security to change requirements, agreements, and memorandums of
understanding relating to the creation of Enhanced Drivers
Licenses.
----------
PETITIONS
----------
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES
Presidential Message 5
January 15, 2009--A communication from the President of
the United States, transmitting the Administration's 2009
National Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
Presidential Message 60
May 12, 2010--A communication from the President of the
United States, transmitting the Administration's 2010 National
Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504.
APPENDIX VII
Committee Staff
MAJORITY STAFF
I. Lanier Avant, Staff Director
Kimberly Alton, Professional Staff Member / Counsel
Pizza Ashby, Outreach Coordinator
Cordie Aziz, Executive Assistant
Galen Bean, Legislative Assistant
Christopher A. Beck, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology Interim Staff
Director
Cherri Branson, Chief Oversight Counsel
Curtis Brown, Professional Staff Member
Ryan M. Caldwell, Clerk
Arianne Callender, Deputy Oversight Counsel
Mario H. Cantu, Professional Staff Member
Rosaline Cohen, Chief Counsel
Adam M. Comis, Press Secretary
Paula R. Delcambre, Professional Staff Member
Asha M. George, Senior Professional Staff Member
Hope Goins, Professional Staff Member / Counsel
Dena Graziano, Communications Director
Synarus Green, Professional Staff
Nikki R. Hadder, Clerk
Cory Horton, Professional Staff Member
Nicole Wade Johnson, Office Manager
Thomas C. McDaniels, Jr., Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection Interim Staff
Director
DeCarlo McLaren, Research Assistant
Erin E. Murphy, Professional Staff Member
Andrew Newhart, Staff Assistant
Alison B. Northrup (Rosso), Subcommittee on Border, Maritime,
and Global Counterterrorism Staff Director
Angela T. Rye, Senior Policy Adviser / Counsel
Marisela Salayandia, Sr. Professional Staff Member
Chris Schepis, Professional Staff Member
Tamla T. Scott, Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and
Oversight Staff Director
Charles Snyder, Legislative Assistant
Nicole Tisdale, Professional Staff Member
Brian B. Turbyfill, Parliamentarian
Stephen R. Vina, Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response Staff Director
L. Celia De Sandies Vismale, Security Officer
Patricia Zavala, Professional Staff Member
MINORITY STAFF
Michael J. Russell, Interim Staff Director
Jennifer Arangio, Counsel
Diane L. Berry, Professional Staff Member
Mandy Bowers, Senior Policy Advisor
Luke M. Burke, Professional Staff Member
Ellen Carlin, Professional Staff Member
Brett DeWitt, Legislative Assistant
Kevin Gundersen, Professional Staff Member
Amanda J. Halpern, Senior Professional Staff Member
Michele Ingwersen, Scheduler
Kerry A. Kinirons, Senior Counsel
Matthew McCabe, Counsel
Jason Miller, Legislative Assistant
Chris Mulrain, Professional Staff Member
Coley C. O'Brien, Senior Counsel
Edward Parkinson, Professional Staff Member
Adam Paulson, Senior Legislative Assistant
Meghann Peterlin, Senior Professional Staff Member
Nicole Smith, Staff Assistant
Kerry Ann Watkins, Senior Advisor
Lauren Wenger, Professional Staff Member
Jerry White, Professional Staff Member
Shane Wolfe, Communications Director
SHARED COMMITTEE STAFF
Dawn M. Criste, Chief Financial Officer
Michael S. Twinchek, Chief Clerk
Natalie Nixon, Deputy Chief Clerk
Heather Crowell, GPO Detailee, Printer
FORMER MAJORITY STAFF
Michael A. Beland, Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection Staff Director
Michael Blinde, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment Staff Director
Jill Butler, Investigator
Holly E. Canevari, Professional Staff Member
Brandon D. Declet, Professional Staff Member / Counsel
William W. Ellis, Deputy Oversight Director
Thomas M. Finan, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment Staff Director
Karis T. Gutter, Professional Staff Member
R. Denton Herring, Professional Staff Member
K. Denise Krepp, Senior Professional Staff Member / Counsel
Todd A. Levett, Senior Professional Staff Member
Tyrik B. McKeiver, Professional Staff Member
Arthuretta Martin, Senior Professional Staff Member
Kathryn M. Minor, Senior Policy Advisor / Counsel
Jacob S. Olcott, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology Staff
Director
Veronique Pluviose-Fenton, Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response Staff
Director
Alan Snyder, Professional Staff Member
Elizabeth Studdard, Professional Staff Member
D. Michael Stroud, Deputy Chief Counsel
Shaun West, Investigator
Daniel Wilkins, Clerk
Carla M. Zamudio-Dolan, Legislative Assistant
FORMER MINORITY STAFF
Kelly DeLoach, Legislative Aide
Joseph D. Dickey, III, Staff Assistant
Stephanie Genco, Press Secretary
Heather E. Hogsett, Senior Professional Staff Member
Deron T. McElroy, Senior Professional Staff Member
Sterling A. Marchand, Professional Staff Member
Lydia Morgan, Professional Staff Member
Robert F. O'Connor, Staff Director
William B. Rubens, Counsel
Joseph J. Vealencis, Senior Professional Staff Member
MAJORITY INTERNS
Hussein Ahmed
Toby Biswas
Colin Bortner
Eugene Brown
James Carter
Corinne Cater
Oliver Chase
Chloe Colbert
Marcus Coleman
William Collier, III
Pat Dixon
Skukura Edwards
James E. Ermath
Toby Friesen
Karen Golan
Shari Graham
Raja Gundu
Perran Hahndiek
Browyn Halton
Justin A. Jackson
Allen Jordan
Keia Johnson
Nicholas D. Johnson Matt Johnson
Lee Kouvousis
Ayrielle LeGrande
Tamir O. Lawson
Caroline Lott
Jennifer Lichtman
Cody Mason
Harry Mayfield
Dominic Muller
Nicholas O'Rourke
Catoria Parker
Marcus V. Phelps
John Purcell
Keyshira Readirs
Courtney Rutledge
Maureen Shanahan
Brittany Sitzer
Charles Snyder
Alex Spigelman
Jinho Suo
Nicole Tisdale
George Waddington
Victoria V. Washington
Roderick Williams
MINORITY INTERNS
Katherine Bonvechio
Andrew Burton
Jocelyn Bush
Damian Caputo
Joseph Cardilo
Alan Carroll
Kevin Carroll
Peter Cavallaro
Dennis D'Aquila
William DeHaven
Joseph Dunford
Kristopher Ensley
Adam Gittleman
John Grennan
Megan Haff
Richard W. Hagner
Jamil Hasan
Joseph A. Hovanic
Steven Holian
Thomas J. Kehoe
Amanda Kerins
Michael Kiko
Caroline Kozlowski
Rebekah Klarr
Zachary Kroko
James F. McDavitt Kyle McFarland
Christine McGuire
William McNabb
Maxwell T. Malloy
Carl Marrone
Thomas Moskowitz
Chris Mulrain
Cara Ann O'Brien
Hunter O'Brien
Joan O'Hara
James Pannell
Corey Parton
Kendall Pauley
Sara Rafferty
Zachary Robbins
Patrick Ryan
Nick Sadoti
Andrea Shadick
Alex Smith
Ian Tuznik
Brent Willig
Ryan Woodward
Joseph Workman
Andrew Zang
Robert Zmuda
APPENDIX VIII
Witnesses
----------
- A -
Acheson, Dr. David, Assistant Commissioner, Food Protection,
Food and Drug Administration.
LETC&S&T, Jul. 24, 2007, ``Federal Efforts to Mitigate
Vulnerabilities in the Food Supply Chain.''
Adler, Jon, National President, Federal Law Enforcement
Officers Association.
LMI&O, Jul. 23, 2009, ``Protecting the Protectors:
Examining the Personnel Challenges Facing the Federal Air
Marshal Service.''
Aguilar, David, Chief, Border Patrol, Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Sep. 17, 2009, ``The Secure Border Initiative:
SBInet Three Years Later.''
Ahern, Jayson P., Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Jun. 11, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border
Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard.''
LFULL, Oct. 14, 2009, ``Diversity at The Department of
Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.''
Alden, Edward, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations.
LFULL, Mar. 25, 2010, ``Visa Overstays: Can They be
Eliminated?''
Allen, John M., Director, Flight Standards Service, Federal
Aviation Administration.
LBM&GC, Jul. 15, 2010, ``The Role of Unmanned Aerial
Systems in Border Security.''
Allen, Thad W., (Adm.) Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department
of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Jun. 11, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border
Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard.''
Aloise, Gene, Director, Natural Resources and Environment,
Government Accountability Office.
LETC&S&T, Sep. 14, 2009, ``Status Report on Federal and
Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources.''
Alomari, Omar, Community Engagement Officer, Ohio Department of
Public Safety.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 17, 2010, ``Working with Communities to
Disrupt Terror Plots.''
Amador, Angelo, Director of Immigration Policy, U.S. Chamber of
Commerce.
LBM&GC, May 7, 2009, ``Implementing the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative at Land and Sea Ports: Are We
Ready?''
Amitay, Stephen D., Federal Legislative Counsel, National
Association of Security Companies.
LFULL, Nov. 17, 2009,``Federal Protective Service: Will
Continuing Challenges Weaken Transition and Impede Progress?''
LFULL, Apr. 14, 2010, ``Federal Protective Service:
Would Federalization of Guards Improve Security at Critical
Facilities?''
Armstrong, Sue, Director, Infrastructure Security Compliance
Division, Office of Infrastructure Protection,
Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2009, ``Chemical Facilities Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2009.''
Arquilla, Bonnie, M.D., Director of Disaster Preparedness, SUNY
Downstate Medical Center.
LETC&S&T, Sep. 14, 2009, ``Status Report on Federal and
Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources.''
Assante, Michael, Chief Security Officer, North American
Electric Reliability Corporation.
LETC&S&T, Jul. 21, 2009, ``Securing the Modern Electric
Grid from Physical and Cyber Attacks.''
Atkins, Vincent B., Rear Admiral, Assistant Commandant for
Capability (CG-7), United States Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Jul. 15, 2010, ``The Role of Unmanned Aerial
Systems in Border Security.''
Ayala, Janice, Deputy Assistant Director, Office of
Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
Department of Homeland Security.
LECP&R, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Examining Preparedness and
Coordination Efforts of First Responders along the Southwest
Border.''
LBM&GC, Oct. 22, 2009, ``Cargo Security at Land Ports of
Entry: Are We Meeting the Challenge?''
Aylward, Peter, (Maj. Gen.), Director of the Joint Staff,
National Guard Bureau.
LECP&R, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Examining Preparedness and
Coordination Efforts of First Responders along the Southwest
Border.''
- B -
Baca, Leroy, Sheriff, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
LIIS&TRA, Apr. 1, 2009, ``The Future of Fusion Centers:
Potential Promise and Dangers.''
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 17, 2010, ``Working with Communities to
Disrupt Terror Plots.''
Baker, Stewart A., Partner, Steptoe & Johnson, LLP.
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2010, ``Cybersecurity: DHS' Role,
Federal Efforts and National Policy.''
Baldaulf, Paul, Assistant Director, Radiation Protection and
Release Prevention, New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection.
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2009, ``Chemical Facilities Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2009.''
Barclay, Charles, President, American Association of Airport
Executives.
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
Barimo, Basil, Vice President of Operations and Safety, Air
Transport Association.
LTS&IP, Nov. 18, 2009, ``Is the Flying Public Protected?
An Assessment of Security at Foreign Repair Stations.''
Barnett, RADM James Arden, Jr. (Ret.), Chief, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications
Commission.
ECP&R, July 22, 2010, ``Interoperable Emergency
Communications: Does the National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs
of First Responders?''
Barno, David W., (Lt. Gen. (Ret. US Army)), Director, Near East
South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, National
Defense University, Department of Defense.
LIIS&TRA, Nov. 19, 2009, ``Reassessing the Evolving al-
Qa`ida Threat to the Homeland.''
Barth, Dr. Richard, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Office of Policy Development, Department of
Homeland Security.
LECP&R, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Examining Preparedness and
Coordination Efforts of First Responders along the Southwest
Border.''
LBM&GC, May 7, 2009, ``Implementing the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative at Land and Sea Ports: Are We
Ready?''
Bascetta, Cynthia A., Director, Health Care, Government
Accountability Office.
LMI&O, Jan. 25, 2010, in Danville, PA, ``Is the Medical
Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the
Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
Bateman, John E., Assistant Commander, Bureau of Information
Analysis, Texas Department of Public Safety.
LIIS&TRA, Apr. 1, 2009, ``The Future of Fusion Centers:
Potential Promise and Dangers.''
Bathurst, Donald, Chief Administrative Officer, Department of
Homeland Security.
LMI&O, Mar. 26, 2009, ``Consolidating DHS: An Update on
the St. Elizabeth's Project.''
Beatrice, Sara (Sally) T., PhD, Assistant Commissioner, Public
Health Laboratory, Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, City of New York.
LETC&S&T, Jun. 15, 2010, H.R. 5498, the ``WMD Prevention
and Preparedness Act of 2010.''
Beers, Rand, Under Secretary, National Protection Programs
Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Nov. 17, 2009,``Federal Protective Service: Will
Continuing Challenges Weaken Transition and Impede Progress?''
LFULL, Mar. 25, 2010, ``Visa Overstays: Can They be
Eliminated?''
Bergen, Peter, Counterterrorism Strategy Initiative Co-
Director, New America Foundation.
LIIS&TRA, Nov. 19, 2009, ``Reassessing the Evolving al-
Qa`ida Threat to the Homeland.''
LFULL, Sep., 15, 2010, ``The Evolving Nature of
Terrorism - Nine Years after the 9/11 Attacks.''
Boasso, Walter J., Chief Executive Officer, HELP, LLC.
LFULL, Jul. 8, 2009, ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of
Current Problems and Innovative Solutions.''
Boisen, Jack, Chairman, The International Air Cargo
Association.
LTS&IP, Mar. 18, 2009, ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can
We Secure America's Skies?''
Bonnell, Brad, Director, Global Security, InterContinental
Hotels Group.
LTS&IP, Mar. 11, 2009, ``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up
Call for America's Private Sector.''
Bonosaro, Carol A., President Senior Executives Association.
LMI&O, Mar. 5, 2009, ``Putting People First: A Way
Forward for the Homeland Security Workforce.''
Borkowski, Mark, Executive Director, Secure Border Initiative,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Sep. 17, 2009, ``The Secure Border Initiative:
SBInet Three Years Later.''
LBM&GC and MI&O, Mar. 18, 2010, ``SBInet: Does it Pass
the Border Security Test?''
LMI&O and BM&GC, Jun. 17, 2010, ``SBI.net: Does it Pass
the Border Security Test?''
Bray, Robert, Assistant Administrator/Director, Office of Law
Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service, Transportation
Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security.
LMI&O, Jul. 23, 2009, ``Protecting the Protectors:
Examining the Personnel Challenges Facing the Federal Air
Marshal Service.''
Brennan, John, Senior Policy Advisor, Bureau of Consular
Affairs, Department of State.
LBM&GC, May 7, 2009, ``Implementing the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative at Land and Sea Ports: Are We
Ready?''
Brown, Anastasia, Director, Refugee Programs, Migration and
Refugee Services, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
LBM&GC, Mar. 19, 2009, ``Human Trafficking: Recent
Trends.''
Buswell, Bradley, Deputy Under Secretary, Science and
Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security.
LETC&S&T, June 9, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for the
Directorate for Science & Technology, the Office of Health
Affairs, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.''
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
- C -
Carafano, Dr. James, Deputy Director, The Kathryn and Shelby
Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies and
Director, Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign
Policy Studies, The Heritage Foundation.
LMI&O, Apr. 29, 2010, ``Laying the Framework for the
Task Ahead: An Examination of the Department of Homeland
Security's Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.''
Carnes, Gary A., President and Chief Executive Officer, All
Children's Health System, St. Petersburg, Florida.
LMI&O, Jan. 25, 2010, in Danville, PA, ``Is the Medical
Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the
Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
Charney, Scott, Vice President, Trustworthy Computing,
Microsoft Corp.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 10, 2009, ``Reviewing the Federal
Cybersecurity Mission.''
Chavez, Richard ``Rich'' M., Acting Director, Operations
Coordination and Planning, Department of Homeland
Security.
LFULL, Sep. 22, 2010, ``DHS Planning and Response:
Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater Horizon.''
Chishti, Muzaffar A., Director at the NYU School of Law Office,
Migration Policy Institute.
LFULL, Mar. 4, 2009, ``Examining 287(g): The Role of
State and Local Law Enforcement in Immigration Law.''
Clifford, Dr. John R., Deputy Administrator, Veterinary
Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture.
LETC&S&T Jt. with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy,
and Poultry of the Committee on Agriculture, May 5, 2009,
``Review of the National Animal Identification System.''
Conklin, Craig, Director, Sector Specific Agency Executive
Management Office, Office of Infrastructure Protection,
Department of Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T, Sep. 14, 2009, ``Status Report on Federal and
Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources.''
Corr, William, Deputy Secretary, Department of Health and Human
Services.
LFULL, Jul. 29, 2009, ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination
of the Current Status and Future Outlook of the National
Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
Costner, Kevin, Ocean Therapy Solutions.
LFULL, Sep. 22, 2010, ``DHS Planning and Response:
Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater Horizon.''
Craigin, Dr. R. Kim, Senior Policy Analyst, RAND Corporation.
LIIS&TRA, Dec. 15, 2009, ``Violent Extremism: How Are
People Moved from Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of
Terrorism?''
Crandall, Kathy, Director, Office of Homeland Security &
Justice Programs, Franklin County, Ohio.
LECP&R, Oct. 27, 2009, ``Preparedness: What has $29
billion in homeland security grants bought and how do we
know?''
Crane, Christopher L., Vice President, Detention and Removal
Operations, American Federation of Government Employees
National ICE Council - 118.
LBM&GC, Dec. 3, 2009, ``Moving Toward More Effective
Immigration Detention Management.''
Crenshaw, Dr. Martha, Senior Fellow, Center for International
Security and Cooperation, Stanford University.
LIIS&TRA, Nov. 19, 2009, ``Reassessing the Evolving al-
Qa`ida Threat to the Homeland.''
Czerwinski, Stanley J., Director, Strategic Issues, U.S.
Government Accountability Office.
LECP&R, Mar. 3, 2009, ``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding
Efforts: The Path Forward.''
- D -
Dalbey, Doug, Deputy Director, Flight Standards for Field
Operations, Federal Aviation Administration, Department
of Transportation.
LTS&IP, Nov. 18, 2009, ``Is the Flying Public Protected?
An Assessment of Security at Foreign Repair Stations.''
Daly, Kay L., Director, Financial Management and Assurance
Issues, Government Accountability Office.
LMI&O, Oct. 29, 2009, ``Creating `One DHS' Part I:
Standardizing Department of Homeland Security Financial
Management.''
Davidson, Mary Ann, Chief Security Officer, Oracle Corporation.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 10, 2009, ``Reviewing the Federal
Cybersecurity Mission.''
DeFrancis, Suzanne C., Chief Public Affairs Officer, American
Red Cross.
LECP&R, Oct. 1, 2009, ``Preparedness: State of Citizen
and Community Preparedness.''
Dempsey, Ray, Vice President of Strategy, BP America.
LMI&O, Jul. 12, 2010, in New Orleans, LA, ``The
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Chain of Command: An Examination of
Information Sharing Practices During a Spill of National
Significance.''
Dever, Larry A., Sheriff, Cochise County, Arizona.
LECP&R, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Examining Preparedness and
Coordination Efforts of First Responders along the Southwest
Border.''
Dinkins, James A., Executive Associate Director, Homeland
Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, July 22, 2010, ``Enhancing DHS' Efforts to
Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across Our Borders.''
Donahue, David T., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa
Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department
of State.
LBM&GC, Mar. 11, 2010, ``Visa Security and Passenger
Pre-Screening Efforts in the Wake of Flight 253.''
Dowd, Charles F., Deputy Chief, Communications Division, New
York City Police Department.
ECP&R, July 22, 2010, ``Interoperable Emergency
Communications: Does the National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs
of First Responders?''
Duke, Elaine C., Under Secretary for Management, Department of
Homeland Security.
LMI&O, Jun. 4, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for
Departmental Management and Operations at DHS.''
LMI&O, Feb. 4, 2010, ``Furthering the Mission or Having
Fun: Lax Travel Policies Costs DHS Millions.''
Duncan, Ed, Col. Commander, Department of Operational Support,
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa, Florida.
LMI&O, Apr. 19, 2010, field hearing Plant City, Florida,
``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of Responsibility
Clear?''
Dunlap, Kenneth J., Director of Security, International Air
Transport Association.
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
Durbin, Marty, Vice President, Federal Affairs, American
Chemistry Council.
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2009, ``Chemical Facilities Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2009.''
- E -
Edmonson, Michael D., (COL) Deputy Secretary, Superintendent of
State Police, Public Safety Services, Louisiana
Department of Public Safety & Corrections, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana.
LMI&O, Jul. 12, 2010, in New Orleans, LA, ``The
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Chain of Command: An Examination of
Information Sharing Practices During a Spill of National
Significance.''
Edwards, Gary, Chief Executive Officer, National Native
American Law Enforcement Association.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 18, 2009, ``Homeland Security
Intelligence: Its Relevance and Limitations.''
Elibiary, Mohamed, President & CEO, The Freedom and Justice
Foundation.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 17, 2010, ``Working with Communities to
Disrupt Terror Plots.''
Ervin, Clark Kent, Director, Homeland Security Program, The
Aspen Institute.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 17, 2010, ``Working with Communities to
Disrupt Terror Plots.''
LFULL, Apr. 14, 2010, ``Federal Protective Service:
Would Federalization of Guards Improve Security at Critical
Facilities?''
- F -
Fabro, Mark, President and Chief Security Scientist, Lofty
Perch.
LETC&S&T, Jul. 21, 2009, ``Securing the Modern Electric
Grid from Physical and Cyber Attacks.''
Fair, C. Christine, Senior Political Scientist, RAND
Corporation.
LTS&IP, Mar. 11, 2009, ``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up
Call for America's Private Sector.''
Farkus, Cindy, Assistant Administrator for Office of Global
Strategies, Transportation Security Administration,
Department of Homeland Security.
LTS&IP, Nov. 18, 2009, ``Is the Flying Public Protected?
An Assessment of Security at Foreign Repair Stations.''
Farley, Thomas A., New York City Health Commissioner.
LFULL, Jul. 29, 2009, ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination
of the Current Status and Future Outlook of the National
Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
Fein, Bruce, Principal, The Litchfield Group.
LIIS&TRA, Apr. 1, 2009, ``The Future of Fusion Centers:
Potential Promise and Dangers.''
Fischer, Fred, Principal & Managing Partner, FLO Corporation.
LTS&IP, Sep. 30, 2009, ``The Future of the Registered
Traveler Program.''
Fischer, Julie E., PhD, Senior Associate, Global Health
Security Program, Henry L. Stimson Center.
LETC&S&T, Jun. 15, 2010, H.R. 5498, the ``WMD Prevention
and Preparedness Act of 2010.''
Fisher, Michael J., Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC and MI&O, Mar. 18, 2010, ``SBInet: Does it Pass
the Border Security Test?''
LMI&O and BM&GC, Jun. 17, 2010, ``SBI.net: Does it Pass
the Border Security Test?''
LBM&GC, July 22, 2010, ``Enhancing DHS' Efforts to
Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across Our Borders.''
Fitzgerald, Shannon, Director, Pennsylvania Office of Public
Health Preparedness, Pennsylvania Department of Health.
LMI&O, Jan. 25, 2010, in Danville, PA, ``Is the Medical
Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the
Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
Flynn, Stephen, PhD., President, Center for National Policy.
LFULL, Sep., 15, 2010, ``The Evolving Nature of
Terrorism - Nine Years after the 9/11 Attacks.''
Forman, Gary L., Chair, Pipeline Sector Coordinating Council.
LMI&O, Apr. 19, 2010, field hearing Plant City, Florida,
``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of Responsibility
Clear?''
Forman, Marcy, Director, Intellectual Property Rights
Coordination Center, Department of Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T, Oct. 27, 2009, ``Real-Time Assessment of the
Federal Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
Fox, Jack, General Manager, Pipeline Security, Transportation
Sector Network Management, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
LMI&O, Apr. 19, 2010, field hearing Plant City, Florida,
``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of Responsibility
Clear?''
Frazier, Thomas C., Executive Director, Major Cities Chiefs
Association.
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2009, ``Homeland Security Policymaking:
HSC at a Crossroads and Presidential Study Directive 1.''
Fredrickson, Caroline, Director, Washington Legislative Office,
American Civil Liberties Union.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 18, 2009, ``Homeland Security
Intelligence: Its Relevance and Limitations.''
Fried, Brandon, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
LTS&IP, Mar. 18, 2009, ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can
We Secure America's Skies?''
Fuentes, Joseph R., (Col.), Superintendent, New Jersey State
Police.
LIIS&TRA, Jul. 30, 2009, ``Beyond ISE Implementation:
Exploring the Way Forward for Information Sharing.''
Fugate, W. Craig, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
LECP&R, June 9, 2009, ``The FY2010 Budget for the
Federal Emergency Management Agency.''
LFULL, Jul. 8, 2009, ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of
Current Problems and Innovative Solutions.''
LFULL, Oct. 14, 2009, ``Diversity at The Department of
Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.''
LECP&R, Apr. 27, 2010, ``FEMA's FY 2011 Priorities and
Beyond: Aligning Budget, Mission, and Vision.''
Furlani, Cita, Director, Information Technology Laboratory,
National Institute of Standards and Technology.
LETC&S&T, Jul. 21, 2009, ``Securing the Modern Electric
Grid from Physical and Cyber Attacks.''
- G -
Gage, John, National President, American Federation of
Government Employees, AFL-CIO.
LMI&O, Mar. 5, 2009, ``Putting People First: A Way
Forward for the Homeland Security Workforce.''
Gallaway, Dr. Charles, Acting Director, Domestic Nuclear
Detection Office, Department of Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T, June 9, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for the
Directorate for Science & Technology, the Office of Health
Affairs, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.''
LTS&IP, Jul. 15, 2009, ``General Aviation Security:
Assessing Risks and the Road Ahead.''
Garratt, David, Acting Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Disaster Assistance Directorate,
Department of Homeland Security.
LECP&R, Mar. 3, 2009, ``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding
Efforts: The Path Forward.''
LETC&S&T, Mar. 16, 2010, ``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional
Offices: An Examination of Resources and Responsibilities.''
Garza, Alexander, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Assistant
Secretary for Health Affairs, Department of Homeland
Security.
LETC&S&T, Oct. 27, 2009, ``Real-Time Assessment of the
Federal Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
Gassert, John W., Chief, Commerce Police Department, Commerce,
State of Georgia.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 18, 2009, ``Homeland Security
Intelligence: Its Relevance and Limitations.''
Gees, Erica Rioux, Representative, The American Institute of
Architects.
LFULL, Jul. 8, 2009, ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of
Current Problems and Innovative Solutions.''
Gersten, David, Acting Deputy Officer for Programs and
Compliance, Department of Homeland Security.
LIIS&TRA, Apr. 1, 2009, ``The Future of Fusion Centers:
Potential Promise and Dangers.''
Gillespie, Douglas C., Sheriff, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police
Department, Las Vegas, State of Nevada.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 18, 2009, ``Homeland Security
Intelligence: Its Relevance and Limitations.''
Gillespie, Dr. Jerry, Former Director of the Western Institute
for Food Safety and Security, University of California-
Davis.
LETC&S&T Jt. with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy,
and Poultry of the Committee on Agriculture, May 5, 2009,
``Review of the National Animal Identification System.''
Gina, Allen, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of
Intelligence and Operations Coordination, Customs and
Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC and the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, May 27, 2010, ``U.S.-Mexico
Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative.''
Gispert, Larry, Director, Hillsborough County Emergency
Management, Tampa, Florida.
LMI&O, Apr. 19, 2010, field hearing Plant City, Florida,
``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of Responsibility
Clear?''
Glavin, Rita, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Criminal
Division, Department of Justice.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Do the Payment Card Industry
Data Standards Reduce Cybercrime?''
Gless, Robert, Assistant Director, Air Transport Division,
Transport Workers Union of America.
LTS&IP, Nov. 18, 2009, ``Is the Flying Public Protected?
An Assessment of Security at Foreign Repair Stations.''
Goddard, Terry, Attorney General, State of Arizona.
LBM&GC, July 22, 2010, ``Enhancing DHS' Efforts to
Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across Our Borders.''
Goldstein, Mark L., Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues,
Government Accountability Office.
LFULL, Nov. 17, 2009,``Federal Protective Service: Will
Continuing Challenges Weaken Transition and Impede Progress?''
LFULL, Apr. 14, 2010, ``Federal Protective Service:
Would Federalization of Guards Improve Security at Critical
Facilities?''
Gonzalez, Sigifredo, Jr., Sheriff, Zapata County, Texas.
LECP&R, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Examining Preparedness and
Coordination Efforts of First Responders along the Southwest
Border.''
Graham, Bob, Former Commission Chairman, the Commission for the
Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation
and Terrorism.
LFULL, Apr. 21, 2010, ``Viewpoints on Homeland Security:
A Discussion with the WMD Commissioners.''
Graham, Eric, Rural Cellular Association, Vice President for
Strategic Government Relations, Cellular South, Inc.
ECP&R, July 22, 2010, ``Interoperable Emergency
Communications: Does the National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs
of First Responders?''
Graham, William, Chairman, Commission to Assess the Threat to
the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse.
LETC&S&T, Jul. 21, 2009, ``Securing the Modern Electric
Grid from Physical and Cyber Attacks.''
Griffin, Christine, Vice-Chair, Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission.
LFULL, Oct. 14, 2009, ``Diversity at The Department of
Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.''
Gruber, Corey, Acting Deputy Administrator, National
Preparedness Directorate, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
LECP&R, Mar. 17, 2009, ``PKEMRA Implementation of FEMA'S
Preparedness and Response Mission.''
Guerin, William (Bill), Assistant Commissioner for Construction
Programs, Public Buildings Service, General Services
Administration.
LMI&O, Mar. 26, 2009, ``Consolidating DHS: An Update on
the St. Elizabeth's Project.''
Gundry, Jon, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Los Angeles
County Office of Education.
LECP&R, Jun. 15, 2010, ``Caring for Special Needs during
Disasters: What's being done for Vulnerable Populations?''
- H -
Hallowell, Dr. Susan, Director, Transportation Security
Laboratory, Department of Homeland Security.
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
Hamilton, Lee, Former Commission Vice-Chairman, The National
Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
LFULL, May 19, 2010, ``Viewpoints on Homeland Security:
A Discussion with the 9/11 Commissioners.''
Harman, Elizabeth, Assistant Administrator, Grant Programs
Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security.
LECP&R, Jun. 29, 2010, ``The Future of FEMA's Grant
Programs Directorate.''
Hart, Clyde J., Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and
Policy, American Bus Association.
LTS&IP, Jul. 28, 2010, ``Lost in the Shuffle: Examining
TSA's Management of Surface Transportation Security
Inspectors.''
Hibbard, Frank V., Mayor, Clearwater, Florida.
LMI&O, Jul. 12, 2010, in New Orleans, LA, ``The
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Chain of Command: An Examination of
Information Sharing Practices During a Spill of National
Significance.''
Hite, Randolph C., Director, IT Architecture & Systems Issues,
Government Accountability Office.
LBM&GC and MI&O, Mar. 18, 2010, ``SBInet: Does it Pass
the Border Security Test?''
LMI&O and BM&GC, Jun. 17, 2010, ``SBI.net: Does it Pass
the Border Security Test?''
Hoffman, Dr. Bruce, Professor, Edmund A. Walsh School of
Foreign Service, Georgetown University.
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2009, ``Homeland Security Policymaking:
HSC at a Crossroads and Presidential Study Directive 1.''
LFULL, Sep., 15, 2010, ``The Evolving Nature of
Terrorism - Nine Years after the 9/11 Attacks.''
Hoffman, Patricia, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of
Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.
LETC&S&T, Jul. 21, 2009, ``Securing the Modern Electric
Grid from Physical and Cyber Attacks.''
Hogan, Dave, Senior Vice President and Chief Information
Officer, National Retail Federation.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Do the Payment Card Industry
Data Standards Reduce Cybercrime?''
Horton, Mark B., MD, MSPH, Director, California Department of
Public Health.
LFULL, Jul. 29, 2009, ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination
of the Current Status and Future Outlook of the National
Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
Hovington, Brett, Supervisory Special Agent, Chief of the
Community Outreach Unit, Federal Bureau of
Investigation.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 17, 2010, ``Working with Communities to
Disrupt Terror Plots.''
- I -
Irwin, Stephen A., Chair, Donations Management Committee,
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster,
and Director, Agency Services, Convoy of Hope.
LECP&R, Sep. 29, 2010, ``Emergency Logistics Management:
Transforming the Delivery of Disaster Relief for the 21st
Century.''
- J -
Jacobson, Roberta S., Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of
Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State.
LBM&GC and the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, May 27, 2010, ``U.S.-Mexico
Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative.''
Jadacki, Matt, Assistant Inspector General, Emergency
Management Oversight, Office of the Inspector General,
Department of Homeland Security.
LECP&R, Sep. 29, 2010, ``Emergency Logistics Management:
Transforming the Delivery of Disaster Relief for the 21st
Century.''
Jenkins, Brian, Senior Adviser, The RAND Corporation.
LIIS&TRA, May 26, 2010, ``Internet Terror Recruitment
and Tradecraft: How Can We Address an Evolving Tool While
Protecting Free Speech?''
Jenkins, Chuck, Sheriff, Frederick County, State of Maryland.
LFULL, Mar. 4, 2009, ``Examining 287(g): The Role of
State and Local Law Enforcement in Immigration Law.''
Jenkins, William ``Bill'' O., Jr., Director, Homeland Security
and Justice, Government Accountability Office.
LECP&R, Mar. 17, 2009, ``PKEMRA Implementation of FEMA'S
Preparedness and Response Mission.''
LECP&R, Oct. 1, 2009, ``Preparedness: State of Citizen
and Community Preparedness.''
LFULL, Sep. 22, 2010, ``DHS Planning and Response:
Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater Horizon.''
Jeppeson, Martin, Director of Regulatory Affairs, California
Ammonia Company.
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2009, ``Chemical Facilities Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2009.''
Johnson, Andre L., Chief Executive Officer, Freightscan.
LTS&IP, Mar. 18, 2009, ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can
We Secure America's Skies?''
Johnson, Bart R., Acting Under Secretary, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland
Security.
LIIS&TRA, Jun. 24, 2009, ``FY2010 Budget for the Office
of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland
Security.''
LIIS&TRA, Sep. 24, 2009, ``I&A Reconceived: Defining a
Homeland Security Intelligence Role.''
Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland
Security.
LIIS&TRA, May 12, 2010, ``A DHS Intelligence Enterprise:
Still Just a Vision or Reality?''
Johnson, Jeff, Chief, President and Chairman of the Board,
International Association of Fire Chiefs.
ECP&R, July 22, 2010, ``Interoperable Emergency
Communications: Does the National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs
of First Responders?''
Jolly, Tilman, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical
Readiness, Department of Homeland Security.
LMI&O, Jan. 25, 2010, in Danville, PA, ``Is the Medical
Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the
Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
Jones, Gerald H., P.E., Member, National Institute of Building
Sciences.
LFULL, Jul. 8, 2009, ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of
Current Problems and Innovative Solutions.''
Jones, Michael, Chief Information Officer, Michaels Stores Inc.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Do the Payment Card Industry
Data Standards Reduce Cybercrime?''
Jones, Yvonne, Director, Strategic Issues Team, Government
Accountability Office.
LFULL, Oct. 14, 2009, ``Diversity at The Department of
Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.''
- K -
Kadlec, Robert P., MD, Vice President, Global Public Sector,
PRTM Management Consulting.
LETC&S&T, Jun. 15, 2010, H.R. 5498, the ``WMD Prevention
and Preparedness Act of 2010.''
Kair, Lee R., Assistant Administrator, Security Operations,
Transportation Security Administration, Department of
Homeland Security.
LTS&IP, Jul. 28, 2010, ``Lost in the Shuffle: Examining
TSA's Management of Surface Transportation Security
Inspectors.''
Kalinowski, Nancy, Vice President, System Operations Services,
Air Traffic Organization, Federal Aviation
Administration.
LBM&GC, Jul. 15, 2010, ``The Role of Unmanned Aerial
Systems in Border Security.''
Kane, Robert A., Vice President of Operations, Susquehanna
Health, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
LMI&O, Jan. 25, 2010, in Danville, PA, ``Is the Medical
Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the
Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
Kane, Robin, Assistant Administrator, Security Technology,
Transportation Security Administration.
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
Kaniewski, Daniel, Deputy Director, Homeland Security Policy
Institute, The George Washington University.
LECP&R, Mar. 17, 2009, ``PKEMRA Implementation of FEMA'S
Preparedness and Response Mission.''
Kayyem, Juliette N., Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental
Affairs, Department of Homeland Security.
LMI&O, Jul. 12, 2010, in New Orleans, LA, ``The
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Chain of Command: An Examination of
Information Sharing Practices During a Spill of National
Significance.''
Kean, Thomas, Former Commission Chairman, The National
Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
LFULL, May 19, 2010, ``Viewpoints on Homeland Security:
A Discussion with the 9/11 Commissioners.''
Kelley, Colleen M., National President, National Treasury
Employees Union.
LMI&O, Mar. 5, 2009, ``Putting People First: A Way
Forward for the Homeland Security Workforce.''
LFULL, Jul. 29, 2009, ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination
of the Current Status and Future Outlook of the National
Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
LBM&GC, Oct. 22, 2009, ``Cargo Security at Land Ports of
Entry: Are We Meeting the Challenge?''
Kelly, Ed, General Manager, Air Cargo, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
LTS&IP, Mar. 18, 2009, ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can
We Secure America's Skies?''
Kelly, Raymond W., Commissioner, New York Police Department.
LTS&IP, Mar. 11, 2009, ``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up
Call for America's Private Sector.''
Kennedy, Patrick F., Under Secretary, Management, Department of
State.
LFULL, Jan. 27, 2010, ``Flight 253: Learning Lessons
from an Averted Tragedy.''
Kephart, Janice, Director of National Security Policy, Center
for Immigration Studies.
LBM&GC, July 22, 2010, ``Enhancing DHS' Efforts to
Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across Our Borders.''
Kerwin, Donald M., Jr., Vice President for Programs, Migration
Policy Institute.
LBM&GC, Dec. 3, 2009, ``Moving Toward More Effective
Immigration Detention Management.''
Kibble, Kumar, Deputy Director, Office of Investigations,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of
Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Mar. 12, 2009, ``Border Violence: An Examination
of DHS Strategies and Resources.''
LBM&GC, Mar. 19, 2009, ``Human Trafficking: Recent
Trends.''
LBM&GC, Jul. 16, 2009, ``Combating Border Violence: The
Role of Interagency Coordination in Investigations.''
LBM&GC, Jul. 16, 2009, ``Combating Border Violence: The
Role of Interagency Coordination in Investigations.''
King, Martha, Pilot.
LTS&IP, Jul. 15, 2009, ``General Aviation Security:
Assessing Risks and the Road Ahead.''
Kirk, Kevin, Michigan Department of Agriculture.
LETC&S&T Jt. with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy,
and Poultry of the Committee on Agriculture, May 5, 2009,
``Review of the National Animal Identification System.''
Kish, Jim, Director, Technological Hazards Division, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security.
LECP&R, Jun. 15, 2010, ``Caring for Special Needs during
Disasters: What's being done for Vulnerable Populations?''
Klein, Christian A., Executive Vice President, Aeronautical
Repair Station Association.
LTS&IP, Nov. 18, 2009, ``Is the Flying Public Protected?
An Assessment of Security at Foreign Repair Stations.''
Kostelnik, Michael C.,
Major General, (Ret. USAF), Assistant Commissioner, Office
of Air and Marine, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Jul. 15, 2010, ``The Role of Unmanned Aerial
Systems in Border Security.''
Krikorian, Mark, Executive Director, Center for Immigration
Studies.
LBM&GC, Dec. 3, 2009, ``Moving Toward More Effective
Immigration Detention Management.''
Krohmer, Dr. Jon, Acting Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical
Officer, Office of Health Affairs, Department of
Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T, June 9, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for the
Directorate for Science & Technology, the Office of Health
Affairs, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.''
Krone, Roger A., President, Network and Space Systems, Boeing
Defense, Space and Security, the Boeing Company.
LBM&GC and MI&O, Mar. 18, 2010, ``SBInet: Does it Pass
the Border Security Test?''
LMI&O and BM&GC, Jun. 17, 2010, ``SBI.net: Does it Pass
the Border Security Test?''
Kubley, Don, President/CEO, InterShelter, Inc.
LFULL, Jul. 8, 2009, ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of
Current Problems and Innovative Solutions.''
- L -
Lambert, Thomas C., Chief of Police, Senior Vice President for
Public Safety, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris
County, Texas.
LTS&IP, Jul. 28, 2010, ``Lost in the Shuffle: Examining
TSA's Management of Surface Transportation Security
Inspectors.''
Langerman, Neal, Principle Scientist and CEO, Advanced Chemical
Safety, Inc.
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2009, ``Chemical Facilities Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2009.''
Laskey, Mitchel J., President and CEO, Brijot Imaging Systems,
Inc.
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
LeGrande, Robert A., II, Founder, The Digital Decision, LLC.
ECP&R, July 22, 2010, ``Interoperable Emergency
Communications: Does the National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs
of First Responders?''
Leech, John, Acting Director, Office of Counternarcotics
Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Mar. 12, 2009, ``Border Violence: An Examination
of DHS Strategies and Resources.''
Leiter, Michael E., Director, National Counterterrorism Center.
LFULL, Jan. 27, 2010, ``Flight 253: Learning Lessons
from an Averted Tragedy.''
Leonhart, Michele, Acting Administrator, Drug Enforcement
Administration, Department of Justice.
LBM&GC, Jul. 16, 2009, ``Combating Border Violence: The
Role of Interagency Coordination in Investigations.''
Lewis, Jim, Project Director, Center for Strategic and
International Studies.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 10, 2009, ``Reviewing the Federal
Cybersecurity Mission.''
Lewis, Robert, Director, Division of Materials Safety and State
Agreements, Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
LETC&S&T, Sep. 14, 2009, ``Status Report on Federal and
Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources.''
Liu, Amy, Deputy Director, Brookings Metropolitan Policy
Program, Brookings Institute.
LECP&R, Mar. 3, 2009, ``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding
Efforts: The Path Forward.''
Long, Brock, Director, Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 16, 2010, ``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional
Offices: An Examination of Resources and Responsibilities.''
Lord, Stephen, Director, Homeland Security & Justice Issues,
Government Accountability Office.
LTS&IP, Mar. 18, 2009, ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can
We Secure America's Skies?''
LMI&O, Jul. 23, 2009, ``Protecting the Protectors:
Examining the Personnel Challenges Facing the Federal Air
Marshal Service.''
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
LTS&IP, Jun. 30, 2010, ``100% Air Cargo Screening:
Remaining Steps to Secure Passenger Aircraft.''
Lurie, Nicole, MD, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and
Response, Department of Health and Human Services.
LETC&S&T, Oct. 27, 2009, ``Real-Time Assessment of the
Federal Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
Lute, Jane Holl, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland
Security.
LFULL, Jul. 29, 2009, ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination
of the Current Status and Future Outlook of the National
Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
LFULL, Oct. 14, 2009, ``Diversity at The Department of
Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.''
LFULL, Jan. 27, 2010, ``Flight 253: Learning Lessons
from an Averted Tragedy.''
LMI&O, Apr. 29, 2010, ``Laying the Framework for the
Task Ahead: An Examination of the Department of Homeland
Security's Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.''
- M -
MacLeod-BallMichael W., Acting Director, American Civil
Liberties Union.
LIIS&TRA, Dec. 15, 2009, ``Violent Extremism: How Are
People Moved from Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of
Terrorism?''
Majkam, Joseph, Head of Fraud Control and Investigations,
Global Enterprise Risk, Visa Inc.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Do the Payment Card Industry
Data Standards Reduce Cybercrime?''
Manger, J. Thomas, Chief, Montgomery County Police Department,
State of Maryland.
LFULL, Mar. 4, 2009, ``Examining 287(g): The Role of
State and Local Law Enforcement in Immigration Law.''
Mann, Carlton I., Assistant Inspector General for Inspections,
Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland
Security.
LTS&IP, Jul. 15, 2009, ``General Aviation Security:
Assessing Risks and the Road Ahead.''
LMI&O, Feb. 4, 2010, ``Furthering the Mission or Having
Fun: Lax Travel Policies Costs DHS Millions.''
LTS&IP, Jul. 28, 2010, ``Lost in the Shuffle: Examining
TSA's Management of Surface Transportation Security
Inspectors.''
Manning, Timothy, Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
LECP&R, Oct. 1, 2009, ``Preparedness: State of Citizen
and Community Preparedness.''
LECP&R, Oct. 27, 2009, ``Preparedness: What has $29
billion in homeland security grants bought and how do we
know?''
Marsh, Lt. Derek, Co-Director, Orange County Human Trafficking
Task Force, Orange County California.
LBM&GC, Mar. 19, 2009, ``Human Trafficking: Recent
Trends.''
Martin, Kate, Director Center for National Security Studies.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 18, 2009, ``Homeland Security
Intelligence: Its Relevance and Limitations.''
Maxwell, David, Director, Arkansas Department of Emergency
Management.
LECP&R, Oct. 27, 2009, ``Preparedness: What has $29
billion in homeland security grants bought and how do we
know?''
May, James, President and Chief Executive Officer, Air
Transport Association.
LTS&IP, Mar. 18, 2009, ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can
We Secure America's Skies?''
McClelland, Joe, Director of Reliability, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission. I10 LETC&S&T, Jul. 21,
2009, ``Securing the Modern Electric Grid from Physical
and Cyber Attacks.''
McCormick, Michael W., Executive Director, National Business
Travel Association.
LTS&IP, Sep. 30, 2009, ``The Future of the Registered
Traveler Program.''
McDonald, Bill, Rancher, Douglas, Arizona.
LBM&GC and the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, May 27, 2010, ``U.S.-Mexico
Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative.''
McGinn, Dr. Tom, Chief Veterinarian, Director of Food,
Agriculture and Veterinary Defense, Department of
Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T Jt. with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy,
and Poultry of the Committee on Agriculture, May 5, 2009,
``Review of the National Animal Identification System.''
McGurk, Sean, Director, Control Systems Security Program,
Department of Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T, Jul. 21, 2009, ``Securing the Modern Electric
Grid from Physical and Cyber Attacks.''
McJunkin, James W., Deputy Assistant Director, Counterterrorism
Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
LTS&IP, Mar. 11, 2009, ``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up
Call for America's Private Sector.''
McMahon, Bill, Deputy Assistant Director, Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of
Justice.
LBM&GC, Jul. 16, 2009, ``Combating Border Violence: The
Role of Interagency Coordination in Investigations.''
McNamara, Joan, Commander, Los Angeles Police Department, Los
Angeles, State of California.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 18, 2009, ``Homeland Security
Intelligence: Its Relevance and Limitations.''
McNamara, Thomas E., (Amb.), Program Manager, Information
Sharing Environment, Office of the Director of National
Intelligence.
LIIS&TRA, Jul. 30, 2009, ``Beyond ISE Implementation:
Exploring the Way Forward for Information Sharing.''
Meenan, John, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer, Air Transport Association.
LTS&IP, Jun. 30, 2010, ``100% Air Cargo Screening:
Remaining Steps to Secure Passenger Aircraft.''
Melson, Kenneth E., Acting Director, Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of
Justice.
LBM&GC, Jul. 16, 2009, ``Combating Border Violence: The
Role of Interagency Coordination in Investigations.''
Middleton, Mike, Executive Vice President, Secure Global
Logistics.
LTS&IP, Jun. 30, 2010, ``100% Air Cargo Screening:
Remaining Steps to Secure Passenger Aircraft.''
Miller, Brook, Vice President, Government Affairs, Smiths
Detection.
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
Miskin, Gene, Director, Office of Radiological Health, New York
City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
LETC&S&T, Sep. 14, 2009, ``Status Report on Federal and
Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources.''
Moore, Chris, Chairman, Teamsters Aircraft Mechanics Coalition,
International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
LTS&IP, Nov. 18, 2009, ``Is the Flying Public Protected?
An Assessment of Security at Foreign Repair Stations.''
Morris, Carter, Senior Vice President on Transportation Policy,
American Association of Airport Executives.
LTS&IP, Sep. 30, 2009, ``The Future of the Registered
Traveler Program.''
Morris, John, General Counsel, Center for Democracy and
Technology.
LIIS&TRA, May 26, 2010, ``Internet Terror Recruitment
and Tradecraft: How Can We Address an Evolving Tool While
Protecting Free Speech?''
Morse, Reilly, Senior Attorney, Mississippi Center for Justice.
LFULL, Jul. 8, 2009, ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of
Current Problems and Innovative Solutions.''
Morton, John T., Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Jun. 11, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border
Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard.''
LBM&GC, Jul. 16, 2009, ``Combating Border Violence: The
Role of Interagency Coordination in Investigations.''
LFULL, Mar. 25, 2010, ``Visa Overstays: Can They be
Eliminated?''
Mudd, John Philip, Senior Research Fellow, Counterterrorism
Strategy Initiative, New America Foundation.
LIIS&TRA, May 26, 2010, ``Internet Terror Recruitment
and Tradecraft: How Can We Address an Evolving Tool While
Protecting Free Speech?''
Murch, Randall S., PhD, Associate Director, Research Program
Development, National Capital Region, Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University.
LETC&S&T, Jun. 15, 2010, H.R. 5498, the ``WMD Prevention
and Preparedness Act of 2010.''
Muth, Richard G., Executive Director, Maryland Emergency
Management Agency, State Emergency Operations Center.
LFULL, Jul. 29, 2009, ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination
of the Current Status and Future Outlook of the National
Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
- N -
Napolitano, Janet, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Feb. 25, 2009, ``DHS: The Path Forward.''
LFULL, May 13, 2009, ``The President's FY2010 Budget
Request for the Department of Homeland Security.''
LFULL, Feb. 25, 2009, ``The President's FY2011 Budget
Request for the Department of Homeland Security.''
Naumann, Steve, Vice President of Wholesale Markets,
Representing Edison Electric Institute and Electric
Power Supply Association.
LETC&S&T, Jul. 21, 2009, ``Securing the Modern Electric
Grid from Physical and Cyber Attacks.''
Neffenger, Peter V., (RADM USCG) Deputy National Incident
Commander, United States Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security.
LMI&O, Jul. 12, 2010, in New Orleans, LA, ``The
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Chain of Command: An Examination of
Information Sharing Practices During a Spill of National
Significance.''
LFULL, Sep. 22, 2010, ``DHS Planning and Response:
Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater Horizon.''
Negroponte, John D., Vice Chairman, McLarty Associate.
LBM&GC and the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, May 27, 2010, ``U.S.-Mexico
Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative.''
Nieto, Salvador, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Intelligence
and Operations Coordination, Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Mar. 12, 2009, ``Border Violence: An Examination
of DHS Strategies and Resources.''
Nojeim, Gregory T., Director, Project on Freedom, Security &
Technology, Center for Democracy & Technology.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 18, 2009, ``Homeland Security
Intelligence: Its Relevance and Limitations.''
Norris, Ned, Jr., Chairman, Tohono O'odham Nation.
LIIS&TRA, Apr. 1, 2009, ``The Future of Fusion Centers:
Potential Promise and Dangers.''
Nystrom, Brittney, Senior Legal Advisor, National Immigration
Forum.
LBM&GC, Dec. 3, 2009, ``Moving Toward More Effective
Immigration Detention Management.''
- O -
O'Connell, Maria Luisa, President, Border Trade Alliance.
LBM&GC, May 7, 2009, ``Implementing the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative at Land and Sea Ports: Are We
Ready?''
O'Keefe, Michael, MD, President & Chief Executive Officer,
Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg,
Pennsylvania.
LMI&O, Jan. 25, 2010, in Danville, PA, ``Is the Medical
Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the
Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
O'Neil, Shannon K., Douglas Dillon Fellow for Latin America
Studies, Council on Foreign Relations.
LBM&GC and the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, May 27, 2010, ``U.S.-Mexico
Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative.''
O'Toole, Dr. Tara, Under Secretary for the Science and
Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 3, 2010, ``The Department of Homeland
Security's Science and Technology Directorate.''
Olislagers, Robert, Executive Director, Centennial Airport.
LTS&IP, Jul. 15, 2009, ``General Aviation Security:
Assessing Risks and the Road Ahead.''
Owen, Todd, Executive Director, Cargo and Conveyance Security,
Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Oct. 22, 2009, ``Cargo Security at Land Ports of
Entry: Are We Meeting the Challenge?''
- P -
Palin, Philip J., Senior Fellow, National Institute for
Strategic Preparedness.
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2009, ``Homeland Security Policymaking:
HSC at a Crossroads and Presidential Study Directive 1.''
Pane, Gregg A., MD, Director, National Health Care Preparedness
Programs, Office of Preparedness and Emergency
Operations, Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and
Human Services.
LMI&O, Jan. 25, 2010, in Danville, PA, ``Is the Medical
Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the
Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
Parfomak, Paul W., Specialist in Energy and Infrastructure
Policy, Congressional Research Service, The Library of
Congress.
LMI&O, Apr. 19, 2010, field hearing Plant City, Florida,
``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of Responsibility
Clear?''
Parmer, Raymond R., Jr., Director, Office of International
Affairs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Mar. 11, 2010, ``Visa Security and Passenger
Pre-Screening Efforts in the Wake of Flight 253.''
Patalano, Alan, Fire Chief, Long Beach Fire Department, Long
Beach, California.
LECP&R, Jun. 29, 2010, ``The Future of FEMA's Grant
Programs Directorate.''
Pena, Alonzo R., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations,
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of
Homeland Security.
LBM&GC, Mar. 12, 2009, ``Border Violence: An Examination
of DHS Strategies and Resources.''
LBM&GC and the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, May 27, 2010, ``U.S.-Mexico
Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative.''
Peters, Timothy E., Vice President and General Manager, Global
Security Systems, The Boeing Company.
LBM&GC, Sep. 17, 2009, ``The Secure Border Initiative:
SBInet Three Years Later.''
Pillar, Dr. Paul R., Professor and Director of Graduate
Studies, Security Studies Program, Georgetown
University.
LIIS&TRA, Nov. 19, 2009, ``Reassessing the Evolving al-
Qa`ida Threat to the Homeland.''
Pistole, John S., Administrator, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
LTS&IP, Sep. 23, 2010, ``Securing America's
Transportation Systems: The Target of Terrorists and TSA's New
Direction.''
Placido, Anthony, Assistant Administrator for Intelligence,
Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.
LBM&GC, Jul. 16, 2009, ``Combating Border Violence: The
Role of Interagency Coordination in Investigations.''
Porter, Russell M., Director, State of Iowa Intelligence Fusion
Center.
LIIS&TRA, Apr. 1, 2009, ``The Future of Fusion Centers:
Potential Promise and Dangers.''
Potts, Eric R., Col. (Ret.), Interim Aviation Director, Houston
Airport System.
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
Powner, Dave, Director, Information Technology Management
Issues, Government Accountability Office.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 10, 2009, ``Reviewing the Federal
Cybersecurity Mission.''
- Q -
- R -
Raisch, William G., Executive Director, International Center
for Enterprise Preparedness, New York University.
LTS&IP, Mar. 11, 2009, ``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up
Call for America's Private Sector.''
Ramirez, Deborah A., Prof. Executive Director, Partnering for
Prevention and Community Safety, Northeastern
University School of Law.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 17, 2010, ``Working with Communities to
Disrupt Terror Plots.''
Reitinger, Philip R., Deputy Undersecretary, National
Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of
Homeland Security.
LTS&IP, Jun. 10, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for the
National Protection and Programs Directorate and the
Transportation Security Administration.''
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2009, ``Chemical Facilities Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2009.''
Richards, Anne L., Assistant Inspector General for Audits,
Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland
Security.
LECP&R, Jun. 29, 2010, ``The Future of FEMA's Grant
Programs Directorate.''
Riegle, Robert, Director, State and Local Program Office,
Office of Intelligence & Analysis, Department of
Homeland Security.
LIIS&TRA, Apr. 1, 2009, ``The Future of Fusion Centers:
Potential Promise and Dangers.''
Riggio, Michael, Counterterrorism Division, New York Police
Department.
LETC&S&T, Sep. 14, 2009, ``Status Report on Federal and
Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources.''
Riley, William, Acting Director, Office of State and Local
Coordination, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Mar. 4, 2009, ``Examining 287(g): The Role of
State and Local Law Enforcement in Immigration Law.''
Rininger, Braddon B., President, Brajo, Inc.
LFULL, Jul. 8, 2009, ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of
Current Problems and Innovative Solutions.''
Roach, Robert, Jr., General Vice President, International
Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers.
LTS&IP, Nov. 18, 2009, ``Is the Flying Public Protected?
An Assessment of Security at Foreign Repair Stations.''
Rogalski, Jeremy, Investigative Reporter, KHOU-TV.
LTS&IP, Jul. 15, 2009, ``General Aviation Security:
Assessing Risks and the Road Ahead.''
Rogers, Ron, Assistant Chief - Administration, Hillsborough
County Fire Rescue, Tampa, Florida.
LMI&O, Apr. 19, 2010, field hearing Plant City, Florida,
``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of Responsibility
Clear?''
Romero, Anthony, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties
Union.
LIIS&TRA, May 26, 2010, ``Internet Terror Recruitment
and Tradecraft: How Can We Address an Evolving Tool While
Protecting Free Speech?''
Rossides, Gale D., Acting Administrator, Transportation
Security Administration, Department of Homeland
Security.
LTS&IP, Jun. 10, 2009, ``The FY 2010 Budget for the
National Protection and Programs Directorate and the
Transportation Security Administration.''
LFULL, Oct. 14, 2009, ``Diversity at The Department of
Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.''
LTS&IP, Dec. 16, 2009, ``Has the TSA Breach Jeopardized
National Security? An Examination of What Happened and Why.''
Rotenberg, Marc, Executive Director, Electronic Privacy
Information Center.
LTS&IP, Mar. 17, 2010, ``An Assessment of Checkpoint
Security: Are Our Airports Keeping Passengers Safe?''
Roth, Marcie, Senior Advisor on Disability Issues, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland
Security.
LECP&R, Jun. 15, 2010, ``Caring for Special Needs during
Disasters: What's being done for Vulnerable Populations?''
Rothe-Smith, Diana, Executive Director, National Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disasters.
LECP&R, Jun. 15, 2010, ``Caring for Special Needs during
Disasters: What's being done for Vulnerable Populations?''
Rufe, Roger T., Jr., Vice Admiral (USCG Ret), Director, Office
of Operations Coordination, Department of Homeland
Security.
LBM&GC, Mar. 12, 2009, ``Border Violence: An Examination
of DHS Strategies and Resources.''
Russell, Stephen, Chairman and CEO, Celadon Group, Inc.,
testifying on behalf of the American Trucking
Associations.
LBM&GC, Oct. 22, 2009, ``Cargo Security at Land Ports of
Entry: Are We Meeting the Challenge?''
Russell, Tony, Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 6,
Department of Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 16, 2010, ``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional
Offices: An Examination of Resources and Responsibilities.''
Russo, Robert, Director, Payment Card Industry Data Security
Standards Council.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 31, 2009, ``Do the Payment Card Industry
Data Standards Reduce Cybercrime?''
- S -
Salahi, Michaele, Private Citizen.
LFULL, Jan. 20, 2010, ``The United States Secret Service
and Presidential Protection: An Examination of a System
Failure.''
Salahi, Tareq, Private Citizen.
LFULL, Jan. 20, 2010, ``The United States Secret Service
and Presidential Protection: An Examination of a System
Failure.''
Sammon, John, Assistant Administrator, Transportation Sector
Network Management, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security.
LTS&IP, Jul. 15, 2009, ``General Aviation Security:
Assessing Risks and the Road Ahead.''
LTS&IP, Sep. 30, 2009, ``The Future of the Registered
Traveler Program.''
LTS&IP, Jun. 30, 2010, ``100% Air Cargo Screening:
Remaining Steps to Secure Passenger Aircraft.''
Schaffer, Greg, Assistant Secretary, Cybersecurity and
Communications, Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2010, ``Cybersecurity: DHS' Role,
Federal Efforts and National Policy.''
ECP&R, Jul. 22, 2010, ``Interoperable Emergency
Communications: Does the National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs
of First Responders?''
Schenkel, Gary W., Director, Federal Protective Service,
National Protection and Programs Directorate,
Department of Homeland Security.
LFULL, Apr. 14, 2010, ``Federal Protective Service:
Would Federalization of Guards Improve Security at Critical
Facilities?''
Schlanger, Margo, Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties,
Department of Homeland Security.
LIIS&TRA, Mar. 17, 2010, ``Working with Communities to
Disrupt Terror Plots.''
Schriro, Dr. Dora, Commissioner, New York City Department of
Correction.
LBM&GC, Dec. 3, 2009, ``Moving Toward More Effective
Immigration Detention Management.''
Scovel, Calvin L., III, Inspector General, Department of
Transportation.
Serino, Richard, Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T, Oct. 27, 2009, ``Real-Time Assessment of the
Federal Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
Sheely, Kenneth, Associate Assistant Deputy Administrator for
Global Threat Reduction, National Nuclear Security
Administration, Department of Energy.
LETC&S&T, Sep. 14, 2009, ``Status Report on Federal and
Local Efforts to Secure Radiological Sources.''
Sherry, Peggy, Acting Chief Financial Office, Department of
Homeland Security.
LMI&O, Oct. 29, 2009, ``Creating `One DHS' Part I:
Standardizing Department of Homeland Security Financial
Management.''
Silver, Mariko, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy/Acting
Assistant Secretary for International Affairs,
Department of Homeland Security.
LBM&GC and the Committee on Foreign Affairs'
Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, May 27, 2010, ``U.S.-Mexico
Security Cooperation: Next Steps for the Merida Initiative.''
Skiendzielewski, John J., MD, Director, Emergency Medicine
Services, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville,
Pennsylvania.
LMI&O, Jan. 25, 2010, in Danville, PA, ``Is the Medical
Community Ready if Disaster or Terrorism Strikes: Closing the
Gap in Medical Surge Capacity.''
Skinner, Richard L., Inspector General, Department of Homeland
Security.
LECP&R, Mar. 17, 2009, ``PKEMRA Implementation of FEMA'S
Preparedness and Response Mission.''
LFULL, Jul. 8, 2009, ``FEMA Housing: An Examination of
Current Problems and Innovative Solutions.''
LFULL, Mar. 25, 2010, ``Visa Overstays: Can They be
Eliminated?''
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2010, ``Cybersecurity: DHS' Role,
Federal Efforts and National Policy.''
LFULL, Sep. 22, 2010, ``DHS Planning and Response:
Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater Horizon.''
Smith, Dr. David C., Assistant Director, Division of Animal
Industry, New York State Department of Agriculture and
Markets.
LETC&S&T Jt. with the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy,
and Poultry of the Committee on Agriculture, May 5, 2009,
``Review of the National Animal Identification System.''
Smith, Eric, Assistant Administrator, Logistics Management
Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security.
LECP&R, Sep. 29, 2010, ``Emergency Logistics Management:
Transforming the Delivery of Disaster Relief for the 21st
Century.''
Smith, Jeffrey H., Steering Committee, Markle Foundation.
LIIS&TRA, Jul. 30, 2009, ``Beyond ISE Implementation:
Exploring the Way Forward for Information Sharing.''
Smith, Wendy, Assistant City Manager, McAllen, Texas.
LECP&R, Oct. 1, 2009, ``Preparedness: State of Citizen
and Community Preparedness.''
Snyder, James, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure
Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
LTS&IP, Mar. 11, 2009, ``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up
Call for America's Private Sector.''
Soler, Fernando, Owner, S.O.S. Global Express.
LTS&IP, Jun. 30, 2010, ``100% Air Cargo Screening:
Remaining Steps to Secure Passenger Aircraft.''
Spence, Dr. Carmen J., Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army-
Elimination of Chemical Weapons, United States Army,
Department of Defense.
LECP&R, Jun. 15, 2010, ``Caring for Special Needs during
Disasters: What's being done for Vulnerable Populations?''
Springer, Christine Gibbs, Dr, National Academy of Public
Administration.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 16, 2010, ``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional
Offices: An Examination of Resources and Responsibilities.''
Stana, Richard, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues,
Government Accountability Office.
LFULL, Mar. 4, 2009, ``Examining 287(g): The Role of
State and Local Law Enforcement in Immigration Law.''
LBM&GC, Sep. 17, 2009, ``The Secure Border Initiative:
SBInet Three Years Later.''
LBM&GC, July 22, 2010, ``Enhancing DHS' Efforts to
Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across Our Borders.''
Steinhardt, Bernice, Director, Strategic Issues, Government
Accountability Office.
LFULL, Jul. 29, 2009, ``Beyond Readiness: An Examination
of the Current Status and Future Outlook of the National
Response to Pandemic Influenza.''
Steir, Max, President and CEO, Partnership for Public Service.
LMI&O, Mar. 5, 2009, ``Putting People First: A Way
Forward for the Homeland Security Workforce.''
Stern, Warren M., Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office,
Department of Homeland Security.
LETC&S&T, Sep. 30, 2010, ``The Domestic Nuclear
Detection Office: Can It Overcome Past Problems and Chart a New
Direction?''
Sullivan, Mark, Director, U.S. Secret Service, Department of
Homeland Security.
LFULL, Oct. 14, 2009, ``Diversity at The Department of
Homeland Security: Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.''
LFULL, Dec. 3, 2009, FULL, ``The United States Secret
Service and Presidential Protection: An Examination of a System
Failure.''
- T -
Taffaro, Craig Paul,, Jr., President, St. Bernard Parish,
Louisiana.
LFULL, Sep. 22, 2010, ``DHS Planning and Response:
Preliminary Lessons from Deepwater Horizon.''
Talent, Jim, Former Commission Vice-Chairman of the Commission
for the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Proliferation and Terrorism.
LFULL, Apr. 21, 2010, ``Viewpoints on Homeland Security:
A Discussion with the WMD Commissioners.''
Taylor, James L., Deputy Inspector General, Department of
Homeland Security.
LMI&O, Oct. 29, 2009, ``Creating `One DHS' Part I:
Standardizing Department of Homeland Security Financial
Management.''
Thomas, Lyda Ann, Mayor, City of Galveston, Texas.
LECP&R, Mar. 3, 2009, ``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding
Efforts: The Path Forward.''
Tierney, MaryAnn, Deputy Managing Director, Office of Emergency
Management, City of Philadelphia.
LECP&R, Jun. 29, 2010, ``The Future of FEMA's Grant
Programs Directorate.''
Townley, Alison, Principal, Henry Incorporated.
LTS&IP, Sep. 30, 2009, ``The Future of the Registered
Traveler Program.''
Townsend, Frances Fragos, Former Homeland Security and
Counterterrorism Advisor to the President.
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2009, ``Homeland Security Policymaking:
HSC at a Crossroads and Presidential Study Directive 1.''
Troupe, Mary, Executive Director, Mississippi Coalition of
Citizens with Disabilities.
LECP&R, Mar. 17, 2009, ``PKEMRA Implementation of FEMA'S
Preparedness and Response Mission.''
- U -
- V -
Van Tine, Mark, President and CEO, Jeppessen, Inc.
LTS&IP, Jul. 15, 2009, ``General Aviation Security:
Assessing Risks and the Road Ahead.''
- W -
Wagner, Caryn A., Under Secretary, Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, Department of Homeland Security.
LIIS&TRA, May 12, 2010, ``A DHS Intelligence Enterprise:
Still Just a Vision or Reality?''
LIIS&TRA, Sep. 29, 2010, ``Is the Office of Intelligence
and Analysis Adequately Connected to the Broader Homeland
Communities?''
Wainstein, Kenneth L., Former Homeland Security and
Counterterrorism Advisor to the President.
LFULL, Apr. 2, 2009, ``Homeland Security Policymaking:
HSC at a Crossroads and Presidential Study Directive 1.''
Walke, James, Acting Assistant Administrator, FEMA's Disaster
Assistance Directorate, Department of Homeland
Security.
LECP&R, Mar. 3, 2009, ``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding
Efforts: The Path Forward.''
Weine, Dr. Stevan, Professor of Psychiatry, University of
Illinois at Chicago.
LIIS&TRA, Dec. 15, 2009, ``Violent Extremism: How Are
People Moved from Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of
Terrorism?''
Wiese, Jeffrey, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety,
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration,
Department of Transportation.
LMI&O, Apr. 19, 2010, field hearing Plant City, Florida,
``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of Responsibility
Clear?''
Wilshusen, Gregory, Director, Information Technology,
Government Accountability Office.
LFULL, Jun. 16, 2010, ``Cybersecurity: DHS' Role,
Federal Efforts and National Policy.''
Winkowski, Thomas, S., Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field
Operations, Customs and Border Protection.
LBM&GC, May 7, 2009, ``Implementing the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative at Land and Sea Ports: Are We
Ready?''
LBM&GC, Mar. 11, 2010, ``Visa Security and Passenger
Pre-Screening Efforts in the Wake of Flight 253.''
Wright, David L., President, American Federation of Government
Employees - Local 918.
LFULL, Nov. 17, 2009,``Federal Protective Service: Will
Continuing Challenges Weaken Transition and Impede Progress?''
Wright, David L., President, National FPS Union.
LFULL, Apr. 14, 2010, ``Federal Protective Service:
Would Federalization of Guards Improve Security at Critical
Facilities?''
- X -
- Y -
Yoran, Amit, Chairman and CEO, NetWitness Corporation.
LETC&S&T, Mar. 10, 2009, ``Reviewing the Federal
Cybersecurity Mission.''
- Z -
Zielinski, Harald, Head of Security and Environmental
Management, Lufthansa Airlines Cargo.
LTS&IP, Jun. 30, 2010, ``100% Air Cargo Screening:
Remaining Steps to Secure Passenger Aircraft.''
Zogby, James J., PhD., President, Arab American Institute.
LIIS&TRA, Dec. 15, 2009, ``Violent Extremism: How Are
People Moved from Constitutionally-Protected Thought to Acts of
Terrorism?''
APPENDIX IX
Printed Hearings
Number Title Date
111-1 ``DHS: The Path Forward.'' February 25, 2009
Full Committee
111-2 ``FEMA's Gulf Coast Rebuilding March 3, 2009
Efforts: The Path Forward.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness
and Response
111-3 ``Examining 2879g0: The Role of March 4, 2009
State and Local Law
Enforcement in Immigration
Law.''
Full Committee
111-4 ``Putting People First: A Way March 5, 2009
Forward for the Homeland
Security Workforce.''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-5 ``Reviewing the Federal March 10, 2009
Cybersecurity Mission.''
Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology
111-6 ``The Mumbai Attacks: A Wake-Up March 11, 2009
Call for America's Private
Sector.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-7 ``Border Violence: An March 12, 2009
Examination of DHS Strategies
and Resources.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-8 ``PKEMRA Implementation: An March 17, 2009
Examination of FEMA's
Preparedness and Response
Mission.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-9 ``Homeland Security March 18, 2009
Intelligence: Its Relevance
and Limitations.''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-10 ``100% Air Cargo Screening: Can March 18, 2009
We Secure America's Skies?''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-11 ``Human Trafficking: Recent March 19, 2009
Trends''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-12 ``Consolidating DHS: An Update March 26, 2009
on the St. Elizabeth's
Project.''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-13 ``Examining Preparedness and March 31, 2009
Coordination Efforts of First
Responders Along the Southwest
Border.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-14 ``Do the Payment Card Industry March 31, 2009
Data Standards Reduce
Cybercrime?''
Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology
111-15 ``The Future of Fusion Centers: April 1, 2009
Potential Promise and
Dangers.''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-16 ``Homeland Security
Policymaking: HSC at a
Crossroads and Presidential
Study Directive 1.''
Full Committee
April 2, 2009
111-17 ``Review of the National Animal May 5, 2009
Identification System.''
Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology and the
Subcommittee on Livestock,
Dairy, and Poultry of the
Committee on Agriculture
111-18 ``Implementing the Western May 7, 2009
Hemisphere Travel Initiative
at Land and Sea Ports: Are We
Ready?''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-19 ``The President's FY 2010 May 13, 2009
Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland
Security.''
Full Committee
111-20 ``The FY 2010 Budget for June 4, 2009
Departmental Management and
Operations at DHS''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-21 ``The FY 2010 Budget for the June 9, 2009
Federal Emergency Management
Agency.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-22 ``The FY 2010 Budget for the June 9, 2009
Directorate for Science &
Technology, the Office of
Health Affairs, and the
Domestic Nuclear Detection
Office.''
Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology
111-23 ``The FY 2010 Budget for the June 10, 2009
National Protection and
Programs Directorate and the
Transportation Security
Administration.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-24 ``The FY 2010 Budget for June 11, 2009
Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, Customs and
Border Protection, and the
U.S. Coast Guard.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-25 H.R. 2868, the ``Chemical June 16, 2009
Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of
2009.''
Full Committee
111-26 ``FY2010 Budget for the Office June 24, 2009.
of Intelligence and Analysis
of the Department of Homeland
Security.''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-27 ``FEMA Housing: An Examination July 8, 2009
of Current Problems and
Innovative Solutions.''
Full Committee
111-28 ``General Aviation Security: July 15, 2009
Assessing Risks and the Road
Ahead.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-29 ``Combating Border Violence: July 16, 2009
The Role of Interagency
Coordination in
Investigations.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-30 ``Securing the Modern Electric July 21, 2009
Grid from Physical and Cyber
Attacks.''
Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology
111-31 ``Protecting the Protectors: July 23, 2009
Examining the Personnel
Challenges Facing the Federal
Air Marshal Service.''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-32 ``Beyond Readiness: An July 29, 2009
Examination of the Current
Status and Future Outlook of
the National Response to
Pandemic Influenza.''
Full Committee
111-33 ``Beyond ISE Implementation: July 30, 2009
Exploring the Way Forward for
Information Sharing.''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-34 ``Status Report on Federal and September 14, 2009
Local Efforts to Secure (Brooklyn, NY)
Radiological Sources.''
Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology
111-35 ``The Secure Border Initiative: September 17, 2009
SBInet Three Years Later.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-36 ``I&A Reconceived: Defining a September 24, 2009
Homeland Security Intelligence
Role.''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-37 ``The Future of the Registered September 30, 2009
Traveler Program.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-38 ``Preparedness:'' ...................
``State of Citizen and October 1, 2009
Community Preparedness.'' ...................
``What Has $29 Billion in October 27, 2009
Homeland Security Grants
Bought and How Do We Know?''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-39 ``Diversity at The Department October 14, 2009
of Homeland Security:
Continuing Challenges and New
Opportunities.''
Full Committee
111-40 ``Cargo Security at Land Ports October 22, 2009
of Entry: Are We Meeting the
Challenge?''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-41 ``Real-Time Assessment of the October 27, 2009
Federal Response to Pandemic
Influenza.''
Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science, and Technology
111-42 ``Creating `One DHS''' ...................
Part 1 - Standardizing October 29, 2009
Department of Homeland
Security Financial
Management.''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-43 ``Federal Protective Service: November 18, 2009
Will Continuing Challenges
Weaken Transition and Impede
Progress?''
Full Committee
111-44 ``Is the Flying Public November 18, 2009
Protected? An Assessment of
Security at Foreign Repair
Stations.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-45 ``Reassessing the Evolving al- November 19, 2009
Qa`ida Threat to the
Homeland.''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-46 ``The United States Secret December 3, 2009
Service and Presidential January 20, 2010
Protection: An Examination of
a System Failure.''
Full Committee
111-47 ``Moving Toward More Effective December 10, 2009
Immigration Detention
Management.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-48 ``Violent Extremism: How Are December 15, 2009
People Moved from
Constitutionally-Protected
Thought to Acts of
Terrorism?''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-49 ``Has the TSA Breach December 16, 2009
Jeopardized National Security?
An Examination of What
Happened and Why.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-50 ``Is the Medical Community January 25, 2010
Ready if Disaster or Terrorism (Danville, PA)
Strikes: Closing the Gap in
Medical Surge Capacity.''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-51 ``Flight 253: Learning Lessons January 27, 2010
from an Averted Tragedy.''
Full Committee
111-52 ``Furthering the Mission or February 4, 2010
Having Fun: Lax Travel
Policies Cost DHS Millions.''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-53 ``The President's FY 2011 February 25, 2010
Budget Request for the
Department of Homeland
Security.''
Full Committee
111-54 ``The Department of Homeland March 3, 2010
Security's Science and
Technology Directorate.''
Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology
111-55 ``Visa Security and Passenger March 11, 2010
Pre-Screening Efforts in the
Wake of Flight 253.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-56 ``Ensuring Strong FEMA Regional March 16, 2010
Offices: An Examination of
Resources and
Responsibilities.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-57 ``An Assessment of Checkpoint March 17, 2010
Security: Are Our Airports
Keeping Passengers Safe?''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-58 ``Working with Communities to March 17, 2010
Disrupt Terror Plots.''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-59 ``SBInet: Does it Pass the March 18, 2010
Border Security Test?''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism and the
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-60 ``Visa Overstays: Can They be March 25, 2010
Eliminated?''
Full Committee
111-61 ``Federal Protective Service: April 14, 2010
Would Federalization of Guards
Improve Security at Critical
Facilities?''
Full Committee
111-62 ``Unclogging Pipeline Security: April 19, 2010
Are the Lines of (Plant City, FL)
Responsibility Clear?''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations and Oversight
111-63 ``Viewpoints on Homeland ...................
Security'' April 21, 2010
``A Discussion with the WMD May 19, 2010
Commissioners.''
``A Discussion with the 9/11
Commissioners.''
Full Committee
111-64 ``FEMA's FY 2011 Priorities and April 27, 2010
Beyond: Aligning Budget,
Mission, and Vision.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-65 ``Laying the Framework for the April 29, 2010
Task Ahead: An Examination of
the Department of Homeland
Security's Quadrennial
Homeland Security Review.''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-66 ``A DHS Intelligence May 12, 2010
Enterprise: Still Just a
Vision or Reality?''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-67 ``Internet Terror Recruitment May 26, 2010
and Tradecraft: How Can We
Address an Evolving Tool While
Protecting Free Speech?''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
111-68 ``U.S.-Mexico Security May 27, 2010
Cooperation: Next Steps for
the Merida Initiative.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism and the
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on Western
Hemisphere
111-69 ``Caring for Special Needs June 15, 2010
during Disasters: What's being
done for Vulnerable
Populations?''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-70 H.R. 5498, the ``WMD Prevention June 15, 2010
and Preparedness Act of
2010.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response.
111-71 ``Cybersecurity: DHS' Role, June 16, 2010
Federal Efforts and National
Policy.''
Full Committee
111-72 ``The Future of FEMA's Grant June 29, 2010
Programs Directorate.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-73 ``100% Air Cargo Screening: June 30, 2010
Remaining Steps to Secure
Passenger Aircraft.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-74 ``The Deepwater Horizon Oil July 12, 2010 (New
Spill Chain of Command: An Orleans, LA)
Examination of Information
Sharing Practices During a
Spill of National
Significance.''
Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight
111-75 ``The Role of Unmanned Aerial July 15, 2010
Systems in Border Security.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-76 ``Enhancing DHS' Efforts to July 22, 2010
Disrupt Alien Smuggling Across
Our Borders.''
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism
111-77 ``Interoperable Emergency July 27, 2010
Communications: Does the
National Broadband Plan Meet
the Needs of First
Responders?''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-78 ``Lost in the Shuffle: July 28, 2010
Examining TSA's Management of
Surface Transportation
Security Inspectors.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-79 ``The Evolving Nature of September 15, 2010
Terrorism - Nine Years after
the 9/11 Attacks.''
Full Committee
111-80 ``DHS Planning and Response: September 22, 2010
Preliminary Lessons from
Deepwater Horizon.''
Full Committee
111-81 ``Securing America's September 23, 2010
Transportation Systems: The
Target of Terrorists and TSA's
New Direction.''
Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure
Protection
111-82 ``Emergency Logistics September 29, 2010
Management: Transforming the
Delivery of Disaster Relief
for the 21st Century.''
Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness,
and Response
111-83 ``Is the Office of Intelligence September 29, 2010.
and Analysis Adequately
Connected to the Broader
Homeland Communities?''
Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment
APPENDIX X
Committee Print
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
111-A.................................. Compilation of Homeland
Security Related Executive
Orders (E.O. 4601 through E.O.
13528) (1927-2009)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX XI
Summary of Committee Activities
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Total Bills Referred to Committee................................ 152
Public Laws...................................................... 14
Bills Reported to the House...................................... 18
Hearings Held:
Days of Hearings............................................. 87
Full Committee........................................... 20
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment.............................. 11
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection.............................. 11
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism....................................... 14
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight 12
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology................................. 10
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response........................................... 12
Witnesses:
Full Committee........................................... 77
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment.............................. 41
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection.............................. 55
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism....................................... 63
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight 45
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology................................. 48
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response........................................... 43
Total Persons Testifying................................. 330
Markups and Business Meetings Held (Days):
Full Committee........................................... 14
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment.............................. 0
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection.............................. 1
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism....................................... 1
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight 0
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science and Technology................................. 1
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness,
and Response........................................... 1
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
Additional Views of the Republican Members of the Committee on Homeland
Security
INTRODUCTION
Throughout the 111th Congress, the Republican Members of
the Committee on Homeland Security (Committee) continued their
aggressive oversight of the Department of Homeland Security
(Department or DHS) and the Nation's overall homeland security
operations. Through the introduction of numerous bills and
resolutions, briefing and hearing requests, and oversight
letters Republican Members conducted oversight and offered
solutions to address many important security problems facing
the United States.
Despite the achievements detailed further below, Republican
Members of the Committee were disappointed that the Committee's
Oversight Plan adopted at the beginning of the 111th Congress
omitted important security issues that were included in
previous Oversight Plans in the 109th and 110th Congresses.
Omitted topics include oversight of the Department's efforts to
achieve operational control of the border, the National Bio-
and Agro-defense Facility, terrorist watch lists, regulation of
chemical facilities, and important intelligence and information
sharing provisions required in the Implementing Recommendations
of the 9/11 Commission Act (P.L. 110-53). Unfortunately, even
with a less rigorous Oversight Plan, the Democratic Majority
did not consider many of the items that were included in the
Plan.
The Republican Members of the Committee look forward to
working in a bipartisan manner to conduct more rigorous
homeland security oversight in the 112th Congress.
PASSAGE OF REPUBLICAN SPONSORED LEGISLATION
Republican Members of the Committee are pleased the
Committee considered and passed the following Republican-
introduced measures:
LH.R. 549, the National Bombing Prevention Act, a bill
authorizing the Office for Bombing Prevention,
introduced by Ranking Member King;
LH.R. 1148, a bill requiring the Secretary of Homeland
Security to conduct a program in the maritime
environment for the mobile biometric identification of
suspected individuals, including terrorists, to enhance
border security, introduced by Subcommittee on
Management, Investigations, and Oversight Ranking
Member Gus Bilirakis;
LH.R. 1178, a bill directing the Comptroller General to
conduct a study on the use of Civil Air Patrol
personnel and resources to support homeland security
missions, introduced by Subcommittee on Transportation
Security and Infrastructure Protection Ranking Member
Charlie Dent;
LH.R. 2611, a bill authorizing the Securing the Cities
Initiative, introduced by Ranking Member King;
LH.R. 3963, the Criminal Investigative Training
Restoration Act, a bill to require federal air marshals
to complete criminal investigative training, introduced
by Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and
Science, and Technology Ranking Member Dan Lungren;
LH.R. 3978, the First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training
Resources Act, a bill authorizing the Secretary of
Homeland Security to accept and use gifts for otherwise
authorized activities of the Center for Domestic
Preparedness that are related to preparedness for and
response to terrorism, introduced by Subcommittee on
Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response
Ranking Member Mike Rogers;
LH.R. 5105, a bill establishing a Chief Veterinary
Officer in the Department of Homeland Security,
introduced by Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response Ranking Member Mike Rogers;
and
LH.Res. 195, a resolution recognizing and honoring the
employees of the Department of Homeland Security on its
sixth anniversary for their continuous efforts to keep
the Nation safe, introduced by Subcommittee on
Management, Investigations, and Oversight Ranking
Member Gus Bilirakis.
TRANSPARENCY
``The way to make government responsible is to hold it
accountable. And the way to make government accountable is to
make it transparent so that the American people can know
exactly what decisions are being made, how they're being made,
and whether their interests are being well-served.'' _
President Barack Obama, January 21, 2009
Republican Members of the Committee were optimistic about
the Administration's pledges of transparency. However,
Republican Members were disappointed that while the
Administration claimed to favor transparency, its actions
resulted in anything but. Republican Members of the Committee
repeatedly met resistance from the Administration when
attempting to receive information and carry out their
constitutional duty to oversee the Executive Branch. The
Administration was not forthcoming with information on its ill-
advised plan to close the detention center at Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, its plan to try terrorists in civilian courts
in the United States, or its findings in the investigation of
Army Major Nidal Hassan's attack at Fort Hood. Likewise,
Republican Members of the Committee also experienced difficulty
in obtaining information on Umar Farouq Abdulmutallab's attempt
to detonate explosives on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on
December 25, 2009. In each of these instances, homeland
security and counterterrorism policy was being run out of the
White House, rather than at the Department of Homeland
Security, and the White House actively withheld information and
instructed the Department of Homeland Security to do the same.
The Republican Members of the Committee also experienced
difficulty in obtaining information on the Department of
Homeland Security's Intelligence Assessment titled, Rightwing
Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling
Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment, compelling in the
introduction of H.Res. 404, a resolution of inquiry directing
the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit relevant
information to the Committee on Homeland Security. Republican
Members also sought information on the Transportation Security
Administration's release of sensitive security information
contained in a manual detailing screening operations during the
course of a procurement action. Requests for copies of the
Aviation Security Screening Management Standard Operating
Procedures manual were repeatedly denied, resulting in the
introduction by Republican Members of H.Res. 980, a resolution
of inquiry directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to
provide copies of the screening manual in effect on December 5,
2009 and any successor manuals.
The Republican Members of the Committee are hopeful that
the Administration will increase its transparency in the 112th
Congress and commit to working more collaboratively with
Congress.
FIELD HEARINGS
The Republican Members of the Committee were extremely
disappointed in the Majority's handling of field hearing
requests in the 111th Congress. In the 109th and 110th
Congresses, field hearings were scheduled and held in a
bipartisan manner. However, in the 111th Congress, the Majority
set arbitrary requirements for the approval and scheduling of
field hearings. In addition, the Majority denied, without an
explanation, repeated requests for a field hearing by
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science
and Technology Ranking Member Dan Lungren despite providing
assurances that such a hearing would be held. When questioned
about the difficulty Republican Members had experienced in
receiving approval of field hearing requests from the Majority
during his January 27, 2010 testimony before the Committee on
House Administration, Chairman Thompson stated to Committee on
House Administration Ranking Member Dan Lungren, ``I think you
will be very satisfied in the future.''\1\ Despite this
statement and contrary to an agreement with Subcommittee
Chairwoman Yvette Clarke, Ranking Member Lungren's requests for
a subcommittee field hearing were repeatedly denied.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Review of the Use of Committee Funds in the 1st Session of the
111th Congress: Hearing Before the Comm. on House Administration, 111th
Cong. 123 (2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Once again in the 111th Congress, the Department of
Homeland Security and the Committee on Homeland Security
experienced the negative effects of the dispersed congressional
jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security. More
than nine years after the September 11th attacks and seven
years after the creation of the Department of Homeland
Security, Congress has not implemented the key 9/11 Commission
recommendation to reform congressional oversight of the
Department of Homeland Security.
The current jurisdictional web of congressional oversight
of DHS results in conflicting guidance to the Department and is
an unnecessary drain on its time and resources, which could be
better allocated on addressing threats to the homeland. Senior
DHS officials from both the Bush and Obama Administrations have
highlighted the extensive internal resources that are required
to prepare for hearings, provide congressional briefings, draft
reports mandated by statute, and respond to numerous
congressional requests for information. Officials also have
underscored the problems encountered when various congressional
committees provide conflicting guidance on important homeland
security policies and programs.
DHS leadership testified at 166 hearings in 2009 (20 more
than in 2008) and provided 2,058 congressional briefings during
the first session of the 111th Congress. Secretary Napolitano
has estimated that in 2009 the Department responded to 1,680
letters sent directly to her, the Deputy Secretary, and the
Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, as well as to more
than 10,000 sent to DHS components and other senior leaders.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Letter from Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to
Ranking Member Peter King, April 21, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throughout the 111th Congress, Republican Members of the
Committee have repeated their calls for consolidated oversight
over the Department of Homeland Security. Ranking Member King
and the Committee's six subcommittee Ranking Members wrote to
Speaker Pelosi in February 2010 pledging their support for
working in a bipartisan manner to consolidate congressional
oversight over the Department. Republican Members also wrote to
Chairman Thompson in April 2010 to request that the Committee
hold a hearing to examine the impact that current oversight of
homeland security issues has on the Department. Neither Speaker
Pelosi nor Chairman Thompson answered these letters or took
action necessary to address the problem.
Republican Members of the Committee will continue their
efforts to address this matter in the 112th Congress.
DHS AUTHORIZATION BILL
The Republican Members of the Committee have repeatedly
advocated for the need for a comprehensive authorization bill
for the Department of Homeland Security, similar to actions
taken by other congressional committees to regularly authorize
the federal departments over which they have responsibility.
The Committee has heard extensive testimony on the pressing
need for an authorization that will guide the Department in its
critical mission of protecting the United States from terrorist
attack. Despite this testimony and repeated requests by the
Republican Members of the Committee and offers to work together
in a bipartisan manner, the Majority did not introduce such a
bill. As a result, Ranking Member King and other Republican
Members of the Committee crafted and introduced the
Counterterrorism Enhancement and Department of Homeland
Security Authorization Act (H.R. 5590) to provide the
Department with necessary guidance, tools, and resources to
help protect the United States from terrorist attack.
H.R. 5590 includes numerous provisions proposed by both
Republicans and Democrats, many of which have previously
garnered bipartisan support. H.R. 5590 would:
LAuthorize the Securing the Cities Initiative, which
helps prevent a nuclear or radiological attack in New
York City, and expands the program to other high risk
metropolitan areas;
LEnhance counterterrorism efforts, including initiatives
to prevent violent radicalization and homegrown
terrorism;
LCall for the reduction of the number of committees to
which homeland security matters are referred;
LBolster border security and immigration enforcement
efforts, in part by requiring a strategy to achieve
full control of the border by 2016;
LSecure aviation, rail, and other surface transportation
systems;
LIncrease maritime security, in part by expanding the
Container Security Initiative;
LStrengthen critical infrastructure and cybersecurity;
LEnhance counterterrorism functions of the Federal
Protective Service;
LImprove preparedness and response to terrorism and
other emergencies; and
LProvide for more efficient and effective management of
the Department.
The Republican Members of the Committee are disappointed
that the Committee did not consider H.R. 5590 in the 111th
Congress, and look forward to the consideration and passage of
a comprehensive authorization bill in the 112th Congress.
AVOIDING EXAMINATION OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF CLOSING GTMO
On January 22, 2009, President Obama issued three Executive
Orders reversing U.S. policy on terrorist detention,
prosecution, and interrogation. The first order required the
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base Detention Facility (GTMO) to be shut
down within one year. The second ordered a review of detainee
detention options, and the third ordered that all terrorist
interrogations adhere to the U.S. Army Field Manual. Notably,
all three orders designated the Secretary of Homeland Security
as a member of the President's Task Force to implement the
orders. Yet when questioned by Republican Members of the
Committee about her input into the decision making process for
plans to transfer terrorists into the United States, Secretary
Napolitano was unable to provide the Committee with any
details.
According to news reports, the Chairman of the Committee on
Homeland Security stated the Committee would conduct oversight
on this important issue. Unfortunately, the full Committee did
not hold hearings on the homeland security ramifications of
closing Guantanamo. Committee oversight of this issue was
limited to two Member site visits to the GTMO detention
facility, both of which were at the request of Republican
Members. In the 112th Congress, Republican Members will
continue their close oversight of this critical homeland
security issue.
COUNTERTERRORISM AND THE FAILURE TO EXAMINE THE FORT HOOD TERRORIST
ATTACK
Republican Members are disappointed that the Majority did
not conduct a comprehensive investigation into the terrorist
attack at Fort Hood, Texas on November 5, 2009. In two letters
sent to Chairman Thompson on November 18, 2009 and January 25,
2010, Republican Members requested hearings to investigate this
terrorist attack on the U.S. homeland. Surprisingly, the
Majority opted to avoid performing thorough oversight on this
critical homeland security issue. While other Committees in
Congress _ including the House and Senate Armed Services
Committees _ conducted oversight and investigation of the Fort
Hood attack, this Committee limited its review to two
classified briefings _ one for Members and one for staff. In
contrast, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee (HSGAC), has been relentless in its determination to
investigate the Fort Hood massacre, going so far as to subpoena
Obama Administration officials to gain access to important
information pertaining to the attack. It is unfortunate that
the Majority did not share HSGAC's bipartisan sense of urgency
over an issue so critical to our national security.
Nevertheless, Republican Members are encouraged that the
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment did hold a series of hearings to
begin examination of the emerging problem of domestic
radicalization. However, Republican Members believe that much
more needs to be done to understand and address this growing
threat to our Nation. Republican Members of the Committee will
conduct a further examination of these vital issues in the
112th Congress.
HOMELAND SECURITY RISKS OF IMPORTING KHALID SHEIK MOHAMMAD AND HOLDING
THE 9/11 ATTACK TRIALS IN NEW YORK CITY
Republican Members of the Committee are disappointed the
Majority did not conduct oversight of the Administration's ill-
advised decision to import and try admitted 9/11 mastermind
Khalid Sheik Mohammad and his co-conspirators in civilian court
in Lower Manhattan. The Majority's lack of interest in this
important security issue is even more alarming in light of the
fact that on November 18, 2009, then-Federal Protective Service
(FPS) Director Gary Schenkel testified before the Committee
that the FPS New York Region ``does not have the staff to
perform their daily functions and provide the additional
security necessary for the courthouse'' for the 9/11 trials.
In addition, Republican Members were shocked that the Obama
Administration failed to consult the Mayor of New York City or
New York City Police Department Commissioner on this monumental
decision, with serious security implications. Trying these
terrorists in New York City would illustrate a complete
disregard for the families of the 9/11 victims, the residents
of Lower Manhattan, and the enormous security and cost burden
on the City and State of New York. The appropriate venue for
these trials is in military commissions at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, where a secure, state of the art facility has been
created for this very purpose.
THE SECURING THE CITIES INITIATIVE
As in the 110th Congress, Republican Members of the
Committee remained concerned in the 111th Congress about the
possibility of a radiological attack in high-risk, populated
areas of the United States. The Department's Securing the
Cities Initiative, thus far implemented in the New York
Metropolitan Area, has established a one-of-a-kind architecture
for coordinated and integrated detection and interdiction of
illicit radiological materials that may be used as a weapon
within the region.
For three fiscal years _ 2007, 2008, and 2009 _ the
Administration and the Congress backed this program. In FY
2010, however, the President's budget request discontinued this
support, which was concerning because the program, although
developing successfully and in line with expectations, required
additional resources to reach its full potential. This lack of
support is more concerning in light of recent arrests of
suspected terrorists who authorities believe were planning to
use weapons of mass destruction in New York City.
Bipartisan support for Securing the Cities continued in the
111th Congress. On January 20, 2010 the House passed H.R. 2611,
bipartisan legislation formally authorizing the Securing the
Cities Initiative, by voice vote. This was the second time the
House had passed legislation to authorize this program, the
first being H.R. 5531 during the 110th Congress. Nearly
identical legislation was also included in H.R. 4842, the
Homeland Security Science and Technology Authorization Act of
2010. By the end of the 111th Congress, however, the Senate had
taken no action on H.R. 2611, nor its Senate companion, S.
3312. Neither had it taken action on H.R. 4842, which passed
the House on July 20, 2010.
Republican Members look forward to continuing bipartisan
action in support of this key security program in the 112th
Congress.
BORDER SECURITY
The Republican Members of the Committee agree that it is
extremely critical to promote legislation, policy, reforms, and
funding necessary to gain operational control over the land and
maritime borders of the United States. While progress has been
made in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles and hiring
additional Border Patrol agents, significant work remains. In
Fiscal Year 2010, the Border Patrol apprehended more than
460,000 individuals seeking to illegally enter the United
States, over 600 of whom were classified as Special Interest
Aliens. In addition, an unknown number succeeded in gaining
entrance and successfully joined the growing ranks of illegal
aliens in American communities. Equally as troubling, more than
3.3 million pounds of illegal narcotics were seized along the
border in calendar year 2009, an increase of almost 16% over
2008.
The Republican Members of the Committee were disappointed
with the inability of the Committee to pass border security
legislation during the 111th Congress. More than 40 border
security bills were referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, but only four non-controversial bills were marked up
by the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism in two years. Republican Members of the
Committee introduced a number of bills to improve border
security and address personnel issues. These include:
LH.R. 1517, introduced with Ranking Member King as the
lead Republican sponsor, to address a hiring
technicality impacting certain Customs and Border
Protections Officers stationed in overseas posts. This
bill became Public Law 111-252;
LH.R. 1178, introduced by Congressman Charlie Dent, to
require the Government Accountability Office to conduct
a study on the use of the Civil Air Patrol to assist in
border security. This bill was passed by the House on
May 12, 2009;
LH.R. 1148, introduced by Congressman Gus Bilirakis, to
require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a
program in the maritime environment for the mobile
biometric identification of suspected individuals,
including terrorists, to enhance border security. This
bill passed the House on March 24, 2009 and similar
provisions were included in the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-281);
LH.R. 2047, introduced by Congressman Michael McCaul, to
authorize appropriations for Operation Stonegarden, a
program to provide additional funding for state and
local law enforcement along the border to conduct
border security law enforcement operations;
LH.R. 4758, the Secure Visas Act, introduced by
Congressman Lamar Smith, to expand the authority of the
Secretary of Homeland Security to issue and revoke
visas.
During Fiscal Year 2010, there were over 800 assaults on
Border Patrol agents, and Arizona rancher Robert Krentz was
tragically murdered by a likely smuggler crossing his ranch.
Republican Members are concerned that rather than taking the
necessary steps to close vulnerabilities along the border, the
Administration is warning American citizens to stay away. In
2010, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land
Management erected signs along the border warning of the danger
to the public of smuggling. The signs read: ``Danger - Public
Warning, Travel Not Recommended. Active drug and human
smuggling area; Visitors may encounter armed criminals and
smuggling vehicles traveling at high rates of speed; stay away
from trash, clothing, backpacks, and abandoned vehicles; if you
see suspicious activity, Do Not Confront! Move away and call
911.''\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\Rossi, Donna ``Warning Signs Posted in Casa Grande Area,''
KPHO.com, June 15, 2010.
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The United States has over 6,000 miles of international
land borders. This includes hundreds of miles of border
allocated for National Parks, wilderness areas, or other
protected designations. The multitude of environmental laws
associated with these designations often impedes the ability of
the Department of Homeland Security, particularly the Border
Patrol, to secure these areas. On February 6, 2009, Ranking
Member King joined eight other Republican Members to request a
study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to
evaluate how agencies monitor the environmental impact of
illegal activity on protected lands along the border, review
federal efforts to secure these areas, and review the impact
existing laws have on the Border Patrol's ability to secure
these areas. On October 19, 2010, the GAO released their report
and found that ``Border Patrol's access to portions of some
federal lands along the southwestern border has been limited
because of certain land management laws...''\4\ GAO further
noted that coordination between agencies ``has not always
occurred.''\5\ Among other things, GAO recommended that the
Secretaries of Homeland Security, the Interior, and Agriculture
need to take steps to expedite Border Patrol access to
protected lands along the border.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\U.S. Gov't Accountability Office, Southwest Border: More Timely
Border Patrol Access and Training Could Improve Security Operations and
Natural Resource Protection on Federal Lands, GAO-11-38, October 2010.
\5\Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On July 31, 2009, Ranking Member King joined other
Republican Members, including Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa and Committee on
Natural Resources Ranking Member Doc Hastings, in sending a
letter to Secretary Napolitano requesting information and
documentation related to the circumstances and agreements
between DHS and the Department of the Interior and the
Department of Agriculture. On October 2, 2009, Secretary
Napolitano responded to the letter and provided several
memoranda of understanding signed by the agencies highlighting
the challenging restrictions placed on the Border Patrol in
these protected areas.
In response to the continued restrictions preventing the
Border Patrol from gaining operational control of the border in
these protected areas, Ranking Member King joined the Committee
on Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests,
and Public Lands Ranking Member Rob Bishop in introducing H.R.
5016, a bill to prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior and
Agriculture from taking action on public lands which impede
border security on such lands.
States are now taking action on their own because of what
they see as the inaction, or ineffective actions, by the
Federal government. This is most visibly seen in the law passed
in the State of Arizona requiring law enforcement to assist the
Federal government in identifying those in this Nation
illegally. Rather than taking steps to address deficiencies in
border security, the Administration is suing the State of
Arizona.
The Border Patrol Fiscal Year 2011 congressional budget
justification states that at the end of Fiscal Year 2009, the
agency achieved ``effective control'' of approximately 936
miles of border. According to these same documents, in 2010 and
2011, the Border Patrol intends to maintain control of these
miles but not add any additional mileage under control.
Republican Members have repeatedly called for the Department of
Homeland Security and the Administration to show a sense of
urgency to gain control of the border.
On July 26, 2010, Ranking Member King sent a letter to the
Acting Comptroller General to request the Government
Accountability Office conduct a study of the performance
metrics used by Customs and Border Protection for measuring
operational control of the border.
In a joint letter sent by the Republican Ranking Members of
the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform, the Members noted that the
Department of Homeland Security has ``employed certain
temporary and narrowly tailored measures to improve border
security.'' For example, the current Administration has chosen
to deploy a limited supply of only 1,200 National Guardsmen for
less than one year. While this is a positive step, it is
insufficient in scope to address the large number of illegal
aliens and smugglers crossing the border. Instead, Republican
Members urged the Department to ``formulate and implement a
comprehensive solution to the border security concerns that
threaten our nation.''
Further evidence of the Department's lack of a coherent and
encompassing strategy is found in its administration of the
Secure Border Initiative network (SBInet) program. After more
than one billion dollars had been spent on the program, in
January 2010, Secretary Napolitano announced a ``DHS-wide''
evaluation of the SBInet program and moratorium on additional
spending. In February 2010, the President's budget proposed
decreasing SBInet funding to $574 million from the previous
year's funding of $800 million. In March 2010, Secretary
Napolitano reallocated $50 million of appropriated funding from
SBInet to other border security technology programs. Nearly a
year after the Secretary's announcement, however, the
evaluation has not been completed or shared with Congress nor
has a strategy been developed to deploy additional technology
along the border.
On July 16, 2010, Ranking Member King sent a letter to
Secretary Napolitano expressing concerns with the lack of a
border security strategy and with delays over selecting and
deploying the additional border surveillance technology
announced in March 2010. At present, the contract for the
additional technology has yet to be selected, further delaying
the deployment of critical technology to the border.
Stressing the necessity of improved border security, on
September 2, 2010, Ranking Member Gus Bilirakis of the
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight and
Ranking Member Candice Miller of the Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism sent a letter to
Secretary Napolitano requesting an update on the SBInet
evaluation announced in January 2010. As of mid-December 2010,
the Secretary had not provided a response to this letter, nor
any details of her plans to secure the border going forward.
During the 112th Congress, Republican Members intend to
focus on what additional policies and resources are required
for the Department of Homeland Security to gain operational
control of both the northern and southern borders.
Additionally, Members will look for specific benchmarks for
deploying personnel and technology, as well as achieving
additional miles of border under control. Republican Members
will develop and consider border security legislation and
conduct rigorous oversight.
IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
Republican Members of the Committee believe that robust
immigration enforcement is critical to border security efforts
and provides opportunities to detect and disrupt terrorist
plots before they succeed and result in the loss of American
lives.
High levels of illegal immigration, fueled partly by lax
interior enforcement, make it difficult for Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
to detect, identify, apprehend, and remove illegal crossers and
others unlawfully in the United States who are risks to
national security or threats to public safety.
There have been numerous instances, both before and after
the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in which
individuals have exploited weaknesses in our immigration system
to commit or attempt to carry out attacks against our nation.
Republican Members of the Committee are therefore concerned
that the Administration has failed to vigorously enforce the
Nation's immigration laws and has instead promoted amnesty and
weakened enforcement programs that could help deter illegal
immigration and improve the security of the American people.
Republican Committee Members are concerned that the
Department of Homeland Security has promoted wide-scale
amnesty, referred to as comprehensive immigration reform, that
would reward some or all of the estimated 10.8 million illegal
aliens in the United States; scaled back worksite enforcement
operations allowing illegal workers to escape punishment and
take needed jobs from lawful workers; weakened the 287(g)
immigration enforcement program and made it more difficult for
local law enforcement jurisdictions to participate; produced
internal documents discussing ways to provide large-scale
deferred action for those illegally in the United States;
dismissed removal cases before immigration courts under certain
circumstances; altered policies for the apprehension,
detention, and removal of criminal aliens so that many illegal
aliens identified by local law enforcement will not be
detained; and implemented policies that will make detention
much less restrictive for certain detainees. Republican Members
have sought to hold the Administration accountable for these
actions.
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global
Counterterrorism Ranking Member Candice S. Miller and
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight
Ranking Member Gus M. Bilirakis sent a letter to Department of
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on August 9, 2010
regarding an internal Citizenship and Immigration Services
memorandum that discussed administrative alternatives to
comprehensive immigration reform. Ranking Members Miller and
Bilirakis requested answers to a number of questions, including
whether any of the recommendations included in the memorandum
would preclude any security checks or background screenings to
which individuals would be subject absent such relief.
Secretary Napolitano responded on September 8, 2010 by saying
only that ``DHS will not grant deferred action or humanitarian
parole to the Nation's entire illegal immigrant population or
large classes of such population.''
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk Assessment Ranking Member Michael T. McCaul
wrote to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant
Secretary John Morton on September 9, 2010 regarding ICE's
commitment and ability to fully enforce immigration laws.
Ranking Member McCaul specifically asked what resources ICE
needed to apprehend, detain, and remove aliens who are a danger
to national security or risk to public safety, recent illegal
entrants, and aliens and fugitives who otherwise obstruct
immigration controls, which purportedly are ICE enforcement
priorities. Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response Ranking Member Mike Rogers and
Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight
Ranking Member Gus Bilirakis, and Committee Members Paul Broun
and Pete Olson also signed this letter.
MARITIME SECURITY
Republican Members were disappointed in the general lack of
action by the Administration on maritime and port security
issues. For example, the President's budget submission for
Fiscal Year 2010 included an increase of 715 full time
equivalent (FTE) personnel, predominantly for the Coast Guard's
Port, Waterways, and Coastal Security mission. The Commandant
of the Coast Guard, then Admiral Thad Allen, spoke of expanding
the size of the Coast Guard's active duty workforce by over
2,000 personnel. However, when the President's budget was
submitted for Fiscal Year 2011, it included a cut of 1,170 FTE
for the Coast Guard. Had the mobile offshore drilling unit
Deepwater Horizon not proven to be the single largest man-made
environmental disaster in America's history, the Coast Guard
would have permanently lost these personnel billets. As it was,
the Coast Guard had to temporarily reassign over 3,000
personnel and recall over 2,400 reservists to respond to the
Deepwater Horizon disaster. A cut of 1,170 additional FTE from
the Coast Guard's work force would have only exacerbated the
problem. Republican Members were generally pleased that the
Majority responded to Republican calls to hold a field hearing
in New Orleans, Louisiana on the oil spill, but were
disappointed that it did not examine the vulnerabilities of
offshore drilling units to acts of terrorism.
Additionally, the Republican Members were concerned about
the Coast Guard's continued oversight of its major systems
acquisition program, commonly referred to as Deepwater. While
the Coast Guard largely addressed the contracting and oversight
woes experienced in the 109th and 110th Congresses, it did slow
its acquisition of its National Security Cutter and has yet to
realize its full potential with these assets, particularly in
the areas of national security and intelligence. Further, the
Committee has not explored the Coast Guard's planned
acquisition of its newest fleet of patrol boats, the Fast
Response Cutter. These patrol boats serve as workhorses of the
patrol boat fleet and primarily conduct search and rescue and
law enforcement operations 50 nautical miles to 200 nautical
miles out from shore.
Republican Members were pleased that the President signed
the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 into law on October
15, 2010. This bipartisan legislation further refined the
missions of the Maritime Safety and Security Teams and included
language offered by Ranking Member King to ensure such teams
were capable of conducting opposed, at-sea boardings. It also
included a provision by Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight Ranking Member Gus Bilirakis to
improve the Coast Guard's biometrics-at-sea program, a
provision by Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response Ranking Member Mike Rogers to
improve the Coast Guard's K-9 capabilities, and a provision by
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure
Protection Ranking Member Charlie Dent to ensure only those
mariners who require unescorted access to secure facilities and
vessels be required to obtain transportation worker
identification credential (TWIC) cards. Republican Members also
supported a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act that
requires the Department to develop and implement a process for
workers to receive their TWIC cards via mail instead of having
to return to the enrollment center to pick up the completed
cards. The 28 port security-related provisions included in the
final law were the result of significant negotiations and were
demonstrative of what the Committee can accomplish when
Republican Members are included early in the legislative
process.
Republican Members are, however, disappointed no oversight
hearings or site visits were conducted in the 111th Congress to
review the implementation of TWIC card readers currently being
tested as part of the TWIC pilot program. The TWIC Pilot
Program began in April 2009, and despite numerous reports of
reader failure and other mismanagement, the Majority chose to
not examine the issue in depth. Doing so would have provided
valuable input to both Members of Congress and the Department
of Homeland Security as they move forward in overseeing and
administering this program.
Republican Members were also frustrated that the Committee
did not hold hearings on maritime cargo security during the
111th Congress. The hastily crafted Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-
53) (9/11 Act), which was enacted without any hearings or
markups by this Committee during the 110th Congress, included a
mandate that all maritime containers bound for the United
States be scanned at a foreign port by July 1, 2012. The
Department of Homeland Security has encountered numerous
logistical, diplomatic, and administrative hurdles as it has
studied means to implement 100% cargo scanning in the
approximately 700 foreign ports that ship goods to the United
States. It is disappointing that the Committee did not review
this issue further and strongly consider other layered security
mechanisms that could enhance maritime supply chain security.
During the 112th Congress, Republican Members plan to
continue their oversight of maritime security, with a
particular focus on global supply chain issues, the
implementation of requirements of the Security and
Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act (P.L. 109-347), and
Coast Guard security measures. Republican Members plan to
review the ongoing implications of the 100% cargo screening
mandate and will continue to advocate for a multi-layered,
risked based security system in order to counter threats to the
Homeland and ensure the smooth deployment of resources that
will keep America's ports, coasts, and waterways safe.
WMD TERRORISM
Ranking Member King, along with Transportation Security and
Subcommittee on Infrastructure Protection Ranking Member
Charlie Dent, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity,
and Science and Technology Ranking Member Dan Lungren, and
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism
Ranking Member Candice Miller, joined Rep. Bill Pascrell in
sponsoring H.R. 5498, the WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act
of 2010. This bill is a critical step to demonstrating
Congress' intent that efforts toward WMD preparedness must be
conducted in a coordinated and comprehensive fashion. The
Committee marked up the bill on June 23, 2010. Republicans were
pleased to support the inclusion of provisions authored by
Representative Steve Austria recognizing that input from the
National Domestic Preparedness Consortium and from first
providers should be integrated into the development of
responder guidance concerning weapons of mass destruction
attacks. Representative Austria also offered a provision that
designates medical readiness training and research, and
community resiliency for public health and healthcare critical
infrastructure, as new criteria to be included for the
Department's University-Based Centers of Excellence program.
The Committee ordered H.R. 5498 reported by a bipartisan vote
of 26 - 0. Unfortunately, the bill was not scheduled for
business in any of the other five committees to which it was
referred.
The Committee on Homeland Security, despite its swift
markup of this bipartisan bill, nearly missed a critical
opportunity to question the Commissioners of the Commission on
the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and
Terrorism, whose December 2008 report informed the writing of
the legislation. Beginning almost immediately, other committees
in both the House and Senate held hearings on the WMD
Commission's report. Yet the Committee on Homeland Security _
the very committee responsible for oversight of the Department
primarily charged with securing our nation from such threats _
did not invite the Commissioners for testimony until April 21,
2010. For more than a year, this sent the message that the
Committee was not fully interested in WMD terrorism.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE
The Republican Members of the Committee are pleased with
the bipartisan manner which the Homeland Security Science and
Technology Authorization Act of 2010 (H.R. 4842) was drafted,
considered by the Committee, and passed through the House. H.R.
4842 addresses management and administrative deficiencies
related to the Department's research and development activities
by establishing a more rigorous process within the Science and
Technology (S&T) Directorate for identifying, prioritizing, and
funding research opportunities for S&T customers. The bill more
closely aligns the Department's research and development
activities with identified homeland security risks.
The Republican Members of the Committee are pleased with
the inclusion of a number of Republican provisions in the bill
including: an amendment offered by Subcommittee on
Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk
Assessment Ranking Member McCaul encouraging the evaluation of
existing technologies at the Department of Defense that could
be leveraged to address homeland security capability gaps; a
provision offered by Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight Ranking Member Bilirakis that
would establish a test-bed to review technologies for use in
the maritime environment; an amendment by Representative Cao
that would bring cutting-edge expertise to the Department via
establishment of a science and technology fellowship program;
and a provision offered by Representative Olson calling for the
standardization of the tests used by the Department and other
agencies to detect biological threats.
NATIONAL BIOSURVEILLANCE INTEGRATION CENTER
The National Biosurveillance Integration Center (NBIC),
while operational, still does not have the support of other
Federal agencies that are deemed necessary for full operational
capacity. This very same issue was discussed in this
Committee's Activity Report at the end of the 110th Congress.
Unfortunately, although meetings have been held at the staff
level with the Department of Homeland Security regarding its
plans for rectifying the NBIC's problems, no hearings were
held. Formal testimony from representatives from the non-
signatory departments would have been especially valuable,
allowing an opportunity for Members to learn precisely why
these departments do not wish to share personnel with the NBIC.
As the Department of Homeland Security's primary House
authorizer, the Committee has continued to miss the opportunity
to help ensure that the Department has the resources required
to fulfill its Congressional mandates. The NBIC has continued
to underperform for two years, and the Department has still not
presented the Committee with a plan.
CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICER
Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and
Response Ranking Member Mike Rogers and Representative Mary Jo
Kilroy introduced H.R. 5105 on April 21, 2010 to ensure
continuity of leadership within the Department on veterinary
issues. The Department made an administrative decision to
eliminate the long-standing position of Chief Veterinary
Officer. As a result, H.R. 5105 requires DHS to maintain a
Chief Veterinary Officer, who is a veterinarian possessing a
demonstrated ability in and knowledge of veterinary public
health and emergency preparedness. The Republican Members of
the Committee were pleased that this bill was introduced and
marked-up in a bipartisan matter, but are concerned that the
House Committee on Agriculture did not advance the bill.
AVIATION SECURITY
In the 111th Congress, Republican Members continued their
commitment to the oversight of the Department's aviation
security programs. Nearly 10 years after the terrorist attacks
of 9/11, terrorists continue to mark the aviation sector as a
prime target. Republican Members support the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) as it seeks better and more
efficient technologies and methods to conduct passenger
screening at airport checkpoints, including the use of Advanced
Imaging Technology. A provision on Advanced Imaging Technology
(AIT) was included in the Counterterrorism Enhancement and
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2010 (H.R.
5590), directing TSA to ensure the timely procurement and
deployment of AIT on a risk-based basis. However, Republican
Members are concerned that, in the wake of the attempted
bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on December 25, 2009,
the Department may have rushed its investment in and
deployments of Advanced Imaging Technology before training and
performance of the units met screening expectations. Republican
Members believe AIT is promising, yet training and detection
must meet expectations to be worthy of significant investments.
Additionally, Republican Members are concerned that our
international partners are not making comparable investments in
screening technologies in foreign airports. Aviation is global
and interconnected, and similar commitments should be made
abroad to ensure greater global aviation security.
Republican Members are proud of the oversight they
conducted in the area of general aviation. Republican Members
were instrumental in modifying the Transportation Security
Administration's intended Large Aircraft Security Plan
governing general aviation security. In October 2008, TSA
released proposed regulations that took an ill-advised ``one
size fits all'' approach to general aviation. After significant
Congressional outreach and legislative initiatives on the part
of Republican Members of the Committee, including H.R. 3093
sponsored by Subcommittee on Transportation Security and
Infrastructure Protection Ranking Member Charlie Dent along
with Representatives Pete Olson and Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism Ranking Member Candice
Miller requiring a negotiated rulemaking on the Large Aircraft
Security Program, TSA began productive stakeholder outreach
that has resulted in the revision of its intended regulations.
The Department is expected to release revised regulations that
are more compatible to the general aviation environment before
the end of 2010.
Although the Committee intended to conduct a review of
airport perimeter and access control procedures and practices
according to its Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress, no
hearings were held on these issues. Republican Members consider
background checks and vetting of airport employees and access
controls to secure areas of airports to be important issues and
are overdue for review. As a result, at the request of Ranking
Member King, with the concurrence of Chairman Thompson, the
Committee completed a bipartisan review and issued a Republican
staff report following a breach of security protocols at an
access control point at Newark Liberty International airport.
Republican Members of the Committee intend to continue their
oversight of these issues in the 112th Congress.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
Throughout the 111th Congress, Republican Members gave
close oversight to the field of surface transportation security
by conducting outreach to the most at-risk transportation
agencies and areas of critical infrastructure. When the
Congress considered and passed the 9/11 Act, it signaled the
need for greater attention to rail and mass transit security by
calling for security assessments of public transit systems,
development of employee training, greater research and
development, and heightened public awareness. Nevertheless,
Republican Members were disappointed at the dearth of oversight
by the Majority paid to the vital concerns of surface
transportation during the 111th Congress. Only one hearing was
devoted solely to the topic of surface transportation security,
which came 19 months into the 111th Congress, and only after
the Transportation Security Administration announced its plans
to expand its surface transportation inspector workforce.
Moreover, Republican Members were equally disappointed at
the scarce attention paid to the adequacy of funding for rail
and mass transit. In Section 1403 of the 9/11 Act, Congress
found that ``federal investment in transit security has been
insufficient.'' In addition, TSA leadership has asserted that
mass transit security is a key priority. Furthermore, as
demonstrated by Najibullah Zazi's foiled plot to detonate
explosives in the New York City subway system, the risk against
urban mass transit is very real. Nevertheless, surface
transportation security funding consistently represents an
extremely minor percentage to the Transportation Security
Administration's total budget authority. Despite this
disparity, the Committee gave little oversight attention to
whether the division of TSA's finite resources is consistent
with current threat information of assessments of outstanding
vulnerabilities. Republican Members will continue their
vigorous oversight to ensure that homeland security funding is
devoted to risk-based allocations, and not subject to
reactionary or arbitrary spending.
CHEMICAL SECURITY
In the 111th Congress, Republican Members continued to push
for the permanent authorization of risk-based chemical facility
security regulations established by the Department following
the authorization in section 550 of the Homeland Security
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (P.L. 109-295).
Recognizing the considerable progress that the Department of
Homeland Security made, Republicans strongly disagreed with the
Majority's approach of requiring the Department to start from
square one with a new regulatory structure. Republican Members
continue to believe that the Department should have the
opportunity to fully implement the existing regulations before
major changes are made. To this end, Subcommittee on
Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Ranking
Member Charlie Dent introduced the Continuing Chemical
Facilities Antiterrorism Security Act of 2010 (H.R. 5186) to
extend the chemical security program another five years without
requiring the Department to re-write regulations that are
considered by most to be reasonable and appropriate.
Republicans also opposed attempts to mandate implementation
of so-called ``inherently safer technology'' (IST) that would
have a detrimental impact on small businesses, particularly
when sustained unemployment levels remain above 9.5%.
Republicans offered amendments that would have struck the
requirements that the Department determine what chemicals and
processes facilities should use, particularly given the
Department's lack of subject matter expertise in these areas.
Unfortunately, these amendments were not agreed to. Republicans
recognized that such mandates would force businesses to close,
move overseas, or lay off more workers. Thus, Republicans
offered amendments to require the Department to consider the
impact on the ability of the facility to remain in business or
result in a reduction of the workforce.
Republican Members were also concerned that legislation
offered by Democratic Members authorized litigation against the
Department that would require enforcement of the regulations.
The concerned Members recognized that such provisions could
encourage frivolous lawsuits that threaten to drain the
Department's scarce resources and could have resulted in the
release of sensitive security information. Unfortunately,
Democrats opposed efforts by Republicans to amend the bill and
remedy that security gap. Republicans also offered amendments
to strengthen the protection of chemical vulnerability
information from disclosure. Republican Members recognize that
the protection of vulnerability information, in all venues, is
critical to ensuring that terrorists do not gain an advantage
in planning an attack. Unfortunately, efforts to strengthen the
protection of information provisions were rebuffed by
Democratic Members.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
In the 111th Congress, the Republican Members of the
Committee continued their vigorous oversight of the Federal
Protective Service (FPS), the Federal agency tasked with
securing government facilities and their occupants. The
Committee reviewed a series of reports issued by the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) that identified numerous security
lapses, poor management, and inefficiencies, which raised
concerns about the ability of the FPS to carry out its mission.
Although the GAO provided specific recommendations for
improving FPS management and training for the Contract Guard
Program, the Majority instead focused their efforts on
providing a path toward federalizing contract guards, under the
flawed impression that federalization would be a panacea for
all the problems of the FPS. As was revealed in the two
oversight hearings that were held in the 111th Congress,
federalizing all or some of the contract guards would be
extremely costly, and would not necessarily provide additional
security benefits.
In response to these concerns, on April 15, 2010,
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure
Protection Ranking Member Charlie Dent introduced the Federal
Protective Service Reform and Enhancement Act of 2010 (H.R.
5053). H.R. 5053 addressed weaknesses identified by the
Government Accountability Office, and would standardize
training, improve oversight, and provide for a rigorous study
to determine whether federalizing FPS contract guards would
provide any efficiencies in cost or additional security
benefits. Ranking Member Dent's legislation provides a stark
contrast with legislation introduced by the Majority, which
seeks to federalize contract guards without adequate review or
consideration. Republican Members have serious objections to
legislation introduced by the Majority that would hastily
federalize the contract guard staff with little review or
examination over the additional costs, or whether any
improvements in security would be provided from a federalized
guard staff.
CYBERSECURITY
Republican Members remain concerned with the lack of
sufficient attention paid to the subject of cybersecurity,
which currently ranks as one of the greatest threats against
national and fiscal security. The Department identified
cybersecurity as one of its five priority missions in its
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR). In addition,
former and current officials from the Federal intelligence,
homeland security, and military communities regularly depict
the cyber threat as one of the Nation's greatest dangers.
On March 3, 2010, Republican Members raised the urgency of
this issue in a letter requesting a full committee hearing to
investigate the Department's cybersecurity capabilities and its
private sector partnerships. On June 16, 2010, more than three
months later, the Committee held its first and only hearing
dedicated to the issue of cybersecurity this Congress. However,
the Majority did not follow that hearing with any comprehensive
or meaningful legislation to fortify the Nation's cyber
defenses or provide the proper incentives to optimize cyber
protections by private sector stakeholders, who own or operate
the vast majority of national critical infrastructure. As a
result, Ranking Member King joined Subcommittee on
Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk
Assessment Chair Jane Harman in introducing the Protecting
Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010 (H.R. 5548). This
bill would codify the role of the Department of Homeland
Security as the lead agency to coordinate the protection of
Federal systems against cyber attacks and to coordinate with
the private sector on the protection of critical infrastructure
information. The bill would also empower DHS with the
enforcement authority necessary to carry out its mission.
Unfortunately, none of the committees to which the bill was
referred, including the Committee on Homeland Security, took
action on this important legislation in the 111th Congress.
In the 112th Congress, Republican Members will continue to
conduct oversight into our Nation's preparedness against cyber
attacks and will advocate cooperating with the Department to
undertake a comprehensive approach to fortifying its abilities.
NATIONAL EXERCISE PROGRAM
Republican Members of the Committee on Homeland Security
are disappointed with efforts made to oversee certain aspects
of the Department's actions to strengthen the Nation's ability
to prepare for and respond to acts of terrorism. For example,
the Committee's Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress proposed
to review the Department's National Exercise Program, and to
evaluate the extent to which this program enhances
preparedness. While the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a Member
briefing on May 5, 2010 on this topic, the Committee did not
hold any hearings or consider legislation directly addressing
this critical program.
Section 907 of the Counterterrorism Enhancement and
Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2010 (H.R.
5590), introduced by Ranking Member King and Republican Members
of the Committee, would require the DHS Inspector General to
conduct an audit of expenses associated with the 2010 National
Level Exercise, including costs of planning for the initial
exercise scenario, and a review of whether FEMA is
incorporating lessons learned from national exercises into
training, planning, and other operations, and to submit a
report to Congress on its findings. As noted above, the
Majority did not call up H.R. 5590 for consideration during the
111th Congress.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
The Committee's Oversight Plan also stated that the
Committee would oversee the implementation of the National
Preparedness Goal and System to measure improvements in the
Nation's terrorism preparedness and response capabilities.
While the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications,
Preparedness, and Response did hold hearings and Member
briefings on preparedness and response, it did not directly
examine the impact of the White House's temporary hold on
efforts to update the National Planning Scenarios and other
preparedness activities until Homeland Security Presidential
Directive 8 (HSPD-8) could be reviewed and updated. The
Department's Inspector General stated at a Committee hearing on
September 22, 2010, that the further development and completion
of these ``extremely urgent'' plans was still pending more than
13 months after the White House's hold was implemented. The
Committee did not conduct a single hearing or Member briefing
to examine these delays and the impact they have had on
terrorism preparedness and response capabilities.
On September 30, 2010, Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response Ranking Member Mike
Rogers and Representative Anh ``Joseph'' Cao sent a letter to
Deputy National Security Advisor John Brennan seeking
information with regard to the timeline for completion of the
HSPD-8 review and continued progress on terrorism preparedness
and response planning. However, Mr. Brennan's response to this
request did not provide sufficient information on a timeline
for moving forward.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AND INTEROPERABILITY
During the 111th Congress, the Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response held only one
hearing and one Member briefing on emergency communications.
Republican Members are disappointed that the Committee did not
conduct more oversight in this critical area. For example, no
hearings held were directly related to the Emergency
Communications Preparedness Center (ECPC), the role of the
Office of Emergency Communications (OEC), the Office of
Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC), or interagency
coordination on communications.
On April 20, 2009, Ranking Member King introduced H.R.
5081, the Broadband for First Responders Act of 2010. This
legislation would reallocate 10 MHz of spectrum, known as the D
Block, to public safety. Within eight months, the bill garnered
78 cosponsors, and two related Senate bills had been introduced
by Senators Lieberman and Rockefeller, respectively.
Unfortunately, despite wide-ranging support from the first
responder community, H.R. 5081 was not considered during the
111th Congress.
FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING
On November 2, 2009, Subcommittee on Emergency
Communications, Preparedness, and Response Ranking Member Mike
Rogers introduced the First Responder Anti-Terrorism Training
Resources Act (H.R. 3978), to enhance first responder training
at DHS' Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston,
Alabama. Specifically, this bill authorizes the Secretary of
Homeland Security to accept donated goods and services to
bolster CDP training activities. Unlike other training centers,
the CDP had been lacking this authority and has been forced to
turn down donations despite its need and the potential costs
savings associated with accepting donations. The Republican
Members of the Committee are pleased this bill moved through
the legislative process in a bipartisan manner and was signed
into law by the President on September 30, 2010, becoming
Public Law 111-245.
METROPOLITAN MEDICAL RESPONSE SYSTEM PROGRAM
On January 21, 2010, Subcommittee on Management,
Investigations, and Oversight Ranking Member Gus Bilirakis
introduced the Metropolitan Medical Response System Program Act
(H.R. 4492), which would authorize the Metropolitan Medical
Response System Program (MMRS). Specifically, this bill amends
Title V of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the
Secretary to conduct this program to assist state, local, and
tribal governments in preparation for, and response to, public
health and mass casualty incidents resulting from natural
disasters, terrorism, and other emergencies. Administered by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, MMRS has an
established, effective track record and broad support in the
medical response community and in Congress. Its authorization,
however, has expired, and this bill would have ensured
Congressional support going forward. Unfortunately, the
Committee did not consider H.R. 4492 during the 111th Congress.
CANINE EXPLOSIVES DETECTION
The Republican Members of the Committee remain actively
engaged on the issue of increasing the use of detection canines
for anti-terrorism and homeland security purposes. Subcommittee
on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response Ranking
Member Mike Rogers has conducted significant oversight to
determine how best to use canines to mitigate the explosives
threat. Ranking Member Rogers has raised the issue with the
Secretary of Homeland Security and with many Transportation and
Security Administration officials, and has conducted site
visits to canine training centers to determine the canine needs
of Federal, state, and local law enforcement. As transportation
security continues to be a major security focus, Republican
Members intend to continue their oversight on the use of highly
trained and certified canines to mitigate this threat.
TRANSIT SECURITY AND PORT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAMS
During the 111th Congress, Ranking Member King expressed
serious concern over cuts to New York City's grant funding
under the FY 2010 Transit Security Grant Program and Port
Security Grant Program and the Department's ability to manage
and administer these critical grants nationwide in a timely and
effective manner. On May 21, 2010, Ranking Member King sent a
letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security requesting a full
accounting of funds awarded under the Transit Security Grant
Program and other grant programs, including funds that had not
yet been released. The letter also requested an update from the
Department on its progress in implementing recommendations made
by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in a 2009 report,
requested by Chairman Thompson, entitled ``Transit Security
Grant Program: DHS Allocates Grants Based on Risk, but Its Risk
Methodology, Management Controls, and Grant Oversight Can Be
Strengthened'' (GAO-09-491).
The GAO's 2009 report showed that persistent delays by DHS
in approving projects and making funds available have resulted
in delays in expending grant funds nationwide. As of February
2009, transit agencies had spent about $21 million of the $755
million that had been awarded for fiscal years 2006 through
2008. The GAO reported that ``this spending rate is, in part,
caused by agencies receiving authorization to spend grant
dollars late in the grant period.'' Ranking Member King sent a
letter to the GAO requesting an update on its 2009 report, and
sent a letter to Chairman Thompson requesting a hearing to
examine the ongoing delays in DHS' release of grant funds
nationwide. The Committee did not convene a hearing to examine
this topic.
QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW
Section 2401 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/
11 Commission Act (P.L. 110-53) directed the Secretary of
Homeland Security to carry out a comprehensive review of the
Nation's homeland security strategy beginning in Fiscal Year
2009, and every four years thereafter. Modeled after the
Quadrennial Defense Review, the result of this review was
intended to be a long-range strategic plan, referred to as the
Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR). Section 2401
required the Department to submit the first QHSR to Congress on
or before December 31, 2009.
Republican Members of the Committee are disappointed that
despite repeated bipartisan inquiries into whether the
Department had sufficient time and resources to complete the
review and assurances from the Department that it would be
completed on time, the QHSR was submitted over a month late and
fell short of the statutory requirements in section 2401. While
the QHSR met some of the requirements in section 2401, there
are many it did not. Principal among them is the fact that this
strategic document failed to provide much of a strategy. The
QHSR set forth the mission areas, goals, objectives, and
strategic outcomes for homeland security, but provided little
detail on how the Federal government, and its state, local, and
private sector partners will work to achieve those goals. Also
troubling were many priorities in the QHSR that are in direct
conflict with the President's Fiscal Year 2011 budget request
for the Department of Homeland Security, an issue raised by
Republican Members in hearings.
Unfortunately, the Bottom Up Review, highlighted by the
Department as a follow-on to the QHSR and a process to meet the
statutory requirements of section 2401, also failed to shed
much light on the Department's strategy for securing the
homeland. Republican Members of the Committee will continue to
work with the Department in the years to come to enhance future
versions of the QHSR and ensure its compliance with statutory
requirements.
CONCLUSION
The Republican Members of the Committee on Homeland
Security are proud of their record of oversight in the 111th
Congress. They look forward to enhancing this oversight
throughout the 112th Congress to ensure that the Department of
Homeland Security has the tools and authorities it needs to
appropriately secure the Nation from terrorist attack.
Peter T. King
Ranking Member
Daniel E. Lungren
Ranking Member, Subcommittee
on Emerging Threats,
Cybersecurity, and
Science, and Technology.
Mike Rogers
Ranking Member, Subcommittee
on Emergency
Communications,
Preparedness, and
Response.
Michael T. McCaul
Ranking Member, Subcommittee
on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and
Terrorism Risk
Assessment.
Charles W. Dent
Ranking Member, Subcommittee
on Transportation
Security and
Infrastructure
Protection.
Gus M. Bilirakis
Ranking Member, Subcommitte
on Management,
Investigations, and
Oversight.
Candice S. Miller
Ranking Member, Subcommittee
on Border, Maritime, and
Global Counterterrorism.
Pete Olson
Member of Congress.
Anh ``Joseph'' Cao
Member of Congress.
Additional Views of Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman
As Chairman, I take great pride in the oversight and
legislative work of the Committee in the 111th Congress. More
often than not, we found ways to work across the aisle in best
interests of the Nation. Together, we were able to get more
bipartisan bills enacted into law than at any other point in
our Committee's history, we continued our record of conducting
comprehensive oversight over all the Department of Homeland
Security's programs and policies, and we worked to make the
case for consolidated jurisdiction. Given this record of
bipartisan accomplishment, I was disappointed that the
``Additional Views of the Republican Members of the Committee
on Homeland Security'' (herein ``Minority Views'') includes a
number of troubling claims that are patently belied by the
record.
Specifically, at the beginning of the document, the
Minority Views includes harsh criticism of the Committee's
official Oversight Plan. That plan, which was adopted by the
Full Committee on February 4, 2010, was the product of
bipartisan discussions and was approved by unanimous consent.
Given that not a single member of the Committee voted against
this broad blueprint for bipartisan oversight would be
conducted in the 111th Congress, this criticism comes as a
surprise and is somewhat disappointing.
The Minority Views also asserts that, after unanimously
approving the Oversight Plan, the Committee failed to consider
many of the areas covered in the plan. This assertion is simply
not supported by the record (See Committee on Homeland Security
Oversight Plan for the 111th Congress, Part B--Implementation
of the Oversight Plan, pps. 203 through 246). The issues that
the Committee investigated, on bipartisan basis, is extensive--
including counterterrorism, the security of critical
infrastructure, emergency management, border security,
consolidation of Departmental headquarters, and emerging
threats.
Further, the Committee's bipartisan approach to oversight
is also reflected in the number Government Accountability
Office (GAO) engagements that I submitted together with the
Ranking Member, Mr. King of New York. In a bipartisan manner,
the Committee engaged Congress' investigative arm--the GAO--to
investigate a range of areas including the Secure Border
Initiative (SBI) program, general aviation security, and
Customs and Border Protection policies Air and Marine
Operations.
Secondly, the Minority Views claims that, under my
leadership, Committee field hearings were approved in arbitrary
and partisan manner. Again, the record belies this claim. The
Committee held the following four field hearings: (1) ``Status
Report on Federal and Local Efforts to Secure Radiological
Sources,'' a field hearing in Brooklyn, New York (September 4,
2009); (2) ``Is the Medical Community Ready if Disaster or
Terrorism Strikes: Closing the Gap in Medical Surge Capacity,''
a field hearing in Danville, Pennsylvania (January 25, 2010);
(3) ``Unclogging Pipeline Security: Are the Lines of
Responsibility Clear?,'' a field hearing in Plant City, Florida
(April 19, 2010); and (4) ``The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Chain of Command: An Examination of Information Sharing
Practices During a Spill of National Significance,'' a field
hearing in New Orleans, Louisiana (July 12, 2010).
As a general matter, I approved proposals for field
hearings when the oversight record on that particular issue
warranted fact-finding from the field. I am proud of the
subject matter and geographic diversity of the field hearings
held in the 111th Congress. In fact, I take pride in noting
that two of the hearings were held at the request of Democratic
Members of the Committee (Rep. Clarke (with Ranking Member
Peter King) (No. 1) and (Rep. Carney, No. 2)) and two were held
at the request of Republican Members of the Committee (Rep.
Bilirakis (No. 3) and Rep. Cao (No. 4)). I have trouble
reconciling the complaint of partisanship when two of the four
hearings were held at the request of Republican Members. I
suspect that even the casual observer would be hard-pressed to
call our record anything other than bipartisan and thoughtful.
Finally, I was troubled that the Minority Views asserts
that efforts at consolidating jurisdiction over the Department
of Homeland Security within this Committee were exclusively
undertaken by Minority Members. Again, the record belies this
claim. At the beginning of the Congress, in the House Rules
package, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, at my urging, included new
language to clarify this Committee's role as primary oversight
committee for the Department of Homeland Security in the House
Rules package for the 111th Congress. Specifically, for the
first time House Rule X(3)(g) included the following ``the
committee [on Homeland Security] shall review and study on a
primary and continuing basis all Government activities,
programs and organizations related to homeland security that
fall within its primary legislative jurisdiction.'' Though this
change did not alter Rule X(1) legislative jurisdiction it did
signal the Speaker's view that this Committee is the lead
congressional committee for homeland security matters. It my
great hope that in the 112th Congress, the new leadership for
this Committee will be able to maintain and build upon the
foundation that I have established.
On February 3, 2010, just weeks after the House commenced
the 111th Congress, I wrote to Speaker Pelosi to reiterate my
concerns about the allocation of committee jurisdiction over
the Department of Homeland Security and homeland security
policy in the House of Representatives. Then, throughout the
Congress, even as I repeatedly raised this issue with the
Speaker, I created a record for the need for consolidation by
taking testimony from prominent homeland security experts that
support the view that it is in the best interest of the
Department of Homeland Security, the homeland security
enterprise, and the nation for jurisdiction to be consolidated.
(See Testimony from Hon. Thomas Kean, Former Commission
Chairman and Hon. Lee Hamilton, the Former Chairman and Vice
Chairman of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon
the United States at Full Committee hearing entitled
``Viewpoints on Homeland Security: A Discussion with the 9/11
Commissioners'' (May 19, 2010) and testimony from Hon. Bob
Graham and Hon. Jim Talent, Former Commission Chair and Vice
Chairman of the Commission for the Prevention of Weapons of
Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism at Full Committee
hearing entitled ``Viewpoints on Homeland Security: A
Discussion with the WMD Commissioners'' (April 21, 2010)).
Even as I repeatedly argued for consolidated jurisdiction,
(most recently in a June 11, 2010 letter to the Speaker), I
worked to expand this Committee's jurisdiction by successfully
ushering for the first time comprehensive chemical security
legislation (H.R. 2868) to the House floor and introducing
legislation in homeland security areas that, for the first
time, were referred to the Committee on Homeland Security to:
protect cybersecurity (H.R. 6423); prevent, deter, respond and
recover from a weapon of mass destruction attack (H.R. 5498);
and reform the Federal Protective Service (H.R. 6122). At the
same time, in the 111th Congress, I moved major free-standing
Department of Homeland Security authorization legislation in
the hopes that the path for consideration in the Senate--with
its fractured jurisdiction--would be clearer. As the Minority
Members likely recall, I succeeded in ushering a comprehensive
Department of Homeland Security authorization bill through
jurisdictional roadblocks in the House in the 110th Congress
(H.R. 1684) only to see it die in the Senate.
With the 111th Congress coming to a close, I take great
pride in the contributions of each and every member of this
Committee to partner with me to foster a more secure and
resilient homeland.
Bennie G. Thompson
Chairman.