Committee Approves Efforts To Provide DHS Tools To Further Bolster Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security advanced four Homeland Republican bills to increase transparency in the Department of Homeland Security’s grants process, streamline aviation security, mitigate criminal activity on the border, combat the threat from foreign-made drones, and bring the production of homeland security equipment home.

“Homeland Security Republicans set out this year to tackle the pressing issues threatening our homeland security today and ensure we are better prepared for the evolving threats of tomorrow,” said Ranking Member Katko. “From combating illicit activity at the border to addressing the threats posed to the homeland by foreign-made drones, our members are tackling the hard issues to support DHS in carrying out its vital mission. I commend Reps. Pfluger, Harshbarger, and Guest for their leadership on these efforts that are only growing in importance. We’ll continue to push for solutions that bolster the integrity of our homeland security and build a more resilient nation.”

Katko continued, “In addition, I appreciate the Committee’s support of my One-Stop Security Pilot legislation which poses an innovative solution to raise global air travel security standards, while increasing efficiency for air passengers traveling to and within the United States. With substantial support from industry, this effort will both strengthen and streamline security procedures, while allowing for more efficient resourcing of Transportation Security Officers.”

Background

The One-Stop Pilot Program Act of 2021 (H.R. 4094), introduced by Ranking Member John Katko (R-NY), conducts a pilot program at foreign last point of departure airports to permit passengers and their accessible property to continue on additional flights or flight segments originating in the U.S. without additional security re-screening. This process will not only allow passengers to travel with greater ease, but it will also streamline airport security efforts.

The Unmanned Aerial Security Act (H.R. 4682), introduced by Vice Ranking Member Michael Guest (R-MS), prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security from operating or procuring certain foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems. This bill aims to safeguard the integrity of unmanned aircraft used to secure the U.S. homeland while ensuring these products are made through American ingenuity.

The DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act (H.R. 4209), introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), aims to secure the southern border by directing CBP to develop a plan to counteract illegal underground tunnels under the U.S.-Mexico border. This bill will thwart drug cartels and human traffickers who utilize the more than 230 tunnels currently in existence to smuggle narcotics, weapons, and cash back and forth on the border.

The DHS Contract Reporting Act of 2021 (H.R. 4363), introduced by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), establishes a public reporting requirement for covered contract awards of the Department of Homeland Security. This bill will give Congress and the American people better insight into how DHS supports its mission.

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

• H.R. 4094, The One-Stop Pilot Program Act of 2021, introduced by Ranking Member John Katko (R-NY)
• H.R. 4363, The DHS Contract Reporting Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)
• H.R. 4209, The DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX)
• H.R. 4682, The Unmanned Aerial Security Act, introduced by Vice Ranking Member Michael Guest (R-MS)
• H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, introduced by Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
• H.R. 2915, The Homeland Procurement Reform Act, introduced by Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA)
• H.R. 4089, The Darren Drake Act, introduced by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
• H.R. 4426, The Homeland Security for Children Act, introduced by Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ)
• H.R. 4611, The DHS Software Supply Chain Risk Management Act of 2021, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY)
• H.R. 4691, The K-12 Cybersecurity Act, introduced by Rep. James Langevin (D-RI)

 

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