Bill to strengthen DHS overseas vetting process passes House

The U.S. House of Representatives voted last week on the the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act, which included provisions introduced by U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) to strengthen border security measures.

Thompson’s inclusions addressed Customs and Border Protection’s pre-clearance program and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s visa waiver program. Specifically, the bill requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a department-wide strategy for overseas screening and vetting programs. DHS currently has approximately 1,800 personnel overseas assisting in vetting efforts. The original legislation, titled the Department of Homeland Security Strategy for International Programs Act, passed the House in May.

“Today’s passage of the Defense Authorization Act contains bipartisan language I included to ensure DHS is on a solid footing as it ‘pushes out’ our borders in its mission to protect the homeland,” Thompson said. “It is imperative that DHS have a risk-based strategy to expand its presence and partnerships around the world to prevent terrorist travel and ensure proper vetting of U.S.-bound passengers.”

Also included in the defense authorization bill were provisions to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities within DHS and a provision to bring local government officials and first responders to assist in preparations and revisions of local homeland security plans to determine funding priorities.