January 29, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 18 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Pages H1256-H1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 FEDERAL INFORMATION RESOURCE TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH STATE AND LOCAL 
                      LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and pass the bill (H.R. 495) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 
to require an annual report on the Office for State and Local Law 
Enforcement.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows

                                H.R. 495

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Information Resource 
     to Strengthen Ties with State and Local Law Enforcement Act 
     of 2017'' or the ``FIRST State and Local Law Enforcement 
     Act''.

     SEC. 2. ANNUAL REPORT ON OFFICE FOR STATE AND LOCAL LAW 
                   ENFORCEMENT.

       Section 2006(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
     U.S.C. 607(b)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(5) Annual report.--For each of fiscal years 2020 through 
     2024, the Assistant Secretary for State and Local Law 
     Enforcement shall submit to the Committee on Homeland 
     Security and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary of 
     the Senate a report on the activities of the Office for State 
     and Local Law Enforcement. Each such report shall include, 
     for the fiscal year covered by such report, a description of 
     each of the following:
       ``(A) Efforts to coordinate and share information regarding 
     Department and component agency programs with State, local, 
     and Tribal law enforcement agencies.
       ``(B) Efforts to improve information sharing through the 
     Homeland Security Information Network by appropriate 
     component agencies of the Department and by State, local, and 
     Tribal law enforcement agencies.
       ``(C) The status of performance metrics within the Office 
     of State and Local Law Enforcement to evaluate the 
     effectiveness of efforts to carry out the activities 
     specified in subsection (a).
       ``(D) Any feedback from State, local, and Tribal law 
     enforcement agencies regarding the Office of State and Local 
     Law Enforcement, including the mechanisms utilized to collect 
     such feedback.
       ``(E) Efforts to carry out all other responsibilities of 
     the Office of State and Local Law Enforcement.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Mississippi.


                             General Leave

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Mississippi?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 495, the FIRST State and Local 
Law Enforcement Act.
  I thank my Democratic colleague, Ms. Jackson Lee, for reintroducing 
this measure in the new Congress.
  H.R. 495 would require DHS to submit an annual report to Congress on 
the activities of the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement.
  This bill was written, informed by a report I had my staff prepare to 
look at DHS' progress at implementing the 9/11 Commission Act on its 
10th anniversary in 2017. The report recommended that DHS continuously 
refine its information-sharing networks.
  Central to this effort is the Department's engagement with State and 
local law enforcement. Specifically, H.R. 495 requires an annual report 
that highlights the activities of this office.
  Pursuant to H.R. 495, each report must contain detailed information 
on existing programs and performance metrics to evaluate their 
effectiveness. More importantly, each report must include feedback 
received from these law enforcement agencies so that future 
collaboration can be meaningful.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 495, the Office of State and 
Local Law Enforcement Information Sharing Review Act, introduced by my 
friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
  The Office for State and Local Law Enforcement is part of the 
Department of Homeland Security and currently resides in the Office of 
Partnership and Engagement. The Office provides information on DHS' 
resources that are available to State and local law enforcement agency 
partners and a point of contact for questions regarding DHS' policies 
and programs.
  This bill requires the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement to 
provide a report on the efforts of the Office to improve information 
sharing between DHS and law enforcement agencies, an overview of the 
performance metrics used to measure success and any feedback provided 
by the State and local stakeholders, and an overview of ongoing 
activities of the Office.
  This reporting requirement is intended to assist the Office in 
identifying areas of improvement in the Department's information-
sharing efforts and coordinating with the relevant DHS components to 
close any identified gaps.

[[Page H1257]]

  I am pleased the bill includes a sunset on the reporting requirement 
after 5 years. While the information gathered through the report will 
be valuable for congressional oversight, it is important that we do not 
overburden the Department with never-ending reporting requirements.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this measure, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, allow me to thank the chairman for 
facilitating this bill to the floor and the support of our ranking 
member, Mr. Rogers, for this legislation and the work that we do on the 
Committee on Homeland Security.
  Mr. Speaker, before I start, allow me to acknowledge, with my 
thoughts and prayers, the wounded officers and members of the Houston 
Police Department who were shot last evening in a senseless shooting. 
Four of the officers were shot in the attempt to render a drug warrant, 
and one was injured. I understand, of that group, there were several 
who are in critical condition.
  Thanks to the professional work of the Houston Police Department, two 
of the persons perpetrating this crime have been stopped, and I hope 
the families of the victim police officers take comfort in the 
knowledge that everyone in our community--and, yes, in our Nation--is 
praying for the speedy and complete recovery of each of the officers 
wounded, injured in this terrible tragedy.
  It is because of the importance of law enforcement in the 
communication with the Department of Homeland Security that I 
reintroduced H.R. 495 to require the Department of Homeland Security's 
Office for State and Local Law Enforcement to report annually on its 
activities.
  As we all know, after the September 11 terrorist attacks, our Nation 
learned that the inability of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and 
territorial partners to share information was a critical failure in our 
national security apparatus. Those of us who happened to be in the 
United States Congress at that time saw that as this heinous act was 
occurring. It was the first responders, local law enforcement, who all 
converged on Ground Zero.
  Today, I am proud to say that there has been real progress on closing 
this once-prominent information-sharing gap. It is now commonplace 
within the Federal Government to support policies that empower and 
include our State and local partners. I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, it 
is because of the work of the Members of the United States Congress--in 
particular, members of the Committee on Homeland Security--who 
gradually built this pathway that is so crucial.
  I hear it often from my local law enforcement, the importance of 
communicating via a two-way street--classified, confidential--with 
officials in the Federal Government.

  To keep DHS on that path, H.R. 495 requires the Assistant Director of 
the DHS office in charge of coordinating, liaising, and advocating for 
State and local law enforcement to submit an annual report to Congress 
on its work. It is important because we in Congress are the watchdogs 
to insist upon that cooperation.
  Requiring this report will not only provide metrics to assess the 
effectiveness of the Office's current work, but it would include 
comprehensive information on existing programs and feedback from law 
enforcement agencies themselves. Remember, they are, every day, on the 
front lines. They are the first responders to see something and say 
something as relates to protecting us against terrorism.
  More, this measure would ensure future accountability of the 
Department and its work with local partners.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman 
from Texas an additional 1 minute.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. It is no secret that the threat landscape of today 
is constantly evolving. What we have learned from this challenge is 
there must be proactive measures in place at all levels of the 
government to track the growth of and reflect upon our capabilities to 
combat crime and terror.
  State and local law enforcement provide tireless work to investigate 
and apprehend individuals of heinous crime. It is our duty to ensure 
that they are able to do their very best work in collaboration with 
their Federal partners and keep our communities safe.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this very important 
legislation, and I also ask for prayers not only for those shot last 
night, but the injured officers in my district who were injured on 
Christmas Eve, one severely burned--that is two officers, Officer Daily 
and Officer Reid. We continue to pray for Officer Daily, who suffered 
burns all over his body.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 495, the ``FIRST State and 
Local Law Enforcement Act.''
  Mr. Speaker. I want to take this time to acknowledge the Houston 
police officers injured.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the wounded officers and the members 
of the Houston Police Department.
  The senseless shooting of four of Houston's finest and bravest last 
evening, while they were serving a warrant, is a tragedy and another 
reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers who risk 
their lives to keep their communities safe. One officer injured his 
knee. Totaling 5 officers hurt.
  Thanks to the swift and professional police work of the Houston 
Police Department, two of the persons perpetrating this heinous crime 
have been stopped.
  I hope the families of the victims take comfort in the knowledge that 
everyone in our community is praying for speedy and complete recovery 
of each of the officers wounded in this tragedy.
  Mr. Speaker, I reintroduced H.R. 495 to require the Department of 
Homeland Security's Office for State and Local Law Enforcement to 
report annually on its activities.
  As we all know, after the September 11th terrorist attacks our Nation 
learned that the inability of the Federal, State, local, tribal and 
territorial partners to share information was a critical failure in our 
national security apparatus.
  Today, I am proud to say that there's been real progress in closing 
this once prominent information sharing gap.
  It is now common practice within the Federal government to support 
policies that empower and include our State and local partners.
  To keep DHS on that path, H.R. 495 requires the Assistant Director of 
DHS' Office in charge of coordinating, liaising, and advocating for 
state and local law enforcement to submit an annual report to Congress 
on its work.
  Requiring this report would not only provide metrics to assess the 
effectiveness of the office's current work, but it would include 
comprehensive information on existing programs and feedback from the 
law enforcement agencies themselves.
  More, this measure would ensure future accountability of the 
Department and its work with local partners.
  It is no secret that the threat landscape of today is constantly 
evolving.
  What we have learned from this challenge is that there must be 
proactive measure in place at all levels of government to track the 
growth of and reflect upon our capabilities to combat crime and terror.
  State and local law enforcement provide tireless work to investigate 
and apprehend individuals of heinous crimes.
  It is our duty to ensure that they are able to do their best work in 
collaboration with their Federal partners to keep our communities safe.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 495, which passed the House on suspension last 
Congress, requires DHS' Office of State and Local Law Enforcement to 
produce an annual report.
  This report documents the office's coordination, liaison, and 
advocacy efforts for state and local law enforcement.
  Again, I have reintroduced this measure because I believe our 
national security is at its best when the Federal government works 
together with our State and local partners.
  With that, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 495.
  I want to take this time to acknowledge the service and fighting 
spirit of Houston Police Officers John Daily and Alonzo Reid.
  On Christmas Eve, Officers Daily and Reid were responding, with 
lights on, to a call for assistance from a fellow officer when they 
were hit nearly head on.
  Their patrol car rolled several times before it collided with a pole 
and caught fire.
  Thankfully, both survived the fiery car crash.
  Officer Reid showed true heroism when he pulled Officer Daily from 
the driver's seat with the assistance of a passer-by, Juan Carlos 
Salgado.
  Thankfully, Officer Reid was released from the hospital on Christmas 
Day.

[[Page H1258]]

  However, Officer Daily, who suffered burns to over half his body, has 
endured five surgeries and is still in the hospital in serious 
condition.
  Officers Daily and Reid put service above self every day, including 
on Christmas Eve when they were on their way to offer assistance to a 
fellow officer.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Daily, his family, and 
fellow officers for a full recovery.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I reiterate, this is good 
government policy, and I fully support and urge its passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, nearly 18 years after the 
September 11 attacks, it is important that we stand together and 
recommit ourselves to doing all we can to prevent further terrorist 
attacks at the Federal, State, and local levels.
  Enactment of H.R. 495, which passed the House on suspension last 
Congress, would help ensure that State and local law enforcement know 
DHS is a full partner in securing their communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 495, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in strong support of 
H.R. 495, the FIRST State and Local Law Enforcement Act, which supports 
the work of the Department of Homeland Security's Office of State and 
Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) by requiring that an annual report of its 
activities be submitted to Congress so that we can be aware of the 
range of benefits and services needed by local and state law 
enforcement agencies.
  The work of law enforcement is rewarding to those who serve, but it 
can also be very dangerous.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the wounded officers and the members 
of the Houston Police Department.
  The senseless shooting of five of Houston's finest and bravest last 
evening, while they were serving a warrant, is a tragedy and another 
reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers who risk 
their lives to keep their communities safe.
  Thanks to the swift and professional police work of the Houston 
Police Department, two of the persons perpetrating this heinous crime 
have been stopped.
  I hope the families of the victims take comfort in the knowledge that 
everyone in our community is praying for speedy and complete recovery 
of each of the officers wounded in this tragedy.
  The basis for creating the office is one of 33 recommendations of the 
9/11 Commission, which called for a primary coordinator, liaison, and 
advocate for state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement 
agencies.
  This legislation mandates that OSLLE also leads the coordination of 
DHS's policies related to state, local, tribal, and territorial law 
enforcement's role in preventing, preparing for, protecting against, 
and responding to natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-
made disasters.
  As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am very much 
aware of the importance of the work performed by the men and women who 
protect us from terrorism.
  Homeland Security is defined as:
  ``the national effort to ensure a homeland that is safe, secure, and 
resilient against terrorism and other hazards where American interests, 
aspirations, and ways of life can thrive to the national effort to 
prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce the 
vulnerability of the U.S. to terrorism, and minimize the damage from 
attacks that do occur''
  I am proud to have so many first responders as friends, and I am 
committed to working tirelessly to assure that they have the full 
support of Congress in getting the resources and training they need to 
protect our communities.
  This bill will provide an important opportunity for DHS to report on 
this vital work with state and local law enforcement agencies.
  The sacrifices made by our men and women in state and local law 
enforcement all too often go unnoticed.
  One example of their heroism and bravery was seen when Houston Police 
Officers Alonzo Reid and John Daily were involved in a Christmas Eve 
car crash.
  On Christmas Eve, Officers Daily and Reid were responding, with 
lights on, to a call for assistance from a fellow officer when they 
were hit nearly head on.
  Their patrol car rolled several times before it collided with a pole 
and caught fire.
  Thankfully, both survived the fiery car crash.
  Officer Reid showed true heroism when he pulled Officer Daily from 
the driver's seat with the assistance of a passerby, Juan Carlos 
Salgado.
  Thankfully, Officer Reid was released from the hospital on Christmas 
Day.
  However, Officer Daily, who suffered burns to over half his body, has 
endured five surgeries and is still in serious medical condition.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in offering prayers and well wishes to 
Officer Daily for a fully recovery.
  Officers Daily and Reid like tens of thousands of their counter 
parts, put service above self every day.
  The Department of Homeland Security has been in existence for 16 
years, and in that time the men and women who serve on the front lines 
of defending the United States against terrorist acts at home have not 
wavered in their commitment.
  During times of crisis, the relationships among federal, state, and 
local law enforcement agencies is proven to be of the greatest value to 
an effective government wide response.
  On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas.
  Local, state, and federal first responders rescued 122,331 people.
  The Coast Guard deployed 2,060 personnel, 50 aircraft, 75 boats and 
29 cutters, rescuing 11,022 people and 1,384 pets.
  FEMA deployed 28 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from across the 
nation to Texas to assist state and local agencies with the lifesaving 
mission.
  This is in addition to the tens of thousands of meals, water, 
supplies, and public assistance that were also provided.
  Hurricane Harvey's Federal, state, and local response agencies 
benefit from collaborating with DHS.
  Because the DHS office plays a significant role in the required 
outreach to state and local law enforcement entities it is important 
that the Committee on Homeland Security be kept apprised of its work.
  Today, DHS is not funded due to the Trump Shutdown.
  It is shameful that 85 percent of DHS employees are either working 
with no paycheck or have been furloughed.
  These men and women work for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure 
Security Agency, Customs and Border Protection, Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast 
Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Secret Service, and 
Transportation and Security Administration.
  It has been reported that many DHS employees have described feeling 
depressed, stressed out, anxious, uncomfortable, and insecure because 
of the Trump Shutdown.
  It is time to end the Trump Shutdown.
  This bill will need DHS fully staffed and functioning to ensure that 
the reporting requirement of this bill are fulfilled so that the 
federal, state, and local agencies working with DHS receive the support 
that they need.
  For this reason, I ask that my colleagues join me in voting for H.R. 
495.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 495.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________