U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA) recently reintroduced a bill aimed at improving cooperation amongst federal, state, and local agencies in detecting, preventing and responding to terrorist-type threats.
The Fusion Center Enhancement Act would strengthen partnerships between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the national network of fusion centers, which act as a collaborative effort between two or more agencies to share information regarding terrorist or criminal activities.
Barletta previously introduced the bill in the 114th Congress, which passed the House of Representatives, but was not considered by the Senate.
The bill would aim to improve fusion centers by directing DHS to ensure its components are providing information and personnel to fusion centers to better cooperate with state and local officials. The bill would also require DHS to coordinate with fusion centers and state homeland security advisors in carrying out responsibilities and require DHS to submit a report to Congress on its efforts to meet those requirements.
“As a former mayor, I know the importance of sharing information between local, state, and federal agencies,” Barletta said. “I have seen this problem firsthand, and know that more can be done to help our local law enforcement get the support they need from the federal government. This bill is one small step to make the fusion centers a better resource for the people who know our communities the best, our local law enforcement officers.”