Dhs Field Engagement Accountability Act
Floor Speech
I rise in support of H.R. 504, the DHS Field Engagement Accountability Act.
This legislation was introduced by my friend and colleague from Nebraska, Representative Don Bacon. I applaud Congressman Bacon's initiative in sponsoring H.R. 504, which requires the Department of Homeland Security to:
Develop an engagement strategy for the national network of fusion centers;
Performance metrics for DHS personnel deployed to support State and local fusion centers; and,
Training for fusion center personnel in the use of available DHS information-sharing systems.
Additionally, the bill ensures that DHS component agencies are sharing appropriate information, through secure channels, with fusion center personnel.
Representing a border State, I want to ensure that DHS agencies, including Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have relevant criminal or terrorism information that is accessible to appropriate fusion center personnel. This will enhance coordination and situational awareness throughout the homeland.
This bill has already passed the House of Representatives and was passed in the Senate with minor amendments. Passage of the bill today will send H.R. 504 to the President's desk.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I, again, want to thank Representative Bacon for his work on this legislation, as well as Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Rogers, Senator Johnson, and Senator Peters for moving this bill through the House and Senate committees.
The sharing of counterterrorism and other homeland security information with State and local officials is vital in our efforts to protect the homeland. I am proud that we are able to support further enhancing these efforts in a bipartisan manner today.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 504 passed the House on voice vote last Friday and passed the Senate on voice vote in July after technical edits were incorporated into the text.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill again so that it can be sent to the White House for the President's signature.
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