U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) has joined colleagues to introduce the Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act (H.R. 2924), which ensures the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is prepared to address climate change impacts.
U.S. Reps. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Troy Carter (D-LA), and Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) are original co-sponsors of the legislation.
“No corner of this country is immune from the impacts of climate change, and disadvantaged communities have been shown time and time again to be hit the hardest,” Clarke said. “Ignoring the implications of climate change and its connections to migration is not an option. The Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act recognizes the importance of mitigating climate change challenges by requiring DHS to assess the current Federal research regarding any potential or identified effects of climate change on homeland security.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act authorizes the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to research and develop approaches such effects have on homeland security.
During the House Committee on Homeland Security markup of H.R. 2794, Clarke offered the bill as an amendment, which was not adopted.
In the last Congress, the House Committee on Homeland Security marked up and passed the bill by a vote of 19-14.