[House Report 117-322]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


117th Congress     }                                 {      Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session        }                                 {      117-322

======================================================================



 
                     BOMBING PREVENTION ACT OF 2022

                                _______
                                

  May 13, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, from the Committee on Homeland Security, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 6873]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Homeland Security, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 6873) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 
to establish the Office for Bombing Prevention to address 
terrorist explosive threats, and for other purposes, having 
considered the same, reports favorably thereon with an 
amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Purpose and Summary..............................................     5
Background and Need for Legislation..............................     6
Hearings.........................................................     6
Committee Consideration..........................................     7
Committee Votes..................................................     7
Committee Oversight Findings.....................................     8
C.B.O. Estimate, New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and 
  Tax Expenditures...............................................     8
Federal Mandates Statement.......................................     9
Duplicative Federal Programs.....................................     9
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............     9
Congressional Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff 
  Benefits.......................................................    10
Advisory Committee Statement.....................................    10
Applicability to Legislative Branch..............................    10
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation...................    10
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............    12

    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``Bombing Prevention Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. OFFICE FOR BOMBING PREVENTION.

  (a) In General.--Title XXII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
U.S.C. 651 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subtitle:

                    ``Subtitle D--Bombing Prevention

``SEC. 2241. OFFICE FOR BOMBING PREVENTION.

  ``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Department an 
Office for Bombing Prevention (in this section referred to as the 
`Office').
  ``(b) Activities.--The Office shall have the primary responsibility 
within the Department for enhancing the ability and coordinating the 
efforts of the United States to deter, detect, prevent, protect 
against, mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive threats and 
attacks in the United States, including by carrying out the following:
          ``(1) Advising the Secretary on matters related to terrorist 
        explosive threats and attacks in the United States.
          ``(2) Coordinating the efforts of the Department to counter 
        terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United States, 
        including by carrying out the following:
                  ``(A) Developing, in coordination with the Under 
                Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, the 
                Department's strategy against terrorist explosives 
                threats and attacks, including efforts to support the 
                security and preparedness of critical infrastructure 
                and the public sector and private sector.
                  ``(B) Leading the prioritization of the Department's 
                efforts against terrorist explosive threats and 
                attacks, including preparedness and operational 
                requirements.
                  ``(C) Ensuring, in coordination with the Under 
                Secretary for Science and Technology and the 
                Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
                Agency, the identification, evaluation, and 
                availability of effective technology applications 
                through field pilot testing and acquisition of such 
                technology applications by the public sector to deter, 
                detect, prevent, protect against, mitigate, and respond 
                to terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
                United States.
                  ``(D) Providing advice and recommendations to the 
                Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
                Agency regarding the effective use of grants authorized 
                under section 2002.
                  ``(E) In coordination with the Assistant Secretary 
                for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, aligning 
                Department efforts related to terrorist explosive 
                threats and attacks in the United States and weapons of 
                mass destruction.
          ``(3) Engaging other Federal departments and agencies, 
        including Sector Risk Management Agencies, regarding terrorist 
        explosive threats and attacks in the United States.
          ``(4) Facilitating information sharing and decision support 
        of the public and private sector involved in deterrence, 
        detection, prevention, protection against, mitigation of, and 
        response to terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
        United States. Such sharing and support may include the 
        following:
                  ``(A) Operating and maintaining a secure information 
                sharing system that allows the sharing of critical 
                information and data relating to terrorist explosive 
                attack tactics, techniques, procedures, and security 
                capabilities, including information and data described 
                in paragraph (6) and section 2242.
                  ``(B) Working with international partners, in 
                coordination with the Office for International Affairs 
                of the Department, to develop and share effective 
                practices to deter, prevent, detect, protect against, 
                mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive threats 
                and attacks in the United States.
          ``(5) Promoting security awareness among the public and 
        private sector and the general public regarding the risks posed 
        by the misuse of explosive precursor chemicals and other bomb-
        making materials.
          ``(6) Providing training, guidance, assessments, and planning 
        assistance to the public and private sector, as appropriate, to 
        help counter the risk of terrorist explosive threats and 
        attacks in the United States.
          ``(7) Conducting analysis and planning for the capabilities 
        and requirements necessary for the public and private sector, 
        as appropriate, to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, 
        mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive threats and 
        attacks in the United States by carrying out the following:
                  ``(A) Maintaining a database on capabilities and 
                requirements, including capabilities and requirements 
                of public safety bomb squads, explosive detection 
                canine teams, special tactics teams, public safety dive 
                teams, and recipients of services described in section 
                2242.
                  ``(B) Applying the analysis derived from the database 
                described in subparagraph (A) with respect to the 
                following:
                          ``(i) Evaluating progress toward closing 
                        identified gaps relating to national strategic 
                        goals and standards related to deterring, 
                        detecting, preventing, protecting against, 
                        mitigating, and responding to terrorist 
                        explosive threats and attacks in the United 
                        States.
                          ``(ii) Informing decisions relating to 
                        homeland security policy, assistance, training, 
                        research, development efforts, testing and 
                        evaluation, and related requirements regarding 
                        deterring, detecting, preventing, protecting 
                        against, mitigating, and responding to 
                        terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
                        United States.
          ``(8) Promoting secure information sharing of sensitive 
        material and promoting security awareness, including by 
        carrying out the following:
                  ``(A) Operating and maintaining a secure information 
                sharing system that allows the sharing among and 
                between the public and private sector of critical 
                information relating to explosive attack tactics, 
                techniques, and procedures.
                  ``(B) Educating the public and private sectors about 
                explosive precursor chemicals.
                  ``(C) Working with international partners, in 
                coordination with the Office for International Affairs 
                of the Department, to develop and share effective 
                practices to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, 
                mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive threats 
                and attacks in the United States.
                  ``(D) Executing national public awareness and 
                vigilance campaigns relating to terrorist explosive 
                threats and attacks in the United States, preventing 
                explosive attacks, and activities and measures underway 
                to safeguard the United States.
                  ``(E) Working with relevant stakeholder 
                organizations.
          ``(9) Providing any other assistance the Secretary determines 
        necessary.

``SEC. 2242. COUNTERING EXPLOSIVE DEVICES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

  ``(a) Establishment.--Upon request, the Secretary shall, to the 
extent practicable, provide to the public and private sector technical 
assistance services to support the security and preparedness of such 
sectors, as appropriate, to counter terrorist explosive threats and 
attacks that pose a risk in certain jurisdictions, including vulnerable 
and disadvantaged communities, to critical infrastructure facilities, 
or to special events, as appropriate.
  ``(b) Elements.--Technical assistance services provided pursuant to 
subsection (a) shall--
          ``(1) support the planning and implementation of effective 
        measures to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, mitigate, 
        and respond to terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
        United States, including effective strategic risk management 
        and emergency operations plans;
          ``(2) support the security of explosive precursor chemicals 
        and other bomb-making materials outside of regulatory control;
          ``(3) support efforts to prepare for and respond to bomb 
        threats or other acts involving the malicious conveyance of 
        false information concerning terrorist explosive threats and 
        attacks in the United States;
          ``(4) make available resources to enhance deterrence, 
        prevention, detection, protection, mitigation, and response 
        capabilities for terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
        United States, including coordination and communication, to 
        better integrate State, local, Tribal, and territorial and 
        private sector capabilities and assets, as appropriate, with 
        Federal operations;
          ``(5) make available augmenting resources, as appropriate, to 
        enable State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to 
        sustain and refresh their capabilities;
          ``(6) track performance in meeting the goals and associated 
        plans of the provision of such technical assistance; and
          ``(7) include any other assistance the Secretary determines 
        necessary.

``SEC. 2243. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER DEPARTMENT COMPONENTS AND FEDERAL 
                    AGENCIES.

  ``(a) In General.--The authority of the Secretary under this subtitle 
shall not affect or diminish the authority or the responsibility of any 
officer of any other Federal agency with respect to the command, 
control, or direction of the functions, personnel, funds, assets, or 
liabilities of any other such Federal agency.
  ``(b) Department Components.--Nothing in this subtitle or any other 
provision of law may be construed to affect or reduce the 
responsibilities of--
          ``(1) the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office or 
        the Assistant Secretary of the Office, including with respect 
        to any asset, function, or mission of the Office or the 
        Assistant Secretary, as the case may be;
          ``(2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the 
        Administrator of the Agency, including the diversion of any 
        asset, function, or mission of the Agency or the Administrator 
        as the case may be; or
          ``(3) the Transportation Security Administration or the 
        Administrator of the Administration, including the diversion of 
        any asset, function, or mission of the Administration or the 
        Administrator, as the case may be.''.
  (b) Strategy and Reports.--
          (1) Strategy.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act, the head of the Office for Bombing 
        Prevention of the Department of Homeland Security (established 
        pursuant to section 2241 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, 
        as added by subsection (a)), in consultation with the heads of 
        other components of the Department and the heads of other 
        Federal agencies, as appropriate, shall develop a strategy to 
        align the Office's activities with the threat environment and 
        stakeholder needs, and make the public and private sector aware 
        of the Office's capabilities. Such strategy shall include the 
        following elements:
                  (A) Information on terrorist explosive threats, 
                tactics, and attacks in the United States.
                  (B) Information, by region of the United States, 
                regarding public and private sector entities likely to 
                be targeted by terrorist explosive threats and attacks 
                in the United States, including historically black 
                colleges and universities and minority serving 
                institutions, places of worship, health care 
                facilities, transportation systems, commercial 
                facilities, and government facilities.
                  (C) Guidance on how outreach to owners and operators 
                of critical infrastructure (as such term is defined in 
                section 1016(e) of Public Law 107-56 (42 U.S.C. 
                5195c(e))) in a region should be prioritized.
                  (D) A catalogue of the services and training 
                currently offered by the Office, and a description of 
                how such services and trainings assist the public and 
                private sector to deter, detect, prevent, protect 
                against, mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive 
                threats and attacks in the United States.
                  (E) Long-term objectives of the Office, including 
                future service and training offerings.
                  (F) Metrics for measuring the effectiveness of 
                services and trainings offered by the Office.
                  (G) An assessment of resource requirements necessary 
                to implement such strategy.
                  (H) A description of how the Office partners with 
                other components of the Department and other Federal 
                agencies to carry out its mission.
          (2) Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of 
        Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on Homeland 
        Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
        Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a 
        report describing the activities of the Office for Bombing 
        Prevention of the Department of Homeland Security (established 
        pursuant to section 2241 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, 
        as added by subsection (a)). Each such report shall include 
        information on the following:
                  (A) Changes to terrorist explosive threats, tactics, 
                and attacks in the United States.
                  (B) Changes to the types of public and private sector 
                entities likely to be targeted by terrorist explosive 
                threats and attacks in the United States.
                  (C) The number of trainings, assessments, and other 
                engagements carried out by the Office within each 
                region of the United States, including a description of 
                the critical infrastructure sector or stakeholder 
                served.
                  (D) The number of trainings, assessments, or other 
                engagements the Office was asked to conduct but did 
                not, and an explanation relating thereto.
                  (E) The effectiveness of the trainings, assessments, 
                or other engagements provided by the Office based on 
                the metrics described in paragraph (1)(F).
                  (F) Any changes or anticipated changes in the 
                trainings, assessments, and other engagements, or any 
                other services, offered by the Office, and an 
                explanation relating thereto.
  (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the 
Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 2238 the following new items:

                    ``Subtitle D--Bombing Prevention

``Sec. 2241. Office for Bombing Prevention.
``Sec. 2242. Countering explosive devices technical assistance.
``Sec. 2243. Relationship to other Department components and Federal 
agencies.''.

SEC. 3. EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.

  (a) In General.--Title III of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
U.S.C. 181 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new 
section:

``SEC. 323. EXPLOSIVES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

  ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary 
for Science and Technology, and in coordination with the head of the 
Office for Bombing Prevention and the Assistant Secretary for the 
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, and in consultation with 
the Attorney General, the Secretary of Defense, and the head of any 
other relevant Federal department or agency, including Sector Risk 
Management Agencies, shall ensure coordination and information sharing 
regarding nonmilitary research, development, testing, and evaluation 
activities of the Federal Government relating to the deterrence, 
detection, prevention, protection against, mitigation of, and response 
to terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United States.
  ``(b) Leveraging Military Research.--The Secretary, acting through 
the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and in coordination 
with the head of the Office for Bombing Prevention and the Assistant 
Secretary for the Countering of Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, 
shall consult with the Secretary of Defense and the head of any other 
relevant Federal department or agency, including Sector Risk Management 
Agencies, to ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, military 
policies and procedures, and research, development, testing, and 
evaluation activities relating to the deterrence, detection, 
prevention, protection against, mitigation of, and response to 
terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United States are 
adapted to nonmilitary uses.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the 
Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 322 the following new item:

``Sec. 323. Explosives research and development.''.

                          Purpose and Summary

    H.R. 6873, the ``Bombing Prevention Act of 2022,'' seeks to 
authorize the Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) as the lead 
entity within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to 
deter, detect, prevent, protect against, mitigate, and respond 
to terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United 
States. Specifically, the bill directs OBP to develop a 
strategy for securing critical infrastructure against terrorist 
explosive threats and attacks. Additionally, the bill tasks OBP 
to review and evaluate effective technologies to defend against 
terrorist explosive threats and attacks through field-pilot 
testing and acquisitions. It also requires OBP to promote 
security awareness of risks posed by the misuse of explosive 
precursor chemicals and other bomb-making materials and to 
promote secure information sharing of relevant sensitive 
material. Finally, the bill requires OBP to maintain a database 
of capabilities and requirements necessary for public and 
private sectors to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, 
mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive threats and 
attacks and to track progress in closing capability gaps.
    To ensure that OBP effectively executes its authorities, 
the bill directs OBP to develop a strategy to align its 
activities with the threat environment and stakeholder needs. 
The strategy must include information on terrorist explosive 
threats and attacks, information by region on public and 
private sectors likely to be targeted, such as Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving 
institutions, places of worship, health care facilities, 
transportation systems, and commercial and government 
facilities. The strategy must also include information on how 
OBP will prioritize engagement with owners and operators of 
critical infrastructure facilities, among other things.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    A surge in bomb threats against Black and religious 
institutions beginning in early 2022 revealed the need for 
enhanced Federal support to public- and private-sector entities 
as they work to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, 
mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive threats and 
attacks.
    On January 4, 2022, targeted bomb threats directed toward 
at least nine HBCUs resulted in panic and disruption. Between 
January 4 and February 16, 2022, the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation (FBI) reported more than 50 bomb threats that 
disproportionately targeted HBCUs and Black churches, mosques, 
and synagogues.\1\ These racially and ethnically targeted bomb 
threats continued through March, disrupting the education of 
thousands of HBCU students and interfering with the ability of 
Americans to worship safely.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\Rebecca Beitsch, ``FBI: 57 HBCUs, Other Institutions Targeted by 
Bomb Threats This Year,'' The Hill, (Feb. 23, 2022), available at 
https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/595500-fbi-57-hbcus-
houses-of-worship-institutions-targeted-by-bomb-threats/.
    \2\Lauren Lumpkin, ``HBCUs Are Still Receiving Bomb Threats, 
Frustrating Lawmakers and Campus Leaders,'' The Washington Post, (Mar. 
17, 2022), available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/
03/17/hbcu-threats-house-hearing/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In response to bombing threats to HBCUs, OBP, together with 
its partners at the Department of Education, led a briefing 
with 150 leaders on training opportunities. Additionally, it 
engaged with educational stakeholders about accessing OBP's 
counter-improvised explosive device (IED) capability 
development programs and information, training, and tools 
necessary to mitigate potential risks. OBP's offerings include 
in-person counter-improvised explosive device courses and 
technical support for bomb management plans. Furthermore, OBP 
provides tailored training to Federal, State, local, Tribal, 
and Territorial (SLTT) stakeholders--which include first 
responders and State and local emergency services--as well as 
private sector stakeholders to build core capabilities and 
increase awareness of violent threats.
     Authorizing OBP will bolster the Department's efforts to 
enhancing the Nation's ability to prevent, protect against, 
respond to, and mitigate the use of explosives, including 
threats to the private sector, Federal and SLTT entities, and 
critical infrastructure, including educational institutions. It 
will also allow OBP to strategically surge resources to 
targeted institutions, make them more resilient, and limit the 
disruption caused by these threats.

                                Hearings

    For the purposes of clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII of the 
Rules of the House of Representatives, the following hearings 
were used to develop H.R. 6873:
           On February 2, 2022, the Committee on 
        Homeland Security held a hearing entitled ``The Dynamic 
        Terrorism Landscape and What It Means for America.'' 
        The Committee received testimony from the Honorable 
        Nicholas J. Rasmussen, Executive Director, Global 
        Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism; Mr. Jonathan 
        Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer, Anti-Defamation 
        League; Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Ph.D., Professor, 
        American University; Mr. Bill Roggio, Senior Fellow, 
        Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
    Subsequent to the Committee's consideration of H.R. 6873, 
the Committee also held the following relevant hearing:
           On March 17, 2022, the Committee on Homeland 
        Security held a hearing entitled ``The Targeting of 
        Black Institutions: From Church Violence to University 
        Bomb Threats.'' The Committee received testimony from 
        the Reverend Eric S.C. Manning, Senior Pastor, Mother 
        Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, SC; Mr. Thomas K. 
        Hudson, President, Jackson State University, Jackson, 
        MS; and Ms. Janai Nelson, President and Director-
        Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

                        Committee Consideration

    The Committee met on March 2, 2022, a quorum being present, 
to consider H.R. 6873 and ordered the measure to be favorably 
reported to the House, as amended, by a recorded vote of 33-0.

                            Committee Votes

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII requires the Committee to list the 
recorded votes on the motion to report legislation and 
amendments thereto.
          1. A motion by Mr. Cleaver to favorably report H.R. 
        6824, H.R. 6868, and H.R. 6873, as amended, en bloc, to 
        the House was agreed to by a recorded vote of 33 ayes 
        to 0 noes (Rollcall No. 32).

                                            Committee Rollcall No. 32
       Motion by Mr. Cleaver to Favorably Report H.R. 6824, H.R. 6868, and H.R. 6873, As Amended, En Bloc
                                          Agreed to: 33 ayes to 0 noes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Majority Members                     Vote                Minority Members               Vote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ms. Jackson Lee................................  ............  Mr. Katko..........................          Aye
Mr. Langevin...................................          Aye   Mr. McCaul.........................  ............
Mr. Payne......................................          Aye   Mr. Higgins (LA)...................          Aye
Mr. Correa.....................................          Aye   Mr. Guest..........................          Aye
Ms. Slotkin....................................          Aye   Mr. Bishop (NC)....................          Aye
Mr. Cleaver....................................          Aye   Mr. Van Drew.......................          Aye
Mr. Green (TX).................................          Aye   Mr. Norman.........................          Aye
Ms. Clarke (NY)................................          Aye   Mrs. Miller-Meeks..................          Aye
Mr. Swalwell...................................          Aye   Mrs. Harshbarger...................          Aye
Ms. Titus......................................          Aye   Mr. Clyde..........................          Aye
Mrs. Watson Coleman............................          Aye   Mr. Gimenez........................          Aye
Miss Rice (NY).................................          Aye   Mr. LaTurner.......................          Aye
Mrs. Demings...................................          Aye   Mr. Meijer.........................          Aye
Ms. Barragan...................................          Aye   Mrs. Cammack.......................          Aye
Mr. Gottheimer.................................          Aye   Mr. Pfluger........................          Aye
Mrs. Luria.....................................          Aye   Mr. Garbarino......................          Aye
Mr. Malinowski.................................          Aye
Mr. Torres (NY)................................          Aye
Mr. Thompson (MS), Chairman....................          Aye
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      Committee Oversight Findings

    In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII, the 
Committee advises that the findings and recommendations of the 
Committee, based on oversight activities under clause 2(b)(1) 
of rule X, are incorporated in the descriptive portions of this 
report.

Congressional Budget Office Estimate, New Budget Authority, Entitlement 
                    Authority, and Tax Expenditures

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule 
XIII and section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974, and with respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(3) of 
rule XIII and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974, the Committee adopts as its own the estimate of any new 
budget authority, spending authority, credit authority, or an 
increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures contained 
in the cost estimate prepared by the Director of the 
Congressional Budget Office.

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                    Washington, DC, March 18, 2022.
Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 6873, the Bombing 
Prevention Act of 2022.
    If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Aldo 
Prosperi.
            Sincerely,
                                         Phillip L. Swagel,
                                                          Director.
    Enclosure.

    	[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
    

    H.R. 6873 would authorize the Department of Homeland 
Security to publish information on threats posed by improvised 
explosive devices (IEDs) and coordinate federal efforts to 
protect against IED attacks in the United States. The bill also 
would codify the department's Office of Bombing Prevention and 
would require the department to report to the Congress on the 
effectiveness of its efforts.
    The department is already performing the functions that 
would be required by H.R. 6873; thus, the bill would codify 
those responsibilities and would not impose any new operating 
requirements. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 6873 would 
cost less than $500,000 over the 2022-2026 period to prepare 
and deliver the required reports; such spending would be 
subject to the availability of appropriations.
    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aldo Prosperi. 
The estimate was reviewed by Leo Lex, Deputy Director of 
Budget.

                       Federal Mandates Statement

    The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal 
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act.

                      Duplicative Federal Programs

    Pursuant to clause 3(c) of rule XIII, the Committee finds 
that H.R. 6873 does not contain any provision that establishes 
or reauthorizes a program known to be duplicative of another 
Federal program.

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the objective of 
H.R. 6873 is to authorize and direct the Office of Bombing 
Prevention (OBP) to be the lead entity within the Department of 
Homeland Security to strategically address terrorist extremist 
threats and attacks by improving Federal support to public- and 
private-sector entities as they work to deter, detect, prevent, 
protect against, mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive 
threats and attacks. To achieve this directive, the Office will 
maintain a database of capabilities and requirements necessary 
for public and private sectors, engage and provide support to 
vulnerable stakeholders likely to be targeted, provide learning 
tools and assessments to Federal, SLTT (including first 
responders and law enforcement entities) and the private 
sector, and establish long-term strategies and reports to 
ensure the Office remains in alignment with the overall 
objectives while tracking progress and closing capability gaps.

   Congressional Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff 
                                Benefits

    In compliance with rule XXI, this bill, as reported, 
contains no congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or 
limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 
9(f) of rule XXI.

                      Advisory Committee Statement

    No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) 
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this 
legislation.

                  Applicability to Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that H.R. 6873 does not relate to the 
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services 
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of 
the Congressional Accountability Act.

             Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation

    Section 1. Short Title.

    This section states that the Act may be cited as the 
``Bombing Prevention Act of 2022''.

    Sec. 2. Office for Bombing Prevention.

    This section establishes the Office for Bombing Protection 
within the Department of Homeland Security and describes the 
activities the Office must undertake to deter, detect, prevent, 
protect against, mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive 
threats and attacks in the United States. This section directs 
the Office to advise the DHS Secretary on matters related to 
terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United States.
    This section further directs the Office to coordinate the 
efforts of the Department to counter terrorist explosive 
threats and attacks in the U.S. In particular, the Office must: 
(1) develop the Department's strategy against terrorist 
explosives threats and attacks; (2) lead the prioritization of 
the Department's efforts against terrorist explosive threats 
and attacks, including preparedness and operational 
requirements; (3) ensure the identification, evaluation, and 
availability of effective technology applications through field 
pilot testing and acquisition of such technology applications 
by the public sector to deter, detect, prevent, protect 
against, mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive threats 
and attacks in the U.S.; (4) provide advice and recommendations 
to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
regarding the effective use of DHS grants on counter-IED 
training and resources; and (5) align Department efforts 
related to terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the U.S. 
with DHS's counter-weapons of mass destruction efforts.
    Additionally, this section directs OBP to engage other 
Federal departments and agencies, including Sector Risk 
Management Agencies, regarding terrorist explosive threats and 
attacks in the U.S., and to facilitate information sharing and 
decision support of the public and private sector involved in 
deterrence, detection, prevention, protection against, 
mitigation of, and response to terrorist explosive threats and 
attacks in the United States. OBP is directed to promote 
security awareness among the public and private sectors and the 
general public regarding the risks posed by the misuse of 
explosive precursor chemicals and other bomb-making materials 
and, as appropriate, provide relevant training, guidance, 
assessments, and planning assistance.
    This section further charges OBP with conducting analysis 
and planning for the capabilities and requirements necessary 
for the public and private sectors, as appropriate, to deter, 
detect, prevent, protect against, mitigate, and respond to 
terrorist explosive threats and attacks and promoting secure 
information sharing of sensitive material and promoting 
security awareness.
    Related to countering explosive devices technical 
assistance, this section directs the DHS Secretary, upon 
request, to provide to the public and private sectors technical 
assistance services to support the security and preparedness of 
such sectors, as appropriate, to counter terrorist explosive 
threats and attacks that pose a risk in certain jurisdictions, 
including vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, to critical 
infrastructure facilities, or to special events, as 
appropriate. In providing technical assistance, OBP shall: (1) 
support the planning and implementation of effective measures 
to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, mitigate, and 
respond to terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the U.S., 
including effective strategic risk management and emergency 
operations plans; (2) support the security of explosive 
precursor chemicals and other bombmaking materials outside of 
regulatory control; (3) support efforts to prepare for and 
respond to bomb threats or other acts involving the malicious 
conveyance of false information concerning terrorist explosive 
threats and attacks in the United States; (4) make available 
resources to enhance deterrence, prevention, detection, 
protection, mitigation, and response capabilities for terrorist 
explosive threats and attacks in the U.S., including 
coordination and communication, to better integrate SLTT and 
private-sector capabilities and assets, as appropriate, with 
Federal operations; (5) make available augmenting resources, as 
appropriate, to enable SLTT governments to sustain and refresh 
their capabilities; and (6) track performance in meeting the 
goals and associated plans of the provision of such technical 
assistance.
    This section clarifies the relationship between OBP and 
other components within DHS and further directs OBP to develop 
a strategy to align the Office's activities with the threat 
environment and stakeholder needs and to make the public and 
private sectors aware of the Office's capabilities. This 
strategy is to include: (1) information on terrorist explosive 
threats, tactics, and attacks in the United States; (2) 
information, by region, regarding public- and private-sector 
entities at risk of being targeted by terrorist explosive 
threats and attacks in the U.S., including Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities and minority-serving institutions, 
places of worship, healthcare facilities, transportation 
systems, commercial facilities, and government facilities; (3) 
guidance on how outreach to owners and operators of critical 
infrastructure in a region should be prioritized; (4) a 
catalogue of available OBP services and training; (5) the 
Office's long-term objectives, including future service and 
training offerings; (6) metrics for measuring the effectiveness 
of OBP's services and trainings; (7) an assessment of resource 
requirements necessary to implement such strategy; and (8) a 
description of how the Office partners with other components of 
the Department and other Federal agencies to carry out its 
mission.
    Additionally, this section requires the Office, in 
coordination with other Federal departments and agencies, to 
submit an annual report to Congress detailing the following 
activities within OBP: (1) changes to terrorist explosive 
threats, tactics, and attacks in the United States; (2) changes 
to the types of public- and private-sector entities likely to 
be targeted by terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
United States; (3) changes to the types of public- and private-
sector entities likely to be targeted by terrorist explosive 
threats and attacks in the U.S.; (4) the number of trainings, 
assessments, and other engagements carried out by the Office 
within each region of the United States, including a 
description of the critical infrastructure sector or 
stakeholder served; (5) the number of trainings, assessments, 
or other engagements the Office was asked to conduct but did 
not, and an explanation relating thereto; (6) the effectiveness 
of the trainings, assessments, or other engagements provided by 
the Office based on the metrics; and (7) any changes or 
anticipated changes in the trainings, assessments, and other 
engagements, or any other services, offered by the Office, and 
an explanation relating thereto.

    Sec. 3. Explosives technology development.

    This section requires DHS , along with other Federal 
departments and agencies, including Sector Risk Management 
Agencies, to share information regarding nonmilitary research, 
development, testing, and evaluation activities of the Federal 
Government relating to the deterrence, detection, prevention, 
protection against, mitigation of, and response to terrorist 
explosive threats and attacks in the U.S.
    This section further outlines how DHS, along with other 
Federal departments and agencies, including Sector Risk 
Management Agencies, will leverage military research in this 
space and adapt it to nonmilitary uses.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is 
printed in italics and existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

                     HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Homeland 
Security Act of 2002''.
  (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is 
as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
     * * * * * * *

    TITLE III--SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

     * * * * * * *
Sec. 323. Explosives research and development.
     * * * * * * *

      TITLE XXII--CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY

     * * * * * * *

                     Subtitle D--Bombing Prevention

Sec. 2241. Office for Bombing Prevention.
Sec. 2242. Countering explosive devices technical assistance.
Sec. 2243. Relationship to other Department components and Federal 
          agencies.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE III--SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 323. EXPLOSIVES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Under 
Secretary for Science and Technology, and in coordination with 
the head of the Office for Bombing Prevention and the Assistant 
Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction 
Office, and in consultation with the Attorney General, the 
Secretary of Defense, and the head of any other relevant 
Federal department or agency, including Sector Risk Management 
Agencies, shall ensure coordination and information sharing 
regarding nonmilitary research, development, testing, and 
evaluation activities of the Federal Government relating to the 
deterrence, detection, prevention, protection against, 
mitigation of, and response to terrorist explosive threats and 
attacks in the United States.
  (b) Leveraging Military Research.--The Secretary, acting 
through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and in 
coordination with the head of the Office for Bombing Prevention 
and the Assistant Secretary for the Countering of Weapons of 
Mass Destruction Office, shall consult with the Secretary of 
Defense and the head of any other relevant Federal department 
or agency, including Sector Risk Management Agencies, to ensure 
that, to the maximum extent possible, military policies and 
procedures, and research, development, testing, and evaluation 
activities relating to the deterrence, detection, prevention, 
protection against, mitigation of, and response to terrorist 
explosive threats and attacks in the United States are adapted 
to nonmilitary uses.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE XXII--CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                     Subtitle D--Bombing Prevention

SEC. 2241. OFFICE FOR BOMBING PREVENTION.

  (a) Establishment.--There is established within the 
Department an Office for Bombing Prevention (in this section 
referred to as the ``Office'').
  (b) Activities.--The Office shall have the primary 
responsibility within the Department for enhancing the ability 
and coordinating the efforts of the United States to deter, 
detect, prevent, protect against, mitigate, and respond to 
terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United States, 
including by carrying out the following:
          (1) Advising the Secretary on matters related to 
        terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United 
        States.
          (2) Coordinating the efforts of the Department to 
        counter terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
        United States, including by carrying out the following:
                  (A) Developing, in coordination with the 
                Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and 
                Plans, the Department's strategy against 
                terrorist explosives threats and attacks, 
                including efforts to support the security and 
                preparedness of critical infrastructure and the 
                public sector and private sector.
                  (B) Leading the prioritization of the 
                Department's efforts against terrorist 
                explosive threats and attacks, including 
                preparedness and operational requirements.
                  (C) Ensuring, in coordination with the Under 
                Secretary for Science and Technology and the 
                Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
                Management Agency, the identification, 
                evaluation, and availability of effective 
                technology applications through field pilot 
                testing and acquisition of such technology 
                applications by the public sector to deter, 
                detect, prevent, protect against, mitigate, and 
                respond to terrorist explosive threats and 
                attacks in the United States.
                  (D) Providing advice and recommendations to 
                the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
                Management Agency regarding the effective use 
                of grants authorized under section 2002.
                  (E) In coordination with the Assistant 
                Secretary for Countering Weapons of Mass 
                Destruction, aligning Department efforts 
                related to terrorist explosive threats and 
                attacks in the United States and weapons of 
                mass destruction.
          (3) Engaging other Federal departments and agencies, 
        including Sector Risk Management Agencies, regarding 
        terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United 
        States.
          (4) Facilitating information sharing and decision 
        support of the public and private sector involved in 
        deterrence, detection, prevention, protection against, 
        mitigation of, and response to terrorist explosive 
        threats and attacks in the United States. Such sharing 
        and support may include the following:
                  (A) Operating and maintaining a secure 
                information sharing system that allows the 
                sharing of critical information and data 
                relating to terrorist explosive attack tactics, 
                techniques, procedures, and security 
                capabilities, including information and data 
                described in paragraph (6) and section 2242.
                  (B) Working with international partners, in 
                coordination with the Office for International 
                Affairs of the Department, to develop and share 
                effective practices to deter, prevent, detect, 
                protect against, mitigate, and respond to 
                terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
                United States.
          (5) Promoting security awareness among the public and 
        private sector and the general public regarding the 
        risks posed by the misuse of explosive precursor 
        chemicals and other bomb-making materials.
          (6) Providing training, guidance, assessments, and 
        planning assistance to the public and private sector, 
        as appropriate, to help counter the risk of terrorist 
        explosive threats and attacks in the United States.
          (7) Conducting analysis and planning for the 
        capabilities and requirements necessary for the public 
        and private sector, as appropriate, to deter, detect, 
        prevent, protect against, mitigate, and respond to 
        terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the United 
        States by carrying out the following:
                  (A) Maintaining a database on capabilities 
                and requirements, including capabilities and 
                requirements of public safety bomb squads, 
                explosive detection canine teams, special 
                tactics teams, public safety dive teams, and 
                recipients of services described in section 
                2242.
                  (B) Applying the analysis derived from the 
                database described in subparagraph (A) with 
                respect to the following:
                          (i) Evaluating progress toward 
                        closing identified gaps relating to 
                        national strategic goals and standards 
                        related to deterring, detecting, 
                        preventing, protecting against, 
                        mitigating, and responding to terrorist 
                        explosive threats and attacks in the 
                        United States.
                          (ii) Informing decisions relating to 
                        homeland security policy, assistance, 
                        training, research, development 
                        efforts, testing and evaluation, and 
                        related requirements regarding 
                        deterring, detecting, preventing, 
                        protecting against, mitigating, and 
                        responding to terrorist explosive 
                        threats and attacks in the United 
                        States.
          (8) Promoting secure information sharing of sensitive 
        material and promoting security awareness, including by 
        carrying out the following:
                  (A) Operating and maintaining a secure 
                information sharing system that allows the 
                sharing among and between the public and 
                private sector of critical information relating 
                to explosive attack tactics, techniques, and 
                procedures.
                  (B) Educating the public and private sectors 
                about explosive precursor chemicals.
                  (C) Working with international partners, in 
                coordination with the Office for International 
                Affairs of the Department, to develop and share 
                effective practices to deter, detect, prevent, 
                protect against, mitigate, and respond to 
                terrorist explosive threats and attacks in the 
                United States.
                  (D) Executing national public awareness and 
                vigilance campaigns relating to terrorist 
                explosive threats and attacks in the United 
                States, preventing explosive attacks, and 
                activities and measures underway to safeguard 
                the United States.
                  (E) Working with relevant stakeholder 
                organizations.
          (9) Providing any other assistance the Secretary 
        determines necessary.

SEC. 2242. COUNTERING EXPLOSIVE DEVICES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

  (a) Establishment.--Upon request, the Secretary shall, to the 
extent practicable, provide to the public and private sector 
technical assistance services to support the security and 
preparedness of such sectors, as appropriate, to counter 
terrorist explosive threats and attacks that pose a risk in 
certain jurisdictions, including vulnerable and disadvantaged 
communities, to critical infrastructure facilities, or to 
special events, as appropriate.
  (b) Elements.--Technical assistance services provided 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall--
          (1) support the planning and implementation of 
        effective measures to deter, detect, prevent, protect 
        against, mitigate, and respond to terrorist explosive 
        threats and attacks in the United States, including 
        effective strategic risk management and emergency 
        operations plans;
          (2) support the security of explosive precursor 
        chemicals and other bomb-making materials outside of 
        regulatory control;
          (3) support efforts to prepare for and respond to 
        bomb threats or other acts involving the malicious 
        conveyance of false information concerning terrorist 
        explosive threats and attacks in the United States;
          (4) make available resources to enhance deterrence, 
        prevention, detection, protection, mitigation, and 
        response capabilities for terrorist explosive threats 
        and attacks in the United States, including 
        coordination and communication, to better integrate 
        State, local, Tribal, and territorial and private 
        sector capabilities and assets, as appropriate, with 
        Federal operations;
          (5) make available augmenting resources, as 
        appropriate, to enable State, local, Tribal, and 
        territorial governments to sustain and refresh their 
        capabilities;
          (6) track performance in meeting the goals and 
        associated plans of the provision of such technical 
        assistance; and
          (7) include any other assistance the Secretary 
        determines necessary.

SEC. 2243. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER DEPARTMENT COMPONENTS AND FEDERAL 
                    AGENCIES.

  (a) In General.--The authority of the Secretary under this 
subtitle shall not affect or diminish the authority or the 
responsibility of any officer of any other Federal agency with 
respect to the command, control, or direction of the functions, 
personnel, funds, assets, or liabilities of any other such 
Federal agency.
  (b) Department Components.--Nothing in this subtitle or any 
other provision of law may be construed to affect or reduce the 
responsibilities of--
          (1) the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office 
        or the Assistant Secretary of the Office, including 
        with respect to any asset, function, or mission of the 
        Office or the Assistant Secretary, as the case may be;
          (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the 
        Administrator of the Agency, including the diversion of 
        any asset, function, or mission of the Agency or the 
        Administrator as the case may be; or
          (3) the Transportation Security Administration or the 
        Administrator of the Administration, including the 
        diversion of any asset, function, or mission of the 
        Administration or the Administrator, as the case may 
        be.

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