Chairwoman Mikulski announces committee approval of FY15 Homeland Security bill
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COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS CHAIRWOMAN
Contact:
Landrieu Press Office: 202-224-4893
SUMMARY: FISCAL YEAR 2015 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS BILL
Subcommittee Mark:
U.S. Senator
"We must invest in our national security infrastructure to prevent and mitigate against threats to our homeland that come by air, land, sea and cyber space. This bill does that and supports thousands of jobs while preparing the next generation of national security experts, emergency responders and cyber warriors. The investments we make today will determine the outcomes we experience tomorrow. We also restore funding for
U.S. Senator
"I want to commend Senator Landrieu and Senator Coats for their outstanding work on this bill and their commitment to first responders, our anti-terrorism efforts, emergency preparedness initiatives and cybersecurity programs. They worked the way this entire committee works, which is with a spirit of bipartisanship and dedication to finding common ground. They did not allow budget constraints to limit our ability to get our work done on behalf of the American people.
"The resources provided in this bill are so important and touch the lives of Americans every day, especially in times of disaster. That's one reason why I feel strongly that the bill funding the
Bill Summary
Although we have been spared from new terrorist attacks on the level of what the nation experienced during the devastating attack of
We also face dire consequences from cyber intrusions and hacking from rogue governments, organizations and individuals. And the constant threat of intense natural disasters is not likely to lessen in any measureable amount in coming years. Hurricane Sandy and the recent line of tornadoes that tore through our heartland serve as stark reminders of the devastating impact storms and flooding can have on our cities, coastlines and rural areas. In addition to all of these threats, we are faced with a growing humanitarian crisis as thousands of unaccompanied children cross our southern border to escape instability and gang and drug fueled violence across
*preventing terrorism and enhancing security;
*securing and managing U.S. borders;
*enforcing and administering our immigration laws;
*safeguarding and securing cyberspace; and
*ensuring resilience to disasters.
Preventing Terrorism and Enhancing Security:
Guarding
The bill provides
The Administration proposed several cuts that would have severely hampered the
The following key capital investments are included in the subcommittee's bill:
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Securing and Managing The Border:
The protection of our nation's land, air and sea borders from the illegal entry of people, weapons, drugs and other contraband while also facilitating lawful travel and trade is a vital mission of DHS, because the nation's economic prosperity depends on it. To do so, the department focuses on three interrelated areas: effectively securing U.S. air, land and sea borders; safeguarding and streamlining lawful trade and travel; and disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal and terrorist organizations. Examples of how this bill funds these efforts follow:
The bill provides
. Funds 21,370
. Sustains 23,775 CBP officers currently working at our 329 ports of entry today and funds an additional 1,000 new CBP officers. These additional CBP officers will expedite the processing of tourists and trade at our air and sea ports, which is vital to our economy. With funds from the fiscal year 2014 appropriation and this recommendation, the Committee will have supported the hiring of 3,000 new CBP officers through fiscal year 2016;
. Provides
. Directs
. Gives significant attention to CBP's responsibilities for collecting duties and tariffs as well as enforcing the antidumping and countervailing duty requirements of the international trade system.
The bill provides
The bill provides
Enforcing and Administering our Immigration Laws:
In the area of immigration, DHS is focused on ensuring enforcement of U.S. immigration laws while streamlining and facilitating the legal immigration process. To do so, the department identifies and removes criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety and targets employers who knowingly and repeatedly break the law. This bill provides resources for these enforcement efforts while also providing resources to promote adherence to worksite-related laws and immigrant integration. Specifically:
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. Provides a total of
. Provides
. Provides funding to maintain current staffing levels for special agents and immigration officials, including the agents and officers previously hired in support of investigations on the Southwest border; and
. Directs not less than
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. Fully funds the
. Provides
Safeguarding and Securing Cyberspace:
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Within the
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The bill provides
Ensuring Disaster Resilience:
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The bill also provides funding for the following programs:
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Other Initiatives:
. Bill language is included that would increase the number of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, facilitating travel from countries such as
. The bill continues a provision that was included in the fiscal year 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which authorizes CBP to form public-private partnerships to help upgrade land ports of entry (POEs) and pay overtime to CBP officers at POEs. It also expands the number of eligible airports that can participate in these pilots from five to seven a year.
. The bill requires CBP to submit an action plan for expediting the travel experience at U.S. international gateway airports through the use of innovative technology and changed methodology. This includes expanding the use of automated passport control kiosks to reduce a traveler's interaction with a CBP officer; expanding the use of these kiosks to travelers from visa waiver countries; taking advantage of the creativity of individual airports, such as expanding the use of "1-Stop" for express screening of passengers with proper documentation and only carry-on luggage; and reviewing how CBP allocates its personnel at airports of entry to include the consideration of non-law enforcement personnel covering processing duties. All of these efforts should streamline the U.S. entry process and minimize customs wait times.
. The bill calls for the department to develop a strategy to reduce the length of time it takes to hire new employees, which is well above the government-wide average and inhibits efforts to select high-quality candidates. Because DHS acquisition management remains on the
. The bill includes a general provision providing death benefits to the family of
Administrative Savings and Reforms:
In an effort to maximize resources for front line missions, the bill: approves
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