House Approves Historic Homeland Security Legislation

May 18, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted this week to approve two historic bills funding and overseeing the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006, H.R. 2360, was approved last night with overwhelming bipartisan support, 424-1. The Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, H.R. 1817, was approved today, also with strong bipartisan support, 424-4.

“Nearly four years after the tragic events of September 11th, we have made tremendous progress in our efforts to secure the homeland,” Dreier said. “Yet we continue to improve and enhance our efforts. Proper funding and good oversight will be critical to our overall success. This first authorization bill provides a strong starting point for the oversight process. From here on, the Department and the Congress will have a good framework from which they can work. I’m also pleased we have so quickly moved to provide the necessary funding to the Department. Defending our homeland is a top priority for the federal government.”

The Appropriations bill supports next generation technology to screen high-risk cargo coming through our land and seaports, expands cargo inspection at foreign ports, improves supply chain and maritime security, and supports a robust revitalization of immigration enforcement efforts both along our border and within the interior of the nation. It also recognizes that no community is immune from terrorism and achieves a balance between basic formula grants, used by states and localities to achieve a minimum level of preparedness, and funds for high-risk urban areas.

The Authorization bill calls on the DHS to strategically improve specific functions within the Department. It fully authorizes the funding needed for the recruitment and training of 2000 new border agents approved last year. It also requires the DHS Directorate of Science and Technology to create and establish a Technology Clearinghouse within 90 days to expedite the deployment of anti-terror technology for use by federal, state, local, and private sector officials. Additionally, the bill will require the DHS Secretary to review and report to Congress on the current structure and effectiveness of the separate Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, to develop a plan to correct the challenges created by the current division of CBP and ICE, and to consider options for combining redundant operations and personnel.

“All Americans will benefit from good, solid oversight of the DHS,” Dreier said. “These two bills continue our commitment to providing the highest levels of homeland security for the American people."

DREIER ON H.R. 2360: DIAL-UP / BROADBAND