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February 28, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 37 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

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INTRODUCTION OF THE SECURING DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FIREARMS ACT; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 37
(Extensions of Remarks - February 28, 2019)

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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE SECURING DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FIREARMS 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2019

  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, regrettably, there have been too many 
instances in which Department of Homeland Security officers have 
misplaced or lost their Department-issued firearms due to a failure to 
properly secure such sensitive assets.
  In October 2017, the DHS Office of Inspector General found that 2,142 
sensitive assets--including 228 firearms and 1,889 badges--were 
misplaced between fiscal years 2014 and 2016. Most of these losses were 
due to DHS personnel who did not properly safeguard such sensitive 
assets. The Office of Inspector General identified the lack of a 
Department-wide firearm policy as a major reason why sensitive assets 
were not secured.
  Therefore, I am introducing the Securing Department of Homeland 
Security Firearms Act, which improves the accountability of DHS-issued 
firearms and other sensitive assets. Specifically, the bill directs DHS 
to develop and distribute a Department-wide directive for achieving 
adequate security over firearms and other sensitive assets. That 
directive must include reporting and recordkeeping requirements for 
lost assets. Additionally, the bill requires that DHS provide officers 
with training and guidance on how to follow safeguarding requirements 
and how to properly report the loss or theft of a firearm.
  Due to its mission, DHS has a variety of highly sensitive equipment. 
Failure to safeguard those assets can have grave consequences for 
public safety and homeland security. This measure will foster greater 
accountability and security within DHS.

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