The House on Wednesday passed by voice vote five homeland security bills ranging from border to aviation security and grants for first responders.
The Southwest Border Security Threat Assessment Act of 2016 (H.R. 4482) requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prepare a southwest border threat analysis, which addresses the criminal and terrorist threats that exist across the southwest borders. The bill was introduced by Rep. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.).
The Border and Maritime Coordination Act (H.R. 3586) is aimed at improving border and maritime security coordination in DHS. The bill was introduced by Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.).
The Enhancing Overseas Traveler Vetting Act (H.R. 4403) authorizes DHS and the State Department to develop open-source watchlisting and screening technology that can be provided to foreign governments to help detect and disrupt foreign travel. The House Homeland Security Committee says the bill would close overseas security gaps by making sure United States allies get the “tools needed to stop jihadists from crossing borders undetected.” The legislation was introduced by Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas).
The Treating Small Airports with Fairness Act of 2016 (H.R. 4549) requires the Transportation Security Administration to conduct security screening at certain airports. The bill was introduced by Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.).
The State and High-Risk Urban Area Working Group Act (H.R. 4509) expands the list of stakeholders for state planning committees or urban area working groups required for any state or high-risk urban area receiving a grant under the State Homeland Security Grant Program or the Urban Area Security Initiative. The bill was introduced by Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J.).