WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed Rep. Laurel Lee’s (R-FL) “Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2023,” H.R. 4470 on Tuesday, and then Vice Chairman Michael Guest’s (R-MS) “Unmanned Aerial Security (UAS) Act,” H.R. 1501, and Rep. Donald Payne’s (D-NJ) “First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies Act,” H.R.3254 today.

“I am proud the House passed critical pieces of legislation on a bipartisan basis to defend the homeland. By reauthorizing the only federal program focused on site security at facilities with certain chemicals of interest for two years, this Committee will have enough time to evaluate necessary reforms while ensuring the federal government works in strong partnership with the private sector to safeguard these facilities from terrorist exploitation. To support first responders, the House passed the Committee’s legislation to ensure there is a streamlined process in place so those on the front lines in our communities can acquire innovative and advanced technology amid unpredictable and complex threats.  

“Lastly, the House took direct action to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s brazen espionage and theft of American innovation by ensuring no drones procured by the Department of Homeland Security are manufactured in China. As a proven threat to our critical infrastructure, the United States cannot allow adversaries in Beijing to infiltrate a supply chain for critical homeland security technology that is used by Border Patrol agents and other federal law enforcement to accomplish their missions in the field.”

On House passage of the UAS Act, Vice Chair Guest said:
 
“We know that drones made by our foreign adversaries can be manipulated to undermine American security – a security risk that we cannot tolerate as the Chinese Communist Party presents a continuous threat against our nation and our allies. The Department of Homeland Security utilizes drones for critical missions, and it is imperative that we trust the technology we are using. It is well known that the Chinese Communist Party has stolen our technology and information in the past. That’s why this legislation is so important. It would help mitigate security risks by ensuring our drones are not manufactured by our adversaries – including those manufacturers influenced by the CCP. I’m honored to have worked closely with Chairman Green and other Members on the Committee on Homeland Security on this bill, and I’d like to thank my colleagues in the House for supporting this important piece of legislation.”
 
On House passage of the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2023, Rep. Lee said:

“I applaud the House for working in a bipartisan manner to reauthorize the CFATS Program, ensuring communities across the country can remain protected from terrorist attacks. Collaboration between industry leaders and the Department of Homeland Security has never been more important with cyberattacks becoming more common. I’d like to thank Chairman Green for his leadership and support during the process of moving this bill.” 

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