Rep. Rogers touts legislative package to improve homeland security

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) introduced a legislative package of seven bills called the “American Security Agenda,” which seeks to improve the U.S. response to homeland security threats.

“The goal of the American Security Agenda is to take a hard look at the Department’s missions and act to ensure that DHS is prepared to tackle the emerging threats to our homeland. Our enemies are changing tactics and fighting us on new battlegrounds. Unfortunately, the federal government is not adequately prepared or properly resourced to combat this new and evolving threat,” Rogers, ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said at the International Summit on Borders this week.

The American Security Agenda seeks to accomplish three goals. It looks to grant DHS the authority it needs to stay ahead of emerging threats; provides DHS as well as its state, local, and private sector partners with the resources to deter acts of terrorism; and reforms DHS, so it is positioned to better combat threats.

The legislative package is made up of seven bills sponsored by Republican lawmakers, including the Securing the Homeland Security Supply Chain Act (H.R. 3320), introduced by former committee chairman Rep. Pete King (R-NY). The bill will enable DHS to keep products from vendors that pose security risks out of the supply chain.

Another former committee chairman, U.S. Rep. Mike McCaul (R-TX), is introducing the BITMAP Authorization Act, which would formally authorize the program to screen migrants for national security risks before they reach our border. Also, U.S. Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), a committee member, is introducing the Emerging Transportation Security Threats Act (H.R. 3318), which will help TSA identify and mitigate emerging threats to our transportation system.

Further, U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), a subcommittee leader, will introduce the Pipeline Security Enhancement Act, which will empower the Transportation Security Administration to inspect, monitor, and regularly improve the physical and cybersecurity of pipelines. Also, subcommittee leader U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) is introducing the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act. The bill would authorize grants and technical assistance to state and local governments to build cybersecurity capacity.

In addition, U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), another subcommittee leader, has introduced the Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO) Act (H.R. 3273). The legislation establishes task forces comprised of DHS, state, local, and international partners and leverages their authorities to combat the growing threat of transnational criminal organizations. Finally, committee member U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), has introduced the DHS Acquisition Review Board Act (H.R. 2609), legislation to reform DHS acquisition and ensure critical new technologies come in on time and on budget.

“We need to address these emerging threats head-on. The American Security Agenda is a long-term effort by Homeland Security Republicans to modernize and equip DHS for the threats of today and prepare it for the threats of tomorrow,” Rogers said.