Homeland Security Committee Republicans introduce bill to reauthorize DHS

Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee introduced a bill that reauthorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for two years.

The Keep America Secure Act would reauthorize the DHS and provide $59 billion for FY2021 and $60 billion for FY2022. It includes funding for border security, cybersecurity, transportation security, emergency preparedness, intelligence: COVID-19 response, departmental management, and tools and enforcement mechanisms to halt the entry of foreign spies.

“I’m proud of the collective effort of my Republican colleagues to put together a bill that positions the Department to best combat new and emerging threats to our country,” Re. Nike Rogers (R-AL), ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, said. “We owe it to the folks who work day-in and day-out to protect our homeland to pass a comprehensive reauthorization that provides them with the authorities and resources they need to effectively do their jobs.”

Rogers is one of the bill’s sponsors, along with Reps. Peter King (R-NY), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), John Katko (R-NY), Mark Walker (R-NC), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), John Joyce (R-Pa.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), and Mike Garcia (R-Calif.).

The bill aligns with the committee Republicans’ American Security Agenda, which calls for staying ahead of evolving threats, providing the resources necessary to combat new threats, and positioning DHS to be successful on new battlegrounds.