CongressHouse Homeland Security Committee: Year in review
House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) the other day discussed the t Committee’s legislative accomplishments in the first session of the 115th Congress. He noted that with eighty Committee bills which have passed this year, Politico recently named the House Homeland Security Committee the “hardest working Committee in Congress.”
House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) the other day discussed the t Committee’s legislative accomplishments in the first session of the 115th Congress. He noted that among the pieces of legislation the Committee crafted were measures to secure America’s borders, protect against cyber-attacks, ensure that the DHS runs efficiently, and shield the homeland from international and domestic threats.
McCaul noted that with eighty Committee bills which have passed this year, Politico recently named the House Homeland Security Committee the “hardest working Committee in Congress.”
McCaul said: “With each passing day, the threats facing our homeland continue to grow. The House has passed dozens of Committee bills aimed at bolstering our efforts to fight terror at home and abroad, secure and defend our borders, protect our digital networks from cyber intruders, improve information sharing and support America’s first responders. In 2018, the House Homeland Security Committee will continue to lead the charge to do even more to protect our homeland. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues in both chambers of Congress, as well as our partners in the Executive Branch, next year to provide the direction and support needed to combat an ever-evolving threat landscape to keep the American people safe and secure.”
The legislation includes:
H.R. 2825, Department of Homeland Security Reauthorization Act of 2017
The first ever, comprehensive reauthorization of DHS passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support with a vote of 386-41. This bill eliminates and streamlines programs within DHS, re-asserts Congress’s Article I authority, protects taxpayer dollars, and supports America’s first responders and front-line defenders.
H.R. 3359, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017
This bill creates a stand-alone operational organization within the Department to elevate and prioritize its vital obligation to protect our cybersecurity networks.
H.R. 3548, Border Security for America Act
This bill is a strong, smart, multi-layered approach in providing Americans the secure border they have long deserved. This legislation calls for the building of additional physical barriers, including a wall, technology, and a surge in personnel that will make it nearly impossible for bad actors to enter our country illegally.
H.R. 1370, Blue Campaign Authorization Act
This bill bipartisan bill, passed in both the House and Senate, helps protect victims of human trafficking by providing the right tools to federal, state, and local law enforcement as well as private sector organizations, to increase awareness and better defend against this heinous threat.
A full list of bills to shield the homeland can be found here.
