[House Report 118-553]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
118th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 118-553
======================================================================
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2025
_______
June 14, 2024.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Amodei, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
MINORITY VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 8752]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
Page number
Bill Report
TITLE I--DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT, INTELLIGENCE, SITUATIONAL
AWARENESS, AND OVERSIGHT
Office of the Secretary and Executive Management... 1
5
Operations and Support..................... 1
5
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements
13
Federal Assistance.........................
13
Management Directorate............................. 3
13
Operations and Support..................... 3
14
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 3
15
Federal Protective Service................. 3
16
Intelligence, Analysis, and Situational Awareness.. 3
16
Operations and Support..................... 3
16
Office of Inspector General........................ 4
17
Operations and Support..................... 4
17
Administrative Provisions.......................... 4
18
TITLE II--SECURITY, ENFORCEMENT, AND INVESTIGATIONS
U.S. Customs and Border Protection................. 11
19
Operations and Support..................... 11
19
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 12
28
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement........... 13
32
Operations and Support..................... 13
33
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 14
46
Transportation Security Administration............. 15
46
Operations and Support..................... 15
46
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 15
49
Research and Development................... 16
49
Coast Guard........................................ 16
49
Operations and Support..................... 16
50
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 17
53
Research and Development................... 17
55
Health Care Fund Contribution..............
56
Retired Pay................................ 18
56
United States Secret Service....................... 18
56
Operations and Support..................... 18
57
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 20
58
Research and Development................... 20
58
Administrative Provisions.......................... 20
58
TITLE III--PROTECTION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency... 43
61
Operations and Support..................... 43
61
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 44
68
Research and Development...................
68
Federal Emergency Management Agency................ 44
69
Operations and Support..................... 44
69
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 44
71
Federal Assistance......................... 44
71
Disaster Relief Fund....................... 49
74
National Flood Insurance Fund.............. 49
75
Administrative Provisions.......................... 51
75
TITLE IV--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND SERVICES
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.......... 56
75
Operations and Support..................... 56
76
Federal Assistance.........................
78
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers........... 57
78
Operations and Support..................... 57
79
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 57
79
Science and Technology Directorate................. 57
79
Operations and Support..................... 57
80
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 58
80
Research and Development................... 58
81
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office...... 58
85
Operations and Support..................... 58
85
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements 58
85
Research and Development................... 59
85
Federal Assistance......................... 59
86
Administrative Provisions.......................... 59
86
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
This Act...........................................
91
House of Representatives Reporting Requirements....
91
Overview
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), now in its 21st
year of operation, has grown to over 260,000 employees, making
it the third largest Federal Cabinet department. DHS is
responsible for vital homeland and national defense operations
across eight operational components. From border security to
keeping the flying public safe, to protecting our Nation's key
leadership and guarding against cybersecurity threats to the
country's critical infrastructure, the Department ensures the
Nation is well equipped to respond to both natural and man-made
disasters. The Committee recommendation includes
$94,421,588,000 in total discretionary appropriations for the
Department of Homeland Security, including $64,805,000,000
within the bill's 302(b) budget allocation, $6,121,588,000 in
discretionary appropriations offset by fee collections, and
$22,741,000,000 as an allocation adjustment for major disaster
response and recovery activities. The overall total is an
increase of $4,674,006,000 above the fiscal year 2024 level.
The total within the allocation is $2,965,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 level.
Homeland Security Investments
Investments in this bill are intended to balance competing
priorities across the Department's important missions, all of
which are critical to the security of the Nation, including
providing funding for: physical barriers, border security
technology, and Border Patrol Agents; the deployment of
additional Non-Intrusive Inspection machines at ports of entry
(POEs) to increase the detection of fentanyl; artificial and
machine learning capabilities to reduce manual review of cargo
and vehicle images; continuing recapitalization of the Coast
Guard's surface and aviation fleets, including continued
support for the Fast Response Cutter, Waterways Commerce
Cutter, and Offshore Patrol Cutter programs; and cybersecurity
defense tools and technology to protect government networks and
critical infrastructure.
Border Security
For the last three years, migrant encounters have
skyrocketed, straining U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
agents and officers in the field. In lieu of managing the
crisis at the border through the use of temporary and costly
measures that have minimal impact on illicit migration flows,
this bill includes long-term border security investments that
seek to increase the agency's ability to deter illicit border
activity. With the funds provided, the bill sustains funding
for a Border Patrol end strength of 22,000 agents and
recommends the following: $50,600,000 for autonomous
surveillance towers; $50,000,000 for workforce care;
$30,000,000 for innovative technology; $20,756,000 for Border
Patrol Agent and U.S. Customs Officer recruitment
infrastructure; $14,000,000 for tactical aerostats; $10,440,000
for cross-border tunnel threat detection; and $4,000,000 for
Carrizo cane control.
Within CBP's Procurement, Construction, and Improvements
account, the recommendation includes: $600,000,000 for physical
barrier construction; $300,000,000 for border technology;
$53,900,000 for Light Enforcement Helicopters; $18,500,000 for
UH-60 Medium Lift Helicopter conversions; and $18,000,000 for
Enforcement System Unification and Interoperability.
Immigration Enforcement
As encounters at our Nation's borders reach an overwhelming
and unprecedented level, and as the number of migrants who have
final orders of removal exceeds 1,300,000, it is the
responsibility of this Committee to provide appropriate funding
to deter, detain, and deport those who do not have a legal
basis to remain in this country or those who seek to harm our
citizens and communities. In stark contrast to this
administration's policies and priorities, the Committee
provides appropriate resources for U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) to fund significant increases for the
critical components of a robust enforcement and removal
apparatus, such as 50,000 detention beds--16,000 more than this
administration requested. The recommendation also includes
additional funding for transportation and removal operations to
ensure that ICE executes its statutory authority to perform
necessary interior enforcement actions.
Transportation Security
The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA)
implementation of changes to the agency's pay structure has
caused dramatic increases to the agency's budget, which have
come at the expense of other priorities. This bill provides
$198,428,000 for aviation screening infrastructure to restore
some of the cuts that were necessary to fund the agency's pay
structure changes. The bill also restores funding for canine
and local law enforcement officer reimbursements.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
The bill provides $2,930,857,000 for the Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to sustain investments in
securing Federal civilian executive branch networks and helping
state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and critical
infrastructure companies secure both cyber and physical
infrastructure. The amount is $57,849,000 above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level.
Citizenship and Immigration Processing
With few exceptions, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) has historically operated as a fee-funded
agency, with its operating expenses originating primarily from
fees charged to applicants and petitioners seeking immigration
benefits. The bill returns to this traditional funding
structure and includes appropriated funding only for the E-
Verify program. The Committee is encouraged by cost recovery
improvements due to the new USCIS fee structure.
Fiscal Year 2025 Pay Raise
The recommendation does not provide funding for the fiscal
year 2025 civilian pay raise for the Department. The Committee
encourages the Department to find savings to support the pay
raise through reductions in non-mission critical areas, such as
administrative expenses, contracted services, and non-essential
travel.
References in the Report
This report refers to certain entities, persons, funds, and
documents as follows: the ``Department of Homeland Security''
is referenced as DHS or the Department; ``full-time
equivalents'' are referred to as FTE; ``Government
Accountability Office'' is referenced as GAO; ``Information
Technology'' is referred to as IT; ``Office of Inspector
General'' is referenced as OIG; ``program, project, and
activity'' is referred to as PPA; any reference to ``the
Secretary'' should be interpreted to mean the Secretary of
Homeland Security; ``component'' should be interpreted to mean
an agency, administration, or directorate within DHS; any
reference to ``SLTT'' should be interpreted to mean state,
local, tribal, and territorial; and ``budget request'' or ``the
request'' should be interpreted to mean the budget of the U.S.
Government for fiscal year 2025 that was submitted to Congress
on March 11, 2024.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT, INTELLIGENCE, SITUATIONAL AWARENESS,
AND OVERSIGHT
Mission
The mission of Departmental Management, Intelligence,
Situational Awareness, and Oversight is to provide leadership
and services to DHS components; formulate policy guidance and
directives; disseminate intelligence; identify and track
performance measurements relating to DHS missions; and provide
oversight for all DHS operations.
Office of the Secretary and Executive Management
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $404,695,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 358,466,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 281,358,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -123,337,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -77,108,000
The Office of the Secretary and Executive Management (OSEM)
plans and executes departmental strategies to accomplish agency
objectives and provides policy guidance to departmental
components.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $363,582,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 323,466,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 281,358,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -82,224,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -42,108,000
The recommendation includes the following increases above
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level: $3,702,000 for the Office
of Health Security (OHS); $601,000 for the Office of General
Counsel; and $46,000 for the Office of Citizenship and
Immigration Services Ombudsman.
The recommendation includes the following decreases below
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level: $36,754,000 for the Office
of the Secretary; $28,641,000 for the Office of the Immigration
Detention Ombudsman; $18,345,000 for the Office of Strategy,
Policy, and Plans; $875,000 for the Office of Privacy; $639,000
for the Office of Public Affairs; $604,000 for the Office of
Partnership and Engagement; $393,000 for the Office for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties; and $322,000 for the Office of
Legislative Affairs.
2026 FIFA World Cup.--The Committee recognizes that cities
hosting events related to the 2026 World Cup face critical
public safety needs that require adequate preparation. These
include ensuring swift secure communications abilities among
first responders and emergency services; working with Federal
and SLTT jurisdictions to provide emergency services; and
ensuring a safe environment for all attendees, residents, and
visitors to the U.S. However, the Committee is concerned with
the lack of Departmental budget planning for the 2026 World
Cup. Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary is directed to brief the Committee on the
estimated Department budgetary requirements, security, and
other logistical support required to adequately prepare for the
2026 FIFA World Cup.
2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.--The Secretary
designated the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los
Angeles, California as a National Special Security Event
(NSSE), which commits the Department to develop event security
and incident management plans to ensure the safety of all
participants. Because significant resources will need to be
dedicated to this effort over the next four years, the
Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act that details
the full scope of the Department's obligations for this NSSE.
The report shall include the nature of the Department's
coordination with other Federal agencies and departments, as
well as representatives of the relevant state and local
government entities, and the organizing committee involved in
the 2028 Games. The report shall also include the Department's
projected resource needs for this NSSE for fiscal year 2026
through fiscal year 2029, including specific account details
for each fiscal year highlighting any projected shortfalls.
Biometric Exit and Visa Overstay.--The Department is
directed to provide a spend plan for H-1B and L-1 fee revenues
and any other resources being applied to biometric exit
implementation not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act. The Committee further directs the
Department to brief the Committee within 180 days of the date
of enactment of this Act to detail ongoing efforts to address
entry and exit data collection and exchange in the land border
environment. Further, pursuant to section 1376 of title 8,
United States Code, the Department is required to collect data
on nonimmigrants who have overstayed their visas and to report
annual estimates to Congress. The Department shall provide the
report on an annual basis. As previously required, the
Department shall submit an updated report outlining its
comprehensive strategy for overstay enforcement and deterrence
not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act. The report shall detail the ongoing actions to identify
individuals who have overstayed their visas, including those
actions necessary to improve the capabilities to report such
information; notify individuals of their required departure
dates in advance; track such overstays for enforcement action;
refuse or revoke current and future visas and travel
authorization; and otherwise deter violations or take
enforcement action.
Border Barriers.--The Committee directs the Secretary to
coordinate with the Secretary of Defense to submit a report not
later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act and
quarterly thereafter that lists the contracts, including the
cost of each contract, to store and maintain unused panels for
the border wall.
Border and Immigration Related Data and Transparency.--
Within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act, and
quarterly thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with other
appropriate Federal officials, shall submit to the Committee a
report that details the situational awareness of the southern
border that includes data related to the number of ``turn
backs,'' ``got aways,'' and monthly apprehension rate data by
sector. For the purposes of this reporting requirement, the
Department shall use the definitions provided in section 223 of
title 6, United States Code. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) is also directed to ensure a review by third party
statistical experts on the current process, assumptions, and
formulas used to derive the ``got aways'' estimates and any
proposed changes to improve such estimates, including proposed
changes to statutory definitions, if any. Additionally, the
Department shall provide to the Committee and shall post on a
publicly accessible website by the 15th of each month the
following, delineating requests received and granted by entity,
including CBP, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:
(1) DHS's total detention capacity as well as usage
rate during the previous month;
(2) the total monthly number of ``applicants for
admission'' under 8 U.S.C 1225 paroled into the United
States during the previous month;
(3) the total monthly number of ``applicants for
admission'' under 8 U.S.C 1225 released into the United
States, paroled or otherwise, during the previous
month;
(4) the total number of individuals paroled into the
United States during the previous month;
(5) of the total number of individuals paroled, the
rationale for each grant, and its duration; and
(6) the total number of referrals for prosecution
made to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for illegal
entry or illegal reentry during the previous month.
Child Well-Being Specialists.--The recommendation restores
the proposed reduction of $3,311,000, providing a total of
$18,050,000, for the Child Well-Being Specialists program. The
Committee continues the reporting directive under the heading,
``Child Welfare Professionals'' in the explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-47.
Counter-Drug Efforts in the Caribbean.--The Committee notes
that Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are targets for
transnational criminal organizations seeking to import illicit
narcotics and other contraband into the continental U.S. given
their strategic location in the Eastern Carribbean. The
Committee expects the Secretary to continue prioritizing border
security and counter-drug efforts in and around Puerto Rico and
the U.S. Virgin Islands, including through the Department-led
Caribbean Border Interagency Group and Joint Interagency Task
Force-South.
Detention Space Report.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, and semiannually thereafter,
consistent with the requirements found in section 1368 of title
8, United States Code, the Office of Homeland Security
Statistics (OHSS), in coordination with ICE, shall submit the
required report to the Committee.
Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) Program.--Not
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and
monthly thereafter, the Department shall make available a
report, on a publicly accessible website in a downloadable,
searchable format, with not less than the previous twelve
months of monthly data, the following records on family units
enrolled in FERM:
(1) the number of family units enrolled in FERM,
broken down by nationality; and
(2) the outcomes of credible fear (CF) interviews by
family unit (including the number of individuals
comprising each family unit), including whether the
family was issued a positive CF determination, a
negative CF determination, a Notice to Appear (NTA), or
administratively closed, disaggregated by:
(a) nationality;
(b) city of FERM participation;
(c) asylum office jurisdiction;
(d) whether the family was represented by
counsel at the CF interview;
(e) whether a family with a positive CF
decision was referred to Immigration and
Nationality Act 240 proceedings or an Asylum
Merits Interview;
(f) the number of family units and the number
of individuals comprising each family unit
removed from the U.S.; and
(g) the number of family units (including the
number of individuals comprising each family
unit) who did not appear for their scheduled CF
interview.
Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force.--The Committee is
concerned with the importation of products made with forced
labor. The recommendation provides $5,000,000 for technology
acquisition to create tools to aid in Uyghur Forced Labor
Prevention Act entity list targeting, including database
creation, secure compartmented information facility system
updates, and other contract support.
Joint Requirements Council (JRC).--The recommendation
rejects the proposed transfer of the JRC to the Office of the
Chief Readiness Support Officer. The explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-47 required both a wind down plan
and an identification of alternative methods to improve the
management and resourcing of joint requirements in lieu of
funding the JRC. The Committee strongly encourages the
Department to provide a robust plan that is more than just a
name change. Anything less than a wholesale change in the way
the Department manages joint requirements is not consistent
with congressional intent.
Law Enforcement Support.--The Department is directed to
continue quarterly reporting, on a publicly accessible website,
on requests to DHS law enforcement components for support in
the form of personnel, aircraft, or other assets, consistent
with the requirement under this heading in the explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 117-328. Support to a non-
Federal entity in a location where First Amendment protected
activity is occurring should only be provided if approved in
advance by the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, or the Under
Secretary for Management. The Department shall notify the
Committee not more than 48 hours after the approval of such
support.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP).--The Committee is aware
of the efforts by the Department to improve communications to
reach LEP communities, including through mediums such as
television and radio. The Committee encourages the Department
to review communication practices, including through digital,
television, and radio advertising, and create uniform
applications of such practices across all DHS components to
strengthen communications with LEP communities.
Migrant Medical Care.--The Department is reminded of the
requirement under this heading in House Report 118-123. The
Committee looks forward to receiving this briefing and the
required supporting information.
National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.--Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department
shall release a public report detailing its plans to implement
the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, including any
actions taken as of the date of the release of the report.
Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL).--CRCL
shall continue to ensure that all individuals whose complaints
are investigated receive a final report or recommendations
memorandum, including findings of fact, conclusions, and
recommendations within 30 days of submission. CRCL shall ensure
that such information is included in its annual report to
Congress and that the report be posted on the CRCL website,
consistent with individual privacy protections.
Office of Health Security (OHS).--The recommendation
provides $2,500,000 for OHS for strategic hiring needs and to
build-out its mission support capabilities, to include
acquisition, IT, finance, human resources, and communications
to support the office's growing responsibilities and oversight.
The Committee reminds the Department that OHS shall review all
contracts that broadly impact how the Department delivers
healthcare, including maternal and postpartum care, to
individuals in its custody and to departmental personnel. This
includes any contracts related to electronic health or medical
records.
Additionally, OHS, in coordination with DHS components,
shall develop requirements for medical services and measurable
performance standards for current and future healthcare records
systems. Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, DHS shall provide a briefing to the Committee on the
feasibility of consolidating the Department's non-military
healthcare records systems into OHS. Further, the briefing
shall include an estimate of any funding, personnel, and
procurement impacts, related oversight considerations, and a
discussion of any necessary changes in legal authorities, and
it shall provide a plan for how such a transition would occur,
to include any transfers of funding, personnel, or functions.
Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO).--The
recommendation includes no funds for OIDO. The Committee
supports appropriate levels of oversight for every population
detained by DHS to guard against abuse and ensure those in DHS
custody reside in safe, secure, and humane conditions. However,
there are no fewer than 15 organizations throughout the
government, and at least eight within the DHS enterprise alone,
that are charged with varying degrees of responsibility to
ensure detained populations are treated in a manner consistent
with the law and DHS policy.
Official Reception and Representation Expenses.--DHS shall
continue to submit quarterly obligation reports for official
reception and representation expenses, as in prior years. Prior
to the obligation of any funds for reception and representation
expenses to purchase collectibles or memorabilia, the
Department shall provide the Committee no less than 14 days
advance written notification describing the purpose of such
purchases and the projected costs.
Outreach to Tribes and Rural Areas.--The Office of
Partnership and Engagement is encouraged to increase its
outreach efforts to rural communities and tribes in support of
the homeland security mission, including members of Federally
recognized Indian tribes with reservation lands that cross over
the U.S.-Canada border.
Radiation Portal Technology Enhancement and Replacement
(RAPTER).--The Committee is concerned about the continued
failure by the Department to develop and articulate an
acquisition plan to replace approximately 1,400 aging and
obsolete Radiation Portal Monitor systems (RPMs) at U.S. land
and sea POEs--formerly known as RAPTER. Briefings required by
Public Law 117-328 on this program showed little progress
towards a plan to modernize RPMs. Therefore, the Committee
directs the Secretary to submit a report not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act on the Department's
plan to modernize RPMs nationwide. This report shall articulate
requirements and timelines for an RPM modernization program to
replace RAPTER; a related acquisition strategy; plans to engage
industry on requirements development; and recommendations on
where the program should reside within the Department,
including whether moving RPM modernization responsibilities
from the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD)
to CBP would benefit the program.
Rural Broadband Access.--To expand rural broadband
infrastructure in unserved rural areas and tribal lands along
the southern and northern borders, the Committee encourages the
Secretary to identify opportunities for public-private
partnerships with broadband providers to incorporate affordable
public accessible broadband into current and future tactical
infrastructure projects. The Committee reminds the Department
of the briefing on these efforts that was required by the
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-103 that is
now over two years overdue.
Simulation-Based Emergency Preparedness Network.--The
Committee encourages DHS to support the development and
implementation of simulation-based emergency preparedness
network programs. These programs ensure that the first
responder and first receiver health workforce receive high-
quality, pertinent, evidence-based training required to care
for people injured before, during, and after emergencies and
disasters, particularly those in rural and remote areas. This
effort may include increasing live and virtual content delivery
capacity at accredited healthcare simulation centers,
establishing partnerships with academic health institutions and
systems in developing training to the first responder and first
receiver health workforce, expanding relevant content and
access at DHS training facilities, developing appropriate
governance on data management, and outfitting Health
Professional Shortage Areas, Medically Underserved Areas, or
mission aligned tribal entities with necessary health security
simulation hardware and software assets.
Southwest Border Contingency Fund.--For the last three
years, this administration has focused on ``managing'' the
border, which in practice has meant building more capacity to
process aliens more quickly into the country, rather than
deterring further illicit entry by enforcing the Nation's
immigration laws. The administration's request doubles down on
that failed policy through a $4,700,000,000 slush fund which
would be released in tranches by increasing levels of illegal
migration. Such a structure incentivizes the Department to do
nothing to secure the border and deter migrants from making a
dangerous journey to this country. Increased encounters at the
border indicate that migrants view the border as ``open for
business.'' Opening false ``pathways'' under the illusion of an
orderly process only exacerbates the problem, giving false hope
to many migrants who have no legal basis for entry. In lieu of
providing this funding, the Committee urges the Secretary to
swiftly reverse course and send a message that migrants will be
expeditiously sent home by securing the border and robustly
enforcing immigration laws already available under Title 8,
United States Code. The Committee notes that the Southwest
Border Contingency Fund was rejected on a bi-partisan and bi-
cameral basis in fiscal year 2024. For the second year in a
row, the recommendation does not include the proposed Fund.
Telemental Health and Employee Assistance Pilot.--The
recommendation provides $3,000,000 to continue and expand the
pilot efforts, as described in House Report 118-123.
Terrorism Watch List.--The Department shall notify the
Committee within seven days if an individual on the Federal
Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Terrorist Screening Dataset
(TSDS) is encountered by the Department at or between a POE.
Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO) Recruiting.--The
Committee notes the dangers posed by TCOs and their illegal
smuggling and trafficking activities along the U.S.-Mexico
border. The Committee is also aware that TCOs have increasingly
sought to recruit minors in U.S. border communities to assist
with illegal smuggling and trafficking activities. To better
understand the prevalence of TCO engagement with minors in the
U.S., the Secretary is directed to report to the Committee
within one year of the date of enactment of this Act on the
influence of TCOs in border communities, including:
(1) the number of encounters Federal law enforcement
has had with U.S. citizens or otherwise lawfully
present aliens under 18 years of age working with or on
behalf of known TCO's for illegal smuggling or
trafficking purposes within 100 miles of the U.S.-
Mexico border; and
(2) strategies for the Department of Homeland
Security to work with any necessary Federal and SLTT
entities to combat TCO's recruiting individuals under
18 years of age in the U.S. for illegal smuggling and
trafficking activities.
TSDS Encounters.--Individuals on the FBI TSDS encountered
at or between POEs may include family members or associates of
a known or suspected terrorist, or individuals incorrectly
identified as TSDS matches who the Department determines, after
evaluation in coordination with the FBI, do not pose a homeland
security threat. Within 90 days of the date of enactment of
this Act, and quarterly thereafter, the Department shall
provide a report to the Committee detailing what actions, if
any, the Department has taken or plans to take to determine
whether each individual on the TSDS encountered at or between
POEs poses a homeland security threat that needs to be
mitigated and the total number of individuals determined to
pose such a threat. This report shall also include the location
of each encounter, the individual's nationality, the
individual's post-apprehension outcome, and any other available
information. This report shall be submitted in unclassified
form but may contain a classified annex.
Volunteer Force.--Prior to approving a DHS volunteer
deployment, the Department shall ensure that the operational
impacts of the volunteer's support outweigh any impacts to the
volunteer's employing organization and core mission duties.
Further, the Committee is concerned that certain deployments
are not voluntary or fall outside the scope of the volunteer
program within the Department and encourages the Department to
ensure that deployments consist only of employees who
affirmatively volunteer. Not later than 120 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, and quarterly thereafter, the
Secretary shall transmit a report to the Committee detailing
the number of volunteers determined to be eligible and
ineligible for a DHS deployment, the components they work for,
their job classification, and determining factors of the
decisions made. Additionally, the Secretary shall include in
the report any mandatory deployments and the impact on
operations that these deployments have.
Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).--The Committee continues
to support this program and directs the Department to continue
to implement the requirements in the Women, Peace, and Security
Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-68). Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, DHS shall submit a report
and provide a briefing to the Committee and to the co-chairs of
the bipartisan Women, Peace, and Security Caucus detailing
plans for CRCL to implement the Women, Peace, and Security Act
of 2017, the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, and
the Department's WPS implementation plan. The briefing shall
include details on plans to hire and train qualified and
dedicated advisors to ensure programming is accessible and that
women's equality is addressed. The briefing shall also include
plans to bolster WPS efforts in the Department, plans to
provide department-wide training to ensure officials understand
how the inclusion of women increases the effectiveness of
security-related policies and programs, and new WPS programming
being developed.
Women in Law Enforcement.--Within 90 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, the Department shall brief the Committee
on current Department-wide efforts to recruit and retain women
in law enforcement. At a minimum, the briefing shall include
information of all law enforcement components detailing: an
overview of current recruitment and retention efforts of women
by component; with base funding for such efforts; success of
current efforts including identification of the metrics of
success by fiscal year; and the current percentage of women in
law enforcement and their seniority per component. The briefing
shall also identify planned recruitment and retention efforts
by component for the next fiscal year, any funding requirements
to improve the recruitment and retention of women in law
enforcement fields by component with comparisons of similar
efforts by other Federal law enforcement agencies, including
the DOJ, and provide recommendations by component for new
programs or efforts that would further support the recruitment
and retention of women in law enforcement.
Workforce Wellness and Suicide Prevention.--The
recommendation provides $1,400,000 to expand Department-wide
workforce wellness and suicide prevention efforts. Not later
than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, OHS shall
provide an update to the Committee on the status of these
efforts and its plans for this funding. Additionally, the
Committee encourages OHS to consider using these funds to
address work related stressors known to impact law enforcement
officers, including but not limited to depression, anxiety,
financial hardship, domestic violence, and alcohol abuse.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $8,113,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -8,113,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $33,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 35,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -33,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -35,000,000
Management Directorate
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024\1\.................... $4,187,024,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 4,008,085,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,720,430,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -466,594,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -287,655,000
\1\The amounts for each fiscal year include appropriations for the
Federal Protective Service that are entirely offset by fee collections
from other Federal agencies, which for fiscal year 2025 are estimated
by the Congressional Budget Office at $2,028,803,000.
Mission
The mission of the Management Directorate is to provide
enterprise leadership and management and business
administration services for the Department, as well as
biometric and identity management services.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $1,722,204,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 1,695,674,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,637,290,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -84,914,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -58,384,000
The recommendation provides $1,637,290,000 for Operations
and Support, $84,914,000 below the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level. The recommendation provides $4,500,000 above the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level for a maritime domain awareness
platform that leverages artificial intelligence capabilities.
The recommendation does not include funding for electric
vehicle procurement, the establishment of a Chief Employment
Experience Office, the establishment of an Artificial
Intelligence Office, the Customer Experience initiative, and
restoring fiscal year 2024 contract services reductions.
Budget Justifications.--The Department is expected to
provide complete justification materials for the fiscal year
2026 budget request, including details for each office and
program, and to clearly describe and account for current
services, transfers, adjustments to base, and program changes.
In addition to the detail provided in current reporting, the
justifications shall incorporate output from predictive models
used by DHS component agencies. For each relevant program area,
justifications shall clearly describe and quantify the
projections used to inform resource requests, indicate the
offices and components impacted by the projections, and confirm
whether the budget requests for those offices and components
were developed using the same assumptions. In addition, the
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is directed to ensure that fiscal
year 2026 budget justification materials for classified and
unclassified budgets of all components are submitted concurrent
with the President's budget submission to the Congress and the
structure, terminology, and format of such budget materials are
standardized to the greatest extent possible.
Compliance with 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience
Act (IDEA).--The Department is reminded of the requirement
found under this heading in House Report 118-123.
Component Staffing Plans.--The Department shall submit
staffing plans to the Committee on a quarterly basis and shall
ensure such plans are aligned to the budget justification
materials at the PPA level.
Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems.--The Department is
reminded of the requirement found under this heading in the
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328.
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
(FedRAMP).--The Committee recognizes the importance of the DHS
Office of Chief Information Officer's (OCIO) responsibility as
a member of the FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board and the value
of modern cloud products and services. Accordingly, the
Committee directs the OCIO to provide a report to the
Committee, within 180 days of the date of enactment of this
Act, on the resources necessary to enable increased FedRAMP
continuous monitoring workload and the facilitation of cloud
services.
Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) System.--
The Committee remains concerned given continued delays and cost
overruns for achieving initial operating capability of the HART
system. The recommendation provides the requested funding for
HART within Operations and Support; however, no additional
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements funding is provided
given the lack of an updated schedule and feasible execution
plan. The Committee eagerly awaits the follow-on report to GAO-
21-386 detailing HART's cost, schedule, and implementation of
selected privacy requirements.
The Department is directed to continue to brief the
Committee monthly on system development, associated costs, and
schedule until full operational capability of HART is achieved.
Obligation Plans.--The Department shall continue to submit
obligation plans on a quarterly basis consistent with direction
provided in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law
114-113. Additionally, the CFO shall require the use of a
uniform obligation plan template aligned with the budget
justification materials to ensure consistency across
components, which shall include quarterly spending targets for
each account and PPA. The CFO shall be responsible for ensuring
that components with major acquisition programs include the
breakout of these programs within their quarterly plans and
provide additional context to describe and justify any changes
from the prior submission.
Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM).--OBIM is
directed to continue briefing the Committee on a semiannual
basis on its workload, service levels, staffing, modernization
efforts, and other operations. The recommendation includes
$250,212,000 for OBIM.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $260,433,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 283,608,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 54,337,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -206,096,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -229,271,000
The recommendation includes $16,874,000 below the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level for Financial Systems Modernization
(FSM) and HART. The recommendation includes no funding for the
National Capitol Region (NCR) headquarters consolidation.
FSM Acquisition.--The recommendation includes $6,874,000
below the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for FSM. The
Department shall brief the Committee not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act on progress of the
Department-wide financial systems modernization, plans for the
project in future fiscal years, and lessons learned from
components that have transitioned from legacy financial
systems.
NCR Headquarters Consolidation.--The Department is directed
to provide a briefing to the Committee within 90 days of the
date of enactment of this Act on all current and future
projects as outlined in the NCR DHS Lease Consolidation Plan.
The briefing shall include an updated cost-benefit analysis for
future projects that incorporates present-day market rental
rates for commercial real estate. As office vacancies in NCR
remain high, the Department is encouraged to continuously
evaluate if future construction is cost advantageous in lieu of
long-term leases.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $2,204,387,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 2,028,803,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,028,803,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -175,584,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
Mission
The Federal Protective Service (FPS) delivers law
enforcement and protective security services to Federally
owned, leased, or operated facilities.
The Committee recommends $2,028,803,000 for the FPS, as
requested, which is fully offset by fees collected from FPS
customer agencies.
Intelligence, Analysis, and Situational Awareness
Mission
The missions supported through Intelligence, Analysis, and
Situational Awareness are twofold: to equip the Homeland
Security Enterprise with timely intelligence and information to
keep the homeland safe, secure, and resilient and to provide
operations coordination, information sharing, situational
awareness, a common operating picture, and departmental
continuity.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $345,410,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 348,302,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 345,360,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -50,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -2,942,000
The recommendation includes $345,360,000 for Operations and
Support, which is $50,000 below the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level.
Annual Budget Justification Materials.--The fiscal year
2026 budget justification materials for the classified budget
shall include the same level of detail required for other PPAs.
Continuation of Fiscal Year 2022 Requirements.--The
Department is directed to continue providing in fiscal year
2025 any briefing and report as outlined in the classified
annex in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-
103.
Cyber Harassment Threat Assessment.--The Office of
Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) shall develop a threat
assessment of acts of cyber harassment and online doxing
perpetrated by foreign malign actors, including terrorists and
other malicious groups, particularly those targeting government
entities and personnel. Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, I&A shall submit the results of this
assessment to the Committee and publicly disseminate.
Information Sharing to Prevent School Violence.--The
Department is reminded of the requirement found under this
heading in House Report 118-123.
Intelligence Expenditure Plan.--The Department's Chief
Intelligence Officer is directed to brief the Committee on the
fiscal year 2025 expenditure plan for I&A within 60 days of the
date of enactment of this Act. The plan shall include the
following:
(1) fiscal year 2025 expenditures and staffing
allotted for each program as compared to fiscal years
2021 through 2024;
(2) all funded versus on-board positions, including
FTE, contractors, and reimbursable and non-reimbursable
detailees;
(3) a plan for all programs and investments,
including dates or timeframes for achieving key
milestones;
(4) allocations of funding within each PPA for
individual programs and a description of the desired
outcomes for fiscal year 2025; and
(5) items outlined in the classified annex in the
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-103,
updated for fiscal year 2025.
Intelligence Sharing on the Southern Border.--The ongoing
crisis at the southern border highlights the need for strong
collaboration between the Department and SLTT partners.
Timeliness is critical to effective intelligence and
information sharing to target cartels and other nefarious
actors facilitating transnational illicit activity. The
Committee strongly encourages I&A to develop a strategy to
better leverage fusion centers to share actionable information
with SLTT partners in a timely fashion to improve border
security.
Semiannual Intelligence Threat Briefings.--The Committee
recognizes I&A's unique role in the Intelligence Community by
disseminating intelligence to SLTT and private sector partners
in order to identify and mitigate threats to the Homeland. I&A
shall provide semiannual intelligence briefings to the
Committee beginning not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act. The briefings shall include a high-level
summary of I&A produced intelligence products, summary
statistics of intelligence sharing to SLTT and private sector
partners, and an analysis of growing threat trends. The
briefings shall also include strategies for developing
intelligence sharing mechanisms between I&A and Departmental
components.
Office of Inspector General
Mission
The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts and
supervises independent audits, investigations, and inspections
of DHS programs, projects, and activities; identifies fraud,
abuse, mismanagement, and inefficiencies in the use of funds;
and makes recommendations for improving the execution of DHS
missions.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $220,127,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 233,206,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 225,294,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +5,167,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -7,912,000
The recommendation provides $225,294,000, an increase of
$5,167,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
Denial of OIG Access to Records and Information.--The
Committee directs the OIG, in coordination with the DHS Audit
Liaison and relevant component liaisons, to provide quarterly
briefings concerning any component efforts to prevent or impede
OIG access to records, documents, or other materials. In
addition, the Committee directs the OIG to submit a report on a
quarterly basis detailing instances of access denials. The
report shall include, at a minimum, a summary of the OIG
request, a description of the component response to the
request, and any other information the OIG determines
appropriate. The OIG is urged to ensure the timeliness of such
reports.
Quarterly Budget and Staffing Briefings.--The OIG shall
provide the Committee quarterly budget and staffing briefings
which shall include all available funding sources, contracts,
and contract staffing. The briefings shall reflect budget and
staffing profiles by the types of audits, investigations, and
inspections planned and executed. The briefings shall also
include a spend plan and strategy to hire to enacted staffing
levels.
Title I--Administrative Provisions
Section 101. The Committee continues a provision requiring
the Department to submit a report to the Inspector General
regarding grants or contracts awarded by means other than full
and open competition and requires the Inspector General to
review such grants or contracts and report the results to the
Committees.
Section 102. The Committee continues a provision requiring
the Chief Financial Officer of the Department to provide a
monthly budget and staffing report to the Committees.
Section 103. The Committee continues a provision requiring
the Secretary to notify the Committees of any proposed transfer
of funds from the Department of Treasury Forfeiture Fund to any
DHS component.
Section 104. The Committee continues a provision related to
costs associated with the use of government aircraft by DHS
personnel in support of official travel of the Secretary and
Deputy Secretary.
Section 105. The Committee continues and modifies a
provision requiring the Under Secretary for Management to
provide quarterly acquisition information to the Committees.
Section 106. The Committee continues a provision requiring
specified documentation for pilot and demonstration programs
and restricting the use of Operations and Support funding for
any pilot or demonstration program involving more than ten full
time personnel equivalents or costing in excess of $5,000,000
unless the Secretary provides such information to the
Committees related to the program's goals, metrics, and
implementation plan.
TITLE II--SECURITY, ENFORCEMENT, AND INVESTIGATIONS
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $19,619,040,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 16,509,605,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 18,261,585,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -1,357,455,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +1,751,935,000
Mission
The mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is
to enforce laws regarding the admission of aliens into the
United States and facilitate the flow of legitimate trade and
travel.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $18,426,870,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 15,931,762,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 16,566,247,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -1,860,623,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +634,485,000
The recommendation includes $1,860,623,000 below the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level.
Increases above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level include:
$78,378,000 to restore reductions to Border Patrol operations;
$62,547,000 to restore base pay reductions; $61,882,000 to
annualize the cost of 22,000 Border Patrol Agents; $46,011,000
for CBP Air and Marine aviation and maritime security
capabilities; $35,000,000 for Border Patrol overtime;
$27,293,000 for border technology; $20,831,000 to hire an
additional 150 U.S. Customs Officers; $20,756,000 for applicant
background investigations; $16,352,000 to annualize the cost of
150 U.S. Customs Officers funded in fiscal year 2024;
$13,970,000 for rent related expenses; $10,000,000 for
innovative technology; $9,764,000 for counter forced labor
efforts; $6,002,000 for workforce care and suicide prevention;
and $2,250,000 to expand the Center for Air and Marine Drone
Exploitation.
Decreases below the fiscal year 2024 enacted level include:
$1,709,634,000 for border management activities; $650,000,000
for the Shelter Services Program; $29,434,000 for funded
vacancies; $27,446,000 for contracts and travel reductions; and
$24,067,000 for miscellaneous reductions.
Within the total amount provided, the recommendation
includes: $50,600,000 for autonomous surveillance towers;
$50,000,000 for workforce care; $20,000,000 to sustain the
Border Security Deployment Program at POEs; $14,000,000 for
tactical aerostats; $10,440,000 for cross-border tunnel threat
detection; and $4,000,000 for Carrizo cane control.
Within the total amount provided, the recommendation makes
$550,000,000 available until September 30, 2026.
Border Search and Rescue.--Within 90 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, CBP shall submit a report to the
Committee on its search and rescue efforts during fiscal year
2024, including:
(1) the number of deaths, by sector and cause of
death;
(2) the number of rescue beacons, frequency of beacon
activation, and rescues in response to beacon
activation, by sector;
(3) the results of the survey of Border Patrol
stations on rescue beacons; and
(4) strategies for reducing the number of migrant
deaths along the border, including an assessment of the
effectiveness of water supply sites and rescue beacons
and the potential for increased collaboration with non-
governmental organizations.
Border Technology Operational Availability.--The Committee
is concerned with the low operational availability of border
technology deployed along the border. Not later than 60 days
after the date of enactment of this Act and quarterly
thereafter, CBP shall provide a briefing to the Committee that
details the operational availability of all fixed, relocatable,
and mobile surveillance systems deployed by CBP.
Checkpoint, Transportation, and Roving Patrol Stops.--CBP
shall continue to collect and report publicly on a semiannual
basis data pertaining to all checkpoints, transportation
checks, and roving patrol stops with all personally
identifiable information excluded. For roving patrols, the data
should include:
(1) the total number of use of force incidents and
arrests by location;
(2) the citizenship status of subjects arrested; and
(3) the amount and type of property seized.
For transportation checks, the data should include:
(1) a description of the boarding of public
conveyance by CBP in air, maritime and ground stations,
ports, and terminals when an arrest is made;
(2) the total number of use of force incidents and
arrests by location;
(3) the citizenship status when an arrest is made;
and
(4) the amount and type of property seized.
For checkpoints, the data should include:
(1) the location of all tactical and permanent
checkpoints that were in operation for any period of
time;
(2) the total number of use of force incidents and
arrests by location;
(3) the citizenship status of subjects arrested
following secondary inspection;
(4) the amount and type of property seized; and
(5) a description of how CBP uses information
collected by cameras and license plate readers.
Direct Hire Authority.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, CBP shall provide a briefing to
the Committee on the need for additional direct hire authority.
The report shall include the impact of additional direct hire
authority on the agency's ability to timely onboard agents and
officers, as well as any impediments to a grant of direct hire
authority.
Electronic Device Search and Enforcement Activities.--Many
migrants at the southern border carry mobile electronic devices
that can provide valuable information about their background,
intentions, and potential illicit activity. The ability of a
CBP officer or agent at the border to rapidly access and
analyze data from digital devices during an initial interaction
could provide the officer or agent with the capability to
acquire quick, actionable information to make a risk-informed
decision about the admissibility of the individual into the
U.S. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, CBP is directed to brief the Committee on its organic
mobile device digital forensic capabilities.
Electronic Device Searches.--Committee directs CBP to
publish data on its public website detailing the number of
instances during secondary inspections in which POE personnel:
(1) accessed the digital contents of any electronic
equipment, delineated by the nationality and initial
country of departure for the arriving individual in
possession of such equipment;
(2) accessed the digital contents of an online
account, including social media handles and cloud-based
accounts;
(3) requested consent to access the digital contents
of any electronic equipment belonging to or in the
possession of a U.S. person, delineated by whether
permission was granted;
(4) requested a U.S. person to consensually disclose
an access credential that would enable access to the
digital contents of electronic equipment of such
person, delineated by whether the credential was so
disclosed;
(5) detained an individual for refusing to disclose
or provide consent to access the digital contents of
any electronic equipment belonging to them or in their
possession, delineated by whether the individual was a
U.S. person, and the length of time the individual was
detained; and
(6) number of times CBP searched an electronic device
at the request of a Federal, state, local, or foreign
governmental entity, including another component of the
Department, or disclosed to such entity information
from any searched device.
Failure to Yield.--Within 120 days of the date of enactment
of this Act, CBP shall report to the Committee on the number of
`failures to yield' that CBP has encountered in southern border
states and how many of those incidents have been coordinated
with SLTT enforcement partners.
Fentanyl Risk to Law Enforcement.--The Committee recognizes
the clear danger to all CBP officers, agents, other personnel,
and canines by secondary exposure to illicit substances like
fentanyl and other opioids. The Committee also notes that
section 7135 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023 (Public Law 117-263)
amended section 416(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 216(c)) to require the Commissioner of CBP to ensure the
availability of containment devices for all CBP personnel and
canines at risk of accidental exposure to synthetic opioids.
The Committee directs the Commissioner to submit a report
within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act that
details all actions taken to comply with that directive,
including any ongoing or planned procurement processes related
to that provision. In addition, within 180 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, CBP in consultation with Homeland
Security Investigations, shall brief the Committee on the
Department's current understanding of how TCOs are distributing
fentanyl and other illicit narcotics throughout the U.S. after
first smuggling it across the southern border.
Health of Detained Women in CBP Facilities.--Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, CBP shall
provide a briefing to the Committee outlining medical treatment
and attention provided to women who are pregnant, nursing, or
postpartum.
Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V).--Not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Commissioner shall submit a plan to utilize IV&V resourcesfor
each level 1 and 2 acquisition program. Not later than 30 days
after each quarter, the Commissioner shall provide a briefing
to the Committee that shall include the following:
(1) a listing of each level and Level 2 acquisition
program;
(2) acquisition programs that have IV&V resources
assigned; and
(3) a summary of the findings of any IV&V activities
or an explanation for why no such verification and
validation has been performed.
Innovative Technology.--The Committee recommends a total of
$50,000,000 for innovative technologies, to include $30,000,000
within Operations and Support (O&S) and $20,000,000 within
Procurement, Construction, and Improvements (PC&I). CBP is
encouraged to consider the following technologies: unmanned
maritime vessels; autonomous systems; remote sensing;
artificial intelligence and advanced analytics; process
automation; DNA point of origin analysis; supply chain
awareness; and aerostats. CBP is directed to update the
Committee on the planned obligation of these funds not fewer
than 15 days prior to any obligation of funds. Funding shall
not exceed $5,000,000 for any individual project.
Migrant Safety.--CBP shall continue its policies and
activities that help protect migrants who travel on foot
through dangerous terrain after having entered the U.S. between
the POEs. CBP shall continue to prohibit its personnel from
engaging in any activity that could damage water and food
caches and shall continue migrant safety efforts, including
through the placement and maintenance of additional rescue
beacons.
Quarterly Budget and Staffing Briefings.--CBP shall
continue the reporting directives described under this heading
in House Report 118-123.
Strategy to Combat Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Drugs.--The
Committee remains deeply concerned about the effect of
increased use of opioid- and fentanyl-based drugs and resulting
devastating overdose rates and commends CBP for publishing the
Strategy to Combat Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Drugs in
October of 2023. The Department is directed to provide a
briefing to the Committee not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act on how the strategy has influenced the
Department's actions, the results of those actions, and an
updated plan to address this epidemic in the future.
Video Monitoring.--CBP shall continue the reporting
directives as described under this heading in the explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 118-47.
Workforce Care.--The agreement provides a total of
$50,000,000, an increase of $6,002,000 above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level, for on-site clinicians, sustainment of
family support care, CBP support networks, expansion of
employee well-being centers, and deployment of Field Resilience
teams consisting of Operational Psychologists and Field
Resilience Specialists. Not later than 60 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, CBP, in coordination with OHS, shall
brief the Committee on an obligation plan for this funding. Of
the amount provided, $5,000,000 is included to expand employee
well-being centers. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, CBP shall provide a briefing to the
Committee on the relevant technology platforms, including their
application and effectiveness, and plans for this funding to
include an update on the existing well-being pilot program. The
briefing shall also describe how CBP is addressing concerns
related to stigma, privacy, and family-related needs.
Border Security Operations
Aerostats on the Northern Border.--The Committee recognizes
the value of the Tactical Aerostats Program on the southern
border and encourages CBP to consider deploying aerostat assets
on the northern border. Within 180 days of enactment of this
Act, CBP shall submit a report to the Committee on locations
potentially suitable for aerostat deployment along the northern
border along with cost projections.
Border Patrol Checkpoints.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of facilitating security through the use of U.S.
Border Patrol checkpoints throughout the country. The Committee
continues to encourage CBP to explore the use of additional
checkpoints that would interdict contraband, including fentanyl
and other illegal opioids, specifically near the southern
border, such as the San Clemente checkpoint. The Committee
recognizes that CBP is taking steps to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of its automated cargo inspections for
tractor-trailers crossing at land POEs and directs CBP to
conduct a feasibility and requirements analysis for deploying
and implementing technology and cargo inspection processes that
maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of processing
commercial vehicles crossing Border Patrol checkpoints. Not
later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
CBP shall provide a briefing to the Committee with the results
of this analysis, which shall include criteria for determining
how CBP would prioritize the locations where such investments
would be most beneficial and the associated cost estimates and
project risk considerations. In addition, the briefing shall
include metrics that show progress in increasing efficiency and
effectiveness. The Committee also encourages CBP to prioritize
the renovation of checkpoints that are outdated and unable to
efficiently accommodate the increasing volume of traffic along
the southern border, particularly along routes with high rates
of traffic, or projects in which operational requirements to
expand checkpoints have been identified by the agency, such as
the Eagle Pass checkpoint. Renovations include but are not
limited to acceleration/deceleration lanes, lane expansions,
new signage, booths, canopy, lighting, and structure updates.
Border Patrol Hiring.--The recommendation provides funding
to sustain 22,000 Border Patrol Agents. CBP has struggled to
hire agents despite continued investment by the Committee.
CBP's top priorities should be growing the pipeline of
qualified applicants, further reducing attrition at the Border
Patrol Academy, and retaining the existing agent workforce. The
Committee provides additional flexibility to use funding which
cannot be readily executed in fiscal year 2025 to hire agents
for targeted Border Patrol Agent retention and recruitment
efforts to support increasing situational awareness, to bolster
operational readiness, to improve employment analytics, and to
return agents to their primary law enforcement functions,
including to replace the capabilities currently provided by the
Department of Defense (DOD).
Border Patrol Supervisory Positions.--The Committee
continues to support efforts to hire additional Border Patrol
Agents. As CBP continues to address recruitment and retention,
including the recently enacted GS-12 overtime pay enhancement,
the Committee recognizes the necessity to assess additional
efforts to recruit and retain agents at the supervisory level.
Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act, CBP shall
provide a briefing to the Committee that evaluates the cost of
a commensurate overtime increase for GS-13 level and above
positions and details how such increase might impact recruiting
efforts for supervisory roles.
Carrizo Cane.--The recommendation provides $4,000,000,
consistent with the fiscal year 2024 enacted level, for efforts
to control the growth of Carrizo cane along the Rio Grande
River in Texas. CBP shall continue to provide quarterly updates
on the performance of this program related to improved
visibility, biomass reduction, and miles of river treated.
Geospatial Data.--The Committee is aware of the challenges
associated with CBP's ability to access and utilize space-based
geospatial data and imagery to inform operational decision-
making at and near the northern and southern borders and
surrounding POEs. The Committee also recognizes these
challenges are not unique to CBP and that other components
share similar difficulties in leveraging commercial space-based
data and imagery products despite the potential operational
value. CBP shall brief the Committee not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act on its current process
for the evaluation, procurement, integration, and distribution
of space-based commercial data, imagery products, and services.
Northern Border Resources and Encounters.--The Committee
recognizes the unsustainable increase in encounters between
POEs along the northern border and the importance of having
resources to adequately staff and secure this border. The
Committee urges the Department to prioritize deployment of
agents and other resources to sectors along the northern border
where encounters between POEs are increasing the most and to
reduce future deployments of agents from sectors to the
southern border. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, CBP is directed to brief the Committee
on efforts to address staffing issues, migrant encounters, and
drug seizures on the northern border.
Trade and Travel Operations
Border Security Deployment Program (BSDP).--The Committee
recognizes the importance of a comprehensive, integrated, and
continuous surveillance and intrusion detection system provided
at CBP locations to improve the safety and security of CBP
officers and the traveling public. The recommendation includes
not less than $20,000,000, consistent with the enacted level,
to maintain and modernize the BSDP system infrastructure. The
Committee directs CBP to provide a briefing within 90 days of
the date of enactment of this Act on efforts to modernize this
system.
Closed-Loop Cruise Ship Travel.--U.S. citizens who board a
cruise ship at a port or place within the U.S., travel entirely
within the Western Hemisphere, and return on the voyage on the
same cruise ship to the same U.S. port or place from which they
departed, may present, rather than a passport, a government-
issued photo-identification document in combination with other
forms of identifying information. The Committee believes that
the adoption of this policy has measurably contributed to the
facilitation of secure travel for a significant number of U.S.
citizens and strongly encourages CBP to continue to allow U.S.
citizens to use documents other than passports when on closed-
loop travel.
Drop and Hook.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, CBP is directed to brief the Committee
on the consequences of the current policy regarding
inefficiencies in supply chain equipment utilization. Further,
CBP, in coordination with the Department of State, shall assess
the potential benefits of establishing a bilateral program with
Canada to provide for reciprocal treatment of U.S. drivers
where foreign drivers in each country may be permitted to
engage in the standard industry practice known as ``drop and
hook'' and thereby make cross-border freight movements that are
critical to our economy more efficient.
Global Entry for Servicemembers.--U.S. servicemembers
travel globally to serve our country. While service members
have access to free TSA precheck through their DOD
identification number, Global Entry is not currently a provided
benefit for active and reserve personnel. The Committee
encourages CBP, in consultation with the DOD, to provide free
Global Entry to uniformed service members to better execute
their missions at home and abroad.
Illicit Vaping Products.--The Committee remains concerned
with the prevalence of illicit vaping products imported through
POEs. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, CBP shall report on enforcement actions taken to
halt, reduce, and prevent illegal electronic nicotine delivery
system products from entering the stream of commerce within the
United States. CBP shall provide the number of shipments that
have been stopped at the border, and whether the shipments were
ultimately released into the country, and if so, for what
reason. The report shall also include the processes in place
for stopping illegal vaping products from being allowed entry
into the country, including coordination with the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to determine whether the FDA issues Import
Alerts for all products receiving any enforcement actions by
the FDA, including all products cited in warning letters to
retailers, and if the products are ultimately returned to the
importer, released, or destroyed.
Low-Risk Air Travelers.--The Committee encourages CBP to
utilize technology and innovation to facilitate and expedite
the processing of low-risk travelers at U.S. airports, while
enhancing security and enforcement, otherwise known as Enhanced
Primary Processing. The Committee urges CBP to consider new
processes that meet its operational needs, including for
frequent travelers that have not enrolled in a trusted traveler
program. Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act,
CBP shall submit a report to the Committee on its efforts to
utilize technology and innovation to facilitate and expedite
the processing of low-risk travelers at U.S. airports. The
report shall include steps CBP has taken to meet or exceed the
security of processing low-risk travelers, the efficiencies in
CBP staffing, impacts on the customer experience, partnerships
with the commercial aviation stakeholder community, and CBP's
continued efforts to fulfill its biometric exit mandate under
section 1365b of title 8, United States Code.
Passive Muon Tomography.--The Committee is aware of the
capability to effectively scan dense and/or shielded cargo
entering U.S. sea and land ports using a passive muon
tomography scanning system. The Committee encourages CBP to
deploy such technology to improve CBP's imaging capability of
dense cargo and determine additional uses for the technology in
CBP's layered enforcement system along the southern border as
well as sea and other land ports.
Port Runners.--The recommendation provides $3,000,000,
consistent with the fiscal year 2024 enacted level, to continue
demonstrations of less-than-lethal energy-absorbing active
vehicle barrier systems designed to deter, safely stop, and
contain ``port runner'' vehicles at CBP POEs that have a
history of port running to determine the scalability of the
technology. Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this
Act, CBP shall brief the Committee on the progress of the
pilot.
Preclearance.--The Committee notes the significant increase
in international travel since the end of the pandemic. The
Committee directs CBP to ensure adequate hiring, training, and
staffing levels to support operations at the top 12 U.S. air
POEs, as determined by passenger enplanements as measured by
the Federal Aviation Administration. Admitting new foreign
airports should include the necessary planning and allocation
to ensure the benefits are realized at each preclearance
location.
Reimbursable Services Program.--CBP is reminded of the
requirement under the same heading in the explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 117--328 to brief the Committee
quarterly on the baseline service levels for each air-, land-,
and sea POE.
Seaport Requirements.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, CBP shall brief the Committee on
requirements for staff, facility, and security upgrades for
seaports, to include marine and cruise terminals. The briefing
should address staffing shortages, upgraded facility and
security requirements, and plans for technology
recapitalization; the process used to decide how initiatives
are funded; a justification for the scope of the requests; how
CBP works with ports regarding their capital management plan;
and the legal authority CBP has for making such requests.
Solar Anti-Stockpiling Enforcement.--The Committee
recommends adequate resources be dedicated to enforcing the
anti-stockpiling utilization requirement detailed in the notice
concerning the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders on
Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells and Modules Imported
from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam (88 Fed. Reg.
57419). Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, DHS shall submit a report detailing compliance rates,
efforts to enforce the utilization requirements, and duty
collection efforts.
Port Upgrades.--The Committee urges CBP to routinely review
the baseline facility service levels for each POE and take
those service levels into consideration when acting on requests
for facility and security improvements. CBP should share
information on each POE's service levels with the port operator
and shall provide aggregate information on current levels of
service to the Committee not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.
Resource Allocation Model (RAM).--Any modifications to the
RAM shall be described at the field and office level in future
budget submissions. Additionally, not later than 60 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, CBP shall brief the
Committee on resource and staffing shortfalls on the northern
and southern borders compared to levels prescribed by the RAM
for rail crossings and POEs in the land, air, and sea
environments, including cruise ship terminals. CBP is
encouraged to continue to improve the model by seeking external
review.
User Fee Airports.--The Committee continues to strongly
encourage CBP to give priority consideration to an application
for POE status to any user fee airport that served at least
75,000 deplaned international passengers in the previous
calendar year. Further, not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, CBP shall brief the Committee on any
requests by airports for increased CBP support, such as the San
Bernardino International Airport. The brief shall detail the
anticipated passenger and/or cargo volumes of the applicant,
and the reason for CBP accommodating or denying such requests.
Integrated Operations
Air and Marine Operations Flight Hours.--Not later than 120
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, CBP Air and
Marine Operations (AMO) shall provide a plan to achieve not
fewer than 110,000 flight hours.
Center for Air and Marine Drone Exploitation (CAMDEx).--The
Committee recommends $4,500,000, $2,250,000 above the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level, to sustain and expand a drone
exploitation program within CBP AMO to counter threats posed by
hostile Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). The funds shall
be used for data analysis, cybersecurity vulnerability
assessments, and appropriate countermeasures. Within 180 days
of the date of enactment of this Act, CBP, in coordination with
S&T, shall brief the Committee on the program's progress.
DHC-8 Multi-Mission, Fixed-Wing Aircraft.--The
recommendation provides $45,000,000, $21,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level, to accelerate the mission
system upgrades to replace obsolete equipment with new digital
avionics, mission radios, an integrated communication system,
and an enhanced software package.
Minotaur.--The government-owned Minotaur software,
currently in use by CBP fixed wing air assets, links sensors,
camera, radar, and other communications equipment into a single
system to allow for situational awareness and tactical action
across multiple DHS components. The recommendation provides an
increase of $2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
to upgrade cybersecurity, cyber resiliency, authority to
operate compliance requirements, and increase training for
Minotaur operators. The Committee strongly encourages CBP AMO
to explore partnership with the Coast Guard for potential
economies of scale and joint training programs.
Persistent Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).--The Committee
recommends an increase of $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024
enacted level for CBP AMO for the expansion of persistent,
long-duration, surface MDA data collection from uncrewed
surface systems to support the interdiction of illicit
narcotics and enhance security along U.S. maritime borders. CBP
is directed to update the Committee on the planned obligation
of these funds at least 15 days prior to such obligation.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $850,170,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 272,888,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,390,338,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +540,168,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +1,117,450,000
The Committee recommends the following increases above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level: $600,000,000 for physical
barrier construction; $24,800,000 for Light Enforcement
Helicopters; $18,500,000 for UH-60 Medium Lift Helicopter
conversions; $18,000,000 for Enforcement System Unification and
Interoperability; $16,500,000 for border technology
procurement; and $8,654,000 for CBP AMO and Border Patrol
construction projects.
Air and Marine Helicopter Modernization.--The
recommendation provides $18,500,000 to convert at least one
helicopter from the HH-60L to the CBP UH-60L configuration. CBP
AMO is encouraged to pursue alternative approaches, in
partnership with the U.S. Army, that may bring future
conversion costs down.
Autonomous Surveillance Towers (AST).--The Committee
recognizes the AST program provides the ability to quickly
identify illicit border crossings and notes the support of
Border Patrol Sector Chiefs and agents for this force-
multiplying capability. The Committee directs the Border Patrol
to continue to modernize surveillance capabilities with
autonomous technology and at minimum procure the same number of
new ASTs as procured in fiscal year 2024, to include standard,
maritime, cold weather, and long-range AST variants.
Border Security Technology Procurement.--The Committee
recommends $300,000,000, $16,500,000 above the fiscal year 2024
enacted level, for border security technology. Of this amount:
(1) $158,000,000 is for integrated surveillance
towers, system and data integration, and autonomous
surveillance towers, defined as integrated software
and/or hardware systems that utilize sensors, onboard
computing, and artificial intelligence to identify
items of interest that would otherwise be manually
identified by personnel to reduce reliance on Border
Patrol Agents to manually operate equipment;
(2) $35,000,000 is for mobile surveillance platforms
that allow for remote and autonomous operations;
(3) $30,000,000 is for subterranean and advanced
sensor technology investments to include cross-border
tunnel detection capabilities, unattended ground
sensors, linear ground detection system, and conveyance
identification capabilities;
(4) $27,000,000 is for the Border Enforcement
Coordination Network;
(5) $20,000,000 is for CBP's INVNT Program, of which
not more than $5,000,000 shall be available for each
specific technology project;
(6) $15,000,000 is for enhanced communications
capabilities to include mesh networks, land mobile
radio, Team Awareness Kits, and satellite
communications to extend connectivity for agents where
commercial cellular service is not present; and
(7) $15,000,000 is for counter-UAS and small UAS.
The Commissioner is directed to prioritize procurement of
the most cost-effective technologies based on lifecycle costs,
system availability, reduced requirements for personnel, and
input from sector leadership. CBP shall provide a briefing to
the Committee on a plan for the obligation of these funds at
least 15 days prior to any obligation. The plan shall require
the direct approval of the Commissioner and include:
(1) details about the process for prioritizing the
use of funds;
(2) a summary of planned obligations for fiscal year
2025, delineated by technology type;
(3) metrics that will be used to assess the cost
effectiveness of each type of technology for which
funds will be obligated and a plan for collecting the
data required for such metrics; and
(4) operational effectiveness data to support
continued procurement investments, including evidence
of support from sector leadership based on actual use
of the technology.
CBP shall notify the Committee at least 15 days prior to
the obligation of any funds based on a change to the initial
obligation plan.
Border Technology Innovation.--The Committee continues to
direct CBP to make innovation a central element of all requests
for proposals moving forward and to require vendors to describe
in detail how such proposals will provide an innovative
solution to improve mission effectiveness beyond that of
currently deployed systems. Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, CBP, including the CBP Chief
Acquisition Executive, shall brief the Committee on a plan to
include innovation as scored evaluation criteria for every
border security procurement.
Border Wall.--During fiscal years 2017 through 2021,
Congress appropriated over $5,800,000,000 for physical barriers
to enhance security along the southern border. The
administration, however, has at every turn taken steps to
impede the clear and unambiguous intent of Congress in
providing this funding. Instead of building the border wall
system as the law requires, this administration has cancelled
contracts, allowed materials to waste away in the elements, and
left unfinished sections of barrier that are exploited by drug
cartels and human smuggling networks that ultimately makes
Border Patrol Agents' mission more difficult. As a result, the
bill includes a provision to ensure the $600,000,000 provided
for constructing physical barriers is spent promptly and can be
used for no other purpose.
Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Laser Based
Technology.--The Committee strongly urges CBP to immediately
explore existing technological solutions, currently in U.S.
Government possession, which include mobile advance laser-based
systems, to enhance C-UAS capabilities. Not later than 30 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department shall
provide a report that addresses what laser-based systems may be
readily available for pilots and procurement, where this
technology could be immediately deployed, and cost estimates to
refurbish, deploy, and maintain such systems.
Cross-Border Tunnel Threat Detection.--The Committee is
concerned about the threat posed by TCOs' use of subterranean
tunnels and underground municipal infrastructure at the
southern border to smuggle drugs like fentanyl, weapons, and
other illicit materials into the country. The Committee remains
alarmed over the Department's failure to integrate the threat
posed by this underground illicit tunnel activity into wider
strategic planning efforts and resource allocation decisions.
The Committee directs CBP to provide a briefing on the plans to
deploy, operate, and maintain cross-border tunnel detection
technology not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act.
Enforcement System Unification and Interoperability.--The
recommendation provides $18,000,000 to continue CBP's efforts
to increase interoperability by integrating U.S. Border Patrol
and Office of Field Operations enforcement systems where
appropriate. Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, CBP shall provide a briefing to the Committee on
its plans for this funding, including schedules and expected
performance outcomes.
Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Infrastructure Capital Plan.--Not
later than 30 days after the submission of the budget request
for fiscal year 2026, the Commissioner shall submit a report
that details its prioritization of LPOE infrastructure capital
investment projects, the methods and models used to determine
prioritization, and an overview of public-private partnership
agreements. CBP shall work with GSA and the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) on the annual 5-year LPOEs
modernization plan, which is based on CBP's operational
priorities and should include plans to complete the
modernization of pre-9/11 POEs along the northern border.
Specific attention should be paid to the health, safety, and
welfare needs of CBP Officers. Special consideration shall also
be made for facilities where reconfiguration or upgrades will
improve the flow of local traffic and allow local residents to
move freely in their communities. The report shall align with
the annual LPOE priority list, outline projected CBP costs, and
explain how CBP will engage with state and local entities and
the specific milestones and timeline for the project
completion.
Light Enforcement Platform (LEP).--The recommendation
provides $53,900,000 to purchase not less than five LEP
helicopters that will allow CBP to continue to transition to
one light helicopter platform, improve operational efficiency,
and enhance safety of CBP AMO pilots.
Mobile Surveillance Platforms.--The Committee is concerned
about the current state of CBP's legacy truck-based mobile
surveillance fleet, which consists of Mobile Video Surveillance
Systems and Mobile Surveillance Capability variants. The
Committee encourages CBP to implement both immediate and mid-
term actions to address these concerns including but not
limited to replacing beyond end-of-life systems, upgrading
current systems with additional capabilities such as radar and
communications, and developing a technology roadmap for next
generation truck-based mobile surveillance to ensure CBP's
fleet is positioned to counter critical threats to U.S. border
security. The Committee recommends re-using components of the
existing Mobile Surveillance Capability systems where practical
to reduce procurement costs.
Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA).--The recommendation
provides $30,000,000, for one MEA to expand CBP's ability to
conduct maritime, air, and land surveillance at our Nation's
borders.
Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) Technology.--The Committee
recommends $305,000,000, consistent with the fiscal year 2024
enacted level, for NII technology at land- and sea- POEs. CBP
shall execute these funds as follows: $173,000,000 for civil
works; $60,000,000 for command center construction; $20,000,000
for artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities;
$20,000,000 for IT infrastructure; $20,000,000 for system
integration; and $12,000,000 to procure and deploy new non-
intrusive detection devices. CBP shall provide a briefing to
the Committee on a plan for the obligation of these funds at
least 15 days prior to any obligation. The Committee remains
extremely concerned over the exceedingly slow pace of
deployment of NII passenger vehicle screening units. The
Committee continues to be dismayed that CBP has sacrificed
additional detection capabilities for several multi-energy
portals with the removal of under vehicle systems to
accommodate unanticipated growth in civil works costs. The
Committee provided $201,000,000 in civil works funding in
fiscal year 2024 and expects CBP to expedite construction to
install NII capability at POEs. Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, GAO shall complete an audit
of the detection efficacy and performance of each of the
procured low energy portal solutions to inform future passenger
vehicle screening unit requirements. This audit should include
an assessment of contraband concealment tactics and
vulnerabilities and the ability to upgrade and retrofit vehicle
screening units to address the assessment. Additionally, the
Committee encourages CBP to work in partnership with CWMD to
quickly resolve interference that may occur when NII systems
are installed in close proximity to radiation portal monitors.
Open Architecture for C-UAS.--The Committee recognizes the
growing threat that unmanned aerial systems present to our
border, critical infrastructure, and other critical
governmental operations. Open architecture-based C-UAS allows
for continuous modification, updating, and service life
extension reducing total lifecycle cost. Open architecture
presents significant advantages over closed systems that rely
on a single vendor to provide operations and maintenance
support for the entire lifecycle. The Committee believes that
systems integration of newer components may allow for a more
flexible contracting process and technologically superior
systems to be built over time at a lower cost. Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, CBP shall
provide a briefing to the Committee on plans to use open
architecture-based C-UAS systems. Such briefing shall include,
at a minimum, potential cost savings and performance
enhancements of a shift to open architecture, and an assessment
of the ability to source C-UAS hardware that is manufactured
domestically or by allied nations.
Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS).--The Committee
continues to recognize the growing threat of sUAS, both
homemade and commercial, along the southern border. To protect
against this rapidly growing and evolving threat, the Committee
encourages CBP to consider expanding radio frequency (RF)
sensing to detect, track, and identify all RF-based drones
including spoofed or encrypted drones, regardless of
manufacturer. Further, the Committee strongly encourages CBP to
enhance current detect, track, and identify capabilities to
detect sUAS at greater distances through both long-range radar
and long-range camera for visual confirmation and develop
advanced jammer-based mitigation that is effective against
multiple sUAS as the threat evolves.
Tactical Maritime Surveillance System (TMSS).--The
Committee provides $10,500,000 to expand to a third TMSS site
and fund spare components to support the program. Not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, CBP AMO
shall brief the Committee on its long-term plans to expand this
program, including future years' resource requirements.
Team Awareness Kit (TAK) Data Access and Connectivity.--The
Committee recognizes that TAK substantially contributes to
officer safety and operational effectiveness by serving as a
data hub that transmits real time threat data and connects TAK
users to each other. This capability is vital to CBP operations
as CBP personnel frequently operate in areas where there is
limited or no cellular connectivity and the deployment of
satellite or cellular is not cost effective. To ensure agents
and officers have real time access to threat data generated
across multiple sensor systems and can communicate via TAK in
the absence of cellular coverage, the Committee strongly
encourages CBP to continue investments in mesh network
technology and infrastructure to ensure agents and officers are
properly equipped and supported.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $9,557,062,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 9,315,769,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 10,516,791,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +959,729,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +1,201,022,000
Mission
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces
Federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and
immigration to promote homeland security and public safety.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducts criminal
investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods,
money, contraband, weapons, and sensitive technology into, out
of, and through the United States. HSI special agents also
investigate transnational criminal activity impacting the
Nation overseas, working to disrupt and dismantle organizations
responsible for exploitation of the most vulnerable
populations.
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) enforces the
Nation's immigration laws by identifying and apprehending
removable migrants, detaining apprehended individuals when
necessary, and removing them from the U.S. in a manner
consistent with legal processes and procedures.
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) serves as
the representative for the U.S. Government in immigration
removal proceedings before the U.S. Department of Justice
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and provides
prudent legal counsel to ICE personnel on their law enforcement
and immigration authorities.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $9,501,542,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 9,311,221,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 10,497,243,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +995,701,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +1,186,022,000
Within the total amount provided for Operations and
Support, the bill makes $3,128,421,000 available until
September 30, 2026. Of this amount, $3,081,725,000 is for
increasing current detention capacity levels from 41,500 to
50,000 beds.
The bill continues language requiring ICE to provide an
initial obligation plan to the Committee within 45 days of the
date of enactment of this Act. ICE shall also continue the
monthly reporting requirements outlined in the explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 118-47 and incorporate data-
driven projections into such requirements to fully account for
ICE's mission impacts throughout the fiscal year.
GAO released a report on May 15, 2024, detailing ICE's
financial management practices. Notably, between fiscal years
2014 and 2023, DHS notified Congress of the intent to transfer
approximately $1,380,000,000 from other departmental components
to address shortfalls within the agency. GAO also found that
between fiscal years 2018 and 2023, 78 percent of all notified
transfers from other DHS components, such as the Coast Guard,
FEMA, or TSA, were designated for ICE. The sheer amount that
has been transferred from other components' activities to
support ICE's mission over the past decade is truly
astonishing. While the Committee recognizes the dynamic
environment in which ICE must operate, neither ICE nor the
Department should rely on other components to fund deficits
that ICE itself often creates. Not only does that presuppose
that other missions within DHS are less important, it also sets
the precedent that the Department can shift funding away from
congressional priorities within other components to compensate
for ICE's budgetary mismanagement. This is unacceptable and
should no longer be the standard by which OMB, the Department,
and ICE conduct their fiscal management. The Committee notes
that while the authority by which OMB, DHS, and ICE are able to
transfer such amounts exists within section 503 of this Act, it
is also the prerogative of this Committee to limit or eliminate
said authority.
As such, ICE shall expeditiously implement the
recommendations from GAO-24-106550 and update the Committee on
a monthly cadence to ensure appropriate congressional
oversight. In House Report 118-123, ICE was directed to better
utilize Department-wide, data-driven projections for encounter
levels, interior enforcement actions, policy considerations,
etc., to better inform the agency of its funding requirements
throughout the fiscal year. Following the publication of the
aforementioned GAO report, ICE's Program Analysis and
Evaluation division shall perform an assessment of ICE's
budgetary models on a quarterly basis and incorporate the data
outlined above and in House Report 118-123 to robustly project
ICE's resource needs. ICE is directed to inform the Committee
of findings not later than five business days after each
assessment.
ICE recently informed the Committee of its need for
additional resources within the Custody Operations,
Transportation and Removal Operations, and Alternatives to
Detention PPAs, despite receiving one of the largest increases
of funding among departmental components in fiscal year 2024 to
support a robust enforcement and removal apparatus. The funding
increase of $1,137,760,000, or 13 percent, between fiscal years
2023 and 2024 was also provided to pay for the unauthorized
level of detention capacity maintained during prior year
continuing resolutions (CR). While the Committee strongly
supports enhancements to ICE's enforcement and removal mission,
allowing operations to significantly exceed the available
resources during a CR period is wholly irresponsible and
perpetuates fiscal mismanagement within the agency for which
Congress is forced to account. Such decisions also create an
environment in which the Department may be forced to release
tens of thousands of migrants from detention and halt certain
removal operations if the necessary resources are not provided
in an annual or supplemental appropriations bill. As ICE works
with the Committee to refine its deficit projections for the
remainder of the fiscal year, ICE is directed to provide
monthly estimates of operational requirements and their impact
on resources during a potential CR period spanning the first
quarter of fiscal year 2025.
ICE is expected to continue briefing the Committee on its
financial and reporting system, as directed in Public Law 117-
328. Additionally, ICE is directed to continue the requirement
found under the heading ``Contract Notifications'' in the
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 118-47 for
contracts that exceed $10,000,000 related to the following:
(1) detention operations, including medical and
mental health services and other personnel services at
detention facilities;
(2) alternatives to detention programs;
(3) transportation and removal operations; and
(4) data services.
Homeland Security Investigations
The recommendation provides a total of $2,604,938,000 for
HSI, which is an increase of $145,833,000 above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level.
Additional Criminal Investigators and Support Staff.--The
recommendation includes an increase of $10,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level to hire additional criminal
investigators and associated support staff for both domestic
and international operations. As HSI's broad, cross-border
authorities allow the agency to initiate and participate in a
wide array of investigations, staffing levels must be
commensurate with the increased workload. HSI shall provide a
spend plan of these funds within 30 days of enactment of this
Act, detailing the enhancements by investigative mission area.
Advanced Analytics for Counter-Proliferation
Investigations.--The Committee urges HSI to implement software
within the Counter-Proliferation Investigations Program that
utilizes advanced analytics to correlate open source,
commercial, and native agency data.
Blue Campaign.--The bill continues a provision that allows
for the transfer of not less than $5,000,000 from other
Departmental components to HSI for necessary operations of the
Blue Campaign. HSI shall provide a detailed accounting of
fiscal year 2026 base funding requirements within 180 days of
the date of enactment of this Act.
Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT).--The
recommendation includes an increase of $8,813,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for activities within the CCHT.
HSI shall provide quarterly briefings on CCHT activities and
future resource requirements beginning not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act. The Committee urges
HSI and the CCHT to coordinate with the Federal Law Enforcement
Training Centers (FLETC) to ensure human trafficking awareness
trainings conducted for Federal and SLTT law enforcement are
appropriately standardized.
Child Exploitation.--The recommendation provides an
increase of $8,533,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
for the Child Exploitation Investigations Unit within HSI's
Cyber Crimes Center to provide additional investigative,
forensic, and analytical support for these efforts. HSI is
urged to continue partnering with partner nations and
international stakeholders on victim identification techniques,
similar to the partnerships realized during Operation Renewed
Hope. Additionally, the recommendation includes $3,214,000 for
HSI's Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Campaign to educate
the public about the threats of online child sexual
exploitation and abuse (CSEA) material through social media.
Coordination and Notifications.--The Committee looks
forward to receiving the briefing required under this heading
in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 118-47.
HSI shall provide a briefing on coordination efforts with the
Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Department of Health
and Human Services not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act. Such update shall focus on challenges
realized with implementing the notification system thus far,
including any statutory or administration-driven policy
directives that limit data-sharing between the two agencies.
The Committee is of the opinion that unaccompanied alien
children continue to be vulnerable to labor and sexual
exploitation and urges HSI to consider proactive measures to
protect this population from such illicit activity.
Counterfeit Semiconductors.--The Committee is concerned
that foreign adversaries have attempted to flood the U.S.
marketplace with counterfeit semiconductor parts and materials,
particularly those that are found within the high-reliability
semiconductor ecosystem, posing a significant national security
risk. The Committee is further concerned that some commercial
providers of semiconductor part authentication services neglect
to follow proper processes and procedures, which can then lead
to the introduction of counterfeit parts into the supply chain.
The recommendation includes an increase of $1,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for HSI to create a task force
to target counterfeit semiconductor materials in the
marketplace and global supply chains. The task force shall
include other Federal, SLTT, and industry stakeholders to
establish policies and procedures for mitigating these
counterfeit materials. The task force shall also determine best
practices for validating approved counterfeit semiconductor
mitigation services. HSI is instructed to brief the Committee
within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act on efforts
to create the task force, challenges that arise in the
establishment of such task force, and additional resource
requirements necessary for further implementation.
Fentanyl Detection.--The Committee remains concerned about
the significant threat posed by the smuggling of narcotics,
including synthetic opioid fentanyl, through POEs and
transportation hubs and recognizes the challenges of using
conventional detection methods to address such threat. As such,
the recommendation includes an increase of $5,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level to support procurement of
technologies that utilize artificial intelligence and machine
learning to enhance traditional detection methods. Not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, HSI shall
provide a briefing on procurement and implementation progress
of such technologies and future resources needed to further
augment detection capabilities.
Fentanyl Precursors.--While the majority of the fentanyl
that continues to devastate American communities is smuggled
across our borders as a finished product, domestic
manufacturing of fentanyl is steadily increasing. Often under
derivative names to mask their true purpose, precursor
chemicals available online are a critical component to fentanyl
manufacturing. The recommendation includes an increase of
$3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level to enhance
HSI's analytical ability to identify and compile all
nomenclature associated with precursor chemicals, interrupt
online operations, map distribution networks, and obtain
express consignment shipment data to interdict these chemicals.
Forced Labor.--HSI shall continue to provide the briefing
required under this heading found in House Report 118-123.
Human Exploitation Rescue Operation (HERO) Child-Rescue
Corps Program.--The Committee supports the HERO Child-Rescue
Corps Program and directs HSI to provide an update within 180
days of the date of enactment of this Act on the number of HERO
graduates hired and retained within HSI.
Illegal Grow Operations.--In satisfying the requirement
found under this heading in the explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-47, HSI detailed investigative
methods used to combat illegal grow operations in the U.S.
controlled by TCOs based in the People's Republic of China
(PRC) and elsewhere. HSI is encouraged to continue these
methods and update the Committee on resource and authorization
needs to further advance these efforts.
Image Recognition Technology.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of facial recognition technology capabilities in
investigating the illicit activities of large TCOs and provides
$5,000,000 to expand and enhance such capabilities. Not later
than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, HSI is
directed to provide a spend plan for these funds and brief the
Committee on interoperability of facial recognition with
current investigative technologies.
Intelligence.--In an effort to enhance HSI's intelligence
apparatus, the recommendation includes $4,000,000 to procure
technological capabilities that ingest, analyze, and transcribe
non-privileged communications into actionable intelligence
within the Federal detention system. HSI shall provide a
briefing to the Committee within 60 days of the date of
enactment of this Act on methods to incorporate such
capabilities into the Repository for Analytics in a Virtualized
Environment (RAVEn) system.
International Operations.--HSI shall continue providing the
Committee with a strategic plan for international operations,
as directed in the explanatory statement accompanying Public
Law 117-328. The recommendation includes an increase of
$3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for HSI to
expand its presence overseas and increase the number of
transnational criminal investigative units. HSI is instructed
to provide an execution plan for these funds and include
details of additional resource needs to support the
international mission.
International Trade.--The recommendation includes an
increase of $10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for additional investigative capacity related to
international trade crime. HSI shall provide quarterly updates
to the Committee on the number of referrals made to the DOJ
Trade Fraud Task Force as a result of this additional capacity.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center.--The Committee
directs ICE to provide quarterly briefings on its enforcement
priorities within the IPR Center, beginning not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Human Rights Violators.--The Committee continues the
requirements found under this heading in House Report 118-123.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.--The Committee is
concerned with human trafficking and other illicit activities
on Tribal Nation land and directs HSI to partner with the
Missing and Murdered Unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs'
Office of Justice Services to aid in human trafficking
investigations that cross tribal lands. Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, HSI shall submit a
report on coordination efforts, jurisdictional or other
challenges, and resources needed to enhance the partnership
between the two agencies. The recommendation includes an
increase of $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
to support such partnership and expand the Shadow Wolves unit.
Organized Retail Crime.--The Committee continues to
recognize the negative economic and public safety impacts of
organized retail crime and directs HSI to routinely engage with
relevant Federal and external stakeholders, such as multistore
facility and property owners, to create a strategy to counter
organized retail crime. Within 180 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, HSI shall provide a briefing to the
Committee on the Organized Retail Crime strategy. The briefing
shall also include how stakeholder input was incorporated and
include an analysis of feasibility and resources needed to
establish an Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center to
centralize and enhance Federal investigative capacity for
countering organized retail crime.
Personnel Well-Being.--The Committee is concerned about the
mental and emotional well-being of HSI agents who primarily
focus their efforts on CSEA investigations, especially given
the disturbing nature and rapid growth of CSEA over the past
decade. HSI is directed to provide a briefing within 90 days of
the date of enactment of this Act on mental health resources
available to HSI personnel, current policies and procedures to
determine personnel resiliency, and any additional funding
requirements to enhance currently available resources.
Rebranding.--The Committee is concerned with HSI's recent
efforts to rebrand itself separate from ICE without
congressional coordination. While the Committee acknowledges
the rationale for rebranding, particularly considering HSI's
work with victims of transnational crime and the fact that some
jurisdictions across the Nation refuse to partner with ICE for
political reasons, HSI and the Department cannot unilaterally
make such decisions without first appropriately engaging the
Committees of jurisdiction prior to acting. The Committee
expects to be informed of any similar decision regarding the
HSI ``brand'' prior to execution of such decision.
Additionally, HSI is instructed to provide a thorough
delineation of costs associated with the rebranding effort
within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act for the
following:
(1) email addresses, URLs, or other IT-associated
items;
(2) physical items, such as badges, paraphernalia,
etc.; and
(3) any additional items that require rebranding.
Repository for Analytics in a Virtualized Environment
(RAVEn).--The Committee continues the requirement found under
this heading as described in the explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-47.
Special Response Teams (SRTs).--The recommendation includes
an increase of $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for personnel and general expenses associated with
additional SRTs. These specialized teams provide critical
tactical support in high-risk situations and are uniquely
positioned to deploy at a moment's notice.
Student and Exchange Information System (SEVIS).--Within 90
days of the date of enactment of this Act, HSI shall submit a
report on the following with regard to investigative hours in
fiscal year 2024 related to:
(1) violations of the Immigration and Nationality
Act;
(2) SEVIS and results of such investigations;
(3) worksite enforcement and results of such
investigations; and
(4) counter-proliferation and national security and
results of such investigations.
Supply Chain Fraud and Theft Task Force (SCFTTF).--The
Committee remains concerned with the alarming rise in supply
chain fraud and theft through interstate commerce, particularly
in the rail, motor carrier, and intermodal systems, including
attempted burglary, theft of merchandise, or possession of
merchandise stolen from a railcar and/or motor carrier. In an
effort to combat the recent escalation of these illicit
activities, the recommendation includes an increase of
$2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level to
establish the SCFTTF. HSI, in conjunction with the FBI and
major theft task forces, shall consult with SLTT and Federal
law enforcement agencies, as well as relevant private sector
stakeholders, to ensure such task force employs a coordinated,
multi-agency, intelligence-based, and prosecutor-led approach
to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling organizations
primarily responsible for the theft and theft-related violence
in the American supply chain.
Targeting Online Drug Trafficking Operations.--The
Committee continues the directive found under this heading in
House Report 118-123.
Task Force Officer (TFO) Program.--The Committee notes that
HSI is responsible for cross-border investigations focused on
the illicit movement of people and goods, in part to combat
TCOs involved in the smuggling of firearms, drugs, and other
contraband. Critical to this effort are the unique authorities
and subject matter expertise provided by the HSI TFOs. The TFO
program enables HSI to cross-designate sworn law enforcement
officers from SLTT and foreign agencies to contribute their
expertise to HSI investigations. The Committee notes the
benefits and force multiplier effect of law enforcement
officers working collaboratively with the HSI TFO program. The
Committee directs ICE to include operational costs for the TFO
program in future year budget requests.
Victim Assistance Program (VAP).--The recommendation
includes an increase of $13,709,000 above the fiscal year 2024
enacted level for the VAP.
Enforcement and Removal Operations
The recommendation provides a total of $5,900,389,000 for
ERO, which is an increase of $818,171,000 above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level. Of this amount, the recommendation makes
$3,081,725,000 available until September 30, 2026, to support
increasing the detention capacity level from 41,500 to 50,000
beds and to ensure ICE has appropriate contract flexibility to
maintain such level.
287(g) Program.--The Committee recognizes the importance of
the 287(g) program, particularly since state and local law
enforcement who participate act as a force multiplier for the
ERO workforce, which has not been appropriately staffed in many
years. The program also provides safety benefits to officers
and detainees as detainees are transferred into ICE custody in
a controlled environment. The Committee is concerned that this
administration is inclined to considerably diminish the 287(g)
program by disincentivizing growth or utilization to the
maximum extent possible, as evidenced by the temporary hold
placed on the program in January of 2021. ICE is directed to
report quarterly on local law enforcement agencies that express
interest in joining the program and ICE's plan to continue
expanding the program. Additionally, ICE shall publish an
annual report on the following with respect to the 287(g)
program:
(1) the number of states and political subdivisions
that have applied for an agreement in the most recent
fiscal year;
(2) the number of requests for agreements received,
approved, denied, and pending approval;
(3) detailed information regarding methods used to
achieve recruitment goals, including outreach conducted
to states and political subdivisions of states, as well
as funds allocated for this purpose; and
(4) strategic plans and performance goals for the
next five years for recruiting states and political
subdivisions for participation in the program.
The recommendation includes an increase of $2,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for new 287(g) agreements.
Alternatives to Detention (ATD).--The recommendation
provides $492,600,000 for the ATD program, which is an increase
of $22,410,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level. As the
non-detained docket continues to grow beyond unsustainable
levels, it is the opinion of the Committee that all ATD
programs should incorporate elements of electronic monitoring
for compliance and enforcement purposes. The Committee
continues the directive found in House Report 118-123
instructing ICE to prioritize detention and removal operations
prior to considering alternatives to detention.
ATD Contracts.--ICE shall continue providing a monthly
briefing on the number of migrants participating in the ATD
program, delineated by technology type and associated daily
cost, as well as the number of participants who attend their
immigration court hearings. In addition, ICE shall continue to
publish annually the following policies and data relating to
ATD:
(1) guidance for referral, placement, escalation, and
de-escalation decisions;
(2) enrollments and disenrollments by field office;
(3) information on the length of enrollment broken
down by type of ATD; and
(4) enrollments and disenrollments by type and point
of apprehension.
ATD Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP)
Utilization.--The recommendation includes an increase of
$30,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for
additional ISAP participation. Of the total provided within the
ATD PPA, the Committee provides not less than $350,000,000 for
ISAP. As the only ATD program that includes real-time,
actionable GPS monitoring capabilities, ISAP has been proven to
be the most effective alternative to detention. Any attempt to
wind down or underutilize the program will be met with strict
scrutiny from the Committee and other congressional oversight
entities. To ensure the Committee maintains appropriate
oversight of the program, ICE shall provide a report to the
Committee not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of
this Act detailing its escalation and de-escalation policies
for ISAP. Additionally, ICE shall provide a report to the
Committee on a monthly basis on the following:
(1) total number of participants in the ISAP program
and their length of time in the program;
(2) total number of participants who are followed
throughout their immigration hearing process up until
immigration hearing adjudication and, in circumstances
of removal orders, are removed; and
(3) total number of participants who have been
escalated or de-escalated within the program, including
the number of participants who have been disenrolled
from the program prior to the completion of their
immigration hearing adjudication.
The Committee directs ICE to employ the ISAP program in a
manner that includes appropriate enforcement mechanisms to be
conducted by appropriate law enforcement personnel for
noncompliance.
ATD Monitoring Pilot Program.--The recommendation includes
$5,000,000 for ICE to pilot innovative, wearable technologies
that incorporate tokenized identity capabilities that verify
location and biometric information to monitor those on the non-
detained docket who do not meet the escalation qualifications
for enrollment into the ISAP program. ICE shall confer with the
Committee prior to any external engagement for the pilot
program.
ATD Program Violation Reporting.--Within 30 days of the
date of enactment of this Act and monthly thereafter, ICE shall
provide to the Committee data on the number of ATD program
violations for enrolled participants in each program that
occurred in the prior month, disaggregating the data by area of
responsibility (AOR), by type of program violation, whether
such program violations were committed by the same individual,
and whether that individual was subject to an enforcement
action following such program violation.
ATD Wraparound Stabilization Services (WSS).--The
recommendation does not include funding for WSS or any other
case management service as a pass-through within the ISAP
contract. ICE's limited resources to monitor the non-detained
docket must be directed towards evidence-based approaches that
lead to favorable compliance and enforcement outcomes. Within
90 days of the date of enactment of this Act, ICE shall provide
a report regarding the increase of participants served with
ISAP technologies by utilizing the funds previously available
for WSS activities. If funds are requested in future budgets,
ICE shall include robust justifications, including compliance
and enforcement metrics, for WSS or other case management
services.
Custody Operations.--The recommendation includes
$4,104,601,000 for custody operations, including $3,081,725,000
for 50,000 detention beds--an increase of 8,500 beds above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level. In light of the unprecedented
rise of migrant encounters over the past three fiscal years and
the escalation in migrant encounter levels, increased detention
capacity is critical to support necessary interior enforcement
actions, effectuate removal orders, and ensure that migrants
who pose a national security or public safety threat are
appropriately detained.
Custody Reporting.--Beginning not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act and quarterly thereafter, ICE
is directed to provide a report to the Committee with data
regarding the number of individuals in its physical custody who
were subject to solitary confinement during the preceding
quarter. ICE shall confer with the Committee prior to the first
report to determine additional relevant data points.
Deportation Officers (DOs).--The recommendation provides an
increase of $50,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level to support hiring more than 200 additional DOs to address
law enforcement personnel shortages.
Detention Capacity in Rural Areas.--Within 180 days of the
date of enactment of this Act, ICE shall provide a report to
the Committee detailing options to increase detention capacity
in rural areas and states that do not currently have any
facilities that contract with ICE, such as the State of Utah.
Options shall consider: engaging with county and local
facilities; joint facilities with the U.S. Marshals Service;
and building ICE-owned facilities to serve as a hub for
interior enforcement actions.
Detention Partnerships.--The Committee eagerly awaits the
briefing required under this heading in the explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 118-47. The Committee is of
the opinion that partnerships with local and county facilities
are critical for a robust detention and enforcement apparatus
and instructs ICE to continue engaging with relevant
stakeholders to increase detention capacity wherever practical.
Detention Capacity and Utilization.--The Committee is
encouraged by ICE's willingness to better utilize its
guaranteed minimum detention capacity in fiscal year 2024,
particularly since such capacity is fully funded, regardless of
use. ICE is instructed to inform the Committee whenever the
utilization rate for guaranteed minimum detention capacity
declines to below 87 percent for more than 14 consecutive days.
ICE shall include plans to maximize future utilization when
updating the Committee.
Detention Capacity Technology.--The Committee is still of
the opinion that ERO can benefit significantly from
incorporating technologies into field offices across the
detention network to aid in real-time decision-making when
considering interior enforcement actions and looks forward to
receiving the required briefing found under this heading in
House Report 118-123. Managing detention capacity is of the
utmost importance to ensure ICE is making fiscally sound,
operationally-appropriate decisions in the field.
Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) Data.--ICE is
instructed to update the Committee on a weekly cadence
regarding the following data, delineated by heads of household
and family ``riders'':
(1) the number of migrants currently enrolled;
(2) the number of migrants enrolled in the program
since inception;
(3) the number of migrants disenrolled/terminated
since inception;
(4) the number of migrants who have absconded from
the program;
(5) the number of migrants who have been transferred
from the program to the non-detained docket;
(6) the number of migrant removals effectuated;
(7) the number of migrants who have final orders of
removal; and
(8) costs associated with executing the FERM program,
delineated by level II PPA.
ICE shall also include information regarding plans for ERO
to effectuate the removal orders of those within the program
that no longer have a legal basis to remain in the country.
Fugitive Operations.--The recommendation includes an
increase of $10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for additional Mobile Criminal Alien Teams and Special
Response Teams within the Fugitive Operations PPA. These teams
continue to prove crucial for high-stakes interior enforcement
actions.
ICE Detainers.--The Committee is alarmed by the rising
number of illegal immigrants apprehended for crimes committed
after previously being released into the community due to a
state or local jurisdiction's refusal to honor ICE detainer
requests. Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act
and quarterly thereafter, ICE shall provide a briefing to the
Committee identifying all state and local jurisdictions that do
not honor ICE detainers and the agency's efforts to increase
and improve cooperation and information sharing with these
entities. The briefing shall also include an assessment of
congressional action that could aid such cooperation and
information sharing, including the consideration of prohibiting
the obligation of certain departmental funds to such entities
until ICE detainer requests are honored.
ICE Detention Facilities Inspections.--The Committee
eagerly awaits the GAO report required found under this heading
in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 118-47 and
reminds GAO of the directive to confer with the Committee prior
to initiating the assessment. The Committee reiterates the
importance of oversight that limits redundant and duplicative
efforts.
Medical Staffing.--Not later than 30 days after the close
of fiscal year, ICE shall provide a report to the Committee
detailing the level of medical and mental health staffing,
delineated by position and qualification, at each detention
facility with an active contract in the fiscal year, along with
the average daily population of each facility. The report
should indicate the hours of availability of in-person,
specialized medical service typically available during the
week; whether any positions were unfilled for more than one
month of the previous fiscal year; and the average detainee
wait time for seeing a medical professional. ICE also shall
include in the report the number of individuals taken into ICE
custody with a serious medical or mental health condition,
including pregnant women.
Non-Detained Management Standards.--As previously
expressed, the Committee is alarmed by the unprecedented growth
of the non-detained docket over the past three fiscal years--
now surpassing 7,000,000. The sheer volume of migrants awaiting
adjudication of their immigration proceedings is startling; the
ability of ICE law enforcement in field offices to effectively
monitor all migrants in their respective AORs is almost
impossible. While the Committee acknowledges the need to
standardize oversight of this population, the Committee is of
the opinion that the draft ``Non-Detained Management
Standards'' (Standards) do not take into appropriate
consideration the additional burdens to field offices in
piloting or implementing certain elements of the new guidance.
As currently drafted, the Standards create new processes and
thresholds for escalation or de-escalation within the ATD
program; allow for migrants to request their preferred
monitoring level; require law enforcement to provide
justification for escalation decisions; and establish new
processes for migrants to appeal any law enforcement decision
to an ERO Senior Reviewing Official. Already understaffed,
field offices will likely be consumed with meeting the
requirements of these new Standards as the number of migrants
within their respective jurisdictions continues to increase. In
an effort to allow ICE law enforcement to thoroughly review the
Standards and provide sufficient feedback before non-law
enforcement personnel require execution at the field office
level, the bill includes language prohibiting implementation of
the Standards as drafted. ICE is instructed to create a formal
review process of the Standards not later than 30 days after
the date of enactment of this Act so that field offices may
meaningfully participate in the establishment of any future
guidance for managing the non-detained docket.
Notice to Appear Wait Times.--ICE shall continue providing
the Committee with Notice to Appear wait times and backlogs on
a monthly basis, delineated by AOR.
Pregnant, Postpartum, and Lactating Women.--ICE is directed
to continue providing semiannual reports on the total number of
pregnant, postpartum, and lactating women in ICE custody.
Removal of Certain Migrants.--The Committee continues the
previous requirement that ICE submit data on the removal of
parents of U.S. citizen children semiannually.
Removal Orders Reporting.--The Committee remains concerned
about the more than 1,300,000 migrants on the non-detained
docket who have final orders of removal, thus eliminating the
legal basis for such migrants to remain in the country. ICE is
directed to provide quarterly reports to the Committee on the
number of migrants with final orders of removal on ICE's non-
detained docket, the AOR in which such migrants reside, the
reason for the order of removal not being effectuated, and the
steps that ICE will take during the next quarter to effectuate
the order.
Request for Information (RFI).--The Committee was dismayed
by ICE's disregard for transparency and congressional
partnership following the official publication of an RFI
related to the now defunct Release and Reporting Management
Program. While the Committee cannot deny ICE's prerogative to
explore innovative solutions for the agency's complex
challenges, the Committee fully expects ICE to proactively
engage with congressional stakeholders prior to publicly
attempting to reimagine major programs without appropriate
authorization.
As such, ICE is directed to inform the Committee at least
15 business days before publishing either an RFI or a Request
for Proposal that has the potential to substantively impact
requirements within the Alternatives to Detention, Custody
Operations, or Transportation and Removal Operations PPAs.
Third Party Medical Care.--The recommendation does not
support the request to create a new PPA for third party medical
care. ICE is directed to delineate costs associated with third
party medical care in the monthly reporting requirements and
whenever providing information to the Committee regarding
custody operations resources.
Transportation and Removal Program.--The recommendation
provides an increase of $100,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024
enacted level to facilitate additional transportation and
removal operations. The Committee directs ICE to prioritize all
available funding for repatriation flights and other removal
operations. ICE shall brief the Committee within 60 days of the
date of enactment of this Act on cost considerations and
analysis of transporting migrants to guaranteed minimum
detention facilities as opposed to non-guaranteed minimum
facilities that are in closer proximity to the respective field
office.
Veterans Subject to Removal.--The Committee supports ICE
Directive 10039.2, regarding consideration of U.S. military
service in making discretionary determinations regarding
enforcement actions. Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, ICE is directed to provide a
briefing to the Committee on implementation and training with
regard to this directive, including an evaluation of the
sufficiency of current methods of identifying migrant veterans
and migrant former members of the Armed Forces who are placed
in removal proceedings and ensuring consideration of veteran
status prior to initiation of removal proceedings against such
individuals.
Voluntary Work Program.--The bill includes language
establishing the minimum rate of allowance paid to detainee
participants under ICE's Voluntary Work Program.
Young Adult Case Management Program (YACMP).--The
recommendation does not include funding for the YACMP.
Mission Support
The recommendation provides a total of $1,530,983,000 for
Mission Support, which is an increase of $12,279,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
Motor Vehicle Fleet.--The recommendation provides an
increase of $2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
for the replacement of additional law enforcement vehicles that
have exceeded their useful service life.
Office of Detention Oversight (ODO).--The Committee directs
ODO, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders and
Federal agencies, to support a more routine oversight schedule
of detention facilities. To the greatest extent practicable,
ODO shall ensure that detention inspections from various
agencies and departmental components do not occur within 6
months of each other.
Additionally, ODO is instructed to limit inspections of
facilities subject to the National Detention Standards for Non-
Dedicated Facilities, as revised in 2019, against only the
parameters outlined in such Standards. This directive is
necessary to ease oversight burdens for facilities that have a
detainee average daily population of less than 10 and that hold
detainees for less than 72 hours. The recommendation includes a
reduction of $1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2024 level for
these activities.
Technology Gaps and Data Modernization.--The Committee
looks forward to receiving the required briefing found under
this heading in House Report 118-123 to ensure technological
capabilities throughout the ICE enterprise are not duplicative,
as well as the requirement to update the Committee on a
semiannual basis of data capability gap analysis.
Office of the Principal Legal Advisor
The recommendation includes an increase of $20,000,000
above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level to hire additional
OPLA attorneys to enhance the current ratio of OPLA attorneys
to EOIR Immigration Judges (IJs). The Committee urges ICE to
coordinate with EOIR to ensure future year budget requests
include commensurate levels of OPLA attorneys to EOIR IJs to
address the ever-growing backlog of immigration cases.
Failure to Prosecute.--OPLA is directed to provide a report
to the Committee not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act detailing the number of cases EOIR
dismissed due to the Department's failure to prosecute; the
number of such cases for which the Department subsequently
filed a Notice to Appear; and all associated Departmental
reports on such cases from January 20, 2021 through the end of
fiscal year 2024.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $55,520,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 4,548,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 19,548,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -35,972,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +15,000,000
Of the total recommended for Procurement, Construction, and
Improvements, $13,000,000 is included for critical repair
requirements. ICE is reminded of the directive found under the
heading ``Monthly Reporting Requirements'' in the explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 118-47 requiring cost details
for current and future construction or facility refurbishment
activities.
ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC).--The Committee directs
$2,000,000 toward its electronic Health Records system (eHR)
and encourages ICE to optimize its use of the eHR to ensure
that the system operates as cohesively and efficiently as
possible. Furthermore, the Committee encourages ICE to
implement policies that foster accurate and efficient tracking
of health and medical records, and to optimize the benefits of
tracking this information such as using it to provide quality
health services where applicable.
Facilities Backlog and Use.--ICE is directed to continue
the requirement found in the explanatory statement accompanying
Public Law 117-328 under the same heading.
Transportation Security Administration
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $10,570,287,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 11,455,367,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 11,492,643,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +922,356,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +37,276,000
Mission
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charged
with protecting U.S. transportation systems while facilitating
the flow of travel and commerce.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $10,164,968,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 10,879,465,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 10,817,225,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +652,257,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -62,240,000
The recommendation includes the following: $110,990,000 to
continue staffing at certain exit lanes; $45,059,000 for the
Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Reimbursement Program; and
$34,100,000 for Canine LEO Other Transaction Agreements.
Within the total amount provided, the bill makes
$300,000,000 available until September 30, 2026. TSA's entire
Operations and Support appropriation has historically been made
available for two fiscal years, which runs counter to the one-
year period of availability that is the baseline for Operations
and Support appropriations provided for other DHS components
and the standard across the Federal Government for
appropriations that fund salaries and operating expenses. TSA
is directed to continue to work with the DHS OCFO and the
Committee to develop a proposal for the TSA Operations and
Support appropriation, including potential modifications to the
current PPA structure, that would limit the two-year period of
availability to only the necessary activities that may require
such flexibility, consistent with the other DHS components. TSA
shall incorporate such proposal in its fiscal year 2026 budget
request.
Aviation Worker Screening.--TSA recently issued an Airport
Security Program (ASP) amendment that requires airports to
significantly increase airport-performed physical screening of
employees and procure explosive detection screening (EDS)
equipment for the first time. The Committee is concerned that
these new mandates, which require the establishment of
screening operations at airports that parallel existing TSA
staffing and infrastructure, impose an undue burden on airport
operators and are being implemented without conducting a
thorough cost-benefit analysis or risk assessment to justify
the change. The Committee urges TSA to rescind the current ASP
amendment and solicit a formal round of notice and comment to
understand the full financial and operational impacts of this
proposal on airport aviation security.
Category-X Interconnection Program.--The Committee supports
efforts to interconnect all Category-X airports and the TSA
cloud environment to facilitate remote screening technologies.
The Administrator shall provide a briefing to the Committee not
later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act on
the status of this program and an expansion plan for all TSA
serviced airports.
Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) and Crew Training.--The
recommendation provides $26,860,000 for the FFDO and Crew
Training program. Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, TSA is directed to brief the Committee
on FFDO program enrollment, the backlog of candidates awaiting
initial training, utilization numbers for recurrent training,
and firearms recertification training.
Innovation Task Force.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of the Innovation Task Force's research and
development efforts on next-generation baggage and passenger
screening within TSA. Given the increase in passenger travel
through airports, the need to reduce congestion in screening
lines, and the evolution of security threats, funding to
improve baggage and passenger screening must be prioritized to
ensure TSA is able to meet current and future needs.
Mishandled Firearms.--The Committee recognizes the threat
of misplaced, mishandled, or lost firearms in checked luggage.
The Committee directs the Administrator, in coordination with
the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and any
other relevant Federal agencies, to conduct an assessment that
must include the following:
(1) the number of firearms misplaced, mishandled, or
lost annually by commercial airlines on domestic
flights within the U.S.;
(2) the number of firearms misplaced, mishandled, or
lost annually by commercial airlines on flights
originating in the U.S. to international destinations;
(3) the number of firearms misplaced, mishandled, or
lost annually by commercial airlines on flights
originating in international destinations bound for a
destination within the U.S.;
(4) any actions currently being taken by commercial
airlines to ensure firearms in checked luggage are not
misplaced, mishandled, or lost;
(5) any additional training currently being provided
by the TSA or commercial airlines to individuals
handling checked firearms;
(6) the procedures by which commercial airlines
notify the TSA, DOT, or any other Federal agencies when
a checked firearm has been mishandled, misplaced, or
lost; and
(7) any actions that are taken by the TSA, DOT, or
any other relevant Federal agencies to track
mishandled, misplaced, or lost firearms in checked
luggage.
Public Charter Operations.--The Committee is concerned with
the significant growth in public charter passenger flights that
operate at Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) which primarily provide
aviation services to the general aviation community. These air
carrier operators are defined as being chartered under title 14
Code of Federal Regulations Part 380 and title 14 Code of
Federal Regulations Part 135 authorities. Many of these
operations take place at FBOs where passengers and baggage are
not screened through a TSA checkpoint. These flights are
covered by the Twelve-Five Standard Security Program. Within 30
days of the date of enactment of this Act, TSA shall brief the
Committee on any steps being taken to address security, risk-
based data the agency has acquired, and actions TSA has taken
in response to that data.
Security Scanning Equipment.--The Committee notes the
challenges faced by TSA in maintaining its equipment in open
air airports where exposure to the elements is unavoidable. The
Committee directs the Administrator to submit a report not
later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act listing
those locations where the TSA has open air security checkpoints
exposed to the elements, summarizing the impacts on the service
life of key equipment, detailing steps TSA has taken to address
this issue, and including any recommendations for addressing
the potential degradation of major security equipment exposed
to the elements at such airports.
TSA Cares.--The Committee recognizes the importance of the
TSA Cares helpline to provide assistance for travelers with
disabilities, medical conditions, and other special
circumstances during the security screening process. The
Committee directs the Administrator to expand public awareness
of this service. Further, the Committee directs the
Administrator to prioritize staffing of the helpline for
additional hours and to ensure that requests received through
the hotline are accommodated by Passenger Support Specialists.
TSA Reimbursable Services.--The Committee understands that
there may be underutilized space and equipment in security
screening areas which may limit the ability to handle expected
volume increases. The Committee encourages TSA to consider the
success of the CBP's Reimbursable Services Program (RSP) as a
model for generating private sector support and resources to
improve security and efficiency at the security checkpoint
while alleviating the strain on aviation from the expected
increase in traveler volume. Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, TSA shall provide a briefing to
the Committee on the feasibility of using an RSP model at the
checkpoint to increase passenger throughput, including any
legal or operational challenges.
Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) Teams.--
VIPR teams are duplicative and can face jurisdictional, and in
some cases constitutional, challenges. The budget request
acknowledges that due to an evolving threat landscape TSA is
working to move towards new concepts of surface transportation
protection. Consistent with the budget request, the
recommendation does not provide funding for VIPR teams.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $40,678,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 98,912,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 198,428,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +157,750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +99,516,000
The recommendation includes $175,208,000 for the purchase
and installation of computed tomography (CT) machines at
passenger checkpoints at U.S. airports, providing a total of
$184,488,000 for checkpoint support.
The recommendation also includes $13,940,000 to complete
the process of reimbursing airports for the cost of in-line
baggage screening systems installed prior to December 31, 2007.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $14,641,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 17,990,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 17,990,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +3,349,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
Coast Guard\1\
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $12,900,441,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 13,530,387,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 14,182,215,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +1,281,774,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +651,828,000
\1\Totals include permanent indefinite discretionary and mandatory
appropriations.
Mission
The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency charged
with maritime safety, security, and stewardship. It is a
military, multi-mission, maritime service within DHS and is one
of the Nation's six armed services.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $10,054,771,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 10,466,283,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 10,554,261,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +499,490,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +87,978,000
The recommendation includes increases above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level of $50,100,000 for shore maintenance,
$25,438,000 for surface maintenance, $20,000,000 to establish
the Technology Optimization and Modernization Fund, $5,000,000
for persistent maritime domain awareness, and $4,200,000 for
Indo-Pacific expansion.
Ballast Water Management.--The Committee encourages the
Coast Guard to expand partnerships with state and local
governments in its efforts to test ballast water to prevent the
spread of aquatic invasives such as stoney coral tissue
disease.
Coordination With the Navy on the Shipyard Infrastructure
Optimization Program.--The Committee supports Coast Guard
efforts to coordinate with the Department of the Navy on
shipyard capacity issues and to create the Government
Shipbuilders Council (GSC) to address common and singular
challenges in shipbuilding; identify opportunities to leverage
each organization's resources to maximize government savings in
costs, time, and resources; share best practices and lessons
learned; and support strategic decision making to strengthen
the shipbuilding industrial base. To better understand
potential joint opportunities from these efforts, the Committee
directs the Coast Guard to provide a briefing within 180 days
of the date of enactment of this Act, in consultation with the
Department of the Navy, on efforts to share lessons learned
from the Navy's Shipyard Optimization Improvement Program that
can be applied to the Coast Guard, possibilities for gaining
cost efficiency by pooling resources across the GSC, and the
potential to coordinate battle damage repair in times of
conflict and crisis.
Engagement in the Indo-Pacific.--The Committee supports the
Coast Guard's efforts to help develop the maritime capabilities
of partners and allies in Southeast Asia. To better assess
these efforts, the Committee directs the Coast Guard to provide
a briefing within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act
on its work in the Indo-Pacific, including current efforts,
opportunities for expansion, and options for improving
coordination with and leveraging capabilities with the DOD,
especially U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
IUU Fishing.--The Committee recognizes the role of the
Coast Guard and supports the Service in combatting IUU fishing
both domestically and globally. Within 180 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, the Coast Guard shall provide a briefing
to the Committee detailing the activities of the Coast Guard in
fisheries enforcement, any gaps in enforcement capacity, and
any resources needed to address those gaps or expand
enforcement activities combatting IUU fishing.
IUU fishing in the Gulf of Mexico harms small businesses,
ocean ecosystems, and sustainable fisheries, and is a threat to
our national security. The Committee recognizes the need to
characterize and quantify IUU fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Committee encourages the Coast Guard to collaborate with
state and academic partners to better understand the impact and
factors influencing increased IUU fishing activity.
Land Acquisition.--As the Coast Guard expands its role in
the Indo-Pacific, the Committee is aware that Coast Guard Base
Honolulu is in critical need of additional pier and related
space, and that the State of Hawai'i owns pier space
immediately adjacent to Coast Guard Base Honolulu which it may
be willing to convey. The Committee directs the Coast Guard to
continue to explore all opportunities to acquire the adjacent
pier space and provide a report to the Committee within 180
days of the date of enactment of this Act on the status of the
potential acquisition. Additionally, the Coast Guard should
include any actions requested or required of Congress to
facilitate the acquisition of the adjacent Honolulu Harbor pier
and related space.
Maritime Transportation Security Activities.--The Committee
encourages the Coast Guard to allocate necessary funding to
carry out its conveyance authorities required in Public Law
107-295.
Museum Operations Staffing and Funding.--The Committee does
not provide funding for Coast Guard Museum staffing and
operations. Museum staffing and operations should be the sole
responsibility of the National Coast Guard Museum Association
and not a detriment to Coast Guard missions. With the Museum
opening delayed until late 2026, the National Coast Guard
Museum Association should have sufficient time to conduct the
necessary fundraising, grant requests, and/or internal
realignments to become self-sufficient. The Coast Guard cannot
be further burdened with the operations of a museum it does not
own, particularly in a time in which the Service's aged
facilities routinely forgo critical maintenance, cutters and
aircraft lack adequate spare parts to maintain readiness, and
Coast Guard personnel routinely go without the supplies
necessary to perform their duties.
Oceania Operations.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of the Coast Guard in maintaining the U.S.'s posture
in the Indo-Pacific. The Committee supports the Coast Guard's
efforts to expand its presence in the Indo-Pacific, especially
through the ship rider program, and encourages the Coast Guard
to continue its coordination with USINDOPACOM and partner and
allied nations. To better evaluate these efforts, the Committee
directs the Coast Guard to report to the Committee not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act assessing
the Coast Guard's capabilities and operations in the Indo-
Pacific. This report should include a list of current assets in
the region, any assets and capabilities needed to address
unfulfilled requirements, any areas where logistical support is
needed, and any changes that must be taken to effectively
implement the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. To support the Coast
Guard's Indo-Pacific operations, the recommendation provides
$3,000,000 for increased presence of regional Coast Guard
Maritime Advisors, Liaison Officers, Attaches, and other
foreign engagement positions throughout the Indo-Pacific, and
$1,200,000 for Indo-Pacific workforce support including for
housing, medical, and childcare access for Coast Guard
personnel.
Persistent Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).--The Committee
is aware of the rapid advancements in autonomous surface
vessels able to collect MDA data to support the interdiction of
illicit narcotics and enhance security along U.S. maritime
approaches. The Committee encourages the Service to broadly
consider how these vessels can be used in Coast Guard missions,
and the recommendation includes $5,000,000 for those purposes.
Reducing and Responding to Sexual Assault and Sexual
Harassment.--The recommendation includes $5,000,000 above the
request to support actions related to the Accountability and
Transparency Review and to expand the Coast Guard's legal
support and oversight related to sexual assault and sexual
harassment. The Committee supports the Coast Guard's efforts to
strengthen the Service's culture and provides these funds with
the expectation the Coast Guard will expand sexual assault and
harassment prevention, response, recovery, and investigatory
capacity.
Small Arms Simulation.--The Committee encourages the Coast
Guard to explore the use of performance-based small arms
simulation training technologies to help improve cognitive
skills, operator situational awareness, judgement, and
lethality in high-risk operations.
STARBASE Program.--The Committee acknowledges the Coast
Guard's expanded authority and appreciates efforts undertaken
to establish internal systems and engage with the DOD on the
youth STARBASE program. As the Coast Guard further develops
these efforts, the Committee emphasizes the importance of
engagement with nontraditional classroom settings and minority-
serving institutions to focus specifically on Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education programs.
Technology Optimization and Modernization.--Innovative,
commercial off-the-shelf technology can provide cost-effective
ways for the Coast Guard to modernize its equipment and address
its operational needs. The recommendation provides $20,000,000
for the Coast Guard to establish an innovative technology
program. The Committee urges the Coast Guard to use this
program to test, evaluate, and integrate commercially-available
technologies such as passive sonar buoys with AI software; USV-
based MDA, including persistent, long duration data collection
from uncrewed surface systems; unmanned aircraft, including for
short-range reconnaissance; commercial technologies with proven
capabilities to promote data-driven enforcement operations;
commercial space-based radio frequency data; and amphibious and
autonomous vessels. The fund may also be used to facilitate
Indigenous Arctic data collection and monitoring. The Coast
Guard is encouraged to use its other transaction authority
under section 11205 of Public Law 117-263 in executing these
funds. The Coast Guard is directed to brief the Committee at
least 15 days prior to obligating funds for this purpose.
Tsunami Evacuation Preparedness.--The Committee encourages
the Coast Guard to continue its work to adopt the open
recommendations in GAO-22-105220.
U.S. Virgin Islands and the Caribbean.--The Committee
supports the work of the Coast Guard in this region but remains
concerned about insufficient maritime resources based on the
U.S. Island of St. Croix. Within 90 days of the date of
enactment of this Act, the Coast Guard shall brief the
Committee on its efforts to respond to drug trafficking,
weapons trafficking, human trafficking, and smuggling
operations in this area. The Coast Guard is directed to address
each with respect to necessary ship deployments, force posture,
and force projection in the Caribbean region and to incorporate
reaction time to San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.
Wing-in-Ground Craft Inspections.--The Committee is
encouraged by new transportation solutions in the maritime
industry including the development of electric wing-in-ground
coastal passenger vessels. Wing-in-ground craft have the
potential to increase the efficiency and speed of coastal and
inter-island transportation and reduce passenger costs. Within
the funds provided, the Coast Guard is directed to develop the
capacity to provide wing-in-ground craft certification and
inspections.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $1,413,950,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 1,564,650,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,128,500,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +714,550,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +563,850,000
The Coast Guard is directed to continue to brief the
Committee quarterly on all major acquisitions. In particular,
the Committee remains concerned about the cost and schedule of
the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) and Polar Security Cutter
(PSC) programs and the briefing should include additional
detailed information on the progress of these programs.
The Committee also directs the Coast Guard to include an
estimate of the receipts to be deposited in the Housing Fund
for the budget year and a plan for the expenditure of those
funds in its annual budget justifications. Any deviations from
the plan shall be reported to the Committee not fewer than 15
days before the obligation of funds.
Vessels
270, WMEC Service Life Extension Program.--The
Committee supports the Coast Guard's efforts to counter
aggression by the PRC in the Indo-Pacific. The recommendation
includes $60,000,000 for a service life extension program for
one Medium Endurance Cutter, enabling the Coast Guard to deploy
an additional support cutter to the Indo-Pacific. The Coast
Guard plays a vital role in the Indo-Pacific, but the vast
distances in the region and limited resources hamper the Coast
Guard's ability to expand its presence. This Indo-Pacific
support cutter will help the Coast Guard increase its
activities and better support the U.S. mission in the Indo-
Pacific.
Fast Response Cutter (FRC).--The recommendation provides
$335,000,000 to purchase four additional FRCs, economic price
adjustments related to the rise in material and labor costs,
and post-delivery missionization costs.
Offshore Patrol Cutter.--The recommendation provides the
requested $530,000,000 to continue the program of record for
these critical assets. The Committee directs the Coast Guard to
continue to provide additional program and schedule details, as
described in the explanatory statement accompanying Public Law
117-103, as part of the required quarterly major acquisition
briefings.
Polar Security Cutter.--The Committee remains supportive of
the construction of the first PSC. The Committee notes that no
funds are needed this fiscal year for the construction given
appropriations designated in previous years for PSC. The
Committee supports the Coast Guard using previously
appropriated PSC funds for the construction of the first PSC.
Special Purpose Craft--Heavy Weather (SPC HWX).--The
recommendation does not include the requested funds for program
management for the replacement of the capabilities provided by
the 52-foot SPC HWX in the Pacific Northwest. The Committee has
safety concerns with a replacement for the 52-foot SPC HWX
being used to tow large vessels over the hazardous river bars
along the Washington and Oregon coasts. An increased towing
capacity creates a moral hazard, and the Committee is concerned
the Coast Guard is prioritizing saving property over the safety
of its members.
Great Lakes Icebreaker.--The recommendation does not
provide funding for a Great Lakes Icebreaker. The $20,000,000
provided in fiscal year 2024 will allow the Coast Guard to
continue the analyze and select phase of the acquisition for a
Great Lakes Icebreaker. The Committee notes that icebreaking
technology has advanced since the acquisition of the CGC
Mackinaw and urges the Coast Guard to consider innovative
technologies and advances in ship design as the program
management office works to complete the necessary pre-
acquisition activities. A failure to capitalize on these
advancements would be a lost opportunity. Additionally, the
Committee urges the Coast Guard to consider the limitations in
the CGC Mackinaw's maneuverability and whether such limitations
adversely impact the vessel's capability. Further, in order for
the Coast Guard to leverage the capacity of the Nation's
industrial base, including the Coast Guard's organic vessel
repair capacity at the Coast Guard Yard, the Committee
encourages the Service to prioritize designs that would allow
the vessel to be able to fully exit the Great Lakes.
Waterways Commerce Cutter.--The recommendation includes
$175,000,000 to begin recapitalization of the Coast Guard's
inland river tenders. The Committee recognizes the urgency in
replacing the Service's existing fleet of inland river tenders
and fully supports the program.
Aircraft
HC-130J.--The recommendation includes $153,500,000 for the
purchase of one additional HC-130J aircraft for the Coast
Guard's fleet, project management, and outfitting of existing
aircraft. The Committee is dismayed that the Coast Guard's
budget submission continues to omit this critical asset from
the base request, relying instead on the Unfunded Priorities
List. The Committee unequivocally urges the Coast Guard to
request future HC-130J aircraft in the base budget request
beginning in fiscal year 2026.
Long-Range Unmanned Aircraft.--The recommendation provides
$98,000,000 for these aircraft and necessary ground stations.
The Committee supports the Coast Guard increasing its use of
long-range, unmanned aircraft given the success of the MQ-9
Joint Program Office with CBP. These aircraft provide a cost-
effective platform to improve high-seas interdiction and
maritime rescue. As the Coast Guard develops this program, the
Committee encourages the Service to consider any potential cost
savings from co-locating ground stations with existing DHS or
DOD facilities.
MH-60T.--The Committee supports the Coast Guard's
recapitalization and transition to a rotary wing fleet
consisting of all MH-60T aircraft and provides $168,000,000 for
four additional aircraft and other necessary components.
Other Acquisition Programs
Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Integration.--The
Committee notes the capabilities of the government-owned
Minotaur mission system that links sensors, cameras, radar and
other C4ISR components into a single system and understands it
is currently deployed or planned for deployment on Coast Guard
air and sea assets, as well as other DHS partner agency assets.
The Committee is pleased the Coast Guard has recently begun
testing of Minotaur on cutters and encourages the Coast Guard
to leverage appropriate resources to continue to include
Minotaur in the missionization of new assets such as HC-130Js
and OPCs, as well as retrofit onto other assets such as
National Security Cutters (NSC).
Shore Facilities and Aids to Navigation
The recommendation provides $297,750,000 for Shore
Facilities and Aids to Navigation, including $60,000,000 for
barracks at Training Center Cape May; $30,000,000 for the NSC
homeport in Charleston, SC; $24,000,000 for Waterways Commerce
Cutter homeports, at Kennewick, WA; New Orleans, LA; and
Mobile, AL; and $17,000,000 for the FRC homeport in Seward, AK.
Air Station Barbers Point Hangar Project.--The Committee
remains concerned about the lack of a suitable hangar at Air
Station Barbers Point and how it impacts operations and
maintenance of Coast Guard assets. Within 180 days of the date
of enactment of this Act, the Coast Guard to shall provide a
report to the Committee containing an update on any unmet
requirements for Air Station Barbers Point air assets,
including any new maintenance requirements caused by the
upgrade of both fixed wing and rotary aircraft and the
feasibility of building a permanent hangar in addition to the
tension hangar currently under construction.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $7,476,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 6,763,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 6,763,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -713
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
Fully Autonomous Search and Rescue Under Extreme
Conditions.--The Committee supports the development and
integration of fully autonomous technologies, such as
artificial intelligence and human-machine collaboration, for
use in Coast Guard search and rescue operations during extreme
weather events, to improve mission efficiency and reduce risk
to rescue personnel. Within 180 days of the date of enactment
of this Act, Coast Guard shall provide a briefing to the
Committee on the viability of incorporating these technologies
into Coast Guard operations.
HEALTH CARE FUND CONTRIBUTION\1\
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $277,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 281,851,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 281,851,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +4,851,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
\1\This is a permanent indefinite discretionary appropriation.
The Health Care Fund Contribution accrues the Coast Guard's
military, Medicare-eligible health benefit contribution to the
Department of Defense Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care
Fund. Contributions are for future Medicare-eligible retirees,
as well as retiree dependents and their potential survivors.
RETIRED PAY
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $1,147,244,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 1,210,840,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,210,840,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +63,596,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
The Retired Pay mandatory appropriation provides payments
as identified under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection
and Survivor Benefits Plans and other retired personnel
entitlements identified under prior-year National Defense
Authorization Acts. This appropriation also includes funding
for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents.
United States Secret Service
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $3,087,797,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 2,938,381,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,158,110,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +70,313,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +219,729,000
Mission
The United States Secret Service (USSS) protects and
investigates threats against the President and Vice President,
their families, visiting heads of state, and other designated
individuals; protects the White House, the Vice President's
Residence, foreign missions, and certain other facilities
within Washington, D.C.; and coordinates the security at
National Special Security Events (NSSEs). The Secret Service
also investigates violations of laws relating to counterfeiting
of obligations and securities of the United States; financial
crimes, including access device fraud, financial institution
fraud, identity theft, and computer fraud; and computer-based
attacks on financial, banking, and telecommunications
infrastructure. In addition, the agency provides support for
investigations related to missing and exploited children.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $3,007,982,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 2,872,795,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,017,524,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +9,542,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +144,729,000
Within the total amount provided, the bill makes
$80,041,000 available until September 30, 2026, of which
$24,024,000 is for facility infrastructure material readiness;
$18,000,000 is for protective travel; $16,500,000 is for NSSEs;
$12,880,000 is for the James J. Rowley Training Center;
$6,962,000 is for operational mission support; and $1,675,000
is for international cooperative administrative support
services.
The recommendation includes the following increases above
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level: $17,500,000 for costs
associated with increased protective travel; $10,000,000 for
additional forensic and mission support; $3,000,000 for mobile
wireless investigation equipment; and $2,500,000 for the
development of strategic information and intelligence.
Countering Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
Technology and Training.--In light of the growing security
threat posed by sUAS and the need for SLTT law enforcement to
expand its usage of drones, the Committee recommends $5,000,000
above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level to increase to develop
a portable detection and identification system for countering
sUAS and for associated training.
Financial Crimes.--The Committee recognizes the efforts of
the Secret Service's Cyber Fraud Task Forces to combat bank
card access device fraud, including skimming, across the U.S.
The Secret Service, in partnership with the Federal Trade
Commission, other law enforcement entities, and small business
owners, is encouraged to sustain and strengthen efforts to
educate the public about skimming, investigate electronic
crimes, and apprehend individuals responsible for skimming.
National Special Security Events.--The recommendation
provides increases above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level of
$16,000,000 to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and
$5,000,000 for the United Nations General Assembly.
National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI).--The
recommendation includes an increase of $2,500,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for activities and increased
trainings at the NCFI.
National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC).--The
recommendation includes an increase of $2,500,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for NTAC, which supports efforts
by public and private sector entities to confront the threat of
targeted violence that impacts communities, including schools.
The Committee encourages the NTAC to conduct additional
research into targeted violence and evidence-based practices in
preventing targeted violence impacting schools, workplaces,
houses of worship, universities, and other communities, and to
establish a nationwide training plan and promote the
development of best practices and standardization across all
levels of government. NTAC shall coordinate with relevant
Federal, state, and local agencies; law enforcement; mental
health officials; and private entities in developing and
offering training courses on preventing targeted school
violence to public or private entities, including local
education agencies, with public safety responsibilities.
Relevant findings shall be made publicly available on
SchoolSafety.gov.
The Committee directs the Secret Service to include
dedicated resources for NTAC in its fiscal year 2026 budget
submission to Congress.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $75,598,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 63,336,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 138,336,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +62,738,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +75,000,000
The recommendation includes $75,000,000 for the initial
phase of the White House Defense Training Facility project,
located at the James J. Rowley Training Center. The Secret
Service is directed to provide a spend plan for these funds
within 45 days of the date of the enactment of this Act and
shall submit a schedule of construction progress on a quarterly
basis. Additionally, within 180 days of the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secret Service shall provide cost estimates
for the second phase of the project, to include Federal and
contract staffing needs.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $4,217,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 2,250,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,250,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -1,967,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
Title II--Administrative Provisions
Section 201. The Committee continues by reference a
provision regarding overtime compensation.
Section 202. The Committee continues a provision allowing
CBP to sustain or increase operations in Puerto Rico with
appropriated funds.
Section 203. The Committee continues a provision regarding
the availability of fee revenue collected from certain arriving
passengers.
Section 204. The Committee continues a provision allowing
CBP access to certain reimbursements for preclearance
activities.
Section 205. The Committee continues a provision regarding
the importation of prescription drugs by an individual for
personal use.
Section 206. The Committee continues a provision regarding
waivers of the Jones Act.
Section 207. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting DHS from establishing a border crossing fee.
Section 208. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the obligation of funds prior to the submission of
an expenditure plan for funds made available for ``U.S. Customs
and Border Protection--Procurement, Construction, and
Improvements''.
Section 209. The Committee continues by reference a
provision prohibiting the construction of border security
barriers in specified areas.
Section 210. The Committee continues a provision on vetting
operations at existing locations.
Section 211. The Committee continues and modifies a
provision that describes the use of funds provided under the
heading ``U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Procurement,
Construction, and Improvements''.
Section 212. The Committee includes a new provision
regarding the removal of physical barriers.
Section 213. The Committee includes a new provision
regarding the CBP One Application.
Section 214. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the implementation of CBP's ``Emergency Driving and
Vehicular Pursuits'' policy or similar directive.
Section 215. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the admission of aliens on F or M visas for
attendence at an unaccredited educational institution.
Section 216. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the parole of Chinese nationals into the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Section 217. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the entry of aerosol dispensing drones made in a
foreign adversary country.
Section 218. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the use of funds to reduce participation in the
287(g) program.
Section 219. The Committee continues a provision regarding
the 287(g) program.
Section 220. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds provided under the heading ``U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Operations and Support''
to contract for detention services if the facility receives
less than ``adequate'' ratings in two consecutive performance
evaluations.
Section 221. The Committee continues a provision regarding
the reprogramming of funds related to the detention of aliens.
Section 222. The Committee continues by reference a
provision that requires ICE to provide statistics about its
detention population.
Section 223. The Committee continues and modifies a
provision related to reporting on 287(g) agreements.
Section 224. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting certain prosecutorial discretion.
Section 225. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the transportation of aliens into the interior of
the country for purposes other than enforcement.
Section 226. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the provision or facilitation of abortion services,
with limited exceptions, for ICE detainees.
Section 227. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the provision of gender-affirming care for ICE
detainees.
Section 228. The Committee includes a new provision
requiring the Secretary to prioritize detention for aliens and
ensure every alien enrolled in an Alternatives to Detention
program is equipped with mandatory GPS monitoring.
Section 229. The Committee continues a provision requiring
ICE to submit an initial obligation plan.
Section 230. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the development, pilot, or implementation of a
physical identification card for migrants.
Section 231. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the pilot, administration, or implementation of
certain standards.
Section 232. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting limitation of ICE enforcement actions near
protected areas.
Section 233. The Committee includes a new provision
establishing the minimum rate of allowance paid to certain ICE
detainees.
Section 234. The Committee continues a provision clarifying
that certain elected and appointed officials are not exempt
from Federal passenger and baggage screening.
Section 235. The Committee continues a provision
authorizing TSA to use funds from the Aviation Security Capital
Fund for the procurement and installation of explosive
detection systems or for other purposes authorized by law.
Section 236. The Committee continues a provision directing
the Administrator of TSA to report to specified Committees
about the agency's investment plans.
Section 237. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds made available by this Act under the heading
``Coast Guard--Operations and Support'' for recreational vessel
expenses, except to the extent fees are collected from owners
of yachts and credited to this appropriation.
Section 238. The Committee continues a provision requiring
submission of a future-years capital investment plan for the
Coast Guard.
Section 239. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds to reduce the staff or mission at the Coast
Guard's legacy Operations System Center.
Section 240. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds to conduct a competition for activities
related to the Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation
Center.
Section 241. The Committee continues a provision allowing
the use of funds to alter, but not reduce, operations within
the Civil Engineering program of the Coast Guard.
Section 242. The Committee continues a provision allowing
for use of the Coast Guard Housing Fund.
Section 243. The Committee includes a new provision
regarding a Final Rule on ``Shipping Safety Fairways Along the
Atlantic Coast.''
Section 244. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting funds made available to the Coast Guard from being
used to enforce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
restrictions on vessel speed for the North Atlantic right whale
or the Rice's whale.
Section 245. The Committee continues a provision allowing
the Secret Service to obligate funds in anticipation of
reimbursement for personnel receiving training.
Section 246. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds made available to the Secret Service from
being used for the protection of the head of a Federal agency
other than the Secretary of Homeland Security, except when the
Director has entered into a reimbursable agreement for such
protection services.
Section 247. The Committee continues a provision allowing
the reprogramming of funds within ``United States Secret
Service--Operations and Support''.
Section 248. The Committee continues a provision allowing
for funds made available for ``United States Secret Service--
Operations and Support'' to be available for travel of
employees on protective missions without regard to limitations
on such expenditures in this or any other Act after
notification to the Committees on Appropriations.
Section 249. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the termination or reduction of contracts for
specific ICE detention facilities.
Section 250. The Committee includes a new provision
eliminating co-pays for contraceptives for Coast Guard members
and their dependents.
Section 251. The Committee includes a new provision
allowing Coast Guard members and their dependents to obtain a
year-long prescription for contraceptives.
TITLE III--PROTECTION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $2,873,008,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 3,009,047,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,930,857,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +57,849,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -78,190,000
Mission
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
is responsible for enhancing the security of the Nation's cyber
and physical infrastructure and interoperable communications
systems; safeguarding and securing cyberspace; and
strengthening national preparedness and resilience.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $2,382,814,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 2,506,983,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 2,437,285,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +54,471,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -69,698,000
The recommendation includes $2,437,285,000 for Operations
and Support, an increase of $54,471,000 above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level.
Bi-monthly Division Briefings.--CISA shall continue to
brief the Committee bi-monthly on the operations of specific
divisions within the agency to include references to funded
programs, technology, personnel, contracts, metrics, among
other pressing topics. CISA shall work with the Committee to
identify the agenda and scope of such briefings in advance.
Defense Capabilities.--The Committee urges CISA to identify
and report to Congress on programs and initiatives that bolster
its defense capabilities to prevent, identify, and remediate
specific tactics and vulnerabilities known to be used by the
PRC and other foreign adversary cyber actors against U.S.
critical infrastructure.
Grant Reporting.--CISA, in coordination with FEMA, is
directed to continue providing the information required under
this heading in House Report 118-123.
Pay Projections and Analysis.--CISA shall continue to
provide pay projections and analysis as required under this
heading in House Report 118-123 that appropriately compares
enacted versus onboard personnel numbers to enable timely
congressional review of salary and benefit information during
the quarterly budget and staffing briefings. The required pay
projections and analysis shall include cyber pay
considerations. The Committee notes this information is
important when assessing CISA's progress toward hiring goals.
Quarterly Budget and Staffing Briefings.--CISA is directed
to continue to provide quarterly budget and staffing briefings
as described in the explanatory statement accompanying Public
Law 117-103.
Quarterly Classified Briefings.--CISA is directed to
continue to provide the Committee quarterly classified
briefings required under this heading in House Report 118-123.
Social Media Policy.--CISA shall continue to make the
social media content moderation policy available on a publicly
accessible website as required under this heading in House
Report 118-123. CISA shall notify Congress before any
substantive changes are made to the policy and publish the new
text on the publicly accessible website within 14 days of any
changes being made.
Cybersecurity
The recommendation includes $1,229,812,000 for the
Cybersecurity Division, an increase of $48,164,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level. The increase includes
enhancements due to Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical
Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA) (Public Law 117-103)
requirements, classified improvements to the Joint
Collaborative Environment, operations and support for the Cyber
Analytics Data System, protective Domain Name System (DNS),
open-source software, and supply chain security.
Assessing Security Risks and Vulnerabilities to Federal
Networks.--The Committee is concerned about vulnerabilities in
commercial software and technology platforms leading to
significant breaches of Federal networks. While the Committee
recognizes CISA's work on secure-by-design principles, open-
source software security, and memory safety, the Committee
directs CISA, in coordination with the Director of NIST and the
Federal CISO, to evaluate vendor concentration risk to Federal
networks. CISA shall brief the Committee not later than 120
days after the date of enactment of this Act on its evaluation
and any corresponding recommendations to Congress or Federal
agencies. Any findings must be shared with the Committee not
later than 15 days prior to being sent to any stakeholders.
Cloud-Native Security.--The Committee recognizes that
Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies are
increasingly leveraging cloud technology and infrastructure to
enhance service delivery and achieve critical mission outcomes.
However, agencies should also be employing commensurate cloud
security measures to limit the risk of introducing
vulnerabilities into their systems. In response to Executive
Order (EO) 14028, CISA's Cloud Security Technical Reference
Architecture Version 2.0 highlighted the importance of cloud-
native security tools to underpin cloud migration, data
security, and associated compliance efforts for FCEB agencies.
CISA is encouraged to prioritize the inclusion of cloud-native
security tools into the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation
(CDM) program, provide appropriate guidance to FCEB agencies
for reporting cloud security data, and improve efforts to
synthesize this data within the CDM Dashboard to maximize
actionable insights. CISA shall include an update to the
Committee during the required semiannual CDM briefings
inclusive of cloud-native security solutions currently
available to FCEB agencies, any cloud-native security solutions
being added in fiscal year 2025, and how the program builds
FCEB customer awareness of the benefits of deploying such
solutions to meet EO 14028 requirements.
Critical Infrastructure Program.--The Committee directs
CISA to prioritize funds for the Critical Infrastructure
Program--previously known as the Critical Infrastructure
Cybersecurity Shared Services Pilot Program--on the following
sectors being targeted by foreign nation state actors: Energy,
Water and Wastewater Systems, Communications, Transportation
Systems, and Financial Services. The recommendation includes an
increase of $3,200,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
to partially restore cuts made in fiscal year 2024. Not later
than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, CISA
shall brief the Committee on a spend plan for the program, the
services offered to address specific cybersecurity risks, and
how they align with the National Cyber Strategy.
Cyber Education, Training, and Skilling.--The Committee
acknowledges the need to grow the number of qualified
cybersecurity professionals within the Federal government. The
Committee believes we need to continue to upskill the current
Federal cybersecurity workforce to address the shortage of
qualified cybersecurity professionals. The Committee continues
to support sustained investment in the Cyber Defense Education
and Training (CDET) program; the Federal Cyber Skilling
Academy; the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education;
and investments in cybersecurity education programs targeting
the kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) community, including
the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program
(CETAP). The recommendation includes funding at the request
level.
Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure.--
Public Law 117-103 mandates that CISA publish a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register within 24 months of
enactment of that Act, and issue a final rule 18 months later,
due September 2025, to implement mandatory cyber incident
reporting for all critical infrastructure owners and operators.
A subset of these owners and operators, to be defined in the
rulemaking, will be required to report any cyber incident to
CISA within 72 hours and any ransom payment within 24 hours.
The recommendation includes $33,381,000 for CIRCIA requirements
above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level. As part of the
required quarterly budget and staffing briefings, CISA shall
brief the Committee on a spend plan for all CIRCIA-dedicated
funding and the statutory requirements supported.
Cyber Sensor Capabilities.--CISA is encouraged to continue
partnering with other government agencies, such as the
Department of Energy, to provide real-time monitoring; advanced
warning of threats, including Advanced Persistent Threats
(APT); and detection of attacks on Operational Technology (OT)
systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) as part of the
broader CyberSentry program.
Endpoint Detection and Response Technologies.--The
Committee believes that a competitive, open, and transparent
product selection process is critical to the effectiveness of
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) technologies and other
CDM initiatives. CISA shall continue to provide the data
required under this heading as described in the explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 118-47 during the semiannual
Cybersecurity Technology and Services briefings.
Hardening Critical Network Attack Surfaces.--The
recommendation rejects the proposed $4,971,000 reduction to
attack surface management to improve situational awareness of
internet-facing attack surface vulnerabilities. The Committee
recognizes CISA's progress in maturing attack surface
management capabilities and dramatically improving the agency's
situational awareness of internet-facing attack surface
vulnerabilities across FCEB, SLTT, and select Critical
Infrastructure partner networks over the past fiscal year.
Information gleaned through these capabilities routinely
enhances CISA's ability to identify vulnerabilities, including
those being actively exploited by the PRC, Russia, and other
adversaries, and promote effective mitigation activities. The
Committee encourages CISA to assess the feasibility of
administering an attack surface management shared service
offering for FCEB partners, similar to what it already provides
for DNS security, and report its determination to the
Committee.
Memory Safety.--The Committee encourages CISA, in
consultation with the Sector Risk Management Agencies, to
support the definition, design, development, distribution, and
testing of technology that fosters memory safe rewrites of
critical open-source packages which underpin critical
infrastructure. Qualifying critical infrastructure improvements
should minimize system downtime by reducing the number of
critical security patches that need to be applied, be certified
or certifiable to meet safety standards in their industries,
and able to be implemented in less than 18 months. Not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, CISA
shall brief the Committee on its progress to harden critical
infrastructure memory safety attack surfaces across priority
critical infrastructure sectors.
Mobile Threat Defense for Federal Civilian Networks.--The
Committee notes the rapid proliferation of spyware targeting
mobile devices and the increasingly sophisticated methods being
employed by both state and non-state actors to gain access to
these devices. As agencies move toward a Zero Trust security
posture, securing mobile devices in tandem with other endpoints
is essential given the critical nature of the data that mobile
devices transmit and carry. The Committee is concerned about
the number of government devices without mobile device
security, which may be vulnerable to sophisticated threats. The
Committee is also concerned about the pace of mobile device
security deployment and encourages CISA to work with the OMB
and FCEB agencies to continue to mitigate the threats posed to
mobile devices, their users, and the Federal networks to which
they are connected.
Operational Technology.--The Committee is aware of
government directives for Federal agencies to inventory their
Internet of Things (IoT) and OT by the end of fiscal year 2024
to pursue full asset visibility and abide by updated Federal
information security requirements. The Committee is also
encouraged by CISA's increased focus on the cybersecurity
posture of OT and Industrial Control Systems. Inventorying
allows agencies to establish a baseline to enable monitoring
and detecting unauthorized, abnormal, or potentially malicious
activities. Requiring agencies to incorporate IoT and OT assets
into the CDM program helps reduce agency threat surface,
increase visibility into the Federal cybersecurity posture, and
improve Federal cybersecurity response capabilities. The
Committee directs CISA to include information on the status and
planned actions to secure IoT and OT assets as part of the CDM
program during the required semiannual Cybersecurity Technology
and Services briefing.
Post-Quantum Cryptography.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of FCEB agencies building robust and accurate
cryptographic inventories to support a post-quantum transition.
The Committee encourages CISA to work with FCEB agencies to
continue to conduct an inventory of systems that are priorities
for post-quantum transition and update the Committee on
progress made toward post-quantum encryption methods at these
agencies.
Red Teaming.--The Committee encourages CISA to consider
ways to enhance cybersecurity penetration testing and red
teaming activities for FCEB and SLTT agencies, as well as high
priority critical infrastructure companies, to augment network
hardening and security operations.
Semiannual Cybersecurity Technology and Services
Briefings.--The Committee directs CISA to continue semiannual
briefings on the National Cybersecurity Protection System
(NCPS), CDM program, and Joint Collaborative Environment (JCE)
including information on the remaining NCPS capabilities and
the new Cyber Analytics and Data System capabilities. The
briefings shall include timelines and acquisition strategies
from the NCPS transition to JCE as well as a full description
of the CDM and JCE capabilities currently deployed; the gaps
remaining; and funding levels for the prior fiscal year, the
current fiscal year, and the budget year for each capability.
The recommendation includes a decrease of $6,640,000 from the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level, as requested, due to the funded
decommissioning and replacement of the legacy Einstein E3A
capability.
Small Manufacturing Cybersecurity Support.--The Committee
encourages CISA to continue to explore opportunities to partner
with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment, the National Institute for Standards and
Technology, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Centers, as described in House Report 117-396 and reiterated in
House Report 118-123.
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP).--The
Committee encourages CISA, in coordination with FEMA, to
consider targeted outreach to elementary and secondary schools
as the Department administers the SLCGP.
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA).--The Committee supports
CISA's efforts to guide the adoption of ZTA across FCEB
agencies. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, CISA, in coordination with the Office of the
National Cyber Director and OMB, shall brief the Committee on
FCEB agency progress toward achieving the specific
cybersecurity standards and objectives outlined in memorandum
M-22-09, and efforts to engage FCEB agencies on leveraging the
CDM program to upgrade to Zero Trust solutions.
Infrastructure Security
The recommendation includes $157,013,000 for the
Infrastructure Security Division, a decrease of $2,116,000
below the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
Bombing Prevention.--The recommendation includes
$31,383,000 for the Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP), an
increase of $1,074,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level. Sustained OBP funding is needed to keep pace with
evolving threats and advanced technology development. The
Office plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and
reducing the Nation's vulnerability to explosive threats by
addressing the proliferation and use of improvised explosive
devices.
Bomb Disposal Technician Training and Technology Training
Events (TTEs).--The Committee supports sustained bomb
technician community TTEs. The OBP shall hold a minimum of four
events to be conducted across the country that bring together
Federal, SLTT, and private sector partners. These TTEs shall
leverage existing partnerships between DHS, DOJ, and DOD to
expedite the review and transfer of technology and information
for public safety and military bomb technicians and validate
special response unit capability assessment data. Not later
than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, CISA
shall brief the Committee on its efforts to conduct these
annual TTEs across the country. This briefing shall include
schedules to conduct a minimum of four TTEs and provide an
estimate of the total program cost.
Critical Infrastructure Worker Security.--The Committee
encourages CISA to keep updated guidance available to help
protect the cyber and personally identifiable information
security of individuals that operate critical infrastructure,
including election infrastructure at the SLTT level.
Emergency Communications
The recommendation includes $102,691,000 for the Emergency
Communications Division, an increase of $1,126,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
First Responder Emergency Medical Communications Program
(REMCDP).--The recommendation provides $2,000,000 for REMCDP, a
decrease of $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
and an increase of $2,000,000 above the request, for CISA to
administer competitive grants for SLTT merit-based
demonstration projects and technical assistance offerings that
support the implementation of the National Emergency
Communications Plan through innovative approaches to
interoperable emergency medical communications in rural areas.
Next Generation Network Priority Services.--The Committee
is aware of proofs of concept currently supported through the
Next Generation Network Priority Services (NGN-PS) Phase II
program, including the development of highly customizable
platforms enabling communication between disparate wireless and
wired protocols. The recommendation includes a restoration of
$3,200,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for the
NGN-PS program to partially restore proposed cuts from CISA in
fiscal year 2024.
Securing Communications Networks.--CISA is urged to
identify ways to encourage Federal, SLTT, and private sector
partners to replace any technology or services provided by
companies on the Federal Communications Commission Covered List
(List of Equipment and Services Covered by section 2 of the
Secure Networks Act), which leaves entities exposed to cyber
vulnerabilities and foreign espionage.
Integrated Operations
The recommendation includes $243,460,000 for the Integrated
Operations Division, an increase of $15,082,000 above the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level mainly due to new CIRCIA
requirements and pay corrections.
Regional Security Advisors.--The Committee urges CISA to
fill security advisor vacancies in the ten CISA regional
offices, as highlighted in the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. These
advisors will be in addition to the Cybersecurity State
Coordinators established in furtherance of section 1717 of the
William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act
(Public Law 116-283) for fiscal year 2021, in order to
supplement regional capability in areas of high demand or
particular national security importance. The Committee is also
aware that CISA is considering cross-training chemical
inspectors with other security advisor skills. Within 90 days
of the date of enactment of this Act, CISA shall brief the
Committee with representatives from the regional offices on
efforts to fill these vacancies and a plan for chemical
inspector cross-training and budget implications to do so.
CISA Support to Pacific Islands.--The Committee supports
the work of CISA in bolstering the cyber and physical security
of Federal, SLTT, and critical infrastructure partners in the
Indo-Pacific region and encourages CISA to consider potential
areas for growth, and resources needed to expand such Pacific
Island engagement including to counter activities by foreign
nation-state actors.
Risk Management Operations
The recommendation includes $130,144,000 for the Risk
Management Operations Division, a decrease of $3,726,000 below
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level mainly due to contract
efficiencies and pay corrections.
Digital Twin Technology.--The Committee recognizes that
digital twin technology can provide real-time information
regarding the physical and cybersecurity of important
facilities, systems, and assets. The Committee encourages CISA
to consider whether digital twin technology would improve its
ability to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the Nation's
cyber and physical infrastructure.
Stakeholder Engagement and Requirements
The recommendation includes $96,312,000 for the Stakeholder
Engagement and Requirements Division, a decrease of $3,406,000
below the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
Mission Support
The recommendation includes $477,853,000 for the Mission
Support Division, a decrease of $653,000 below the fiscal year
2024 enacted level.
Chief Learning Officer (CLO) Programs.--The Committee
supports the CLO's efforts to work with other agencies to
streamline cyber workforce and education programs and
recognizes the value of the following programs: the CISA Try
Cyber program, which helps provide early skill identification
and the fostering of cyber career interest of critically needed
cyber talent, and the new CISA Threat Sandbox Challenges
program, which allows CISA to provide rapid training to future
cyberspace defenders on some of the most dangerous Common
Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identified in the CISA
Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog. The Committee
encourages these programs to incorporate the integration of
artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to ensure
the programs' continued efficacy.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $489,401,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 499,349,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 493,572,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +4,171,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -5,777,000
The recommendation for Procurement, Construction, and
Improvements includes $380,182,000 for the CDM program,
$79,709,000 for the Cyber Analytics Data System (CADS),
$28,681,000 for Next Generation Networks Priority Services, and
$5,000,000 for the CyberSentry program.
CyberSentry.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, CISA shall transmit to the Committee a
plan for the additional CyberSentry capacity it will achieve in
fiscal year 2025.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $793,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 2,715,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -793,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -2,715,000
The recommendation includes no funds for Research and
Development, a decrease of $793,000 below the fiscal year 2024
enacted level.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $25,341,537,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 27,598,370,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 28,145,913,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +2,804,376,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +547,543,000
Mission
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helps build,
sustain, and improve the Nation's capability to prepare for,
protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all
hazards through disaster response, recovery, and grant programs
supporting first responders, emergency management, mitigation
activities, and preparedness.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $1,483,990,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 1,573,442,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 1,551,093,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +67,103,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -22,349,000
The recommendation includes the following Operations and
Support decreases from the fiscal year 2024 enacted level:
$2,181,000 for regional logisticians and planners with a
climate and equity focus, $1,776,000 for equitable investment
in risk reduction, $1,222,000 for strategies to address climate
change, and $1,010,000 for headquarters equity positions.
Mitigation
Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation.--The Committee
recognizes FEMA's efforts to help residents and communities
prepare for and mitigate the impacts of disasters and natural
hazards, such as earthquakes and extreme weather events
involving hail, through its Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant
programs. The Committee encourages FEMA to continue its work
with state emergency management agencies to ensure adequate
planning and investments to reduce the loss of life and damage
to property caused by disasters.
Natural Hazard Mitigation Infrastructure.--The Committee is
aware that rehabilitation or establishment of natural
infrastructure, including but not limited to marshes, wetlands,
mangroves, and dunes can reduce damage from flooding and
coastal storm surges and provide effective floodplain
management. Such natural infrastructure can also have long-term
beneficial impacts on topography, soils, water quality,
wetlands, floodplains, coastal resources, aquatic resources,
and public health and safety in coastal areas. The Committee
encourages FEMA to continue to engage with other Federal and
non-Federal stakeholders to develop and support conservation
and environment-based flood mitigation measures and to utilize
mitigation grant funds for natural infrastructure projects,
consistent with the directive under this heading in House
Report 117-87.
Preparedness and Protection
Planning for Animal Wellness Act Implementation.--The
Planning for Animal Wellness Act (Public Law 117-212) requires
FEMA to establish a working group of experts to review and
recommend best practices and Federal guidance on the needs of
household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive
animals, as appropriate, in emergency and disaster
preparedness, response, and recovery. FEMA shall keep the
Committee apprised of its efforts to implement Public Law 117-
212 and any recommendations made by the working group not later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Wireless Emergency Alerts.--The Committee reminds FEMA of
the requirement under this heading in House Report 118-123 and
urges the on-time transmission of the report.
Strategic Stockpiles.--FEMA, in partnership with the
Department of Health and Human Services, shall provide an
update within 90 days of the date of enactment of this Act on
the coordination of Federal resources to strengthen the
capabilities of state strategic stockpiles, minimize
duplication, and respond strategically to emergencies.
Response and Recovery
Digital Twin Technology.--The Committee recognizes that
digital twin technology can provide for sophisticated
simulation of emergency scenarios, potentially enabling more
accurate, beneficial, and cost-effective disaster preparedness.
The Committee encourages FEMA to consider whether the
technology would be beneficial for emergency management
purposes, including planning, preparedness, and response
capabilities.
Innovative Technologies in Coordinated Disaster Response.--
The Committee is aware that FEMA employs innovative
technologies, including geographic information system (GIS)
tools in collaboration with nonprofit entities, to improve
disaster response capabilities, such as urban search and rescue
software platforms. The recommendation includes $3,000,000 for
the Office of Response and Recovery, in close coordination with
the U.S. Fire Administration, to expand upon geospatial urban
search and rescue training, planning, and response efforts with
search and rescue geospatial support technology solutions in
preparation for emergency events and disaster responses. FEMA
shall consider appropriate data exchange between these efforts
and the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
FEMA shall brief the Committee on a spend plan for the funds
and information on how FEMA plans to integrate the solution,
where appropriate, with NERIS.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite-Driven Hazard
Monitoring.--The Committee recognizes that shortening natural
disaster response times provides more timely assistance to
those affected by disasters and allows communities to recover
quicker from devastating events. The Committee understands that
FEMA's used SAR satellite-driven hazard monitoring technology
to analyze disasters such as floods and wildfires, and this
data has specifically been proven effective in streamlining
disaster declarations, improving immediate situational
awareness, and in supporting FEMA's community engagements
following disasters. The Committee encourages FEMA to continue
the use of this SAR driven hazard monitoring technology to
shorten the disaster recovery response timeline, increase the
efficiency of the recovery process, and integrate the use of
this technology across FEMA's resilience, response, and
recovery efforts.
Veterinary Emergency Teams Pilot.--Consistent with section
1218 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (Public Law 115-254),
the Committee encourages FEMA to coordinate with appropriate
Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture
agencies to partner with accredited colleges of veterinary
medicine with a history of disaster response deployments in
order to establish one or more national veterinary emergency
teams.
Mission Support
The recommendation includes $648,601,000 for Mission
Support, an increase of $23,639,000 above the fiscal year 2024
enacted level.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $99,528,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 110,387,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 94,827,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -4,701,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -15,560,000
The recommendation includes $94,827,000, a decrease of
$4,701,000 below the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $3,497,019,369
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 3,522,541,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 3,758,992,810
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +266,973,441
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +236,451,810
A comparison of the fiscal year 2024 enacted level to the
Committee recommended level by budget activity is as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY24 Enacted Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grants
State Homeland Security Grant 468,000,000 520,000,000
Program......................
(Operation Stonegarden)... (81,000,000) (90,000,000)
(Tribal Homeland Security (13,500,000) (15,000,000)
Grant Program)...........
Urban Area Security Initiative 553,500,000 615,000,000
Nonprofit Security Grant 274,500,000 305,000,000
Program......................
Public Transportation Security 94,500,000 105,000,000
Assistance...................
(Amtrak Security)......... (9,000,000) (10,000,000)
(Over-the-Road Bus (1,800,000) (2,000,000)
Security)................
Port Security Grants.......... 90,000,000 100,000,000
Assistance to Firefighter 324,000,000 360,000,000
Grants.......................
Staffing for Adequate Fire and 324,000,000 360,000,000
Emergency Response...........
Emergency Management 319,500,000 355,000,000
Performance Grants...........
Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk 281,475,000 312,750,000
Analysis Program.............
Regional Catastrophic 10,800,000 12,000,000
Preparedness Grants..........
Emergency Food and Shelter.... 117,000,000 130,000,000
Next Generation Warning System 40,000,000 40,000,000
Community Project Funding..... 293,757,369 221,343,810
-------------------------------------
Subtotal, Grants...... 3,191,032,369 3,436,093,810
Terrorism and Targeted (18,000,000) - - -
Violence Prevention (by
transfer)....................
Alternatives to Detention Case (15,000,000) - - -
Management (by transfer).....
Shelter and Services Program (650,000,000) - - -
(by transfer)................
-------------------------------------
Subtotal, Grants 3,874,032,369 3,436,093,810
(including transfers)
Education, Training, and Exercises
Center for Domestic 71,352,000 70,681,000
Preparedness.................
Center for Homeland Defense 16,200,000 18,000,000
and Security.................
Emergency Management Institute 32,240,000 31,801,000
U.S. Fire Administration...... 59,975,000 64,781,000
National Domestic Preparedness 90,900,000 101,000,000
Consortium...................
Continuing Training Grants.... 14,400,000 16,000,000
National Exercise Program..... 20,920,000 20,636,000
-------------------------------------
Subtotal, Education, 305,987,000 322,899,000
Training, and
Exercises............
-------------------------------------
Total, Federal 3,497,019,369 3,758,992,810
Assistance...........
Total, Federal Assistance $4,180,019,369 $3,758,992,810
(including transfers)....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grants
The recommendation restores $330,975,000 in cuts made to
grants in fiscal year 2024.
Continuing Training Grants.--The recommendation includes
$16,000,000 for Continuing Training Grants, including not less
than $6,000,000 to be competitively awarded for FEMA-certified
rural and tribal training, of which not less than $3,000,000 is
for rural and not less than $3,000,000 is for tribal. The
Committee also supports FEMA's use of Continuing Training
Grants for the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium.
Cost-Share Analysis.--FEMA is directed to conduct an
analysis of DHS grant programs and assess and provide
recommendations on the appropriateness of adjustments to
existing cost-sharing splits, or in the case that none exist,
new cost-sharing splits that improve the effectiveness and
resilience of the programs on American communities. FEMA shall
brief the Committee on the analysis and recommendations within
210 days of the date of enactment of this Act, to include any
legislative or regulatory action needed to carry out such
recommendations.
Human Remains Detection (HRD) Canine Teams.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of canine teams as a key component of
urban search and rescue task forces, including both live find
and HRD canines. The Committee encourages FEMA to consider
support of HRD canine teams through the urban search and rescue
cooperative agreements.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program.--Within 180 days of the
date of enactment of this Act, FEMA is directed to submit a
report to the Committee on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
for fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The report shall detail
by fiscal year: the number of grant applications submitted, the
total amount of grant funding requested, the number of grants
awarded, and, for each grant award, the name of the recipient,
the amount, and the project type. The report shall also include
an analysis of the impacts of the program, including tangible
results demonstrating how the program has improved preparedness
and reduced the risk of terrorist or other extremist attacks.
National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC).--The
Committee acknowledges the positive impact of the NDPC on
domestic preparedness by training emergency responders and
event personnel against a range of threats. The Committee
encourages FEMA to continue to consider threats inherent to
large spectator sports and special events within the NDPC
purview.
Next Generation Warning System.--The Committee supports the
mission of the Next Generation Warning System Grant Program
(NGWSGP) to help public media entities replace and upgrade
aging infrastructure needed to enhance alert, warning, and
other public safety communications systems to ensure national
resilience, including service to underserved populations and
the ability to meet the evolving nature of public alerting
challenges. The recommendation includes $40,000,000 for NGWSGP,
consistent with the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
Operation Stonegarden.--The Committee strongly supports the
mission of the Operation Stonegarden program to enhance
cooperation and coordination among CBP, Federal, and SLTT law
enforcement agencies to improve overall border security. The
recommendation includes $90,000,000 for Operation Stonegarden,
an increase of $9,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level. The Committee reminds FEMA of the need to ensure states
make proper and timely distributions to local governments. The
Committee encourages the Department to explore how funding can
be used by grant recipients to purchase technology such as
cameras, sensors, and drones. The Committee also encourages the
Department to explore how grant funding can be used to help
interdict illicit outbound firearms and currency.
Risk MAP Urban Flood Mapping Program.--FEMA is reminded of
the requirement in House Report 117-87 to brief the Committee
within 30 days of the completion of fiscal year 2020 Urban Area
Flooding Pilot activities, and to make related recommendations,
including whether a permanent program should be established.
Unmanned Aircraft Training.--The Committee supports the FAA
Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aerial Systems (ASSURE)
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training program for first
responders in a leadership role to understand how to manage
larger-scale and more complex disasters. The Committee
encourages FEMA to work toward the development of a framework
to build workforce skills and a database of those capable of
applying them in local, state, and national emergencies. The
Committee supports FEMA's use of Continuing Training Grants for
this purpose.
School Safety.--School hardening measures are eligible
activities under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and
the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP). Funds may be used
for bullet resistant doors and glass; hinge-locking mechanisms;
immediate notification to emergency 911 systems; mechanisms
that provide real time actionable intelligence directly to law
enforcement and first responders; installation of distraction
devices or other countermeasures administered by law
enforcement; and other measures determined to provide
significant improvement to school physical security. The
Committee encourages FEMA to work with states and school
districts to increase awareness of these funding opportunities.
Shelter and Services Program (SSP).--The recommendation
includes no funds for SSP for fiscal year 2025. Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, FEMA, in
coordination with CBP, shall make publicly available online and
report to the Committee on the amount of SSP funding within the
previous three fiscal years that has gone to communities
delineated by border states and non-border states and the
justification for such distribution. FEMA shall coordinate with
ICE to identify entities receiving funding allocations located
within jurisdictions that do not comply with ICE detainers to
highlight in the report.
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP).--The
Committee encourages FEMA, in coordination with CISA, to
consider targeted outreach to elementary and secondary schools
as the Department administers the SLCGP.
Tribal Nations Emergency Response.--The Committee is aware
of the importance of communications interoperability during
times of crisis, including for Tribal nations. The Committee
encourages FEMA to consider the feasibility of developing an
interoperable digital emergency management platform for Tribal
nations.
Wood Chipper Programs.--The Committee understands that wood
chipper programs are an effective means of fuel reduction in
communities under threat from wildfire because they assist
residents in maintaining defensible space around their homes,
other structures, and access routes, and enable communities to
easily dispose of large amounts of potential fuel. The
Committee encourages FEMA to continue to fund wood chipper
programs in high-risk communities through the Fire Prevention
and Safety Program.
DISASTER RELIEF FUND
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $20,261,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 22,392,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 22,741,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +2,480,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +349,000,000
The recommendation includes an increase of $2,480,000,000
above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for the Disaster
Relief Fund.
Disaster Assistance for Persistent Poverty Counties.--
Public Law 117-103 increased the Federal cost share from 75
percent to 90 percent for major disasters declared during
calendar years 2020 and 2021. The Committee encourages FEMA to
consider adjusting the cost share for persistent poverty
counties for disasters declared during calendar year 2022.
Emergency Housing.--The Committee recognizes the vital
support FEMA provides to communities in the aftermath of major
disasters, including sheltering and housing assistance for
individuals and families displaced from their homes. The
Committee is concerned that housing shortages may impact
recovery efforts, reduce community resiliency, and cause long-
term displacement after a major disaster. FEMA is directed to
submit a report to the Committee within 180 days of the date of
enactment of this Act that details emergency housing operations
for major disasters over the last three years, including the
type of sheltering and housing assistance provided to survivors
and responders, the costs associated with the shelter and
housing assistance, the number of individuals and families
housed, and the duration of housing assistance.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE FUND
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $239,983,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 239,785,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 239,785,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -198,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
Flood Insurance Rate Maps.--FEMA is reminded of the
requirement under this header in House Report 118-123.
Title III--Administrative Provisions
Section 301. The Committee continues a provision regarding
cybersecurity threat feeds.
Section 302. The Committee continues a provision limiting
expenses for the administration of grants.
Section 303. The Committee continues a provision specifying
timeframes for grant applications and awards.
Section 304. The Committee continues a provision requiring
a five-day advance notification for certain grant awards under
``Federal Emergency Management Agency--Federal Assistance''.
Section 305. The Committee continues a provision addressing
the availability of certain grant funds for the installation of
communications towers.
Section 306. The Committee continues a provision requiring
the submission of a monthly Disaster Relief Fund report.
Section 307. The Committee continues a provision permitting
waivers of certain Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response grant program requirements.
Section 308. The Committee continues a provision providing
for the receipt and expenditure of fees collected for the
Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program, as authorized by
Public Law 105-276.
Section 309. The Committee continues a provision permitting
waivers of certain requirements pertaining to Assistance to
Firefighter Grants.
Section 310. The Committee continues a provision regarding
the transfer of unobligated balances under the National
Predisaster Mitigation Fund.
Section 311. The Committee continues a provision regarding
the transfer of unobligated balances under the Flood Hazard
Mapping and Risk Analysis Program.
TITLE IV--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND SERVICES
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $281,140,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 265,230,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 112,431,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -168,709,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -152,799,000
Mission
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
adjudicates and grants immigration and citizenship benefits,
confirms eligibility for employment and public services, and
promotes an awareness and understanding of citizenship in
support of immigrant integration, while protecting the
integrity of the Nation's immigration system. USCIS activities
are primarily funded through fees collected from applicants for
immigration benefits.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $271,140,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 255,230,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 112,431,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -158,709,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -142,799,000
The Committee provides $112,431,000 for Operations and
Support, a decrease of $158,709,000 below the fiscal year 2024
enacted level. The recommended funding is exclusively for the
E-Verify program. The program allows enrolled employers to
confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the
United States.
Affirmative Asylum.--USCIS is reminded of the requirement
under this heading in the explanatory statement accompanying
Public Law 118-47.
Application Processing.--USCIS is directed to prioritize
the timely processing of citizenship and other applications,
with a goal of adjudicating all requests within six months of
submission or referral. USCIS is directed to make available, on
a publicly accessible website, an interactive dashboard
detailing the number of forms received, processed, approved,
denied, and pending by month, along with the average processing
time and the number of forms pending for more than six months
for all USCIS forms. USCIS shall update the Committee on the
status of this requirement during the quarterly budget and
productivity briefings required by House Report 117-396 and
House Report 118-123. The dashboard shall be updated monthly
but not later than the tenth business day following the end of
each month and permit the downloading of the underlying data in
a searchable and sortable spreadsheet format.
Backlog Reduction and Reporting.--USCIS is directed to
continue monthly reporting to the Committee on the application
processing case backlog trends and statistics. USCIS is urged
to improve the timeliness of such reporting due to the
importance of subject matter to the mission of the agency and
the need for congressional oversight.
Budget Justification Materials.--USCIS is directed to
ensure user fee budget justifications include descriptions of
planned spending profiles, year-over-year changes, and cost
assumptions. The justifications for these accounts should
provide the same level of detail and analysis as is provided
for the Department's discretionary funding accounts. For
example, the justification shall contain detailed budget
exhibits for each of the fee PPAs and fully describe the
staffing and hiring strategy. In addition, the materials shall
include the plans and budget assumptions for USCIS's
international operations and the funding and planned outcome
measures for business process improvements and modernization
efforts.
A full understanding of USCIS's budget strategy, plans, and
assumptions are critical to Congress's oversight
responsibilities--regardless of the funding source. The
Committee expects these items to be addressed with the annual
budget justification materials or that the necessary program
details, funding and staffing profiles, and other exhibits be
submitted concurrently with the delivery of the annual budget.
Cost Recovery.--USCIS is urged to limit fee waivers to
ensure maximum recovery of costs associated with USCIS
services. USCIS is directed to include fee waiver data in the
quarterly budget and staffing briefings. The Committee reminds
USCIS of the directive in the explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-47 to provide a briefing on ways to
improve cost recovery at the agency.
Corrected Employment Documents.--The Committee encourages
USCIS to take necessary steps to issue corrected employment
authorization documents within 90 days of the date of enactment
of this Act.
Data on Asylum Operations.--USCIS is directed to continue
to make available, on a publicly accessible website in a
downloadable, searchable, and sortable format, the information
required under this heading in the explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 117-328.
E-Verify.--The Committee encourages USCIS to continue
efforts to modernize the E-Verify program, as well as
improvements in outreach efforts and training tools to assist
employers in improving the accuracy of information they submit
into the system.
Electronic Processing.--The Committee continues the
requirement for USCIS to provide a quarterly brief on its
electronic processing efforts. The Committee supports the
ongoing digitization efforts of USCIS forms and signature
requirements to comply with the 21st Century Integrated Digital
Experience Act (Public Law 115-336) and encourages USCIS to
ensure all digitized forms are able to be worked
electronically.
Eliminating Confusion in Classifying Job Occupations.--The
Committee directs USCIS to continue to update each of its
online and paper forms to ensure that the Standard Occupational
Classification codes are the only occupational codes used.
USCIS shall notify the Committee once this requirement is
complete.
Employee Investigation.--The Committee is deeply troubled
by the lack of expediency and transparency by this
administration in investigating and making a determination
regarding the employment of an individual at USCIS who publicly
celebrated the terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Secretary Mayorkas confirmed the individual in question is on
administrative leave and still being paid by the Department
during a Subcommittee hearing on April 10, 2025. Within 30 days
of the date of enactment of this Act, USCIS shall provide a
thorough briefing to the Committee about the status and
findings of the employment investigation, including results of
an audit of the asylum cases reviewed by the employee, and any
changes made or being considered to USCIS hiring practices.
Quarterly Budget and Productivity Reporting.--The Committee
is very concerned by the lack of urgency in providing timely
quarterly budget and productivity briefings and directs USCIS
to ensure moving forward that the quarterly briefings required
under this heading in House Report 117-396 are provided
promptly. USCIS shall continue to provide these briefings in
fiscal year 2025.
Refugee Admissions.--USCIS shall continue to provide the
information required under this heading in the explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 117-103, to include fiscal
year 2025.
Spouse Petitions.--With respect to fiance(e) or spouse
petitions involving a minor party, the Committee continues to
direct USCIS to document the age of the minor party at the time
of the civil/legal marriage, along with the age difference
between the parties, with ages given in months as well as
years.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 10,000,000
Recommended in the bill............................... - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -10,000,000
The recommendation includes no funds for the Citizenship
and Integration Grant Program, a decrease of $10,000,000 below
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level. The Committee notes the
grants provided in fiscal year 2024 had a period of
availability of two years.
Not later than five business days prior to the finalization
of the Notice of Funding Opportunity, USCIS shall brief the
Committee on any changes to the execution of the program,
including changes in the qualifications and expectations of
grant recipients.
Grant Reporting.--USCIS is directed to continue the
requirement under this heading in the explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-47. In addition, the required
report shall also include information on any accepted donations
by the program inclusive of the amounts and donors. The
Committee encourages USCIS to continue to keep the Committee
apprised of the metrics used to evaluate this grant program.
Private Donation Authority.--The Committee reminds USCIS
that it continues to have the authority to accept private
donations to support the Citizenship and Integration Grant
Program.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $377,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 363,389,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 366,752,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -10,448,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +3,363,000
Mission
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC)
provide or facilitate basic and advanced law enforcement
training for over 90 Federal agencies and numerous SLTT and
international law enforcement organizations.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $357,100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 363,389,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 360,752,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +3,652,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -2,637,000
The recommendation provides $360,752,000 for Operations and
Support, an increase of $3,652,000 above the fiscal year 2024
enacted level.
Human Trafficking Awareness Training Outreach.--The
Committee recognizes that in January 2021, FLETC entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Blue Campaign, now part of
the CCHT, to make the Human Trafficking Awareness Training
program available for up to 500 SLTT agents and officers at no
cost. The Committee encourages FLETC, in coordination with the
CCHT, to increase its advertising of this critical training to
its law enforcement partners in fiscal year 2025 and to report
to the Committee on any requests for training FLETC was unable
to fulfill due to funding constraints.
SLTT Training.--The Committee reminds FLETC of the
directive found in House Report 118-123 to submit a report on
its efforts to meet the training needs of SLTT law enforcement.
Use of Training Facilities.--The Director of FLETC shall
schedule basic or advanced law enforcement training, or both,
at all four training facilities to ensure they are fully
utilized at the highest capacity throughout the fiscal year.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $20,100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... - - -
Recommended in the bill............................... 6,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -14,100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +6,000,000
The recommendation provides $6,000,000, which includes
$4,000,000 for the replacement of aged electric boilers and
$2,000,000 for a combined heat and air project at the Glynco
campus.
Science and Technology Directorate
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $741,634,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024...................... 836,108,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 744,591,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +2,957,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -91,517,000
Mission
The mission of the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)
is to conduct and support research, development, developmental
and operational testing and evaluation, and the timely
transition of homeland security capabilities to operational end
users at the Federal, state, and local levels.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $369,811,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024...................... 383,485,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 375,238,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +5,427,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -8,247,000
Redundant Research and Development Efforts.--Prior to
engaging in any new or continuing funding for any existing
research and development activities, the Department and any
relevant component agencies shall first consider whether any
existing efforts are currently or were previously funded
elsewhere in the Federal Government, such as DOD, that would
address such requirements.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $61,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 50,270,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 30,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -31,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -20,270,000
The recommendation provides $10,000,000 for critical
improvements to S&T's laboratory facilities and $20,000,000 for
the Plum Island Closure and Support (PICS) Program.
National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center
(NBACC) Facility Expansion.--In 2023, S&T completed a scoping
study for NBACC facility expansion. According to the study, the
requirement for facility expansion would accommodate additional
BSL-2 laboratories; the required mechanical support and storage
space for the generation of data; a data center with state-of-
the-art computational and network infrastructure that can
support analysis, storage, and transfer of large data sets; and
additional SCIF space required for the sensitive nature of the
work performed. Additionally, the study identified a need to
expand the facility for office/administrative space adjacent to
the current NBACC laboratory facility. To ensure that the
Committee has the full long-term plan for expansion of the
laboratory, S&T shall provide a five-year master facility
expansion plan, including year-by-year resource requirements,
not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Plum Island Closure and Support (PICS) Program.--The
Committee provides $20,000,000 to continue the transition,
closure, and conveyance of all Plum Island real property and
all related personal property to facilitate the transfer of the
Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) mission to the
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). The Committee
notes that the transition of PIADC science mission activities
to NBAF is no longer on schedule. S&T is directed to continue
providing semiannual briefings on the progress of these
activities.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $310,823,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 402,353,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 339,353,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +28,530,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -63,000,000
The recommendation includes $28,530,000 over the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level.
Research, Development, and Innovation
Advanced Sensors Technologies.--Within the funds provided,
the Committee encourages work on critical research areas such
as developing and fielding next generation first responder
technology that utilizes advanced sensors and imager
technologies.
Antisemitism Research.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee encourages S&T to explore new opportunities for
researching how to combat antisemitism, including preventing
violence.
Binational Industrial Research and Development Homeland
Security (BIRD HLS) Program.--The Committee continues to
support the BIRD HLS program, which allows S&T to work with
Israeli partners to develop innovative technology solutions for
homeland security needs and encourages funding at the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level.
Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC).--The Committee
continues to support the important work of CSAC with the U.S.
Army's Chemical and Biological Center. Within the funds
provided, S&T is encouraged to evaluate the cyber and physical
infrastructure vulnerabilities of domestic chemical
manufacturing facilities critical to military energetics
programs.
Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Attacks.--Within the
funds provided, S&T is encouraged to support research to
develop and demonstrate timely hierarchical software quality
assurance and timely cyber-attack mitigation techniques for
hardware in one or more of the following Department-designated
critical infrastructure sectors: chemical, information
technology, critical manufacturing, water and wastewater,
communications, and transportation.
Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense.--
Within the funds provided, the Committee continues to encourage
S&T to expand research and analysis on cross-border threat
screening and supply chain defense in support of research on
new technologies and capabilities, including predictive data
analytics, to eliminate disruptions to the food and agriculture
supply chain and for early detection of public health threats
and biothreats.
Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).--Within the funds
provided, the Committee encourages S&T to support C-UAS
technology development to identify and mitigate border threats.
Cybersecurity for Tourism.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee urges S&T, in coordination with FLETC, to establish a
Cybersecurity for Tourism Consortium to help align government
interests in public safety and security with the Nation's
tourism industry.
Digital Twin.--Within the funds provided, S&T is encouraged
to pursue research and development related to the use of
digital twins. Advanced modeling and simulation can improve and
enhance mission effectiveness by developing new paradigms,
tools, and simulation-enabled capabilities for DHS operations,
including geospatial simulations of the southern border.
Durable Lithium-Ion Batteries.--Within the funds provided,
the Committee encourages S&T to research innovative
technologies improving the safety, reliability, and operational
durability of lithium-ion batteries utilized by DHS law
enforcement personnel, including the development of electrolyte
additives with shear thickening and ballistic protection
capabilities.
Enabling Unmanned Aerial Systems.--The Committee
acknowledges the critical value in the establishment of the
common test site for demonstration and research of UAS and is
pleased that the site is also available to other Federal,
state, and local partners. The Committee encourages S&T to
continue funding this work, prioritize the use of the common
test site to conduct on-site testing and evaluation for the
Department, and facilitate a close collaboration with the FAA
UAS Center of Excellence.
Fentanyl Detection.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee encourages S&T, in conjunction with CBP, to improve
opioid and fentanyl detection. Such efforts shall include
research on additional technological solutions to target and
detect low-purity fentanyl, especially in counterfeit pressed
tablets; enhance targeting of counterfeit pills through
nonintrusive, noninvasive, and other visual screening
technologies; and improve data-driven targeting to increase
seizure rates of fentanyl and its precursors.
Improving Cybersecurity.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee encourages S&T to work with CISA to enhance
cybersecurity capabilities through strategic research and
development in mitigation, solution development, and
resilience, in particular high-resolution magnification to
examine emerging semiconductor technologies, aiding in
detecting potential structural defects for improved
cybersecurity.
Intelligent Memory Fabric.--Innovative information
technology platforms, such as those provided by Intelligent
Memory Fabric, can help DHS develop deployable, secure, and
efficient data systems. Within the amounts provided, the
Committee encourages S&T to explore Intelligent Memory Fabric
as a modular, scalable, and distributable technology.
Maritime Domain Awareness for Coasts and Harbors.--The
Committee continues to recognize the threats facing the U.S.
borders from the sea. The Committee encourages S&T to continue
to support ongoing maritime systems and sensor studies for the
research, development, testing, and evaluation of
environmentally powered unmanned maritime vehicles and buoys
with surface and subsurface threat detection and tracking
capabilities utilizing partnerships with academic institutions
with access to established maritime test ranges and maritime
support facilities.
National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center
(NBACC).--The Committee recognizes the critical work done by
NBACC. Within the amount provided, the Committee encourages S&T
to support the necessary operations funding, as well as
continue its investments in modernizing the facility's
infrastructure.
Network Technology for Airports.--Within the funds
provided, S&T is encouraged to support research to improve
network technology for airports, which has the potential to
increase the efficiency of airport operations and address
economic and security challenges.
Next-Generation Biosurveillance Systems.--Within funds
provided, the Committee encourages S&T to advance research into
agnostic biodetection capabilities that provide rapid screening
of large volumes of individuals.
Next-Generation Detection and Mitigation of Autonomous
Drones.--Research and exercises using realistic threat replicas
will improve the ability to determine how to best defeat drone
threats. Within the funds provided and by leveraging university
expertise, the Committee encourages S&T to study and mock
threats and, utilizing realistic testing and exercises, develop
defeat strategies for safe mitigation activities.
Passive Muon Tomography Systems.--Within the funds
provided, the Committee urges S&T, in partnership with CBP, to
advance the optimization of passive muon tomography systems to
enhance such detection capabilities at the border and POEs.
Partnership Intermediary Agreements.--Within the funds
provided, the Committee encourages S&T to establish Partnership
Intermediary Agreements to enable components across the
Department to engage immediately on technology transfer and
transition activities. Partnership Intermediary Agreements, as
defined under section 3715 of title 15, United States Code,
support the Department's ability to seek out, assess, and
engage non-traditional small business vendors for the
Department's development and acquisition efforts.
Port and Maritime Resiliency and Security.--The Committee
continues to recognize the vast data threat facing the U.S.
maritime/port sector. Within the funds provided, the Committee
encourages support for the ongoing Port and Maritime Resiliency
and Security Testbed research program for the design and
development of tactics, techniques, and procedures for
effective threat response to critical maritime infrastructure.
Quantum Computing Use-Case Identification Initiative.--The
Committee supports a coordinated and focused research program
in identifying near-term public sector use cases for quantum
computing applications. The Committee directs S&T, in
coordination with the Quantum Economic Development Consortium,
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, and the
quantum industry, to identify public sector use cases which
could benefit DHS and its components. S&T shall examine all
quantum computing technologies including annealing, gate-model,
and quantum-hybrid. Within 180 days of the date of enactment of
this Act, S&T shall provide a briefing to the Committee
summarizing its findings.
Realistic Environments for Enterprise Team Awareness Kit.--
The Committee recognizes the significant hurdles surrounding
large scale event security planning, especially when plans
involve coordinated Federal and SLTT operations addressing both
cyber and physical threats. The Committee encourages S&T to
support the development of realistic live, virtual, and
constructive environments for enterprise team awareness kit.
Training Simulations.--Within funds provided, S&T is
encouraged to work with industry to create next generation
training simulations, such as using multi-lingual, artificial
intelligence driven avatars, for DHS-specific use cases. High-
fidelity realistic training for front-line personnel will
promote the safety of the DHS workforce.
Understanding Threats to Public Officials.--Within 180 days
of the date of enactment of this Act, S&T shall provide a
report on threats to public officials, including judges, school
board leaders, county health officers, Members of Congress,
military leaders, and others. The study shall examine the
numbers and types of reported threats, estimate the number and
types of unreported threats, and analyze actions taken in
response to these reported threats at the Federal and SLTT
levels.
U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement
Program.--The Committee encourages funding at the fiscal year
2024 enacted level for the U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity
Cooperation grant program, as authorized by section 1551 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022 (Public
Law 117-81), to support cybersecurity research and development,
demonstration, and commercialization of cybersecurity
technology.
Voting Technologies and Election Data Security
Procedures.--The Committee supports research to ensure that
voting software and hardware is studied and vetted before being
used during Federal, state, and local elections. Consistent
with prior year direction and within the resources provided,
S&T is encouraged to fund quality assurance and continuous
evaluation research on voting technologies and election
procedures in cooperation with a qualified organization with
experience performing technical audits of statewide elections
systems. In consultation and coordination with the Election
Assistance Commission and CISA, this investment should include
the development of new tools and training modules to enable
states and localities to ensure that their election systems are
secure.
University Programs
The recommendation provides the requested amount for
University Programs. S&T's University Programs allow for
cooperation with colleges and universities to address pressing
homeland security needs. This includes $45,880,000 for the
Centers of Excellence (COE). These programs include the COE,
the Workforce Development Initiatives, and the Minority Serving
Institutions Programs. Combined, these programs promote
homeland security research and education, train current and
future students and professionals, and build a more diverse
homeland security workforce.
Centers of Excellence Program.--The COE program is the
flagship research account for universities at DHS. The program
brings together hundreds of academic institutions and private
sector entities to generate basic and applied research that
rapidly delivers innovative technologies for the homeland
security community to meet imminent and future threats. The COE
network catalyzes the development of new marketplaces for
technologies geared toward keeping our Nation safe and secure.
This level of coordination for the development of user-facing
security technologies is not funded by any other Federal
agency.
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $409,441,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 418,022,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 361,313,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -48,128,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -56,709,000
Mission
The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD)
leads DHS efforts to develop and enhance programs and
capabilities that defend against chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear threats.
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $163,280,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 160,163,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 159,252,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -4,028,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -911,000
The Committee reminds CWMD of the directive found in House
Report 118-123 to provide a briefing on its plans to enhance
SLTT communication and outreach.
Radiation Portal Monitor Interference.--The Committee
encourages CWMD to work in partnership with CBP to quickly
resolve interference that may occur when NII systems are
installed in close proximity to radiation portal monitors.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $42,338,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 33,397,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 33,397,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -8,941,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. - - -
The recommendation includes $33,397,000 for Procurement,
Construction, and Improvements, a decrease of $8,941,000 below
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $60,938,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 60,938,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 110,938,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... +50,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. +50,000,000
Biological Detection for the 21st Century (BD21).--The
Committee is disappointed that CWMD's budget submission
continues to omit funding for the BD21 program; the program is
designed to procure innovative technologies to improve
detection capabilities of airborne bio-threats. The
recommendation includes $50,000,000 to further the capabilities
of the BD21 program to include procurement of technologies that
mitigate capability vulnerabilities in the current BioWatch
infrastructure as identified by GAO, SLTT, and other industry
stakeholders. Within 90 days of the date of enactment of this
Act, CWMD shall submit a spend plan outlining how these
additional funds will be utilized, as well as a procurement
timeline. Further, the Committee directs CWMD to consult with
SLTT stakeholders to determine their biodetection needs and
within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act provide a
report summarizing the results of that consultation and how
those results will be used by CWMD.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).--AMR presents a growing
threat to national security. The Committee supports the
recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Council on
Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) to designate
AMR as a material threat, thereby unlocking additional
resources for development and stockpiling of critical
countermeasures. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Department to initiate an evaluation, assessment, and
determination of the material threat of AMR in accordance with
the March 2023 PACCARB report recommendation.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024....................... $142,885,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................... 163,524,000
Recommended in the bill............................... 57,726,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................... -85,159,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................. -105,798,000
BioWatch.--The Committee, GAO, and independent
organizations, such as the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense,
have had longstanding concerns about the security value
provided by BioWatch. The current program is incapable of
identifying biological threats in a timely and accurate manner
due to a prolonged event-to-detection timeline. According to
the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, hospitals receiving
patients from a suspected incident would likely detect a
biological attack well before detection through BioWatch. As a
result, the recommendation does not include funding for the
current BioWatch program and instead includes $50,000,000 for
the BD21 program to examine follow-on capabilities. The
Committee directs CWMD to terminate the BioWatch program.
Title IV--Administrative Provisions
Section 401. The Committee continues a provision allowing
USCIS to acquire, operate, equip, and dispose of up to five
vehicles under certain scenarios.
Section 402. The Committee continues a provision limiting
the use of A-76 competitions by USCIS.
Section 403. The Committee continues a provision related to
the collection and use of biometrics.
Section 404. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting funds for the rule entitled, ``Procedures or
Credible Fear Screening and Consideration of Asylum,
Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection Claims by Asylum
Officers.''
Section 405. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting funds for employment authorization documents for
certain aliens.
Section 406. The Committee includes a new provision related
to the H-2B program.
Section 407. The Committee includes a new provision related
to USCIS official reception and representation expenses.
Section 408. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the consideration of H-1B petitions from any entity
identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year
2021.
Section 409. The Committee continues a provision
authorizing FLETC to distribute funds for incurred training
expenses.
Section 410. The Committee continues a provision directing
the FLETC Accreditation Board to lead the Federal law
enforcement training accreditation process to measure and
assess Federal law enforcement training programs, facilities,
and instructors.
Section 411. The Committee continues a provision allowing
for the acceptance of funding transfers from other government
agencies for construction of special use facilities.
Section 412. The Committee continues a provision
classifying FLETC instructor staff as inherently governmental
for certain purposes.
Section 413. The Committee includes a new provision related
to the H-2A program.
Section 414. The Committee includes a new provision related
to the USCIS Asylum Program Fee.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS AND RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS)
Section 501. The Committee continues a provision limiting
the availability of appropriations to one year unless otherwise
expressly provided.
Section 502. The Committee continues a provision providing
that unexpended balances of prior year appropriations may be
merged with new appropriation accounts and used for the same
purpose, subject to reprogramming guidelines.
Section 503. The Committee continues a provision related to
reprogramming limitations and transfer authority.
The Department must notify the Committees on Appropriations
at least 30 days in advance of each reprogramming of funds that
would: (1) reduce programs, projects, and activities, or
personnel, by ten percent or more; or (2) increase a program,
project, or activity by more than $5,000,000 or ten percent,
whichever is less.
The term ``program, project, and activity'' (PPA) is
defined as each functional category listed under an account
heading in the funding table at the back of this report, along
with each funding amount designated for a particular purpose
within the statement narrative, exclusive of simple references
to increases or reductions below the budget request. Funding
for each PPA should not be used for the purposes of any other
PPA. Within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act, the
Department shall submit to the Committees a table delineating
PPAs subject to section 503 notification requirements.
For purposes of reprogramming notifications, the creation
of a new program, project, or activity is defined as any
significant new activity that has not been explicitly justified
to the Congress in budget justification material and for which
funds have not been appropriated by the Congress.
Limited transfer authority is provided to give the
Department flexibility in responding to emerging requirements
and significant changes in circumstances, but is not intended
to facilitate the implementation of new programs, projects, or
activities that were not proposed in a formal budget
submission. Transfers may not reduce accounts by more than five
percent or augment appropriations by more than ten percent. The
Department must notify the Committees on Appropriations not
fewer than 30 days in advance of any transfer. To avoid
violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act, the Secretary shall
ensure that any transfer of funds is carried out in compliance
with the limitations and requirements of section 503(c). In
particular, the Secretary should ensure that any such transfers
adhere to the opinion of the Comptroller General's decision in
the Matter of John D. Webster, Director, Financial Services,
Library of Congress, dated November 7, 1997, with regard to the
definition of an appropriation subject to transfer limitations.
Notifications should provide complete explanations of
proposed funding reallocations, including detailed
justifications for increases and offsets; any specific impact
the proposed changes are expected to have on future-year
appropriations requirements; a table showing the proposed
revisions to funding and full-time equivalents (FTE) at the
account and PPA levels for the current fiscal year; and any
expected funding and FTE impacts during the budget year.
The Department shall manage its PPAs within the levels
appropriated and should only submit reprogramming or transfer
notifications in cases of unforeseeable and compelling
circumstances that could not have been predicted when
formulating the budget request for the current fiscal year.
When the Department becomes aware of an emerging requirement
after the President's budget has been submitted to Congress but
prior to the enactment of a full-year funding Act for the
budget year, it is incumbent on the Office of the Chief
Financial Officer to timely notify the Committees. When the
Department submits a reprogramming or transfer notification and
does not receive identical responses from the House and Senate
Committees, it is expected to work with the Committees to
reconcile the differences before proceeding.
Section 504. The Committee continues a provision, by
reference, prohibiting funds appropriated or otherwise made
available to the Department to make payment to the Working
Capital Fund (WCF), except for activities and amounts allowed
in the President's fiscal year 2025 budget request.
Section 505. The Committee continues a provision providing
that not to exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances remaining
available at the end of the prior fiscal year for each
Operations and Support appropriation shall have an additional
fiscal year of availability, subject to a section 503
reprogramming notification.
Section 506. The Committee continues a provision that deems
intelligence activities to be specifically authorized during
the current fiscal year until the enactment of an Act
authorizing intelligence activities for the current fiscal
year.
Section 507. The Committee continues a provision requiring
notification to the Committees at least three days before DHS
executes or announces grant allocations or grant awards in
excess of $1,000,000; contract awards (including contracts
covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation), other
transaction agreements, letters of intent, or a task or
delivery order on multiple award contracts totaling more than
$4,000,000; a task or delivery order greater than $10,000,000
from multi-year funds; or sole-source grant awards.
Notifications shall include a description of projects or
activities to be funded and their location, including city,
county, and state.
Section 508. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting all agencies from purchasing, constructing, or
leasing additional facilities for Federal law enforcement
training without advance notification to the Committees.
Section 509. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds for any construction, repair,
alteration, or acquisition project for which a prospectus, if
required under chapter 33 of title 40, United States Code, has
not been approved.
Section 510. The Committee continues a provision that
includes and consolidates by reference prior-year statutory
provisions related to sensitive security information and the
use of funds in conformance with section 303 of the Energy
Policy Act of 1992.
Section 511. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds in contravention of the Buy
American Act.
Section 512. The Committee continues a provision regarding
the oath of allegiance required by section 337 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act.
Section 513. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting DHS from using funds in this Act to use
reorganization authority.
Section 514. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds for planning, testing, piloting, or
developing a national identification card.
Section 515. The Committee continues a provision directing
that any official required by this Act to report or certify to
the Committees on Appropriations may not delegate such
authority unless expressly authorized to do so in this Act.
Section 516. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds in this Act to be used for first-class
travel.
Section 517. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds to employ illegal workers as
described in section 274(h)(3) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
Section 518. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds appropriated or otherwise made available by
this Act to pay for award or incentive fees for contractors
with below satisfactory performance or performance that fails
to meet the basic requirements of the contract.
Section 519. The Committee continues a provision requiring
DHS computer systems to block electronic access to pornography,
except for law enforcement purposes.
Section 520. The Committee continues a provision regarding
the transfer of firearms by Federal law enforcement personnel.
Section 521. The Committee continues a provision regarding
funding restrictions and reporting requirements related to
conferences occurring outside of the United States.
Section 522. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds to reimburse any Federal department or agency
for its participation in a National Special Security Event.
Section 523. The Committee continues a provision requiring
a notification, including justification materials, prior to
implementing any structural pay reform or instituting a new
position classification that affects more than 100 full-time
positions or costs more than $5,000,000.
Section 524. The Committee continues a provision directing
the Department to post on a public website reports required by
the Committees on Appropriations unless public posting
compromises homeland or national security or contains
proprietary information.
Section 525. The Committee continues a provision
authorizing minor procurement, construction, and improvements
under ``Operations and Support'' appropriations, as specified.
Section 526. The Committee continues by reference a
provision to authorize DHS to fund out of existing
discretionary appropriations the expenses of primary and
secondary schooling of eligible dependents in areas of U.S.
territories that meet certain criteria.
Section 527. The Committee continues a provision regarding
access to detention facilities by members of Congress or their
designated staff.
Section 528. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds to use restraints on pregnant
detainees in DHS custody, except in certain circumstances.
Section 529. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds for the destruction of records
related to detainees in custody.
Section 530. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting funds for a Principal Federal Official during a
declared disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act, with
certain exceptions.
Section 531. The Committee continues a provision requiring
the Under Secretary for Management to submit a component-level
report on unfunded priorities classified as budget function
050.
Section 532. The Committee continues a provision requiring
notifications when the President designates a former or retired
Federal official or employee for protection and reporting
regarding the costs of such protection.
Section 533. The Committee continues a provision requiring
notifications and reporting on DHS submissions of proposals to
the Technology Modernization Fund.
Section 534. The Committee continues a provision requiring
the identification of discretionary offsets when fee increase
proposals to support current activities assume the enactment of
such proposals prior to the beginning of the budget year.
Section 535. The Committee continues a provision related to
the Arms Trade Treaty.
Section 536. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds related to certain entities
identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year
2021.
Section 537. The Committee continues a provision
prohibiting the use of funds for the transfer or release of
individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba into or within the United States.
Section 538. The Committee continues and modifies a
provision directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to
develop, use, and share estimates of arrivals of aliens at the
southern border.
Section 539. The Committee continues a provision related to
assistance from the Department of Defense for border security
operations.
Section 540. The Committee continues a provision related to
the employee emergency back-up care program.
Section 541. The Committee continues a provision providing
transfer authority for activities within the Blue Campaign.
Section 542. The Committee includes a new provision
limiting inspection parameters at certain facilities for the
provision of detention services.
Section 543. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the use of funds to implement the rule entitled
``Circumvention of Lawful Pathways.''
Section 544. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the use of funds for a Disinformation Governance
Board in the Department.
Section 545. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the use of funds to classify the speech of a U.S.
person as either mis-, dis-, or mal-information, or to work
with organizations to do the same.
Section 546. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the use of funds for diversity, equity, and
inclusion Executive Orders, or promote critical race theory.
Section 547. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the use of funds to discriminate against a person
based on sincerely held religious beliefs regarding marriage.
Section 548. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting DHS from allowing officials of a country designated
as a state sponsor of terrorism to participate in certain
activities.
Section 549. The Committee includes a new provision
prohibiting the obligation or award of funds to jurisdictions
that enforce certain policies.
Section 550. The Committee continues and modifies a
provision rescinding unobligated balances from a specified
source.
Section 551. The Committee continues and modifies a
provision rescinding unobligated balances from the DHS Non-
Recurring Expenses Fund.
Section 552. The Committee includes a new provision
regarding a Spending Reduction Account.
APPROPRIATIONS CAN BE USED ONLY FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH MADE
Title 31 of the United States Code makes clear that
appropriations can be used only for the purposes for which they
were appropriated as follows:
Section 1301. Application.
(a) Appropriations shall be applied only to the objects for
which the appropriations were made except as otherwise provided
by law.
House of Representatives Report Requirements
The following items are included in accordance with various
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure
authorizes funding:
The Committee on Appropriations considers program
performance, including a program's success in developing and
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing
funding recommendations.
RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table is submitted
describing the rescissions recommended in the accompanying
bill:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account/Activity Rescissions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Procurement, $600,000,000
Construction, and Improvements (Public Law 116-260).
DHS Nonrecurring Expenses Fund....................... $154,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFERS OF FUNDS
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is submitted describing
transfers of funds recommended in the accompanying bill:
Neither the bill nor report contain any provisions that
specifically direct the transfer of funds.
DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
The following table is submitted in compliance with clause
9 of rule XXI and lists the congressional earmarks (as defined
in paragraph (e) of clause 9) contained in the bill or in this
report. Neither the bill nor the report contain any limited tax
benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in paragraphs
(f) or (g) of clause 9 of rule XXI.
Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the Committee notes that the
accompanying bill does not propose to repeal or amend a statute
or part thereof.
Changes in the Application of Existing Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions proposed in the
accompanying bill which may be considered, under certain
circumstances, to change the application of existing law,
either directly or indirectly.
In some instances, the bill provides funding for agencies
and activities for which legislation has not yet been
finalized. In addition, the bill in some instances carries
language permitting the use of funds for activities not
authorized by law. Additionally, the Committee includes a
number of administrative and general provisions.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT, INTELLIGENCE, SITUATIONAL AWARENESS,
AND OVERSIGHT
Office of the Secretary and Executive Management
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for the
operations and support of the Office of the Secretary and for
the executive management offices, including funds for official
reception and representation expenses. The Committee provides
two-year availability of funds for certain activities.
Management Directorate
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
operations and support, including funds for official reception
and representation expenses.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds, with
availability for three years, for procurement, construction,
and improvements.
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
The Committee includes language making funds available
until expended for the operations of the Federal Protective
Service.
Intelligence, Analysis, and Situational Awareness
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for the
Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the Office of
Situational Awareness, including funding for facility needs
associated with secure space at fusion centers and for official
reception and representation expenses. The Committee provides
two-year availability of funds for certain activities.
Office of Inspector General
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for the
Office of Inspector General, including certain confidential
operational expenses such as the payment of informants.
Administrative Provisions
Language requiring a report on grants or contracts awarded
by means other than full and open competition and requiring the
Inspector General to review such grants or contracts and report
the results to the Committees.
Language requiring the Chief Financial Officer to submit
monthly budget and staffing reports.
Language requiring the Secretary to notify the Committees
of any proposed transfers from the Department of the Treasury
Forfeiture Fund to any DHS component.
Language related to official costs of the Secretary and
Deputy Secretary for official travel.
Language requiring the Under Secretary for Management to
report on certain acquisition programs.
Language regarding pilot and demonstration programs.
TITLE II--SECURITY, ENFORCEMENT, AND INVESTIGATIONS
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language making funds available for
operations and support, including funds for the transportation
of unaccompanied alien minors; air and marine assistance to
other law enforcement agencies and humanitarian efforts;
purchase or lease of vehicles; the purchase, maintenance, and
procurement of marine vessels, aircraft, and unmanned aircraft
systems; contracting with individuals for personal services
abroad; Harbor Maintenance Fee collections; customs officers;
official reception and representation expenses; Customs User
Fee collections; payment of rental space in connection with
preclearance operations; compensation of informants; and the
repair of roads on Native American reservations. The Committee
provides two-year availability of funds for certain activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, and improvements, including
procurement of physical barriers, marine vessels, aircraft, and
unmanned aerial systems. The Committee provides three-year and
five-year availability of funds for these activities.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
operations and support, including funds for overseas vetted
units; the purchase or lease of vehicles; maintenance, minor
construction, and minor improvements of owned and leased
facilities; the enforcement of child labor laws; paid
apprenticeships for the Human Exploitation Rescue Operations
Corps; the investigation of intellectual property rights
violations; official reception and representation expenses
special operations; compensation to informants; and the
reimbursement of other Federal agencies for certain costs. The
Committee specifies a funding level for enforcement and removal
operations, including transportation of unaccompanied minor
aliens; the delegation of 287(g) agreements; and detention
beds. The Committee provides two-year availability and no-year
availability of funds for certain activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, renovation, and improvements to
include funds for facilities repair and maintenance projects.
The Committee provides three-year and five-year availability of
funds for these activities.
Transportation Security Administration
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
operations and support, including funds for official reception
and representation expenses, and establishes conditions under
which security fees are collected and credited. The Committee
provides for two-year availability of funds for certain
activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, and improvements. The Committee
provides three-year availability of funds for these activities.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
research and development. The Committee provides two-year
availability of funds for these activities.
Coast Guard
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for the
operations and support including for the purchase or lease of
passenger motor vehicles; small boats; repairs and service
life-replacements; purchase, lease, or improvement of boats
necessary for overseas deployments and activities; special pay
allowances; recreation and welfare; environmental compliance
and restoration; defense-related activities and official
reception and representation expenses. The Committee includes
language authorizing funds to be derived from the Oil Spill
Liability Trust Fund. The Committee provides two-year, three-
year, and five-year availability of funds for certain
activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for the
procurement, construction, and improvements, including aids to
navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft. The
Committee includes language authorizing funds to be derived
from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. The Committee provides
five-year availability of funds for these purposes.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
research and development, and for maintenance, rehabilitation,
lease, and operation of related facilities and equipment. The
Committee includes language authorizing funds to be derived
from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, and authorizing funds
received from state and local governments, other public
authorities, private sources, and foreign countries to be
credited to this account and used for certain purposes. The
Committee provides three-year availability of funds for these
purposes.
RETIRED PAY
The Committee includes language providing funds for retired
pay and medical care for the retired personnel and their
dependents and makes these funds available until expended.
United States Secret Service
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language that provides funds for
operations and support, to include funds for the purchase and
replacement of vehicles; hire of passenger motor vehicles and
aircraft; purchase of motorcycles; rental of certain buildings;
improvements to buildings as may be necessary for protective
missions; firearms matches; presentation of awards; behavioral
research; advance payment for commercial accommodations; per
diem and subsistence allowances; official reception and
representation expenses; grant activities related to missing
and exploited children investigations; premium pay; and
technical assistance and equipment provided to foreign law
enforcement organizations. The Committee provides for two-year
availability of funds for certain activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, and improvements. The Committee
provides three-year and five-year availability of funds for
these purposes.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
research and development. The Committee provides two-year
availability of funds for these purposes.
Administrative Provisions
Language regarding overtime compensation.
Language allowing CBP to sustain or increase operations in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with appropriated
funds.
Language regarding the availability of fee revenue
collected from certain arriving passengers.
Language allowing CBP access to certain reimbursements for
preclearance activities.
Language regarding the importation of prescription drugs by
an individual for personal use.
Language regarding waivers of the Jones Act.
Language prohibiting DHS from establishing a border
crossing fee.
Language prohibiting the obligation of funds prior to the
submission of an expenditure plan for funds made available for
``U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Procurement,
Construction, and Improvements''.
Language prohibiting the construction of border security
barriers in specified areas.
Language regarding vetting operations at existing
locations.
Language regarding the use of funds provided under the
heading ``U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Procurement,
Construction, and Improvements''.
Language prohibiting the removal of physical barriers.
Language prohibiting the use of funds for the CBP One
Application.
Language regarding CBP emergency driving and vehicular
pursuits directives.
Language prohibiting the admission of international
students with certain visas if certain institutions are not
accredited.
Language regarding parole for Chinese nationals entering
the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.
Language regarding certain drones from foreign adversary
countries.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to reduce
participation in the 287(g) program.
Language prohibiting the use of funds for the 287(g)
program if the terms of the agreement governing the delegation
of authority have been materially violated.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to contract for
detention services if the facility receives less than
``adequate'' ratings in two consecutive performance
evaluations.
Language regarding the reprogramming of funds related to
the detention of aliens.
Language requiring ICE to provide statistics about its
detention population.
Language regarding previous reporting requirements.
Language prohibiting certain ICE prosecutorial discretion
activities.
Language prohibiting the transportation of aliens into the
interior of the United States for purposes other than
enforcement.
Language prohibiting the provision of abortion services,
with limited exceptions, for ICE detainees.
Language prohibiting the provision of gender-affirming care
for ICE detainees.
Language requiring the Secretary to prioritize detention
for aliens and ensure every alien enrolled in an Alternatives
to Detention program is equipped with mandatory GPS monitoring.
Language regarding ICE obligation plans.
Language regarding physical identification cards for
migrants.
Language regarding certain ICE standards.
Language prohibiting limitation of ICE enforcement actions
near protected areas.
Language establishing the minimum rate of allowance paid to
certain ICE detainees.
Language clarifying that certain elected and appointed
officials are not exempt from federal passenger and baggage
screening.
Language authorizing TSA to use funds from the Aviation
Security Capital Fund for the procurement and installation of
explosives detection systems or for other purposes authorized
by law.
Language requiring a report from TSA on the agency's
investment plans.
Language prohibiting funds made available under the heading
``Coast Guard--Operations and Support'' for recreational vessel
inspection expenses, except to the extent fees are collected
from owners of yachts and credited to this appropriation.
Language requiring the Coast Guard to submit a future-years
capital investment plan.
Language related to the Coast Guard's legacy Operations
Systems Center.
Language related to the Coast Guard National Vessel
Documentation Center.
Language related to the Coast Guard Civil Engineering
program.
Language allowing for the use of the Coast Guard Housing
Fund.
Language regarding a Final Rule on ``Shipping Safety
Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast.''
Language prohibiting funds made available to the Coast
Guard from being used to enforce National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration restrictions on vessel speed for the
North Atlantic right whale and Rice's whale.
Language allowing the Secret Service to obligate funds in
anticipation of reimbursement for personnel receiving training.
Language prohibiting funds made available to the Secret
Service for the protection of the head of a Federal agency
other than the Secretary of Homeland Security, except when the
Director has entered into a reimbursable agreement for such
protection services.
Language permitting up to $15,000,000 to be reprogrammed
within ``United States Secret Service--Operations and
Support''.
Language allowing funds made available for ``United States
Secret Service--Operations and Support'' to be available for
travel of employees on protective missions without regard to
limitations on such expenditures.
Language regarding termination or reduction of contracts
for certain ICE detention facilities.
Language regarding co-pays on contraceptives for Coast
Guard members and their dependents.
Language regarding the ability to obtain a year-long
prescription for contraceptives for Coast Guard members and
their dependents.
TITLE III--PROTECTION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
operations and support, including funds for official reception
and representation expenses. The Committee provides for two-
year availability of funds for certain activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, and improvements. The Committee
provides three-year availability of funds for these purposes.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
operations and support, including funds for official reception
and representation expenses.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, and improvements. The Committee
provides three- and five-year availability of funds for these
purposes.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
The Committee includes language providing funds for grants,
contracts, cooperative agreements, and other activities,
including for terrorism prevention; nonprofit organizations;
public transportation security, including buses and railroads;
port security; firefighter assistance; emergency management;
flood hazard mapping and risk analysis; catastrophic
preparedness, emergency food and shelter; warning systems;
community project grants; education, training, exercises, and
technical assistance; and other programs. The Committee
provides two-year availability of funds for certain purposes.
DISASTER RELIEF FUND
The Committee includes language making funds available
until expended for the Disaster Relief Fund.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE FUND
The Committee includes language making funds available for
mission support associated with flood management and programs
and activities under the National Flood Insurance Fund,
including flood plain management and flood mapping. The
Committee includes provisions making funds available for
interest on Treasury borrowings and limiting amounts available
for operating expenses, commissions and taxes of agents, and
flood mitigation activities associated with the National Flood
Insurance Act of 1968. The Committee includes language
permitting additional fees collected to be credited as an
offsetting collection and available for floodplain management;
providing that not to exceed four percent of the total
appropriation is available for administrative costs; and making
funds available for the Flood Insurance Advocate.
Administrative Provisions
Language regarding CISA cybersecurity threat feeds.
Language related to the administration of FEMA grants.
Language specifying timeframes for certain FEMA grant
applications and awards.
Language requiring a five-day advance notification prior to
the announcement of certain grant awards under ``Federal
Emergency Management Agency--Federal Assistance''.
Language authorizing the use of certain grant funds for the
installation of communications towers.
Language requiring the submission of a monthly Disaster
Relief Fund report.
Language permitting the FEMA Administrator to grant waivers
from specified requirements of section 34 of the Federal Fire
Prevention and Control Act of 1974.
Language providing for the receipt and expenditure of fees
collected for the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program.
Language permitting the FEMA Administrator to grant waivers
from specified requirements of section 33 of the Federal Fire
Prevention and Control Act of 1974.
Language related to the FEMA Predisaster Mitigation Fund.
Language related to the FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk
Analysis program.
TITLE IV--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND SERVICES
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language making funds available for
operations and support for the E-Verify program.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language making funds available for
operations and support, including for official reception and
representation expenses and purchase of police-type vehicles.
The Committee provides two-year availability of funds for
certain activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, and improvements to include
acquisition of necessary additional real property and
facilities, construction and ongoing maintenance, facility
improvements and related expenses. The Committee provides five-
year availability of funds for these activities.
Science and Technology Directorate
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
operations and support, including the purchase or lease of
vehicles and official reception and representation expenses.
The Committee provides two-year availability of funds for
certain activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, and improvements. The Committee
provides five-year availability of funds for these activities.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
research and development. The Committee provides three-year
availability of funds for these activities.
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office
OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
operations and support, including official reception and
representation expenses. The Committee provides two-year
availability of funds for certain activities.
PROCUREMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Committee includes language providing funds for
procurement, construction, and improvements. The Committee
provides three-year availability of funds for these activities.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Committee includes language providing funds for
research and development. The Committee provides three-year
availability of funds for these activities.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
The Committee includes language providing funds for Federal
assistance through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements,
and other activities. The Committee provides three-year
availability of funds for these activities.
Administrative Provisions
Language allowing USCIS to acquire, operate, equip, and
dispose of up to five vehicles under certain scenarios.
Language limiting the use of A-76 competitions by USCIS.
Language related to the collection and use of biometrics.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to execute the rule
entitled ``Procedures or Credible Fear Screening and
Consideration of Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT
Protection Claims by Asylum Officers.''
Language prohibiting the use of funds to provide employment
authorization documents for certain aliens.
Language related to H-2B visas.
Language related to USCIS official reception and
representation expenses.
Language related to H-1B petitioners from entities
identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year
2021.
Language authorizing FLETC to distribute funds for incurred
training expenses.
Language directing the FLETC Accreditation Board to lead
the Federal law enforcement training accreditation process for
measuring and assessing Federal law enforcement training
programs, facilities, and instructors.
Language allowing FLETC to accept transfers from other
government agencies for the construction of special use
facilities.
Language classifying FLETC instructor staff as inherently
governmental for certain purposes.
Language related to H-2A visas.
Language prohibiting the use of funds by USCIS to collect
an Asylum Program Fee.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Language limiting the availability of appropriations to one
year unless otherwise expressly provided.
Language providing authority to merge unexpended balances
of prior year appropriations with new appropriations accounts
for the same purpose.
Language limiting reprogramming authority and providing
limited transfer authority.
Language prohibiting funds appropriated or otherwise made
available to the Department to make payment to the working
capital fund, except for activities and amounts proposed in the
President's budget request.
Language providing authority regarding the availability and
uses of prior year balances for Operations and Support
accounts.
Language deeming intelligence activities to be specifically
authorized during the fiscal year until the enactment of an act
authorizing intelligence activities for that year.
Language requiring notification to the Committees at least
three days before DHS announces or executes grant allocations,
grant awards, contract awards (including contracts covered by
the Federal Acquisition Regulation), other transaction
agreements, letters of intent, or a task or delivery order on
multiple award contracts, or sole-source grant awards.
Language prohibiting all agencies from purchasing,
constructing, or leasing additional facilities for Federal law
enforcement training without advance notification to the
Committees.
Language prohibiting the use of funds for any construction,
repair, alteration, or acquisition project for which a
prospectus, if required under chapter 33 of title 40, United
States Code, has not been approved.
Language related to sensitive security information and the
use of funds in conformance with section 303 of the Energy
Policy Act of 1992.
Language prohibiting the use of funds in contravention of
the Buy American Act.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to amend the oath of
allegiance required by section 337 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
Language prohibiting DHS from using funds to carry out
reorganization authority.
Language prohibiting the use of funds for planning,
testing, piloting, or developing a national identification
card.
Language directing that any official required by this Act
to report or certify to the Committees may not delegate such
authority unless expressly authorized to do so.
Language prohibiting the use of funds from being used for
first-class travel.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to employ workers
described in section 274A(h)(3) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to pay award or
incentive fees for contractors with a below satisfactory
performance or a performance that fails to meet the basic
requirements of the contract.
Language requiring that DHS computer systems block
electronic access to pornography, except for law enforcement
purposes.
Language regarding the transfer of firearms by Federal law
enforcement personnel.
Language regarding funding restrictions and reporting
requirements related to conferences occurring outside of the
United States.
Language prohibiting funds to reimburse any Federal
department or agency for its participation in a National
Special Security Event.
Language requiring a notification, including justification
materials, prior to implementing any structural pay reform or
introducing any new position classification that affects more
than 100 full-time positions or costs more than $5,000,000.
Language directing the Department to post reports required
by the Committees on a public website unless public posting
compromises homeland or national security or contains
proprietary information.
Language authorizing minor procurement, construction, and
improvement activities using Operations and Support
appropriations, as specified.
Language authorizing DHS to use discretionary
appropriations for the primary and secondary schooling of
eligible dependents of DHS personnel stationed in areas of U.S.
territories that meet certain criteria.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to limit access to
detention facilities by members of Congress or their designated
staff.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to use restraints on
pregnant detainees in DHS custody except in certain
circumstances.
Language prohibiting the use of funds for the destruction
of records related to detainees in custody.
Language continuing by reference a prohibition on the use
of funds for a Principal Federal Official during a declared
disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act, with certain
exceptions.
Language requiring the Under Secretary for Management to
submit a component-level report on unfunded priorities for
which appropriated funds would be classified as budget function
050.
Language requiring notifications when the President
designates a former or retired Federal official or employee for
protection and requiring reporting on the costs of such
protection.
Language requiring notifications and reporting on DHS
submissions of proposals to the Technology Modernization Fund.
Language relating to DHS budget submission requirements
regarding user fees and offsets.
Language relating to the Arms Trade Treaty.
Language prohibiting the use of funds related to certain
entities identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2021.
Language prohibiting the use of funds for the transfer or
release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into or within the United States.
Language requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security on a
bimonthly basis to provide estimates of the number of aliens
anticipated to arrive at the southern border of the United
States.
Language regarding requests for assistance from the
Department of Defense.
Language regarding the employee emergency back-up care
program.
Language regarding transfer authority for certain
activities.
Language regarding inspection parameters of certain ICE
detention facilities.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to implement the rule
entitled ``Circumvention of Lawful Pathways.''
Language prohibiting the use of funds for a Disinformation
Governance Board.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to classify the
speech of a U.S. citizen as mis-, dis-, or mal-information, or
work with organizations to do the same.
Language prohibiting funds to be used to implement
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive Orders, or to
promote critical race theory.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to discriminate
against a person based on sincerely-held religious beliefs
regarding marriage.
Language prohibiting the use of funds to be used to allow
officials of a country designated as a state sponsor of
terrorism to confer with DHS employees.
Language prohibiting the obligation or award of funds to
certain jurisdictions.
Language rescinding unobligated balances from a specified
source.
Language rescinding unobligated balances from the DHS Non-
Recurring Expenses Fund.
Language regarding a Spending Reduction Account.
APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following table lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill that are not authorized
by law:
FY 2025 SCHEDULE OF UNAUTHORIZED APPROPRIATIONS
[Gross Discretionary--Dollars in thousands]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last Year of Appropriation in Last Year Appropriations in
Agency/Program Authorization Authorized Level of Authorization this bill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customs and Border Protection, Operations and Support.... \1\2004 \2\$3,083,259 \3\$4,396,750 \4\$16,566,247
Customs and Border Protection, International Cargo \5\2010 $153,300 $162,000 \6\$4,235,006
Screening...............................................
Customs and Border Protection, Customs-Trade Partnership \7\2010/2012 $75,600/$21,000 \8\$62,612/$44,979 \9\$4,070,182
Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)..............................
Customs and Border Protection, Automated Targeting \10\2010 $37,485 $34,560 \11\$290,955
Systems.................................................
Customs and Border Protection, Automated Commercial \12\2018 $153,736 N/A \13\$439,069
Environment.............................................
Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine \14\2004 $175,000 $240,200 \15\$399,736
Interdiction, Operations, Maintenance, and Procurement..
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Operations and \16\2003/ $4,131,811/$1,399,592 \18\$3,032,094/\19\N/A \20\$10,497,243
Support................................................. \17\2004
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Procurement, \16\2003 N/A $693,969 $19,548
Construction, and Improvements..........................
Transportation Security Administration, Operations and \21\2020 $7,888,494 N/A \22\$7,957,225
Support.................................................
Transportation Security Administration, EDS/ETD Systems.. \23\2007 $400,000 $110,100 \24\$198,428
Transportation Security Administration, Surface \25\2020 Such sums $169,513 $192,779
Transportation Security, National Explosives Detection
Canine Team Program.....................................
Transportation Security Administration, Transportation \26\2005 Such sums \27\$115,000 \28\$136,225
Threat Assessment and Credentialing.....................
Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air \29\2007 $83,000 $764,643 \30\$820,603
Marshal Service.........................................
Transportation Security Administration Law Enforcement \31\2020 $55,000 $46,392 \32\$45,868
Officer Reimbursement Program...........................
Coast Guard, Operations and Support...................... \33\2023 $10,750,000 $9,700,478 $10,549,261
Coast Guard, Procurement, Construction, and Improvements. \33\2023 $3,477,600 $1,669,650 $1,268,800
Coast Guard, Research and Development.................... \33\2023 $14,681 $7,476 $6,763
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, \34\2012 Such sums \35\$888,243 \36\$2,437,285
Operations and Support..................................
FEMA, Salaries and Expenses.............................. \37\2010 $375,342 $797,650 \38\$1,551,093
FEMA, Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). \39\2018 Such sums N/A $63,257
FEMA, State and Local Programs........................... .............. ............................ ............................ .................
Port Security Grants................................. \40\2013 $400,000 $250,000 $100,000
Public Transportation Security Grants................ \41\2011 $1,108,000 $250,000 $105,000
Amtrak Security.................................. \42\2011 $175,000 $20,000 $10,000
Over the Road Bus Security....................... \43\2011 $25,000 $5,000 $2,000
National Domestic Preparedness Consortium............ \44\2011 $153,000 N/A $101,000
Center for Domestic Preparedness......................... \46\2011 $66,000 N/A $70,681
FEMA, Urban Search and Rescue Response System............ \45\2008 $45,000 $36,700 $37,832
FEMA, Emergency Management Performance Grants............ \46\2022 $950,000 $355,000 $355,000
FEMA, Emergency Food and Shelter......................... \47\1994 $188,000 N/A $130,000
Immigration and Naturalization Service, Citizenship and \48\2002 $631,745 \49\$631,745 \50\$0
Benefits, Immigration Support and Program Direction.....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\P.L. 107-210, Sec. 311.
\2\P.L. 107-210 authorized what was formerly U.S. Customs Service (does not include Border Patrol).
\3\U.S. Customs Service operations only (does not include Border Patrol).
\4\Funding recommended for fiscal year 2025 is for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Operations and Support appropriation. This is not a true
comparison to the legacy ``Salaries and Expenses'' appropriation.
\5\P.L. 109-347, Sec. 205(m).
\6\Funding recommended for fiscal year 2025 is for the ``Domestic Operations'' and ``International Operations'' sub-PPAs within the ``Trade and Travel
Operations'' PPA. This is not a true comparison to the legacy ``International Cargo Screening'' PPA.
\7\P.L. 109-347, Sec. 223(a) authorized operations for fiscal year 2010 and personnel through fiscal year 2012.
\8\Funding provided for fiscal year 2010 and for fiscal year 2012 include personnel and operations.
\9\This is not a true comparison to the legacy ``Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)'' PPA. These funds have been realigned to the
``Domestic Operations'' sub-PPA within the ``Trade and Travel Operations'' PPA.
\10\P.L. 109-347, Sec. 203(g).
\11\This is not a true comparison to the legacy ``Automated Targeting Systems'' PPA. These funds have been realigned to the ``Targeting Operations'' sub-
PPA within the ``Trade and Travel Operations'' PPA.
\12\P.L. 114-125, Sec. 106 requires that funding shall not be less than this amount.
\13\This is not a true comparison to the legacy ``Automated Commercial Environment'' PPA; however, the preponderance of these funds were realigned into
the ``Office of Trade'' sub-PPA within the ``Trade and Travel Operations'' PPA.
\14\P.L. 107-210, Sec. 311.
\15\These funds have been realigned to the ``Air and Marine Operations'' sub-PPA that exists within the ``Integrated Operations'' PPA.
\16\Immigration and Naturalization Service--some investigations, and detention and removals only, P.L. 107-273, Sec. 102(12).
\17\Customs Service noncommercial operations, P.L. 107-210, Sec. 311(a) (19 U.S.C. 2075(b)(1)).
\18\Includes $2,862,094,000 from fiscal year 2003 Immigration and Naturalization Service--Salaries and Expenses, P.L. 108-7, and $170,000,000 included
in the fiscal year 2003 Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, P.L. 108-11.
\19\There was no fiscal year 2004 appropriation for the U.S. Customs Service.
\20\Funding recommended for fiscal year 2025 is for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Operations and Support. This is not a true comparison to
the legacy ``Salaries and Expenses'' appropriation.
\21\P.L. 115-254 Sec. 1903 Reauthorized TSA Activities for ``salaries, operations and maintenance'', but did not specifically authorize the current
account structure. construction and improvements.
\22\Recommended funding is the total for TSA ``Operations and Support'' appropriation.
\23\P.L. 108-458, Sec. 4019.
\24\These funds have been realigned to the ``Aviation Screening Infrastructure'' PPA within the ``Procurement, Construction, and Improvements''
appropriation and to the ``Research and Development'' appropriation.
\25\P.L. 115-254, Sec. 1971.
\26\P.L. 107-71, Sec. 101.
\27\Includes the Maritime and Land Security PPA and Credentialing Activities PPA.
\28\Funding recommended for fiscal year 2025 is for the ``Other Operations and Enforcement, Vetting Programs'' and ``Other Operations and Enforcement,
Intelligence and TSOC'' sub-PPAs within the ``Operations and Support'' appropriation, and the ``Infrastructure for Other Operations, Vetting
Programs'' sub-PPA within the Procurement, Construction, and Improvements appropriation.
\29\P.L. 108-458, Sec. 4016.
\30\Funding for the Federal Air Marshals Service is in the ``Other Operations and Enforcement, In-Flight Security'' sub-PPA. The recommended funding
level is for that sub-PPA.
\31\P.L. 115-254, Sec. 1935.
\32\Funding for LEO Reimbursement Program is in the ``Other Operations and Enforcement, Aviation Regulation'' sub-PPA. The recommended funding is for
the non-pay portion of the Law Enforcement and Assessment program.
\33\P.L. 117-263, Sec. 11101.
\34\Critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, and other related programs, P.L. 110-53, Sec. 541 (note, the ``National Protection and Programs
Directorate'' is now known as the ``Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency'', as authorized in P.L. 115-278, Sec. 2 (6 U.S.C. 651 et.
seq.)).
\35\Infrastructure Protection and Information Security activities in P.L. 112-74.
\36\Represents funding that would traditionally be categorized as defense that is recommended for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
\37\P.L. 109-295, Sec. 699.
\38\Funding recommended for fiscal year 2025 is for Federal Emergency Management Agency, Operations and Support. This is not a true comparison to the
legacy ``Salaries and Expenses'' appropriation.
\39\P.L. 114-143, Sec. 2(c).
\40\P.L. 109-347, Sec. 112.
\41\P.L. 110-53.
\42\P.L. 110-53, Sec. 1514(d).
\43\6 U.S.C. 1182.
\44\P.L. 110-53, Sec. 1204, 6 U.S.C. 1102.
\45\P.L. 109-295, Sec. 634, 6 U.S.C. 722.
\46\P.L. 110-53, Sec. 201, 6 U.S.C. 763.
\47\P.L. 102-550, Sec. 1431.
\48\P.L. 107-273, Div. A., Sec. 101(12)(B), ``for salaries and expenses of citizenship and benefits''.
\49\P.L. 107-77, see also, H. Rept. 107-278 (the accompanying conference report).
\50\Represents funding for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program within discretionary funds for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This
is not a true comparison to the legacy funding.
PROGRAM DUPLICATION
No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a
program of the Federal Government know to be duplicative of
another Federal program, a program that was included in any
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program
identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance.
COMMITTEE 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 or consider the Department of Homeland
Security Appropriations Act, 2025:
The Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on
April 10, 2024, entitled ``Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for
the Department of Homeland Security.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from:
The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary, U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
The Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on
April 11, 2024, entitled ``Member Day.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from:
The Honorable Kathy E. Manning (NC-06)
The Honorable James C. Moylan (GU-00)
The Honorable Greg Stanton (AZ-04)
The Honorable Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02)
The Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on
April 16, 2024, entitled ``Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from:
The Honorable Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator, Federal
Emergency Management Agency
The Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on
April 16, 2024, entitled ``Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for
the Transportation Security Administration.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from:
The Honorable David Pekoske, Administrator, Transportation
Security Administration
The Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on
April 17, 2024, entitled ``Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.'' The Subcommittee
received testimony from:
Patrick Lechleitner, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement
The Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on
April 30, 2024, entitled ``Fiscal Year 2025 Request for U.S.
Customs and Border Protection.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from:
Troy Miller, Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection
The Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on
April 30, 2024, entitled ``Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for
the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from:
The Honorable Jen Easterly, Director, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency
The Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on May
1, 2024, entitled ``Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the U.S. Coast
Guard'' The Subcommittee received testimony from:
Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the United States Coast
Guard
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS IN REPORT
The following table contains detailed funding
recommendations at the program, project, and activity (PPA)
level.
MINORITY VIEWS
We want to convey our deep appreciation to all Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel for the critical work they
do every day to protect our country. The Department's greatest
asset is its workforce, and it is important that we recognize
their commitment to protecting our communities by making smart
investments that support the agency's workforce and its
mission. While we acknowledge that there are several bipartisan
funding initiatives in this bill, unfortunately, we cannot
support it. It underinvests in critical missions that would
alleviate chaos at our borders and keep our communities safe.
Furthermore, it leaves our country vulnerable and unprepared
for future attacks and disasters. The bill also advances
harmful policy choices that would weaken the safety and
security of our country and abandon our nation's values. We
regret that this legislation reflects a missed opportunity to
prioritize the needs of our nation and address the concerns
Americans have expressed about our immigration system, national
security, climate change, and more.
The bill is built upon a fractured foundation supported
only by unsubstantiated claims, hyperbole, and disinformation.
This bill compromises Americans' security and resiliency
through the prioritization of overpriced and unjustified
``policy solutions'' based on disproven claims and anecdotal
evidence that only advance the majority's tired rhetoric to
promote their political agenda.
In the face of global humanitarian crises driving
unprecedented levels of migration--fueled by climate change,
violence and corruption, food insecurity and failing
economies--the bill doubles down on ineffective strategies that
ignore reality and will waste billions in taxpayer dollars on
ineffective policies that will do nothing to secure the border
or address the underlying problems driving migration. The
report accompanying this bill professes that its funding
strategy will deter illicit migration flows and that deterrence
strategy is the only strategy the bill funds for border
security. Yet the bill reverts to funding and policy choices
that have never successfully deterred illicit migration in the
twenty-one years since the Department's creation. Instead,
which we unfortunately know from experience, these strategies
will leave our communities exposed to humanitarian crises
without the resources they need to respond.
This bill continues to waste hundreds of millions of
dollars on an ineffective border wall, which history and data
prove will not deter unlawful border crossings. Instead, it
cuts $2.1 billion to Border Security Operations--including the
complete elimination of the Shelter and Services Program (SSP)
and the critical resources our U.S. Border Patrol agents need
to fully execute their responsibilities. Eliminating funding
for SSP will not stop migration--it will only prevent
communities from managing surges humanely and safely, ensuring
chaos and desperation across our country. The bill also
prevents the Department from executing programs that have
demonstrated effectiveness in reducing illegal migration, such
as preventing the use of country-specific parole processes for
certain nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela;
the CBP One mobile application; or the family reunification
parole processes. These programs, together with the Department
of State's Safe Mobility Offices, have prevented more than a
million migrants, who would otherwise be susceptible to
exploitation by human smugglers, from pursuing dangerous
pathways to entry as they seek to cross our borders.
Further, the bill guts funding for refugee and asylum
programs and includes a provision that aims to strip over $300
million from the asylum program, which would decimate the
Department's ability to not only make progress toward
addressing its caseload backlog, but also keep pace with recent
border arrivals. Underfunding asylum operations will only
further overwhelm the immigration court backlog and ensure more
noncitizens are released into the interior, without legal
status, as they await the outcome of their case.
In addition to failing to secure the border, the bill also
fails to protect Americans from terrorism and violent
extremists. In the Homeland Threat Assessment published in
October 2020, then Acting Secretary Chad Wolf stated, ``I am
particularly concerned about white supremacist violent
extremists who have been exceptionally lethal in their
abhorrent, targeted attacks in recent years.'' The assessment
concluded that, ``The primary terrorist threat inside the
United States will stem from lone offenders and small cells of
individuals, including Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs) and
foreign terrorist-inspired Homegrown Violent Extremists
(HVEs).'' The updated Homeland Threat Assessment, published in
September 2023, states that ``the threat of violence from
violent extremists radicalized in the United States will remain
high,'' and it notes that collaboration among violent
extremists online will continue to grow, to spread their views,
recruit new followers, and inspire more attacks.
Despite these threats, which were highlighted by both the
prior and the current Administrations, this bill eliminates
funding for the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships
(CP3), eliminates funding for the Targeted Violence and
Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) grant program, cuts funding for the
Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, and includes
statutory restrictions that would prevent the Department from
taking the important actions needed to reverse these trends.
DHS established CP3 and the TVTP grant program to combat
terrorism and targeted violence, but instead of working to
improve and strengthen DHS's capabilities in this space or even
providing an alternative approach to ensure such threats are
not left unmitigated, this bill completely abandons our
responsibilities and leaves our communities with nothing to
address some of the most urgent threats facing communities
across the United States.
Additionally, despite clear and repeated warnings of the
growing threats to our information networks and our critical
infrastructure, the bill cuts funding for the Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) below the President's
Budget request. For example, the Director of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation, Christopher Wray, advised that the People's
Republic of China ``considers every sector that makes our
society run as fair game in its bid to dominate on the world
stage'' and that its plan is to ``land low blows against
civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic and break
America's will to resist.'' Our adversaries' capabilities are
increasingly more advanced, and they do not operate with the
same funding restrictions and set of rules that hold CISA back
from outpacing them. We should be discussing how best to invest
in and grow our premier cyber defense agency, not cut their
funding.
In sum, this bill falls far short of our responsibility to
provide for the safety and security of Americans. As the
appropriations process continues, we look forward to working
with the majority and urge them to join us in developing final
legislation that transcends our political division and
exemplifies our responsibility to govern, putting people over
politics.
Rosa DeLauro.
Lauren Underwood.
[all]