WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) released the following statement after the Committee advanced legislation to reauthorize the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Program, increase transparency in the border contractor procurement process at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and enhance mental health support for DHS law enforcement:

“I am proud of this Committee’s work to defend the homeland and stand by DHS law enforcement, both in and out of the field. To safeguard chemicals of interest from malicious terrorists, this Committee voted on a bipartisan basis to reauthorize CFATS, a critical DHS program that enhances the site security of chemical facilities across America.

“In addition, the Committee sent legislation to the floor to provide much-needed transparency and oversight of DHS contracting services along the Southwest border. This legislation will enhance coordination, minimize overlap, and ensure the federal government is a good steward of taxpayer dollars. Contractors provide crucial support amid this administration’s unprecedented humanitarian crisis and allow Department personnel to focus on their primary responsibilities. This Committee is fighting to ensure our brave Border Patrol agents and dedicated CBP officers can focus on securing our border.

“Lastly, today’s markup secured a bipartisan victory for DHS law enforcement by advancing legislation to enhance crucial mental health resources that will save lives. From Border Patrol agents and CBP officers facing this historic crisis to Secret Service and TSA agents, the men and women working every day to secure the homeland deserve the support needed to succeed in their mission.”

A full list of bills passed by the Committee is below:

• H.R. 4470, The “Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2023,” introduced by Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL).
• H.R. 4467, The “DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act,” introduced by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK).
• H.R. 2577, The “DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act,” introduced by House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS).