6 U.S.C. § 194 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter III: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF HOMELAND SECURITY / Section 194: Enhancement of public safety communications interoperability
Enhancement of public safety communications interoperability
Status: in_force

(a) Coordination of public safety interoperable communications programs

(1) Program

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shall establish a program to enhance public safety interoperable communications at all levels of government. Such program shall—

(A) establish a comprehensive national approach to achieving public safety interoperable communications;

(B) coordinate with other Federal agencies in carrying out subparagraph (A);

(C) develop, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies and State and local authorities, appropriate minimum capabilities for communications interoperability for Federal, State, and local public safety agencies;

(D) accelerate, in consultation with other Federal agencies, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the private sector, and nationally recognized standards organizations as appropriate, the development of national voluntary consensus standards for public safety interoperable communications, recognizing—

(i) the value, life cycle, and technical capabilities of existing communications infrastructure;

(ii) the need for cross-border interoperability between States and nations;

(iii) the unique needs of small, rural communities; and

(iv) the interoperability needs for daily operations and catastrophic events;

(E) encourage the development and implementation of flexible and open architectures incorporating, where possible, technologies that currently are commercially available, with appropriate levels of security, for short-term and long-term solutions to public safety communications interoperability;

(F) assist other Federal agencies in identifying priorities for research, development, and testing and evaluation with regard to public safety interoperable communications;

(G) identify priorities within the Department of Homeland Security for research, development, and testing and evaluation with regard to public safety interoperable communications;

(H) establish coordinated guidance for Federal grant programs for public safety interoperable communications;

(I) provide technical assistance to State and local public safety agencies regarding planning, acquisition strategies, interoperability architectures, training, and other functions necessary to achieve public safety communications interoperability;

(J) develop and disseminate best practices to improve public safety communications interoperability; and

(K) develop appropriate performance measures and milestones to systematically measure the Nation's progress toward achieving public safety communications interoperability, including the development of national voluntary consensus standards.

(2) Office for Interoperability and Compatibility

(A) Establishment of Office

The Secretary may establish an Office for Interoperability and Compatibility within the Directorate of Science and Technology to carry out this subsection.

(B) Functions

If the Secretary establishes such office, the Secretary shall, through such office—

(i) carry out Department of Homeland Security responsibilities and authorities relating to the SAFECOM Program; and

(ii) carry out section 510 1 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as added by subsection (d).

(3) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection—

(A) $22,105,000 for fiscal year 2005;

(B) $22,768,000 for fiscal year 2006;

(C) $23,451,000 for fiscal year 2007;

(D) $24,155,000 for fiscal year 2008; and

(E) $24,879,000 for fiscal year 2009.

(b) Report

Not later than 120 days after December 17, 2004, the Secretary shall report to the Congress on Department of Homeland Security plans for accelerating the development of national voluntary consensus standards for public safety interoperable communications, a schedule of milestones for such development, and achievements of such development.

(c) International interoperability

Not later than 18 months after December 17, 2004, the President shall establish a mechanism for coordinating cross-border interoperability issues between—

(1) the United States and Canada; and

(2) the United States and Mexico.

(d) Omitted

(e) Multiyear interoperability grants

(1) Multiyear commitments

In awarding grants to any State, region, local government, or Indian tribe for the purposes of enhancing interoperable communications capabilities for emergency response providers, the Secretary may commit to obligate Federal assistance beyond the current fiscal year, subject to the limitations and restrictions in this subsection.

(2) Restrictions

(A) Time limit

No multiyear interoperability commitment may exceed 3 years in duration.

(B) Amount of committed funds

The total amount of assistance the Secretary has committed to obligate for any future fiscal year under paragraph (1) may not exceed $150,000,000.

(3) Letters of intent

(A) Issuance

Pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary may issue a letter of intent to an applicant committing to obligate from future budget authority an amount, not more than the Federal Government's share of the project's cost, for an interoperability communications project (including interest costs and costs of formulating the project).

(B) Schedule

A letter of intent under this paragraph shall establish a schedule under which the Secretary will reimburse the applicant for the Federal Government's share of the project's costs, as amounts become available, if the applicant, after the Secretary issues the letter, carries out the project before receiving amounts under a grant issued by the Secretary.

(C) Notice to Secretary

An applicant that is issued a letter of intent under this subsection shall notify the Secretary of the applicant's intent to carry out a project pursuant to the letter before the project begins.

(D) Notice to Congress

The Secretary shall transmit a written notification to the Congress no later than 3 days before the issuance of a letter of intent under this section.

(E) Limitations

A letter of intent issued under this section is not an obligation of the Government under section 1501 of title 31 and is not deemed to be an administrative commitment for financing. An obligation or administrative commitment may be made only as amounts are provided in authorization and appropriations laws.

(F) Statutory construction

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed—

(i) to prohibit the obligation of amounts pursuant to a letter of intent under this subsection in the same fiscal year as the letter of intent is issued; or

(ii) to apply to, or replace, Federal assistance intended for interoperable communications that is not provided pursuant to a commitment under this subsection.

(f) Interoperable communications plans

Any applicant requesting funding assistance from the Secretary for interoperable communications for emergency response providers shall submit an Interoperable Communications Plan to the Secretary for approval. Such a plan shall—

(1) describe the current state of communications interoperability in the applicable jurisdictions among Federal, State, and local emergency response providers and other relevant private resources;

(2) describe the available and planned use of public safety frequency spectrum and resources for interoperable communications within such jurisdictions;

(3) describe how the planned use of spectrum and resources for interoperable communications is compatible with surrounding capabilities and interoperable communications plans of Federal, State, and local governmental entities, military installations, foreign governments, critical infrastructure, and other relevant entities;

(4) include a 5-year plan for the dedication of Federal, State, and local government and private resources to achieve a consistent, secure, and effective interoperable communications system, including planning, system design and engineering, testing and technology development, procurement and installation, training, and operations and maintenance;

(5) describe how such 5-year plan meets or exceeds any applicable standards and grant requirements established by the Secretary;

(6) include information on the governance structure used to develop the plan, including such information about all agencies and organizations that participated in developing the plan and the scope and timeframe of the plan; and

(7) describe the method by which multi-jurisdictional, multidisciplinary input is provided from all regions of the jurisdiction, including any high-threat urban areas located in the jurisdiction, and the process for continuing to incorporate such input.

(g) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Interoperable communications

The term "interoperable communications" means the ability of emergency response providers and relevant Federal, State, and local government agencies to communicate with each other as necessary, through a dedicated public safety network utilizing information technology systems and radio communications systems, and to exchange voice, data, and video with one another on demand, in real time, as necessary.

(2) Emergency response providers

The term "emergency response providers" has the meaning that term has under section 101 of this title.

(h) Omitted

(i) Sense of Congress regarding interoperable communications

(1) Finding

The Congress finds that—

(A) many first responders working in the same jurisdiction or in different jurisdictions cannot effectively and efficiently communicate with one another; and

(B) their inability to do so threatens the public's safety and may result in unnecessary loss of lives and property.

(2) Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that interoperable emergency communications systems and radios should continue to be deployed as soon as practicable for use by the first responder community, and that upgraded and new digital communications systems and new digital radios must meet prevailing national, voluntary consensus standards for interoperability.

(Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7303, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3843; Pub. L. 110–53, title III, §301(c), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 299.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 510 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as added by subsection (d), referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii), means section 510 of Pub. L. 107–296, which was added by Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7303(d), Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3844, and was classified to section 321 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §611(5), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1395. See Prior Provisions note set out under section 321 of this title.

Codification

Section is comprised of section 7303 of Pub. L. 108–458. Subsec. (d) of section 7303 of Pub. L. 108–458 enacted section 321 of this title. Subsec. (h) of section 7303 of Pub. L. 108–458 amended sections 238 and 314 of this title.

Section was enacted as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, and also as part of the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act of 2004, and not as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 which comprises this chapter.

Section 301(c) of Pub. L. 110–53, which directed the amendment of section 7303 of the "Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2004", was executed to this section, which is section 7303 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See 2007 Amendment notes below.

Amendments

2007—Subsec. (f)(6), (7). Pub. L. 110–53, §301(c)(1), added pars. (6) and (7). See Codification note above.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 110–53, §301(c)(2), substituted "and video" for "or video". See Codification note above.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7308, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3849, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act [see Tables for classification], this subtitle [subtitle C (§§7301–7308) of title VII of Pub. L. 108–458, enacting this section and section 321 of this title, amending sections 238 and 312 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 5196 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 17, 2004]."

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of the SAFECOM Program, excluding elements related to research, development, testing, and evaluation and standards, to the Assistant Director for Emergency Communications, see section 571(d)(1) of this title.

Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications

Pub. L. 114–120, title II, §212, Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 42, provided that:

"(a) In General.—If the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that there are at least two communications systems described under paragraph (1)(B) and certified under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall establish and carry out a pilot program across not less than three components of the Department of Homeland Security to assess the effectiveness of a communications system that—

"(1) provides for—

"(A) multiagency collaboration and interoperability; and

"(B) wide-area, secure, and peer-invitation- and-acceptance-based multimedia communications;

"(2) is certified by the Department of Defense Joint Interoperability Test Center; and

"(3) is composed of commercially available, off-the-shelf technology.

"(b) Assessment.—Not later than 6 months after the date on which the pilot program is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee [on] Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an assessment of the pilot program, including the impacts of the program with respect to interagency and Coast Guard response capabilities.

"(c) Strategy.—The pilot program shall be consistent with the strategy required by the Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act (Public Law 114–29) [set out below].

"(d) Timing.—The pilot program shall commence within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 8, 2016] or within 60 days after the completion of the strategy required by the Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act (Public Law 114–29), whichever is later."

Pub. L. 114–29, July 6, 2015, 129 Stat. 421, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act' or the 'DHS Interoperable Communications Act'.

"SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

"In this Act—

"(1) the term 'Department' means the Department of Homeland Security;

"(2) the term 'interoperable communications' has the meaning given that term in section 701(d) [now 701(e)] of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 341(e)], as added by section 3; and

"(3) the term 'Under Secretary for Management' means the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security.

"SEC. 3. INCLUSION OF INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES IN RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNDER SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT.

[Amended section 341 of this title.]

"SEC. 4. STRATEGY.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 6, 2015], the Under Secretary for Management shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a strategy, which shall be updated as necessary, for achieving and maintaining interoperable communications among the components of the Department, including for daily operations, planned events, and emergencies, with corresponding milestones, that includes the following:

"(1) An assessment of interoperability gaps in radio communications among the components of the Department, as of the date of enactment of this Act.

"(2) Information on efforts and activities, including current and planned policies, directives, and training, of the Department since November 1, 2012, to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among the components of the Department, and planned efforts and activities of the Department to achieve and maintain such interoperable communications.

"(3) An assessment of obstacles and challenges to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications among the components of the Department.

"(4) Information on, and an assessment of, the adequacy of mechanisms available to the Under Secretary for Management to enforce and compel compliance with interoperable communications policies and directives of the Department.

"(5) Guidance provided to the components of the Department to implement interoperable communications policies and directives of the Department.

"(6) The total amount of funds expended by the Department since November 1, 2012, and projected future expenditures, to achieve interoperable communications, including on equipment, infrastructure, and maintenance.

"(7) Dates upon which Department-wide interoperability is projected to be achieved for voice, data, and video communications, respectively, and interim milestones that correspond to the achievement of each such mode of communication.

"(b) Supplementary Material.—Together with the strategy required under subsection (a), the Under Secretary for Management shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate information on—

"(1) any intra-agency effort or task force that has been delegated certain responsibilities by the Under Secretary for Management relating to achieving and maintaining interoperable communications among the components of the Department by the dates referred to in subsection (a)(7); and

"(2) who, within each such component, is responsible for implementing policies and directives issued by the Under Secretary for Management to so achieve and maintain such interoperable communications.

"SEC. 5. REPORT.

"Not later than 100 days after the date on which the strategy required under section 4(a) is submitted, and every 2 years thereafter for 6 years, the Under Secretary for Management shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the status of efforts to implement the strategy required under section 4(a), including the following:

"(1) Progress on each interim milestone referred to in section 4(a)(7) toward achieving and maintaining interoperable communications among the components of the Department.

"(2) Information on any policies, directives, guidance, and training established by the Under Secretary for Management.

"(3) An assessment of the level of compliance, adoption, and participation among the components of the Department with the policies, directives, guidance, and training established by the Under Secretary for Management to achieve and maintain interoperable communications among the components.

"(4) Information on any additional resources or authorities needed by the Under Secretary for Management.

"SEC. 6. APPLICABILITY.

"Sections 4 and 5 shall only apply with respect to the interoperable communications capabilities within the Department and components of the Department to communicate within the Department."

Cross Border Interoperability Reports

Pub. L. 110–53, title XXII, §2203, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 541, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 3, 2007], the Federal Communications Commission, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Emergency Communications [now Emergency Communications Division], the Office of Management of [sic] Budget, and the Department of State shall report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on—

"(1) the status of the mechanism established by the President under section 7303(c) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 194(c)) for coordinating cross border interoperability issues between—

"(A) the United States and Canada; and

"(B) the United States and Mexico;

"(2) the status of treaty negotiations with Canada and Mexico regarding the coordination of the re-banding of 800 megahertz radios, as required under the final rule of the Federal Communication Commission in the 'Private Land Mobile Services; 800 MHz Public Safety Interface Proceeding' (WT Docket No. 02–55; ET Docket No. 00–258; ET Docket No. 95–18, RM–9498; RM–10024; FCC 04–168) including the status of any outstanding issues in the negotiations between—

"(A) the United States and Canada; and

"(B) the United States and Mexico;

"(3) communications between the Commission and the Department of State over possible amendments to the bilateral legal agreements and protocols that govern the coordination process for license applications seeking to use channels and frequencies above Line A;

"(4) the annual rejection rate for the last 5 years by the United States of applications for new channels and frequencies by Canadian private and public entities; and

"(5) any additional procedures and mechanisms that can be taken by the Commission to decrease the rejection rate for applications by United States private and public entities seeking licenses to use channels and frequencies above Line A.

"(b) Updated Reports to Be Filed on the Status of Treaty of [sic] Negotiations.—The Federal Communications Commission, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Management of Budget, and the Department of State shall continually provide updated reports to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives on the status of treaty negotiations under subsection (a)(2) until the appropriate United States treaty has been revised with each of—

"(1) Canada; and

"(2) Mexico.

"(c) International Negotiations To Remedy Situation.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 3, 2007], the Secretary of the Department of State shall report to Congress on—

"(1) the current process for considering applications by Canada for frequencies and channels by United States communities above Line A;

"(2) the status of current negotiations to reform and revise such process;

"(3) the estimated date of conclusion for such negotiations;

"(4) whether the current process allows for automatic denials or dismissals of initial applications by the Government of Canada, and whether such denials or dismissals are currently occurring; and

"(5) communications between the Department of State and the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to subsection (a)(3)."

Submission of Reports to Appropriate Congressional Committees

Pub. L. 110–53, title XXII, §2205, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 543, provided that: "In addition to the committees specifically enumerated to receive reports under this title [enacting provisions set out as note under this section, section 701 of this title, and section 247d–3a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 309 of Title 47, Telecommunications], any report transmitted under the provisions of this title shall also be transmitted to the appropriate congressional committees (as defined in section 2(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101(2)))."

Regional Model Strategic Plan Pilot Projects

Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, §7304, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3847, directed the Secretary of Homeland Security, not later than 90 days after Dec. 17, 2004, to establish not fewer than 2 pilot projects in high threat urban areas or regions likely to implement a national model strategic plan in order to develop a regional strategic plan to foster interagency communication and coordinate the gathering of all Federal, State, and local first responders in that area, consistent with the national strategic plan developed by the Department of Homeland Security, and to submit to Congress an interim report regarding the progress of the interagency communications pilot projects 6 months after Dec. 17, 2004, and a final report 18 months after Dec. 17, 2004.

1 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 342 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter VII: MANAGEMENT / Section 342: Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Status: in_force

(a) In general

The Chief Financial Officer shall perform functions as specified in chapter 9 of title 31 and, with respect to all such functions and other responsibilities that may be assigned to the Chief Financial Officer from time to time, shall also report to the Under Secretary for Management.

(b) Program analysis and evaluation function

(1) Establishment of Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation

Not later than 90 days after October 16, 2004, the Secretary shall establish an Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation within the Department (in this section referred to as the "Office").

(2) Responsibilities

The Office shall perform the following functions:

(A) Analyze and evaluate plans, programs, and budgets of the Department in relation to United States homeland security objectives, projected threats, vulnerability assessments, estimated costs, resource constraints, and the most recent homeland security strategy developed pursuant to section 454(b)(2) of this title.

(B) Develop and perform analyses and evaluations of alternative plans, programs, personnel levels, and budget submissions for the Department in relation to United States homeland security objectives, projected threats, vulnerability assessments, estimated costs, resource constraints, and the most recent homeland security strategy developed pursuant to section 454(b)(2) of this title.

(C) Establish policies for, and oversee the integration of, the planning, programming, and budgeting system of the Department.

(D) Review and ensure that the Department meets performance-based budget requirements established by the Office of Management and Budget.

(E) Provide guidance for, and oversee the development of, the Future Years Homeland Security Program of the Department, as specified under section 454 of this title.

(F) Ensure that the costs of Department programs, including classified programs, are presented accurately and completely.

(G) Oversee the preparation of the annual performance plan for the Department and the program and performance section of the annual report on program performance for the Department, consistent with sections 1115 and 1116, respectively, of title 31.

(H) Provide leadership in developing and promoting improved analytical tools and methods for analyzing homeland security planning and the allocation of resources.

(I) Any other responsibilities delegated by the Secretary consistent with an effective program analysis and evaluation function.

(3) Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation

There shall be a Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation, who—

(A) shall be a principal staff assistant to the Chief Financial Officer of the Department for program analysis and evaluation; and

(B) shall report to an official no lower than the Chief Financial Officer.

(4) Reorganization

(A) In general

The Secretary may allocate or reallocate the functions of the Office, or discontinue the Office, in accordance with section 452(a) of this title.

(B) Exemption from limitations

Section 452(b) of this title shall not apply to any action by the Secretary under this paragraph.

(c) Notification regarding transfer or reprogramming of funds

In any case in which appropriations available to the Department or any officer of the Department are transferred or reprogrammed and notice of such transfer or reprogramming is submitted to the Congress (including any officer, office, or Committee of the Congress), the Chief Financial Officer of the Department shall simultaneously submit such notice to the Select Committee on Homeland Security (or any successor to the jurisdiction of that committee) and the Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title VII, §702, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2219; Pub. L. 108–330, §§3(d)(1)(B), 6, 7, Oct. 16, 2004, 118 Stat. 1276, 1278, 1279.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Pub. L. 108–330, §§6, 7, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

Pub. L. 108–330, §3(d)(1)(B), substituted "shall perform functions as specified in chapter 9 of title 31 and, with respect to all such functions and other responsibilities that may be assigned to the Chief Financial Officer from time to time, shall also report to the Under Secretary for Management" for "shall report to the Secretary, or to another official of the Department, as the Secretary may direct".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Select Committee on Homeland Security, which was established by House Resolution 449, One Hundred Seventh Congress, June 19, 2002, and reestablished by section 4 of House Resolution 5, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Jan. 4, 2005, was not reestablished in the One Hundred Ninth Congress. Rule X(1)(i) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, as amended by section 2 of House Resolution 5, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Jan. 4, 2005, established a Committee on Homeland Security. For jurisdiction of the Select Committee on Homeland Security and of the Committee on Homeland Security, see section 4 of House Resolution 5, One Hundred Eighth Congress, and Rule X(1)(i) of the Rules of the House, One Hundred Ninth Congress.

Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.

Committee on Governmental Affairs of Senate changed to Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of Senate, effective Jan. 4, 2005, by Senate Resolution No. 445, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Oct. 9, 2004.

Findings

Pub. L. 108–330, §2, Oct. 16, 2004, 118 Stat. 1275, provided that: "The Congress finds the following:

"(1) Influential financial management leadership is of vital importance to the mission success of the Department of Homeland Security. For this reason, the Chief Financial Officer of the Department must be a key figure in the Department's management.

"(2) To provide a sound financial leadership structure, the provisions of law enacted by the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–576) [see Short Title of 1990 Amendment note set out under section 501 of Title 31, Money and Finance] provide that the Chief Financial Officer of each of the Federal executive departments is to be a Presidential appointee who reports directly to the Secretary of that department on financial management matters. Because the Department of Homeland Security was only recently created, the provisions enacted by that Act must be amended to include the Department within these provisions.

"(3) The Department of Homeland Security was created by consolidation of 22 separate Federal agencies, each with its own accounting and financial management system. None of these systems was developed with a view to executing the mission of the Department of Homeland Security to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce the Nation's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and assist in the recovery from terrorist attacks. For these reasons, a strong Chief Financial Officer is needed within the Department both to consolidate financial management operations, and to insure that management control systems are comprehensively designed to achieve the mission and execute the strategy of the Department.

"(4) The provisions of law enacted by the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 require agency Chief Financial Officers to improve the financial information available to agency managers and the Congress. Those provisions also specify that agency financial management systems must provide for the systematic measurement of performance. In the case of the Department of Homeland Security, therefore, it is vitally important that management control systems be designed with a clear view of a homeland security strategy, including the priorities of the Department in addressing those risks of terrorism deemed most significant based upon a comprehensive assessment of potential threats, vulnerabilities, criticality, and consequences. For this reason, Federal law should be amended to clearly state the responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Homeland Security to provide management control information, for the benefit of managers within the Department and to help inform the Congress, that permits an assessment of the Department's performance in executing a homeland security strategy."
6 U.S.C. § 1207 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 4: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Subchapter IV: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 1207: Pipeline security inspections and enforcement
Pipeline security inspections and enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) In general

Not later than 9 months after August 3, 2007, consistent with the Annex to the Memorandum of Understanding executed on August 9, 2006, between the Department of Transportation and the Department, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall establish a program for reviewing pipeline operator adoption of recommendations of the September 5, 2002, Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration's Pipeline Security Information Circular, including the review of pipeline security plans and critical facility inspections.

(b) Review and inspection

Not later than 12 months after August 3, 2007, the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation shall develop and implement a plan for reviewing the pipeline security plans and an inspection of the critical facilities of the 100 most critical pipeline operators covered by the September 5, 2002, circular, where such facilities have not been inspected for security purposes since September 5, 2002, by either the Department or the Department of Transportation.

(c) Compliance review methodology

In reviewing pipeline operator compliance under subsections (a) and (b), risk assessment methodologies shall be used to prioritize risks and to target inspection and enforcement actions to the highest risk pipeline assets.

(d) Regulations

Not later than 18 months after August 3, 2007, the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation shall develop and transmit to pipeline operators security recommendations for natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines and pipeline facilities. If the Secretary determines that regulations are appropriate, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Transportation on the extent of risk and appropriate mitigation measures, and the Secretary or the Secretary of Transportation, consistent with the Annex to the Memorandum of Understanding executed on August 9, 2006, shall promulgate such regulations and carry out necessary inspection and enforcement actions. Any regulations shall incorporate the guidance provided to pipeline operators by the September 5, 2002, Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration's Pipeline Security Information Circular and contain additional requirements as necessary based upon the results of the inspections performed under subsection (b). The regulations shall include the imposition of civil penalties for noncompliance.

(e) Funding

From the amounts appropriated pursuant to section 114(w) 1 of title 49, there shall be made available to the Secretary to carry out this section—

(1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(2) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and

(3) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XV, §1557, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 475.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 114(w) of title 49, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), was redesignated section 114(v) of title 49 by Pub. L. 115–254, div. K, §1904(b)(1)(I), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3545.

1 See References in Text note below.
6 U.S.C. § 665g (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XVIII: CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY / Section 665g: State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Cybersecurity Plan

The term "Cybersecurity Plan" means a plan submitted by an eligible entity under subsection (e)(1).

(2) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" means a—

(A) State; or

(B) Tribal government.

(3) Multi-entity group

The term "multi-entity group" means a group of 2 or more eligible entities desiring a grant under this section.

(4) Online service

The term "online service" means any internet-facing service, including a website, email, virtual private network, or custom application.

(5) Rural area

The term "rural area" has the meaning given the term in section 5302 of title 49.

(6) State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

The term "State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program" means the program established under subsection (b).

(7) Tribal government

The term "Tribal government" means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, that is individually identified (including parenthetically) in the most recent list published pursuant to section 5131 of title 25.

(b) Establishment

(1) In general

There is established within the Department a program to award grants to eligible entities to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, State, local, or Tribal governments.

(2) Application

An eligible entity desiring a grant under the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(c) Administration

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program shall be administered in the same office of the Department that administers grants made under sections 604 and 605 of this title.

(d) Use of funds

An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section and a local government that receives funds from a grant under this section, as appropriate, shall use the grant to—

(1) implement the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity;

(2) develop or revise the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity;

(3) pay expenses directly relating to the administration of the grant, which shall not exceed 5 percent of the amount of the grant;

(4) assist with activities that address imminent cybersecurity threats, as confirmed by the Secretary, acting through the Director, to the information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity or a local government within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity; or

(5) fund any other appropriate activity determined by the Secretary, acting through the Director.

(e) Cybersecurity plans

(1) In general

An eligible entity applying for a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary a Cybersecurity Plan for review in accordance with subsection (i).

(2) Required elements

A Cybersecurity Plan of an eligible entity shall—

(A) incorporate, to the extent practicable—

(i) any existing plans of the eligible entity to protect against cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, State, local, or Tribal governments; and

(ii) if the eligible entity is a State, consultation and feedback from local governments and associations of local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;

(B) describe, to the extent practicable, how the eligible entity will—

(i) manage, monitor, and track information systems, applications, and user accounts owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity or, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, and the information technology deployed on those information systems, including legacy information systems and information technology that are no longer supported by the manufacturer of the systems or technology;

(ii) monitor, audit, and,1 track network traffic and activity transiting or traveling to or from information systems, applications, and user accounts owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity or, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;

(iii) enhance the preparation, response, and resiliency of information systems, applications, and user accounts owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity or, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, against cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats;

(iv) implement a process of continuous cybersecurity vulnerability assessments and threat mitigation practices prioritized by degree of risk to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats on information systems, applications, and user accounts owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity or, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;

(v) ensure that the eligible entity and, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, adopt and use best practices and methodologies to enhance cybersecurity, such as—

(I) the practices set forth in the cybersecurity framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology;

(II) cyber chain supply chain risk management best practices identified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and

(III) knowledge bases of adversary tools and tactics;

(vi) promote the delivery of safe, recognizable, and trustworthy online services by the eligible entity and, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, including through the use of the .gov internet domain;

(vii) ensure continuity of operations of the eligible entity and, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, in the event of a cybersecurity incident, including by conducting exercises to practice responding to a cybersecurity incident;

(viii) use the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to identify and mitigate any gaps in the cybersecurity workforces of the eligible entity and, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, enhance recruitment and retention efforts for those workforces, and bolster the knowledge, skills, and abilities of personnel of the eligible entity and, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats, such as through cybersecurity hygiene training;

(ix) if the eligible entity is a State, ensure continuity of communications and data networks within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity between the eligible entity and local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity in the event of an incident involving those communications or data networks;

(x) assess and mitigate, to the greatest degree possible, cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats relating to critical infrastructure and key resources, the degradation of which may impact the performance of information systems within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;

(xi) enhance capabilities to share cyber threat indicators and related information between the eligible entity and—

(I) if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, including by expanding information sharing agreements with the Department; and

(II) the Department;

(xii) leverage cybersecurity services offered by the Department;

(xiii) implement an information technology and operational technology modernization cybersecurity review process that ensures alignment between information technology and operational technology cybersecurity objectives;

(xiv) develop and coordinate strategies to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats in consultation with—

(I) if the eligible entity is a State, local governments and associations of local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity; and

(II) as applicable—

(aa) eligible entities that neighbor the jurisdiction of the eligible entity or, as appropriate, members of an Information Sharing and Analysis Organization; and

(bb) countries that neighbor the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;

(xv) ensure adequate access to, and participation in, the services and programs described in this subparagraph by rural areas within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity; and

(xvi) distribute funds, items, services, capabilities, or activities to local governments under subsection (n)(2)(A), including the fraction of that distribution the eligible entity plans to distribute to rural areas under subsection (n)(2)(B);

(C) assess the capabilities of the eligible entity relating to the actions described in subparagraph (B);

(D) describe, as appropriate and to the extent practicable, the individual responsibilities of the eligible entity and local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity in implementing the plan;

(E) outline, to the extent practicable, the necessary resources and a timeline for implementing the plan; and

(F) describe the metrics the eligible entity will use to measure progress towards—

(i) implementing the plan; and

(ii) reducing cybersecurity risks to, and identifying, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity threats to, information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity or, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.

(3) Discretionary elements

In drafting a Cybersecurity Plan, an eligible entity may—

(A) consult with the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center;

(B) include a description of cooperative programs developed by groups of local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats; and

(C) include a description of programs provided by the eligible entity to support local governments and owners and operators of critical infrastructure to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats.

(f) Multi-entity grants

(1) In general

The Secretary may award grants under this section to a multi-entity group to support multi-entity efforts to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems within the jurisdictions of the eligible entities that comprise the multi-entity group.

(2) Satisfaction of other requirements

In order to be eligible for a multi-entity grant under this subsection, each eligible entity that comprises a multi-entity group shall have—

(A) a Cybersecurity Plan that has been reviewed by the Secretary in accordance with subsection (i); and

(B) a cybersecurity planning committee established in accordance with subsection (g).

(3) Application

(A) In general

A multi-entity group applying for a multi-entity grant under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(B) Multi-entity project plan

An application for a grant under this section of a multi-entity group under subparagraph (A) shall include a plan describing—

(i) the division of responsibilities among the eligible entities that comprise the multi-entity group;

(ii) the distribution of funding from the grant among the eligible entities that comprise the multi-entity group; and

(iii) how the eligible entities that comprise the multi-entity group will work together to implement the Cybersecurity Plan of each of those eligible entities.

(g) Planning committees

(1) In general

An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall establish a cybersecurity planning committee to—

(A) assist with the development, implementation, and revision of the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity;

(B) approve the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity; and

(C) assist with the determination of effective funding priorities for a grant under this section in accordance with subsections (d) and (j).

(2) Composition

A committee of an eligible entity established under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) be comprised of representatives from—

(i) the eligible entity;

(ii) if the eligible entity is a State, counties, cities, and towns within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity; and

(iii) institutions of public education and health within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity; and

(B) include, as appropriate, representatives of rural, suburban, and high-population jurisdictions.

(3) Cybersecurity expertise

Not less than one-half of the representatives of a committee established under paragraph (1) shall have professional experience relating to cybersecurity or information technology.

(4) Rule of construction regarding existing planning committees

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require an eligible entity to establish a cybersecurity planning committee if the eligible entity has established and uses a multijurisdictional planning committee or commission that—

(A) meets the requirements of this subsection; or

(B) may be expanded or leveraged to meet the requirements of this subsection, including through the formation of a cybersecurity planning subcommittee.

(5) Rule of construction regarding control of information systems of eligible entities

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit a cybersecurity planning committee of an eligible entity that meets the requirements of this subsection to make decisions relating to information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity.

(h) Special rule for Tribal governments

With respect to any requirement under subsection (e) or (g), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and Tribal governments, may prescribe an alternative substantively similar requirement for Tribal governments if the Secretary finds that the alternative requirement is necessary for the effective delivery and administration of grants to Tribal governments under this section.

(i) Review of plans

(1) Review as condition of grant

(A) In general

Subject to paragraph (3), before an eligible entity may receive a grant under this section, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall—

(i) review the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity, including any revised Cybersecurity Plans of the eligible entity; and

(ii) determine that the Cybersecurity Plan reviewed under clause (i) satisfies the requirements under paragraph (2).

(B) Duration of determination

In the case of a determination under subparagraph (A)(ii) that a Cybersecurity Plan satisfies the requirements under paragraph (2), the determination shall be effective for the 2-year period beginning on the date of the determination.

(C) Annual renewal

Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Secretary determines under subparagraph (A)(ii) that a Cybersecurity Plan satisfies the requirements under paragraph (2), and annually thereafter, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall—

(i) determine whether the Cybersecurity Plan and any revisions continue to meet the criteria described in paragraph (2); and

(ii) renew the determination if the Secretary, acting through the Director, makes a positive determination under clause (i).

(2) Plan requirements

In reviewing a Cybersecurity Plan of an eligible entity under this subsection, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall ensure that the Cybersecurity Plan—

(A) satisfies the requirements of subsection (e)(2); and

(B) has been approved by—

(i) the cybersecurity planning committee of the eligible entity established under subsection (g); and

(ii) the Chief Information Officer, the Chief Information Security Officer, or an equivalent official of the eligible entity.

(3) Exception

Notwithstanding subsection (e) and paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary may award a grant under this section to an eligible entity that does not submit a Cybersecurity Plan to the Secretary for review before September 30, 2023, if the eligible entity certifies to the Secretary that—

(A) the activities that will be supported by the grant are—

(i) integral to the development of the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity; or

(ii) necessary to assist with activities described in subsection (d)(4), as confirmed by the Director; and

(B) the eligible entity will submit to the Secretary a Cybersecurity Plan for review under this subsection by September 30, 2023.

(4) Rule of construction

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide authority to the Secretary to—

(A) regulate the manner by which an eligible entity or local government improves the cybersecurity of the information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity or local government; or

(B) condition the receipt of grants under this section on—

(i) participation in a particular Federal program; or

(ii) the use of a specific product or technology.

(j) Limitations on uses of funds

(1) In general

Any entity that receives funds from a grant under this section may not use the grant—

(A) to supplant State or local funds;

(B) for any recipient cost-sharing contribution;

(C) to pay a ransom;

(D) for recreational or social purposes; or

(E) for any purpose that does not address cybersecurity risks or cybersecurity threats on information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity that receives the grant or a local government within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.

(2) Compliance oversight

In addition to any other remedy available, the Secretary may take such actions as are necessary to ensure that a recipient of a grant under this section uses the grant for the purposes for which the grant is awarded.

(3) Rule of construction

Nothing in paragraph (1)(A) shall be construed to prohibit the use of funds from a grant under this section awarded to a State, local, or Tribal government for otherwise permissible uses under this section on the basis that the State, local, or Tribal government has previously used State, local, or Tribal funds to support the same or similar uses.

(k) Opportunity to amend applications

In considering applications for grants under this section, the Secretary shall provide applicants with a reasonable opportunity to correct any defects in those applications before making final awards, including by allowing applicants to revise a submitted Cybersecurity Plan.

(l) Apportionment

For fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall apportion amounts appropriated to carry out this section among eligible entities as follows:

(1) Baseline amount

The Secretary shall first apportion—

(A) 0.25 percent of such amounts to each of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands;

(B) 1 percent of such amounts to each of the remaining States; and

(C) 3 percent of such amounts to Tribal governments.

(2) Remainder

The Secretary shall apportion the remainder of such amounts to States as follows:

(A) 50 percent of such remainder in the ratio that the population of each State, bears to the population of all States; and

(B) 50 percent of such remainder in the ratio that the population of each State that resides in rural areas, bears to the population of all States that resides in rural areas.

(3) Apportionment among Tribal governments

In determining how to apportion amounts to Tribal governments under paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of the Interior and Tribal governments.

(4) Multi-entity grants

An amount received from a multi-entity grant awarded under subsection (f)(1) by a State or Tribal government that is a member of the multi-entity group shall qualify as an apportionment for the purpose of this subsection.

(m) Federal share

(1) In general

The Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out using funds made available with a grant under this section may not exceed—

(A) in the case of a grant to an eligible entity—

(i) for fiscal year 2022, 90 percent;

(ii) for fiscal year 2023, 80 percent;

(iii) for fiscal year 2024, 70 percent; and

(iv) for fiscal year 2025, 60 percent; and

(B) in the case of a grant to a multi-entity group—

(i) for fiscal year 2022, 100 percent;

(ii) for fiscal year 2023, 90 percent;

(iii) for fiscal year 2024, 80 percent; and

(iv) for fiscal year 2025, 70 percent.

(2) Waiver

(A) In general

The Secretary may waive or modify the requirements of paragraph (1) if an eligible entity or multi-entity group demonstrates economic hardship.

(B) Guidelines

The Secretary shall establish and publish guidelines for determining what constitutes economic hardship for the purposes of this subsection.

(C) Considerations

In developing guidelines under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to the jurisdiction of an eligible entity—

(i) changes in rates of unemployment in the jurisdiction from previous years;

(ii) changes in the percentage of individuals who are eligible to receive benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) from previous years; and

(iii) any other factors the Secretary considers appropriate.

(3) Waiver for Tribal governments

Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and Tribal governments, may waive or modify the requirements of paragraph (1) for 1 or more Tribal governments if the Secretary determines that the waiver is in the public interest.

(n) Responsibilities of grantees

(1) Certification

Each eligible entity or multi-entity group that receives a grant under this section shall certify to the Secretary that the grant will be used—

(A) for the purpose for which the grant is awarded; and

(B) in compliance with subsections (d) and (j).

(2) Availability of funds to local governments and rural areas

(A) In general

Subject to subparagraph (C), not later than 45 days after the date on which an eligible entity or multi-entity group receives a grant under this section, the eligible entity or multi-entity group shall, without imposing unreasonable or unduly burdensome requirements as a condition of receipt, obligate or otherwise make available to local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity or the eligible entities that comprise the multi-entity group, consistent with the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity or the Cybersecurity Plans of the eligible entities that comprise the multi-entity group—

(i) not less than 80 percent of funds available under the grant;

(ii) with the consent of the local governments, items, services, capabilities, or activities having a value of not less than 80 percent of the amount of the grant; or

(iii) with the consent of the local governments, grant funds combined with other items, services, capabilities, or activities having the total value of not less than 80 percent of the amount of the grant.

(B) Availability to rural areas

In obligating funds, items, services, capabilities, or activities to local governments under subparagraph (A), the eligible entity or eligible entities that comprise the multi-entity group shall ensure that rural areas within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity or the eligible entities that comprise the multi-entity group receive not less than—

(i) 25 percent of the amount of the grant awarded to the eligible entity;

(ii) items, services, capabilities, or activities having a value of not less than 25 percent of the amount of the grant awarded to the eligible entity; or

(iii) grant funds combined with other items, services, capabilities, or activities having the total value of not less than 25 percent of the grant awarded to the eligible entity.

(C) Exceptions

This paragraph shall not apply to—

(i) any grant awarded under this section that solely supports activities that are integral to the development or revision of the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity; or

(ii) the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, or a Tribal government.

(3) Certifications regarding distribution of grant funds to local governments

An eligible entity or multi-entity group shall certify to the Secretary that the eligible entity or multi-entity group has made the distribution to local governments required under paragraph (2).

(4) Extension of period

(A) In general

An eligible entity or multi-entity group may request in writing that the Secretary extend the period of time specified in paragraph (2) for an additional period of time.

(B) Approval

The Secretary may approve a request for an extension under subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines the extension is necessary to ensure that the obligation and expenditure of grant funds align with the purpose of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.

(5) Direct funding

If an eligible entity does not make a distribution to a local government required under paragraph (2) in a timely fashion, the local government may petition the Secretary to request the Secretary to provide funds directly to the local government.

(6) Limitation on construction

A grant awarded under this section may not be used to acquire land or to construct, remodel, or perform alterations of buildings or other physical facilities.

(7) Consultation in allocating funds

An eligible entity applying for a grant under this section shall agree to consult the Chief Information Officer, the Chief Information Security Officer, or an equivalent official of the eligible entity in allocating funds from a grant awarded under this section.

(8) Penalties

In addition to other remedies available to the Secretary, if an eligible entity violates a requirement of this subsection, the Secretary may—

(A) terminate or reduce the amount of a grant awarded under this section to the eligible entity; or

(B) distribute grant funds previously awarded to the eligible entity—

(i) in the case of an eligible entity that is a State, directly to the appropriate local government as a replacement grant in an amount determined by the Secretary; or

(ii) in the case of an eligible entity that is a Tribal government, to another Tribal government or Tribal governments as a replacement grant in an amount determined by the Secretary.

(o) Consultation with State, local, and Tribal representatives

In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with State, local, and Tribal representatives with professional experience relating to cybersecurity, including representatives of associations representing State, local, and Tribal governments, to inform—

(1) guidance for applicants for grants under this section, including guidance for Cybersecurity Plans;

(2) the study of risk-based formulas required under subsection (q)(4);

(3) the development of guidelines required under subsection (m)(2)(B); and

(4) any modifications described in subsection (q)(2)(D).

(p) Notification to Congress

Not later than 3 business days before the date on which the Department announces the award of a grant to an eligible entity under this section, including an announcement to the eligible entity, the Secretary shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees notice of the announcement.

(q) Reports, study, and review

(1) Annual reports by grant recipients

(A) In general

Not later than 1 year after the date on which an eligible entity receives a grant under this section for the purpose of implementing the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity, including an eligible entity that comprises a multi-entity group that receives a grant for that purpose, and annually thereafter until 1 year after the date on which funds from the grant are expended or returned, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that, using the metrics described in the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity, describes the progress of the eligible entity in—

(i) implementing the Cybersecurity Plan of the eligible entity; and

(ii) reducing cybersecurity risks to, and identifying, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity threats to, information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the eligible entity or, if the eligible entity is a State, local governments within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.

(B) Absence of plan

Not later than 1 year after the date on which an eligible entity that does not have a Cybersecurity Plan receives funds under this section, and annually thereafter until 1 year after the date on which funds from the grant are expended or returned, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report describing how the eligible entity obligated and expended grant funds to—

(i) develop or revise a Cybersecurity Plan; or

(ii) assist with the activities described in subsection (d)(4).

(2) Annual reports to Congress

Not less frequently than annually, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall submit to Congress a report on—

(A) the use of grants awarded under this section;

(B) the proportion of grants used to support cybersecurity in rural areas;

(C) the effectiveness of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program;

(D) any necessary modifications to the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program; and

(E) any progress made toward—

(i) developing, implementing, or revising Cybersecurity Plans; and

(ii) reducing cybersecurity risks to, and identifying, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity threats to, information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, State, local, or Tribal governments as a result of the award of grants under this section.

(3) Public availability

(A) In general

The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall make each report submitted under paragraph (2) publicly available, including by making each report available on the website of the Agency.

(B) Redactions

In making each report publicly available under subparagraph (A), the Director may make redactions that the Director, in consultation with each eligible entity, determines necessary to protect classified or other information exempt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the "Freedom of Information Act").

(4) Study of risk-based formulas

(A) In general

Not later than September 30, 2024, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a study and legislative recommendations on the potential use of a risk-based formula for apportioning funds under this section, including—

(i) potential components that could be included in a risk-based formula, including the potential impact of those components on support for rural areas under this section;

(ii) potential sources of data and information necessary for the implementation of a risk-based formula;

(iii) any obstacles to implementing a risk-based formula, including obstacles that require a legislative solution;

(iv) if a risk-based formula were to be implemented for fiscal year 2026, a recommended risk-based formula for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program; and

(v) any other information that the Secretary, acting through the Director, determines necessary to help Congress understand the progress towards, and obstacles to, implementing a risk-based formula.

(B) Inapplicability of Paperwork Reduction Act

The requirements of chapter 35 of title 44 (commonly referred to as the "Paperwork Reduction Act"), shall not apply to any action taken to carry out this paragraph.

(5) Tribal cybersecurity needs report

Not later than 2 years after November 15, 2021, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall submit to Congress a report that—

(A) describes the cybersecurity needs of Tribal governments, which shall be determined in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and Tribal governments; and

(B) includes any recommendations for addressing the cybersecurity needs of Tribal governments, including any necessary modifications to the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program to better serve Tribal governments.

(6) GAO review

Not later than 3 years after November 15, 2021, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, including—

(A) the grant selection process of the Secretary; and

(B) a sample of grants awarded under this section.

(r) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

There are authorized to be appropriated for activities under this section—

(A) for fiscal year 2022, $200,000,000;

(B) for fiscal year 2023, $400,000,000;

(C) for fiscal year 2024, $300,000,000; and

(D) for fiscal year 2025, $100,000,000.

(2) Transfers authorized

(A) In general

During a fiscal year, the Secretary or the head of any component of the Department that administers the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program may transfer not more than 5 percent of the amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) or other amounts appropriated to carry out the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program for that fiscal year to an account of the Department for salaries, expenses, and other administrative costs incurred for the management, administration, or evaluation of this section.

(B) Additional appropriations

Any funds transferred under subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to any funds appropriated to the Department or the components described in subparagraph (A) for salaries, expenses, and other administrative costs.

(s) Termination

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), the requirements of this section shall terminate on September 30, 2025.

(2) Exception

The reporting requirements under subsection (q) shall terminate on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the final funds from a grant under this section are expended or returned.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XXII, §2220A, formerly §2218, as added Pub. L. 117–58, div. G, title VI, §70612(a), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1272; renumbered §2220A and amended Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XV, §1547(b)(1)(A)(viii), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2061; Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXI, §7143(b)(2)(K), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3660.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (m)(2)(C)(ii), is Pub. L. 88–525, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 703, which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§2011 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2011 of Title 7 and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–263, §7143(b)(2)(K)(i), redesignated pars. (3), (4), and (8) to (12) as (1) to (7), respectively, and struck out former pars. (1), (2), and (5) to (7) which defined appropriate committees of Congress, cyber threat indicator, incident, information sharing and analysis organization, and information system, respectively.

Subsec. (e)(2)(B)(xiv)(II)(aa). Pub. L. 117–263, §7143(b)(2)(K)(ii), substituted "Information Sharing and Analysis Organization" for "information sharing and analysis organization".

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 117–263, §7143(b)(2)(K)(iii), substituted "appropriate congressional committees" for "appropriate committees of Congress".

Subsec. (q)(4)(A). Pub. L. 117–263, §7143(b)(2)(K)(iv), which directed amendment of subsec. (q)(4) by substituting "appropriate congressional committees" for "appropriate committees of Congress" "in the matter preceding clause (i)", was executed by making the substitution in the introductory provisions of subsec. (q)(4)(A), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2021—Pub. L. 117–81 reenacted section catchline.

1 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.
6 U.S.C. § 542 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XII: TRANSITION / Section 542: Reorganization plan
Reorganization plan
Status: in_force

(a) Submission of plan

Not later than 60 days after November 25, 2002, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a reorganization plan regarding the following:

(1) The transfer of agencies, personnel, assets, and obligations to the Department pursuant to this chapter.

(2) Any consolidation, reorganization, or streamlining of agencies transferred to the Department pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Plan elements

The plan transmitted under subsection (a) shall contain, consistent with this chapter, such elements as the President deems appropriate, including the following:

(1) Identification of any functions of agencies transferred to the Department pursuant to this chapter that will not be transferred to the Department under the plan.

(2) Specification of the steps to be taken by the Secretary to organize the Department, including the delegation or assignment of functions transferred to the Department among officers of the Department in order to permit the Department to carry out the functions transferred under the plan.

(3) Specification of the funds available to each agency that will be transferred to the Department as a result of transfers under the plan.

(4) Specification of the proposed allocations within the Department of unexpended funds transferred in connection with transfers under the plan.

(5) Specification of any proposed disposition of property, facilities, contracts, records, and other assets and obligations of agencies transferred under the plan.

(6) Specification of the proposed allocations within the Department of the functions of the agencies and subdivisions that are not related directly to securing the homeland.

(c) Modification of plan

The President may, on the basis of consultations with the appropriate congressional committees, modify or revise any part of the plan until that part of the plan becomes effective in accordance with subsection (d).

(d) Effective date

(1) In general

The reorganization plan described in this section, including any modifications or revisions of the plan under subsection (d), shall become effective for an agency on the earlier of—

(A) the date specified in the plan (or the plan as modified pursuant to subsection (d)), except that such date may not be earlier than 90 days after the date the President has transmitted the reorganization plan to the appropriate congressional committees pursuant to subsection (a); or

(B) the end of the transition period.

(2) Statutory construction

Nothing in this subsection may be construed to require the transfer of functions, personnel, records, balances of appropriations, or other assets of an agency on a single date.

(3) Supersedes existing law

Paragraph (1) shall apply notwithstanding section 905(b) of title 5.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XV, §1502, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2308.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 107–296, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2135, known as the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 101 of this title and Tables.

Executive Documents

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

REORGANIZATION PLAN

November 25, 2002

H. Doc. No. 108–16, 108th Congress, 1st Session, provided:

Introduction

This Reorganization Plan is submitted pursuant to Section 1502 of the Department [sic] of Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 542] ("the Act"), which requires submission, not later than 60 days after enactment [Nov. 25, 2002], of a reorganization plan regarding two categories of information concerning plans for the Department of Homeland Security ("the Department" or "DHS"):

(1) The transfer of agencies, personnel, assets, and obligations to the Department pursuant to this Act [Pub. L. 107–296, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2135].

(2) Any consolidation, reorganization, or streamlining of agencies transferred to the Department pursuant to this Act. Section 1502(a).

Section 1502(b) of the Act identifies six elements, together with other elements "as the President deems appropriate," as among those for discussion in the plan. Each of the elements set out in the statute is identified verbatim below, followed by a discussion of current plans with respect to that element.

This plan is subject to modification pursuant to Section 1502(d) of the Act, which provides that on the basis of consultations with appropriate congressional committees the President may modify or revise any part of the plan until that part of the plan becomes effective. Additional details concerning the process for establishing the Department will become available in the coming weeks and months, and the President will work closely with Congress to modify this plan consistent with the Act.

Plan Elements

(1) Identification of any functions of agencies transferred to the Department pursuant to this Act that will not be transferred to the Department under the plan.

Except as otherwise directed in the Act, all functions of agencies that are to be transferred to the Department pursuant to the Act will be transferred to the Department under the plan. The functions of agencies being transferred to the Department which the Act directs are not to be transferred are the following:

• Pursuant to Section 201(g)(1) of the Act [6 U.S.C. 121(g)(1)], the Computer Investigations and Operations Section ("CIOS") of the National Infrastructure Protection Center ("NIPC") of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") will not transfer to the Department with the rest of NIPC. CIOS is the FBI headquarters entity responsible for managing all FBI computer intrusion field office cases (whether law enforcement or national security related).

• Pursuant to Sections 421(c) & (d) of the Act [6 U.S.C. 231(c), (d)], the regulatory responsibilities and quarantine activities relating to agricultural import and entry inspection activities of the United States Department of Agriculture ("the USDA") Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ("APHIS") will remain with the USDA, as will the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to issue regulations, policies, and procedures regarding the functions transferred pursuant to Sections 421(a) & (b) of the Act.

• Pursuant to Subtitle B of Title IV of the Act [6 U.S.C. 211 et seq.], the authorities of the Secretary of the Treasury related to Customs revenue functions, as defined in the statute, will not transfer to the Department.

• Functions under the immigration laws of the United States with respect to the care of unaccompanied alien children will not transfer from the Department of Justice to DHS, but will instead transfer to the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to Section 462 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 279].

(2) Specification of the steps to be taken by the Secretary to organize the Department, including the delegation or assignment of functions transferred to the Department among officers of the Department in order to permit the Department to carry out the functions transferred under the plan.

A. Steps to be taken by the Secretary to organize the Department. The President intends that the Secretary will carry out the following actions on the dates specified. All of the following transfers shall be deemed to be made to DHS, and all offices and positions to be established and all officers and officials to be appointed or named shall be deemed to be established, appointed, or named within DHS.

January 24, 2003 (effective date of the Act pursuant to Section 4 [6 U.S.C. 101 note]):

• Establish the Office of the Secretary.

• Begin to appoint, upon confirmation by the Senate, or transfer pursuant to the transfer provisions of the Act, as many of the following officers as may be possible:

(1) Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security

(2) Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection

(3) Under Secretary for Science and Technology

(4) Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security

(5) Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response

(6) Director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services

(7) Under Secretary for Management

(8) Not more than 12 Assistant Secretaries

(9) General Counsel

(10) Inspector General

(11) Commissioner of Customs

• Name, as soon as may be possible, officers to fill the following offices created by the Act:

(1) Assistant Secretary for Information Analysis

(2) Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection

(3) Privacy Officer

(4) Director of the Secret Service

(5) Chief Information Officer

(6) Chief Human Capital Officer

(7) Chief Financial Officer

(8) Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

(9) Director of Shared Services

(10) Citizenship and Immigration Ombudsman

(11) Director of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency

• Establish, within the Office of the Secretary, the Office for State and Local Government Coordination, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of National Capital Region Coordination.

• Establish the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies.

• Establish within the Directorate of Science and Technology the Office for National Laboratories.

• Establish the Bureau of Border Security [now Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement], the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Director of Shared Services.

• Establish the Transportation Security Oversight Board with the Secretary of Homeland Security as its Chair.

March 1, 2003:

• Transfer the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office ("CIAO") of the Department of Commerce, the National Communications System ("the NCS"), the NIPC of the FBI (other than the CIOS), the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center ("NISAC"), the Energy Assurance Office ("EAO") of the Department of Energy, and the Federal Computer Incident Response Center of the General Services Administration ("FedCIRC").

• Transfer the Coast Guard.

• Transfer the Customs Service, the Transportation Security Administration ("the TSA"), functions of the Immigration and Naturalization Service ("the INS"), the Federal Protective Service ("the FPS"), the Office of Domestic Preparedness ("the ODP"), and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center ("the FLETC").

• Transfer the functions of the Secretary of Agriculture relating to agricultural import and entry inspection activities under the laws specified in Section 421(b) of the Act [6 U.S.C. 231(b)] from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

• Transfer the United States Secret Service.

• Transfer the following programs and activities to the Directorate of Science and Technology:

º The chemical and biological national security and supporting programs and activities of the nonproliferation and verification research and development program of the Department of Energy.

º The life sciences activities related to microbial pathogens of the Biological and Environmental Research Program of the Department of Energy.

º The National Bio-Weapons Defense Analysis Center of the Department of Defense.

º The nuclear smuggling programs and activities within the proliferation detection program of the nonproliferation and verification research and development program of the Department of Energy.

º The nuclear assessment program and activities of the assessment, detection, and cooperation program of the international materials protection and cooperation program of the Department of Energy and the advanced scientific computing research program and activities at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory of the Department of Energy.

º The Environmental Measurements Laboratory of the Department of Energy.

• Transfer the Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA").

• Transfer the Integrated Hazard Information System of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which shall be renamed "FIRESTAT."

• Transfer the National Domestic Preparedness Office of the FBI, including the functions of the Attorney General relating thereto.

• Transfer the Domestic Emergency Support Team of the Department of Justice, including the functions of the Attorney General relating thereto.

• Transfer the Metropolitan Medical Response System of the Department of Health and Human Services, including the functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness relating thereto.

• Transfer the National Disaster Medical System of the Department of Health and Human Services, including the functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness relating thereto.

• Transfer the Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Strategic National Stockpile of the Department of Health and Human Services, including the functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness relating thereto.

• Transfer to the Secretary the authority (in connection with an actual or threatened terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency in the United States) to direct the Nuclear Incident Response Team of the Department of Energy to operate as an organizational unit.

June 1, 2003:

• Transfer the Plum Island Animal Disease Center of USDA.

• Establish the Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee.

By September 30, 2003:

• Complete any incidental transfers, pursuant to Section 1516 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 556], of personnel, assets, and liabilities held, used, arising from, available, or to be made available, in connection with the functions transferred by the Act.

B. Delegation or Assignment Among Officers of Functions Transferred to the Department. The President intends that the Secretary will delegate or assign transferred functions within the Department as follows:

1. Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection

a. Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection ("IA and IP"): Will be responsible for oversight of functions of NIPC, NCS, CIAO, NISAC, EAO, and FedCIRC transferred by the Act, the management of the Directorate's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection duties, and the administration of the Homeland Security Advisory System.

b. Assistant Secretary for Information Analysis: Will oversee the following Information Analysis functions:

• Identify and assess the nature and scope of terrorist threats to the homeland; detect and identify threats of terrorism against the United States; and, understand such threats in light of actual and potential vulnerabilities of the homeland.

• In coordination with the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection, integrate relevant information, analyses, and vulnerability assessments (whether such information, analyses, or assessments are provided or produced by the Department or others) in order to identify priorities for protective and support measures by the Department, other agencies of the Federal Government, State and local government agencies and authorities, the private sector, and other entities.

• Ensure the timely and efficient access by the Department to all information necessary to discharge the responsibilities under Section 201 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 121], including obtaining such information from other agencies of the Federal Government.

• Review, analyze, and make recommendations for improvements in the policies and procedures governing the sharing of law enforcement information, intelligence information, intelligence-related information, and other information relating to homeland security within the Federal Government and between the Federal Government and State and local government agencies and authorities.

• Disseminate, as appropriate, information analyzed by the Department within the Department, to other agencies of the Federal Government with responsibilities relating to homeland security, and to agencies of State and local governments and private sector entities with such responsibilities in order to assist in the deterrence, prevention, preemption of, or response to, terrorist attacks against the United States.

• Consult with the Director of Central Intelligence and other appropriate intelligence, law enforcement, or other elements of the Federal Government to establish collection priorities and strategies for information, including law enforcement-related information, relating to threats of terrorism against the United States through such means as the representation of the Department in discussions regarding requirements and priorities in the collection of such information.

• Consult with State and local governments and private sector entities to ensure appropriate exchanges of information, including law enforcement-related information, relating to threats of terrorism against the United States.

• Ensure that—

     1. Any material received pursuant to the Act is protected from unauthorized disclosure and handled and used only for the performance of official duties; and

     2. Any intelligence information under the Act is shared, retained, and disseminated consistent with the authority of the Director of Central Intelligence to protect intelligence sources and methods under the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. Section 401, et seq.) [now 50 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.] and related procedures and, as appropriate, similar authorities of the Attorney General concerning sensitive law enforcement information.

• Request additional information from other agencies of the Federal Government, State and local government agencies, and the private sector relating to threats of terrorism in the United States, or relating to other areas of responsibility assigned by the Secretary, including the entry into cooperative agreements through the Secretary to obtain such information.

• Establish and utilize, in conjunction with the Chief Information Officer of the Department, a secure communications and information technology infrastructure, including data-mining and other advanced analytical tools, in order to access, receive, and analyze data and information in furtherance of statutory responsibilities, and to disseminate information acquired and analyzed by the Department, as appropriate.

• Ensure, in conjunction with the Chief Information Officer of the Department, that any information databases and analytical tools developed or utilized by the Department—

     1. Are compatible with one another and with relevant information databases of other agencies of the Federal Government; and

     2. Treat information in such databases in a manner that complies with applicable Federal law on privacy.

• Coordinate training and other support to the elements and personnel of the Department, other agencies of the Federal Government, and State and local governments that provide information to the Department, or are consumers of information provided by the Department, in order to facilitate the identification and sharing of information revealed in their ordinary duties and the optimal utilization of information received from the Department.

• Coordinate with elements of the intelligence community and with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, and the private sector, as appropriate.

• Provide intelligence and information analysis and support to other elements of the Department.

c. Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection: Will oversee the following Infrastructure Protection functions:

• Carry out comprehensive assessments of the vulnerabilities of the key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States, including the performance of risk assessments to determine the risks posed by particular types of terrorist attacks within the United States (including an assessment of the probability of success of such attacks and the feasibility and potential efficacy of various countermeasures to such attacks).

• In coordination with the Assistant Secretary for Information Analysis, integrate relevant information, analyses, and vulnerability assessments (whether such information, analyses, or assessments are provided or produced by the Department or others) in order to identify priorities for protective and support measures by the Department, other agencies of the Federal Government, State and local government agencies and authorities, the private sector, and other entities.

• Develop a comprehensive national plan for securing the key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States, including power production, generation, and distribution systems, information technology and telecommunications systems (including satellites), electronic financial and property record storage and transmission systems, emergency preparedness communications systems, and the physical and technological assets that support such systems.

• Recommend measures necessary to protect the key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States in coordination with other agencies of the Federal Government and in cooperation with State and local government agencies and authorities, the private sector, and other entities.

• In coordination with the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, provide to State and local government entities, and upon request to private entities that own or operate critical information systems, crisis management support in response to threats to, or attacks on, critical information systems.

• Provide technical assistance, upon request, to the private sector and other government entities, in coordination with the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, with respect to emergency recovery plans to respond to major failures of critical information systems.

• Coordinate with other agencies of the Federal Government to provide specific warning information, and advice about appropriate protective measures and countermeasures, to State and local government agencies and authorities, the private sector, other entities, and the public.

2. Science and Technology

Under Secretary for Science and Technology: Will be responsible for performing the functions set forth in Section 302 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 182], including the following:

• Advise the Secretary regarding research and development efforts and priorities in support of the Department's missions.

• Develop, in consultation with other appropriate executive agencies, a national policy and strategic plan for identifying priorities, goals, objectives, and policies for, and coordinating the Federal Government's civilian efforts with respect to, identifying and developing countermeasures to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other emerging terrorist threats, including the development of comprehensive, research-based definable goals for such efforts and of annual measurable objectives and specific targets to accomplish and evaluate the goals for such efforts.

• Support the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection by assessing and testing homeland security vulnerabilities and possible threats.

• Conduct basic and applied research, development, demonstration, testing, and evaluation activities that are relevant to any or all elements of the Department, through both intramural and extramural programs, except that such responsibility does not extend to human health-related research and development activities.

• Establish priorities for directing, funding, and conducting national research, development, test and evaluation, and procurement of technology and systems for—

     1. preventing the importation of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and related weapons and material; and

     2. detecting, preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist attacks.

• Establish a system for transferring homeland security developments or technologies to Federal, State, and local governments, and to private sector entities.

• Enter into work agreements, joint sponsorships, contracts, or any other agreements with the Department of Energy regarding the use of the national laboratories or sites and support of the science and technology base at those facilities.

• Collaborate with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General as provided in Section 212 of the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. §8401), as amended by Section 1709(b) of the Act.

• Collaborate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General in determining any new biological agents and toxins that shall be listed as "select agents" in Appendix A of part 72 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, pursuant to Section 351A of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. §262a).

• Support United States leadership in science and technology.

• Establish and administer the primary research and development activities of the Department, including the long-term research and development needs and capabilities for all elements of the Department.

• Coordinate and integrate all research, development, demonstration, testing, and evaluation activities of the Department.

• Coordinate with other appropriate executive agencies in developing and carrying out the science and technology agenda of the Department to reduce duplication and identify unmet needs.

• Develop and oversee the administration of guidelines for merit review of research and development projects throughout the Department, and for the dissemination of research conducted or sponsored by the Department.

3. Border and Transportation Security

The Directorate of Border and Transportation Security ("BTS") will include the following: the Bureau of Border Security [now Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement]; the Office for Domestic Preparedness; the Customs Service [renamed Bureau of Customs and Border Protection]; the Transportation Security Administration; FLETC; and FPS.

The BTS Directorate will also have in place the key leaders of the new Directorate to include:

a. Under Secretary for BTS: Will be responsible for oversight of all responsibilities set forth in Section 402 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 202], including the following:

• Prevent the entry of terrorists and the instruments of terrorism into the United States.

• Secure the borders, territorial waters, ports, terminals, waterways, and air, land, and sea transportation systems of the United States, including managing and coordinating those functions transferred to the Department at ports of entry.

• Establish and administer rules, in accordance with Section 428 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 236], governing the granting of visas or other forms of permission, including parole, to enter the United States to individuals who are not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

• Establish national immigration enforcement policies and priorities.

• Administer the customs laws of the United States, except as otherwise provided in the Act.

• Conduct the inspection and related administrative functions of the USDA transferred to the Secretary of Homeland Security under Section 421 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 231].

• In carrying out the foregoing responsibilities, ensure the speedy, orderly, and efficient flow of lawful traffic and commerce.

• Carry out the immigration enforcement functions specified under Section 441 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 251] that were vested by statute in, or performed by, the Commissioner of the INS (or any officer, employee, or component of the INS) immediately before the date on which the transfer of functions takes place.

b. Assistant Secretary for Border Security: Will report directly to the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, and whose responsibilities will include the following:

• Establish and oversee the administration of the policies for performing such functions as are—

     1. transferred to the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security by Section 441 of the Act and delegated to the Assistant Secretary by the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; or

     2. otherwise vested in the Assistant Secretary by law.

• Advise the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security with respect to any policy or operation of the Bureau of Border Security [now Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement] that may affect the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration.

c. Director of the Office for Domestic Preparedness—Will report directly to the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security and will have the primary responsibility within the Executive Branch of the Federal Government for the preparedness of the United States for acts of terrorism, including the following responsibilities:

• Coordinate preparedness efforts at the Federal level, and work with all State, local, tribal, parish, and private sector emergency response providers on all matters pertaining to combating terrorism, including training, exercises, and equipment support.

• Coordinate or, as appropriate, consolidate communications and systems of communications relating to homeland security at all levels of government.

• Direct and supervise terrorism preparedness grant programs of the Federal Government (other than those programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services) for all emergency response providers.

• Incorporate homeland security priorities into planning guidance on an agency level for the preparedness efforts of the Office for Domestic Preparedness.

• Provide agency-specific training for agents and analysts within the Department, other agencies, and State and local agencies, and international entities.

• As the lead executive branch agency for preparedness of the United States for acts of terrorism, cooperate closely with the FEMA, which shall have the primary responsibility within the executive branch to prepare for and mitigate the effects of nonterrorist-related disasters in the United States.

• Assist and support the Secretary, in coordination with other Directorates and entities outside the Department, in conducting appropriate risk analysis and risk management activities of State, local, and tribal governments consistent with the mission and functions of the Directorate.

• Supervise those elements of the Office of National Preparedness of FEMA that relate to terrorism, which shall be consolidated within the Department in the ODP established pursuant to Section 430 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 238].

4. Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate will be headed by the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response.

Under Secretary for EP&R: Will be responsible for all of those functions included within Section 502 [now 504] of the Act [6 U.S.C. 314], including:

• Helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers to terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.

• With respect to the Nuclear Incident Response Team (regardless of whether it is operating as an organizational unit of the Department pursuant to the Act):

     1. Establishing standards and certifying when those standards have been met;

     2. Conducting joint and other exercises and training and evaluating performance; and,

     3. Providing funds to the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, as appropriate, for homeland security planning, exercises and training, and equipment.

• Providing the Federal Government's response to terrorist attacks and major disasters, including:

     1. Managing such response;

     2. Directing the Domestic Emergency Support Team, the Strategic National Stockpile, the National Disaster Medical System, and (when operating as an organizational unit of the Department pursuant to the Act) the Nuclear Incident Response Team;

     3. Overseeing the Metropolitan Medical Response System; and

     4. Coordinating other Federal response resources in the event of a terrorist attack or major disaster.

• Aiding the recovery from terrorist attacks and major disasters;

• Building a comprehensive national incident management system with Federal, State, and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, to respond to such attacks and disasters.

• Consolidating existing Federal Government emergency response plans into a single, coordinated national response plan; and

• Developing comprehensive programs for developing interoperative communications technology, and helping to ensure that emergency response providers acquire such technology.

5. Other Officers and Functions

a. Director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services: Will report directly to the Deputy Secretary; and will be responsible for the following:

• Establishing the policies for performing such functions as are transferred to the Director by Section 451 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 271] or otherwise vested in the Director by law.

• Oversight of the administration of such policies.

• Advising the Deputy Secretary with respect to any policy or operation of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services that may affect the Bureau of Border Security [now Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement] of the Department, including potentially conflicting policies or operations.

• Establishing national immigration services policies and priorities.

• Meeting regularly with the Ombudsman described in Section 452 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 272] to correct serious service problems identified by the Ombudsman.

• Establishing procedures requiring a formal response to any recommendations submitted in the Ombudsman's annual report to Congress within three months after its submission to Congress.

b. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman: Will report directly to the Deputy Secretary; and will be responsible for the following:

• Assisting individuals and employers in resolving problems with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services;

• Identifying areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; and

• Proposing changes in the administrative practices of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services to mitigate identified problems.

(3) Specification of the funds available to each agency that will be transferred to the Department as a result of transfers under the plan.

• The attached tables [not set out in the Code] provide estimates of the funds available to the agencies and entities that will be transferred to the Department by operation of the Act. The two tables include total funding (mandatory and discretionary including fees) and discretionary funding net of fees. The tables provide the enacted levels for 2002 and 2002 supplementals, and the President's requested levels for 2003.

Because of the current state of the 2003 budget process, information concerning the funds that will be available to each transferring agency on the date of the proposed transfers is not currently available and will not likely be available during the time period in which the President is to submit this Reorganization Plan. As additional information becomes available, it will be provided as may be required in accordance with the procedures under the Act for modification of this Plan or other applicable law.

(4) Specification of the proposed allocations within the Department of unexpended funds transferred in connection with transfers under the plan.

• The attached tables [not set out in the Code] provide estimates of the unobligated balances as of September 30, 2002, for the agencies and programs that will be transferred to the Department. The first table provides estimates of unobligated balances for the accounts that are moving to the Department in whole. The second table provides estimates of the unobligated balances in the accounts of which only a portion will be transferring to the new Department. These latter estimates, however, are of the unobligated balances for the full account, only a portion of which are associated with the activities that will be transferred to the Department. In addition, these unobligated balances are based on the Department of Treasury's estimates as of September 30, 2002, which are the latest available figures. Since October 1, 2002, Departments and agencies (except the Department of Defense) have been operating under continuing resolutions, and, as such, have been spending these balances to maintain current operations.

Authority to reallocate unexpended funds of agencies transferred under this Plan is found in H.J. Res. 124 [Pub. L. 107–294, Nov. 23, 2002, 116 Stat. 2062], the continuing resolution in effect currently and until January 11, 2003. The resolution provides authority for the Office of Management and Budget to transfer an amount not to exceed $140,000,000 from unobligated balances of appropriations enacted before October 1, 2002 "for organizations and entities that will be transferred to the new Department and for salaries and expenses associated with the initiation of the Department." Such authority may be exercised upon providing 15 days' notice to the Appropriations Committees. We anticipate that it may be necessary to provide funding through such transfers both for transferring entities and for salaries and expenses associated with the initiation of the Department, including, for example, those associated with establishing the Office of the Secretary and other new offices provided for in the Act. Any plan to use such funding will follow the procedures required under the continuing resolution, including the provision of at least 15 days' notice to the Appropriations Committees.

(5) Specification of any proposed disposition of property, facilities, contracts, records, and other assets and obligations of agencies transferred under the plan.

• There is no intention to dispose of property, facility, contracts, records, and other assets and obligations of agencies transferred under the plan. All of such assets and obligations will transfer with each agency pursuant to Section 1511(d)(1) of the Act [6 U.S.C. 551(d)(1)].

• Prior to and during the transition period (as defined by Section 1501(a)(2) of the Act [6 U.S.C. 541(a)(2)]), the Department may identify property, facilities, contracts, records, and other assets and obligations of agencies transferred that would be candidates for disposition due to duplication, non-use, obsolescence, and the like. If and when any such proposed dispositions are identified, we will follow provisions of the Act relating to modification of this plan or further notification of Congress.

(6) Specification of the proposed allocations within the Department of the functions of the agencies and subdivisions that are not related directly to securing the homeland.

• As agencies and subdivisions are transferred into the Department, any functions of those entities that are not directly related to securing the homeland will continue to be allocated to the agencies and subdivisions in which they are currently incorporated.

[Bureau of Border Security renamed Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs Service renamed Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, by Reorganization Plan Modification for the Department of Homeland Security, H. Doc. No. 108–32, 108th Congress, 1st Session, set out below.]

[For transfer of functions of Strategic National Stockpile to Secretary of Health and Human Services, with certain exceptions, see section 3(c)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 108–276, set out as a note under section 247d–6b of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.]

Message of the President

38 Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents 2095, Dec. 2, 2002; H. Doc. No. 108–16, provided:

The White House, Washington, November 25, 2002.

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) 1

Pursuant to section 1502 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 542], I submit herewith the enclosed Reorganization Plan for the Department of Homeland Security. The Reorganization Plan provides information concerning the elements identified in section 1502(b), and is subject to modification pursuant to section 1502(d) of the Act. In accordance with section 1502(a) of the Act, please transmit this Reorganization Plan to the appropriate congressional committees.

The details of this Plan are set forth in the enclosed letter from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. I concur with his comments and observations.

Sincerely,

George W. Bush.      

1 Editorial note. This is the text of identical letters addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.

Enclosure.

REORGANIZATION PLAN MODIFICATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

January 30, 2003

H. Doc. No. 108–32, 108th Congress, 1st Session, provided:

Introduction

This Reorganization Plan Modification is submitted pursuant to the Homeland Security Act ("the Act") of 2002 [Pub. L. 107–296, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2135]. All elements of the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002 ("the Plan") [set out above] remain as submitted except for those modifications addressed herein.

Purpose of Modification

This modification of the Plan is to establish and specify organizational units within the Border and Transportation Security Directorate. This modification presents a structural change, but does not consolidate, discontinue, or diminish transferred agencies' current operations in the field.

Plan Modifications

(a) Rename the "Bureau of Border Security" the "Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement." As required by the Act, this Bureau will be headed by an Assistant Secretary who will report directly to the Undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security.

This Bureau will comprise Immigration Naturalization Service (INS) interior enforcement functions, including the detention and removal program, the intelligence program, and the investigations program. At the same time, pursuant to this modification, the interior enforcement resources and missions of the Customs Service and the Federal Protective Service will be added to this Bureau. The mission of the Bureau is:

1. To enforce the full range of immigration and customs laws within the interior of the United States; and,

2. To protect specified federal buildings.

The Assistant Secretary will:

1. Establish and oversee the administration of the policies for performing the detention and removal program, the intelligence program, and the investigation program functions as are—

(a) transferred to the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security by Section 441 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 251] and delegated to the Assistant Secretary by the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; or

(b) otherwise vested in the Assistant Secretary by law.

2. Advise the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security with respect to any policy or operation of the Bureau that may affect the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services established under subtitle E of the Act [probably means subtitle E of title IV of the Act, 6 U.S.C. 271 et seq.], including potentially conflicting policies and operations.

(b) Rename the "Customs Service" the "Bureau of Customs and Border Protection." This Bureau will be headed by the Commissioner of Customs and will report to the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security.

The Bureau will contain the resources and missions relating to borders and ports of entry of the Customs Service, the INS, including the Border Patrol and the inspections program, and the agricultural inspections function of the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection program.

The Commissioner will:

1. Establish and oversee the administration of the policies for performing the Border Patrol and inspections program functions as are—

(a) transferred to the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security by Section 441 of the Act [6 U.S.C. 251] and delegated to the Commissioner by the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security; or

(b) otherwise vested in the Assistant Secretary [probably should be "Commissioner"] by law.

2. Advise the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security with respect to any policy or operation of the Bureau that may affect the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services established under subtitle E of the Act [probably means subtitle E of title IV of the Act, 6 U.S.C. 271 et seq.], including potentially conflicting policies and operations.

Implementation Date

March 1, 2003

Elements Required by the Act To Be Submitted With Modified Plan

(1) Identification of any functions of agencies transferred to the Department pursuant to this Act that will not be transferred to the Department under the plan.

None.

(2) Specification of the steps to be taken by the Secretary to organize the Department, including the delegation or assignment of functions transferred to the Department among officers of the Department in order to permit the Department to carry out the functions transferred under the plan.

See plan modifications above.

(3) Specification of the funds available to each agency that will be transferred to the Department as a result of transfers under the plan.

The table attached at Tab A [not set out in the Code] provides estimates of the funds available to the agencies affected by this modification that will be transferred to the Department by operation of the Act. The table includes total funding (mandatory and discretionary including fees) and discretionary funding net of fees. The table provides the President's requested levels for 2003.

Because of the current state of the 2003 budget process, information concerning the funds that will be available to each transferring agency on the date of the proposed transfers is not currently available. As additional information becomes available, it will be provided as may be required in accordance with the procedures under the Act for modification of this Plan or other applicable law.

(4) Specification of the proposed allocations within the Department of unexpended funds transferred in connection with transfers under the plan.

The table attached at Tab B [not set out in the Code] provides updated estimates of the unobligated balances as of September 30, 2002, for the agencies affected by this modification that will be transferred to the Department. Since October 1, 2002, these agencies have been operating under continuing resolutions, and, as such, have been spending these balances to maintain current operations. As additional information becomes available, it will be provided as may be required in accordance with the procedures under the Act for modification of this Plan or other applicable law.

(5) Specification of any proposed disposition of property, facilities, contracts, records, and other assets and obligations of agencies transferred under the plan.

There is no intention to dispose of property, facilities, contracts, records, and other assets and obligations of agencies transferred under this modification. All such assets and obligations will transfer with each agency pursuant to Section 1511(d)(1) of the Act [6 U.S.C. 551(d)(1)].

(6) Specification of the proposed allocations within the Department of the functions of the agencies and subdivisions that are not related directly to securing the homeland.

The functions of the agencies affected by this modification that are not directly related to securing the homeland will continue to be performed by the bureaus formed by this planned reorganization.

Message of the President

39 Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents 136, Feb. 3, 2003; H. Doc. No. 108–32, provided:

The White House, Washington, January 30, 2003.

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) 1

Pursuant to section 1502 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 542] (Public Law 107–296) (the "Act"), I submit herewith the enclosed Reorganization Plan Modification for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which represents a modification of certain aspects of the DHS Reorganization Plan [set out above] I submitted to you on November 25, 2002. The modification involves organizational units within the DHS Border and Transportation Security Directorate. The enclosed Reorganization Plan Modification provides information concerning the elements identified in section 1502(b), and is itself subject to modification pursuant to section 1502(d) of the Act. In accordance with section 1502(a) of the Act, please transmit this Reorganization Plan Modification to the appropriate congressional committees.

Sincerely,

George W. Bush.      

1 Editorial note. This is the text of identical letters addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.
6 U.S.C. § 665k (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XVIII: CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY / Section 665k: Federal Clearinghouse on School Safety Evidence-based Practices
Federal Clearinghouse on School Safety Evidence-based Practices
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Education, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall establish a Federal Clearinghouse on School Safety Evidence-based Practices (in this section referred to as the "Clearinghouse") within the Department.

(2) Purpose

The Clearinghouse shall serve as a Federal resource to identify and publish online through SchoolSafety.gov, or any successor website, evidence-based practices and recommendations to improve school safety for use by State and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, State and local law enforcement agencies, health professionals, and the general public.

(3) Personnel

(A) Assignments

The Clearinghouse shall be assigned such personnel and resources as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this section.

(B) Detailees

The Secretary of Education, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services may detail personnel to the Clearinghouse.

(4) Exemptions

(A) Paperwork Reduction Act

Chapter 35 of title 44 (commonly known as the "Paperwork Reduction Act"), shall not apply to any rulemaking or information collection required under this section.

(B) Federal Advisory Committee Act

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) 1 shall not apply for the purposes of carrying out this section.

(b) Clearinghouse contents

(1) Consultation

In identifying the evidence-based practices and recommendations for the Clearinghouse, the Secretary shall—

(A) consult with appropriate Federal, State, local, Tribal, private sector, and nongovernmental organizations, including civil rights and disability rights organizations; and

(B) consult with the Secretary of Education to ensure that evidence-based practices published by the Clearinghouse are aligned with evidence-based practices to support a positive and safe learning environment for all students.

(2) Criteria for evidence-based practices and recommendations

The evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse shall—

(A) include comprehensive evidence-based school safety measures;

(B) include the evidence or research rationale supporting the determination of the Clearinghouse that the evidence-based practice or recommendation under subparagraph (A) has been shown to have a significant effect on improving the health, safety, and welfare of persons in school settings, including—

(i) relevant research that is evidence-based, as defined in section 7801 of title 20, supporting the evidence-based practice or recommendation;

(ii) findings and data from previous Federal or State commissions recommending improvements to the safety posture of a school; or

(iii) other supportive evidence or findings relied upon by the Clearinghouse in determining evidence-based practices and recommendations, as determined in consultation with the officers described in subsection (a)(3)(B);

(C) include information on Federal programs for which implementation of each evidence-based practice or recommendation is an eligible use for the program;

(D) be consistent with Federal civil rights laws, including title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), and title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.); and

(E) include options for developmentally appropriate recommendations for use in educational settings with respect to children's ages and physical, social, sensory, and emotionally developmental statuses.

(3) Past commission recommendations

The Clearinghouse shall present, as determined in consultation with the officers described in subsection (a)(3)(B), Federal, State, local, Tribal, private sector, and nongovernmental organization issued best practices and recommendations and identify any best practice or recommendation of the Clearinghouse that was previously issued by any such organization or commission.

(c) Assistance and training

The Secretary may produce and publish materials on the Clearinghouse to assist and train educational agencies and law enforcement agencies on the implementation of the evidence-based practices and recommendations.

(d) Continuous improvement

The Secretary shall—

(1) collect for the purpose of continuous improvement of the Clearinghouse—

(A) Clearinghouse data analytics;

(B) user feedback on the implementation of resources, evidence-based practices, and recommendations identified by the Clearinghouse; and

(C) any evaluations conducted on implementation of the evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse; and

(2) in coordination with the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Attorney General—

(A) regularly assess and identify Clearinghouse evidence-based practices and recommendations for which there are no resources available through Federal Government programs for implementation; and

(B) establish an external advisory board, which shall be comprised of appropriate State, local, Tribal, private sector, and nongovernmental organizations, including organizations representing parents of elementary and secondary school students, representative 2 from civil rights organizations, representatives of disability rights organizations, representatives of educators, representatives of law enforcement, and nonprofit school safety and security organizations, to—

(i) provide feedback on the implementation of evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse; and

(ii) propose additional recommendations for evidence-based practices for inclusion in the Clearinghouse that meet the requirements described in subsection (b)(2)(B).

(e) Parental assistance

The Clearinghouse shall produce materials in accessible formats to assist parents and legal guardians of students with identifying relevant Clearinghouse resources related to supporting the implementation of Clearinghouse evidence-based practices and recommendations.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XXII, §2220D, as added Pub. L. 117–159, div. A, title III, §13302(a), June 25, 2022, 136 Stat. 1334.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(4)(B), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, which was set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and was substantially repealed and restated in chapter 10 (§1001 et seq.) of Title 5 by Pub. L. 117–286, §§3(a), 7, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4197, 4361. For disposition of sections of the Act into chapter 10 of Title 5, see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of Title 5.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(D), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§12131 et seq.) of chapter 126 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(D), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (§701 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of Title 29 and Tables.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(D), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter V (§2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Luke and Alex School Safety Act of 2022

Pub. L. 117–159, div. A, title III, subtitle C, June 25, 2022, 136 Stat. 1334, provided that:

"SEC. 13301. SHORT TITLE.

"This subtitle may be cited as the 'Luke and Alex School Safety Act of 2022'.

"SEC. 13302. FEDERAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON SCHOOL SAFETY EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES.

"(a) In General.—[Enacted this section.]

"(b) Technical Amendments.—[Amended table of contents of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.]

"SEC. 13303. NOTIFICATION OF CLEARINGHOUSE.

"(a) Notification by the Secretary of Education.—The Secretary of Education shall provide written notification of the publication of the Federal Clearinghouse on School Safety Evidence-based Practices (referred to in this section and section 13304 as the 'Clearinghouse'), as required to be established under section 2220D of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 665k], as added by section 13302 of this Act, to—

"(1) every State and local educational agency; and

"(2) other Department of Education partners in the implementation of the evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse, as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Education.

"(b) Notification by the Secretary of Homeland Security.—The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide written notification of the publication of the Clearinghouse, as required to be established under section 2220D of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 665k], as added by section 13302 of this Act, to—

"(1) every State homeland security advisor;

"(2) every State department of homeland security; and

"(3) other Department of Homeland Security partners in the implementation of the evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse, as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

"(c) Notification by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.—The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide written notification of the publication of the Clearinghouse, as required to be established under section 2220D of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 665k], as added by section 13302 of this Act, to—

"(1) every State department of public health; and

"(2) other Department of Health and Human Services partners in the implementation of the evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse, as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

"(d) Notification by the Attorney General.—The Attorney General shall provide written notification of the publication of the Clearinghouse, as required to be established under section 2220D of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 665k], as added by section 13302 of this Act, to—

"(1) every State department of justice; and

"(2) other Department of Justice partners in the implementation of the evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse, as determined appropriate by the Attorney General.

"SEC. 13304. GRANT PROGRAM REVIEW.

"(a) Federal Grants and Resources.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [June 25, 2022], the Clearinghouse or the external advisory board established under section 2220D of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 665k], as added by this subtitle, shall—

"(1) review grant programs and identify any grant program that may be used to implement evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse;

"(2) identify any evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse for which there is not a Federal grant program that may be used for the purposes of implementing the evidence-based practice or recommendation as applicable to the agency; and

"(3) periodically report any findings under paragraph (2) to the appropriate committees of Congress.

"(b) State Grants and Resources.—The Clearinghouse shall, to the extent practicable, identify, for each State—

"(1) each agency responsible for school safety in the State, or any State that does not have such an agency designated;

"(2) any grant program that may be used for the purposes of implementing evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse; and

"(3) any resources other than grant programs that may be used to assist in implementation of evidence-based practices and recommendations of the Clearinghouse.

"SEC. 13305. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.

"(a) Waiver of Requirements.—Nothing in this subtitle or the amendments made by this subtitle shall be construed to create, satisfy, or waive any requirement under—

"(1) title II of the Americans With [sic] Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.);

"(2) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.);

"(3) title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.);

"(4) title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.); or

"(5) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.).

"(b) Prohibition on Federally Developed, Mandated, or Endorsed Curriculum.—Nothing in this subtitle or the amendments made by this subtitle shall be construed to authorize any officer or employee of the Federal Government to engage in an activity otherwise prohibited under section 103(b) of the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C. 3403(b))."

1 See References in Text note below.

2 So in original. Probably should be "representatives".
6 U.S.C. § 711 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 2: NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT / Subchapter I: PERSONNEL PROVISIONS / Section 711: Surge Capacity Force
Surge Capacity Force
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

Not later than 6 months after October 4, 2006, the Administrator shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan to establish and implement a Surge Capacity Force for deployment of individuals to respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including catastrophic incidents.

(2) Authority

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the plan shall provide for individuals in the Surge Capacity Force to be trained and deployed under the authorities set forth in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.].

(B) Exception

If the Administrator determines that the existing authorities are inadequate for the training and deployment of individuals in the Surge Capacity Force, the Administrator shall report to Congress as to the additional statutory authorities that the Administrator determines necessary.

(b) Employees designated to serve

The plan shall include procedures under which the Secretary shall designate employees of the Department who are not employees of the Agency and shall, in conjunction with the heads of other Executive agencies, designate employees of those other Executive agencies, as appropriate, to serve on the Surge Capacity Force.

(c) Capabilities

The plan shall ensure that the Surge Capacity Force—

(1) includes a sufficient number of individuals credentialed in accordance with section 320 of this title that are capable of deploying rapidly and efficiently after activation to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including catastrophic incidents; and

(2) includes a sufficient number of full-time, highly trained individuals credentialed in accordance with section 320 of this title to lead and manage the Surge Capacity Force.

(d) Training

The plan shall ensure that the Administrator provides appropriate and continuous training to members of the Surge Capacity Force to ensure such personnel are adequately trained on the Agency's programs and policies for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

(e) No impact on agency personnel ceiling

Surge Capacity Force members shall not be counted against any personnel ceiling applicable to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(f) Expenses

The Administrator may provide members of the Surge Capacity Force with travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 for the purpose of participating in any training that relates to service as a member of the Surge Capacity Force.

(g) Immediate implementation of Surge Capacity Force involving Federal employees

As soon as practicable after October 4, 2006, the Administrator shall develop and implement—

(1) the procedures under subsection (b); and

(2) other elements of the plan needed to establish the portion of the Surge Capacity Force consisting of individuals designated under those procedures.

(Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §624, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1419.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A), is Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143, which is classified principally to chapter 68 (§5121 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of Title 42 and Tables.
6 U.S.C. § 146 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter II: INFORMATION ANALYSIS / Section 146: Cybersecurity workforce assessment and strategy
Cybersecurity workforce assessment and strategy
Status: in_force

(a) Workforce assessment

(1) In general

Not later than 180 days after December 18, 2014, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Secretary shall assess the cybersecurity workforce of the Department.

(2) Contents

The assessment required under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum—

(A) an assessment of the readiness and capacity of the workforce of the Department to meet its cybersecurity mission;

(B) information on where cybersecurity workforce positions are located within the Department;

(C) information on which cybersecurity workforce positions are—

(i) performed by—

(I) permanent full-time equivalent employees of the Department, including, to the greatest extent practicable, demographic information about such employees;

(II) independent contractors; and

(III) individuals employed by other Federal agencies, including the National Security Agency; or

(ii) vacant; and

(D) information on—

(i) the percentage of individuals within each Cybersecurity Category and Specialty Area who received essential training to perform their jobs; and

(ii) in cases in which such essential training was not received, what challenges, if any, were encountered with respect to the provision of such essential training.

(b) Workforce strategy

(1) In general

The Secretary shall—

(A) not later than 1 year after December 18, 2014, develop a comprehensive workforce strategy to enhance the readiness, capacity, training, recruitment, and retention of the cybersecurity workforce of the Department; and

(B) maintain and, as necessary, update the comprehensive workforce strategy developed under subparagraph (A).

(2) Contents

The comprehensive workforce strategy developed under paragraph (1) shall include a description of—

(A) a multi-phased recruitment plan, including with respect to experienced professionals, members of disadvantaged or underserved communities, the unemployed, and veterans;

(B) a 5-year implementation plan;

(C) a 10-year projection of the cybersecurity workforce needs of the Department;

(D) any obstacle impeding the hiring and development of a cybersecurity workforce in the Department; and

(E) any gap in the existing cybersecurity workforce of the Department and a plan to fill any such gap.

(c) Updates

The Secretary submit 1 to the appropriate congressional committees annual updates on—

(1) the cybersecurity workforce assessment required under subsection (a); and

(2) the progress of the Secretary in carrying out the comprehensive workforce strategy required to be developed under subsection (b).

(Pub. L. 113–246, §3, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 2880.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act, and not as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Homeland Security Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment

Pub. L. 113–277, §4, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 3008, provided that:

"(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the 'Homeland Security Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act'.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Appropriate congressional committees.—The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;

"(B) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; and

"(C) the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives.

"(2) Cybersecurity work category; data element code; specialty area.—The terms 'Cybersecurity Work Category', 'Data Element Code', and 'Specialty Area' have the meanings given such terms in the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Data Standards.

"(3) Department.—The term 'Department' means the Department of Homeland Security.

"(4) Director.—The term 'Director' means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management.

"(5) Secretary.—The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Homeland Security.

"(c) National Cybersecurity Workforce Measurement Initiative.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall—

"(A) identify all cybersecurity workforce positions within the Department;

"(B) determine the primary Cybersecurity Work Category and Specialty Area of such positions; and

"(C) assign the corresponding Data Element Code, as set forth in the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Data Standards which is aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education's National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework report, in accordance with paragraph (2).

"(2) Employment codes.—

"(A) Procedures.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2014], the Secretary shall establish procedures—

"(i) to identify open positions that include cybersecurity functions (as defined in the OPM Guide to Data Standards); and

"(ii) to assign the appropriate employment code to each such position, using agreed standards and definitions.

"(B) Code assignments.—Not later than 9 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall assign the appropriate employment code to—

"(i) each employee within the Department who carries out cybersecurity functions; and

"(ii) each open position within the Department that have been identified as having cybersecurity functions.

"(3) Progress report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit a progress report on the implementation of this subsection to the appropriate congressional committees.

"(d) Identification of Cybersecurity Specialty Areas of Critical Need.—

"(1) In general.—Beginning not later than 1 year after the date on which the employment codes are assigned to employees pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(B), and annually through 2021, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director, shall—

"(A) identify Cybersecurity Work Categories and Specialty Areas of critical need in the Department's cybersecurity workforce; and

"(B) submit a report to the Director that—

"(i) describes the Cybersecurity Work Categories and Specialty Areas identified under subparagraph (A); and

"(ii) substantiates the critical need designations.

"(2) Guidance.—The Director shall provide the Secretary with timely guidance for identifying Cybersecurity Work Categories and Specialty Areas of critical need, including—

"(A) current Cybersecurity Work Categories and Specialty Areas with acute skill shortages; and

"(B) Cybersecurity Work Categories and Specialty Areas with emerging skill shortages.

"(3) Cybersecurity critical needs report.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director, shall—

"(A) identify Specialty Areas of critical need for cybersecurity workforce across the Department; and

"(B) submit a progress report on the implementation of this subsection to the appropriate congressional committees.

"(e) Government Accountability Office Status Reports.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall—

"(1) analyze and monitor the implementation of subsections (c) and (d); and

"(2) not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the status of such implementation."

Definitions

Pub. L. 113–246, §2, Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 2880, provided that: "In this Act [enacting this section and provisions set out as a note under section 101 of this title]—

"(1) the term 'Cybersecurity Category' means a position's or incumbent's primary work function involving cybersecurity, which is further defined by Specialty Area;

"(2) the term 'Department' means the Department of Homeland Security;

"(3) the term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Homeland Security; and

"(4) the term 'Specialty Area' means any of the common types of cybersecurity work as recognized by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education's National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework report."

1 So in original.
6 U.S.C. § 750 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 2: NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT / Subchapter II: COMPREHENSIVE PREPAREDNESS SYSTEM / Section 750: Remedial action management program
Remedial action management program
Status: in_force

The Administrator, in coordination with the National Council on Disability and the National Advisory Council, shall establish a remedial action management program to—

(1) analyze training, exercises, and real-world events to identify and disseminate lessons learned and best practices;

(2) generate and disseminate, as appropriate, after action reports to participants in exercises and real-world events; and

(3) conduct remedial action tracking and long-term trend analysis.

(Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §650, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1428.)
6 U.S.C. § 681d (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter XVIII: CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY / Section 681d: Noncompliance with required reporting
Noncompliance with required reporting
Status: in_force

(a) Purpose

In the event that a covered entity that is required to submit a report under section 681b(a) of this title fails to comply with the requirement to report, the Director may obtain information about the cyber incident or ransom payment by engaging the covered entity directly to request information about the cyber incident or ransom payment, and if the Director is unable to obtain information through such engagement, by issuing a subpoena to the covered entity, pursuant to subsection (c), to gather information sufficient to determine whether a covered cyber incident or ransom payment has occurred.

(b) Initial request for information

(1) In general

If the Director has reason to believe, whether through public reporting or other information in the possession of the Federal Government, including through analysis performed pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of section 681a(a) of this title, that a covered entity has experienced a covered cyber incident or made a ransom payment but failed to report such cyber incident or payment to the Agency in accordance with section 681b(a) of this title, the Director may request additional information from the covered entity to confirm whether or not a covered cyber incident or ransom payment has occurred.

(2) Treatment

Information provided to the Agency in response to a request under paragraph (1) shall be treated as if it was submitted through the reporting procedures established in section 681b of this title 1 including that section 681e of this title shall apply to such information in the same manner and to the same extent to information submitted in response to requests under paragraph (1) as it applies to information submitted under section 681b of this title.

(c) Enforcement

(1) In general

If, after the date that is 72 hours from the date on which the Director made the request for information in subsection (b), the Director has received no response from the covered entity from which such information was requested, or received an inadequate response, the Director may issue to such covered entity a subpoena to compel disclosure of information the Director deems necessary to determine whether a covered cyber incident or ransom payment has occurred and obtain the information required to be reported pursuant to section 681b of this title and any implementing regulations, and assess potential impacts to national security, economic security, or public health and safety.

(2) Civil action

(A) In general

If a covered entity fails to comply with a subpoena, the Director may refer the matter to the Attorney General to bring a civil action in a district court of the United States to enforce such subpoena.

(B) Venue

An action under this paragraph may be brought in the judicial district in which the covered entity against which the action is brought resides, is found, or does business.

(C) Contempt of court

A court may punish a failure to comply with a subpoena issued under this subsection as contempt of court.

(3) Non-delegation

The authority of the Director to issue a subpoena under this subsection may not be delegated.

(4) Authentication

(A) In general

Any subpoena issued electronically pursuant to this subsection shall be authenticated with a cryptographic digital signature of an authorized representative of the Agency, or other comparable successor technology, that allows the Agency to demonstrate that such subpoena was issued by the Agency and has not been altered or modified since such issuance.

(B) Invalid if not authenticated

Any subpoena issued electronically pursuant to this subsection that is not authenticated in accordance with subparagraph (A) shall not be considered to be valid by the recipient of such subpoena.

(d) Provision of certain information to Attorney General

(1) In general

Notwithstanding section 681e(a)(5) of this title and paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if the Director determines, based on the information provided in response to a subpoena issued pursuant to subsection (c), that the facts relating to the cyber incident or ransom payment at issue may constitute grounds for a regulatory enforcement action or criminal prosecution, the Director may provide such information to the Attorney General or the head of the appropriate Federal regulatory agency, who may use such information for a regulatory enforcement action or criminal prosecution.

(2) Consultation

The Director may consult with the Attorney General or the head of the appropriate Federal regulatory agency when making the determination under paragraph (1).

(e) Considerations

When determining whether to exercise the authorities provided under this section, the Director shall take into consideration—

(1) the complexity in determining if a covered cyber incident has occurred; and

(2) prior interaction with the Agency or awareness of the covered entity of the policies and procedures of the Agency for reporting covered cyber incidents and ransom payments.

(f) Exclusions

This section shall not apply to a State, local, Tribal, or territorial government entity.

(g) Report to Congress

The Director shall submit to Congress an annual report on the number of times the Director—

(1) issued an initial request for information pursuant to subsection (b);

(2) issued a subpoena pursuant to subsection (c); or

(3) referred a matter to the Attorney General for a civil action pursuant to subsection (c)(2).

(h) Publication of the annual report

The Director shall publish a version of the annual report required under subsection (g) on the website of the Agency, which shall include, at a minimum, the number of times the Director—

(1) issued an initial request for information pursuant to subsection (b); or

(2) issued a subpoena pursuant to subsection (c).

(i) Anonymization of reports

The Director shall ensure any victim information contained in a report required to be published under subsection (h) be anonymized before the report is published.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title XXII, §2244, as added Pub. L. 117–103, div. Y, §103(a)(2), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 1049; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXI, §7143(e)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3664.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 117–263 inserted "including that section 681e of this title shall apply to such information in the same manner and to the same extent to information submitted in response to requests under paragraph (1) as it applies to information submitted under section 681b of this title" after "section 681b of this title".

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
6 U.S.C. § 482 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter VIII: COORDINATION WITH NON-FEDERAL ENTITIES; INSPECTOR GENERAL; UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE; COAST GUARD; GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 482: Facilitating homeland security information sharing procedures
Facilitating homeland security information sharing procedures
Status: in_force

(a) Procedures for determining extent of sharing of homeland security information

(1) The President shall prescribe and implement procedures under which relevant Federal agencies—

(A) share relevant and appropriate homeland security information with other Federal agencies, including the Department, and appropriate State and local personnel;

(B) identify and safeguard homeland security information that is sensitive but unclassified; and

(C) to the extent such information is in classified form, determine whether, how, and to what extent to remove classified information, as appropriate, and with which such personnel it may be shared after such information is removed.

(2) The President shall ensure that such procedures apply to all agencies of the Federal Government.

(3) Such procedures shall not change the substantive requirements for the classification and safeguarding of classified information.

(4) Such procedures shall not change the requirements and authorities to protect sources and methods.

(b) Procedures for sharing of homeland security information

(1) Under procedures prescribed by the President, all appropriate agencies, including the intelligence community, shall, through information sharing systems, share homeland security information with Federal agencies and appropriate State and local personnel to the extent such information may be shared, as determined in accordance with subsection (a), together with assessments of the credibility of such information.

(2) Each information sharing system through which information is shared under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) have the capability to transmit unclassified or classified information, though the procedures and recipients for each capability may differ;

(B) have the capability to restrict delivery of information to specified subgroups by geographic location, type of organization, position of a recipient within an organization, or a recipient's need to know such information;

(C) be configured to allow the efficient and effective sharing of information; and

(D) be accessible to appropriate State and local personnel.

(3) The procedures prescribed under paragraph (1) shall establish conditions on the use of information shared under paragraph (1)—

(A) to limit the redissemination of such information to ensure that such information is not used for an unauthorized purpose;

(B) to ensure the security and confidentiality of such information;

(C) to protect the constitutional and statutory rights of any individuals who are subjects of such information; and

(D) to provide data integrity through the timely removal and destruction of obsolete or erroneous names and information.

(4) The procedures prescribed under paragraph (1) shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that the information sharing system through which information is shared under such paragraph include existing information sharing systems, including, but not limited to, the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, the Regional Information Sharing System, and the Terrorist Threat Warning System of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(5) Each appropriate Federal agency, as determined by the President, shall have access to each information sharing system through which information is shared under paragraph (1), and shall therefore have access to all information, as appropriate, shared under such paragraph.

(6) The procedures prescribed under paragraph (1) shall ensure that appropriate State and local personnel are authorized to use such information sharing systems—

(A) to access information shared with such personnel; and

(B) to share, with others who have access to such information sharing systems, the homeland security information of their own jurisdictions, which shall be marked appropriately as pertaining to potential terrorist activity.

(7) Under procedures prescribed jointly by the Director of Central Intelligence and the Attorney General, each appropriate Federal agency, as determined by the President, shall review and assess the information shared under paragraph (6) and integrate such information with existing intelligence.

(c) Sharing of classified information and sensitive but unclassified information with State and local personnel

(1) The President shall prescribe procedures under which Federal agencies may, to the extent the President considers necessary, share with appropriate State and local personnel homeland security information that remains classified or otherwise protected after the determinations prescribed under the procedures set forth in subsection (a).

(2) It is the sense of Congress that such procedures may include 1 or more of the following means:

(A) Carrying out security clearance investigations with respect to appropriate State and local personnel.

(B) With respect to information that is sensitive but unclassified, entering into nondisclosure agreements with appropriate State and local personnel.

(C) Increased use of information-sharing partnerships that include appropriate State and local personnel, such as the Joint Terrorism Task Forces of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Anti-Terrorism Task Forces of the Department of Justice, and regional Terrorism Early Warning Groups.

(3)(A) The Secretary shall establish a program to provide appropriate training to officials described in subparagraph (B) in order to assist such officials in—

(i) identifying sources of potential terrorist threats through such methods as the Secretary determines appropriate;

(ii) reporting information relating to such potential terrorist threats to the appropriate Federal agencies in the appropriate form and manner;

(iii) assuring that all reported information is systematically submitted to and passed on by the Department for use by appropriate Federal agencies; and

(iv) understanding the mission and roles of the intelligence community to promote more effective information sharing among Federal, State, and local officials and representatives of the private sector to prevent terrorist attacks against the United States.

(B) The officials referred to in subparagraph (A) are officials of State and local government agencies and representatives of private sector entities with responsibilities relating to the oversight and management of first responders, counterterrorism activities, or critical infrastructure.

(C) The Secretary shall consult with the Attorney General to ensure that the training program established in subparagraph (A) does not duplicate the training program established in section 908 of the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107–56; 28 U.S.C. 509 note).

(D) The Secretary shall carry out this paragraph in consultation with the Director of Central Intelligence and the Attorney General.

(d) Responsible officials

For each affected Federal agency, the head of such agency shall designate an official to administer this chapter with respect to such agency.

(e) Federal control of information

Under procedures prescribed under this section, information obtained by a State or local government from a Federal agency under this section shall remain under the control of the Federal agency, and a State or local law authorizing or requiring such a government to disclose information shall not apply to such information.

(f) Definitions

As used in this section:

(1) The term "homeland security information" means any information possessed by a Federal, State, or local agency that—

(A) relates to the threat of terrorist activity;

(B) relates to the ability to prevent, interdict, or disrupt terrorist activity;

(C) would improve the identification or investigation of a suspected terrorist or terrorist organization; or

(D) would improve the response to a terrorist act.

(2) The term "intelligence community" has the meaning given such term in section 3003(4) of title 50.

(3) The term "State and local personnel" means any of the following persons involved in prevention, preparation, or response for terrorist attack:

(A) State Governors, mayors, and other locally elected officials.

(B) State and local law enforcement personnel and firefighters.

(C) Public health and medical professionals.

(D) Regional, State, and local emergency management agency personnel, including State adjutant generals.

(E) Other appropriate emergency response agency personnel.

(F) Employees of private-sector entities that affect critical infrastructure, cyber, economic, or public health security, as designated by the Federal Government in procedures developed pursuant to this section.

(4) The term "State" includes the District of Columbia and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

(g) Construction

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as authorizing any department, bureau, agency, officer, or employee of the Federal Government to request, receive, or transmit to any other Government entity or personnel, or transmit to any State or local entity or personnel otherwise authorized by this chapter to receive homeland security information, any information collected by the Federal Government solely for statistical purposes in violation of any other provision of law relating to the confidentiality of such information.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title VIII, §892, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2253; Pub. L. 108–177, title III, §316(a), Dec. 13, 2003, 117 Stat. 2610.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (d) and (g), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 107–296, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2135, known as the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2003—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 108–177 added par. (3).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the intelligence community deemed to be a reference to the Director of National Intelligence. Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency deemed to be a reference to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. See section 1081(a), (b) of Pub. L. 108–458, set out as a note under section 3001 of Title 50, War and National Defense.

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13311. Homeland Security Information Sharing

Ex. Ord. No. 13311, July 29, 2003, 68 F.R. 45149, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13388, §8(a), Oct. 25, 2005, 70 F.R. 62025, provided:

By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including sections 892 and 893 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the "Act") (6 U.S.C. 482 and 483) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Assignment of Functions. (a) The functions of the President under section 892 of the Act are assigned to the Secretary of Homeland Security (the "Secretary"), except the functions of the President under subsections 892(a)(2) and 892(b)(7).

(b) Subject to section 2(b) of this order, the function of the President under section 893 of the Act is assigned to the Secretary.

(c) Procedures issued by the Secretary in the performance of the function of the President under section 892(a)(1) of the Act shall apply to all agencies of the Federal Government. Such procedures shall specify that the President may make, or may authorize another officer of the United States to make, exceptions to the procedures.

(d) The function of the President under section 892(b)(7) of the Act is delegated to the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, to be exercised jointly.

(e) In performing the functions assigned to the Secretary by subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of National Intelligence, the Archivist of the United States, and as the Secretary deems appropriate, other officers of the United States.

(f) A determination, under the procedures issued by the Secretary in the performance of the function of the President under section 892(a)(1) of the Act, as to whether, or to what extent, an individual who falls within the category of "State and local personnel" as defined in sections 892(f)(3) and (f)(4) of the Act shall have access to information classified pursuant to [former] Executive Order 12958 of April 17, 1995, as amended, is a discretionary determination and shall be conclusive and not subject to review or appeal.

Sec. 2. Rules of Construction. Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(a) the authority of the Director of National Intelligence under section 102A(i)(1) of the National Security Act of 1947, as amended (50 U.S.C. 403–3(c)(7) [sic]) [50 U.S.C. 3024(i)(1)], to protect intelligence sources and methods from unauthorized disclosure;

(b) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budget, administrative, or legislative proposals; or

(c) the provisions of Executive Orders 12958 of April 17, 1995 [former 50 U.S.C. 435 note], as amended, and 12968 of August 2, 1995 [50 U.S.C. 3161 note], as amended.

Sec. 3. General Provision. This order is intended only to improve the internal management of the Federal Government and is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, against the United States, its departments, agencies, or other entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.

George W. Bush.
6 U.S.C. § 242a (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 1: HOMELAND SECURITY ORGANIZATION / Subchapter IV: BORDER, MARITIME, AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 242a: Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking
Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall operate, within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, the Center for Countering Human Trafficking (referred to in this Act as "CCHT").

(2) Purpose

The purpose of CCHT shall be to serve at the forefront of the Department of Homeland Security's unified global efforts to counter human trafficking through law enforcement operations and victim protection, prevention, and awareness programs.

(3) Administration

Homeland Security Investigations shall—

(A) maintain a concept of operations that identifies CCHT participants, funding, core functions, and personnel; and

(B) update such concept of operations, as needed, to accommodate its mission and the threats to such mission.

(4) Personnel

(A) Director

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall appoint a CCHT Director, who shall—

(i) be a member of the Senior Executive Service; and

(ii) serve as the Department of Homeland Security's representative on human trafficking.

(B) Minimum core personnel requirements

Subject to appropriations, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that CCHT is staffed with at least 45 employees in order to maintain continuity of effort, subject matter expertise, and necessary support to the Department of Homeland Security, including—

(i) employees who are responsible for the Continued Presence Program and other victim protection duties;

(ii) employees who are responsible for training, including curriculum development, and public awareness and education;

(iii) employees who are responsible for stakeholder engagement, Federal interagency coordination, multilateral partnerships, and policy;

(iv) employees who are responsible for public relations, human resources, evaluation, data analysis and reporting, and information technology;

(v) special agents and criminal analysts necessary to accomplish its mission of combating human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor; and

(vi) managers.

(b) Operations Unit

The CCHT Director shall operate, within CCHT, an Operations Unit, which shall, at a minimum—

(1) support criminal investigations of human trafficking (including sex trafficking and forced labor)—

(A) by developing, tracking, and coordinating leads; and

(B) by providing subject matter expertise;

(2) augment the enforcement of the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor through civil and criminal authorities;

(3) coordinate a Department-wide effort to conduct procurement audits and enforcement actions, including suspension and debarment, in order to mitigate the risk of human trafficking throughout Department acquisitions and contracts; and

(4) support all CCHT enforcement efforts with intelligence by conducting lead development, lead validation, case support, strategic analysis, and data analytics.

(c) Protection and Awareness Programs Unit

The CCHT Director shall operate, within CCHT, a Protection and Awareness Programs Unit, which shall—

(1) incorporate a victim-centered approach throughout Department of Homeland Security policies, training, and practices;

(2) operate a comprehensive Continued Presence program;

(3) conduct, review, and assist with Department of Homeland Security human trafficking training, screening, and identification tools and efforts;

(4) operate the Blue Campaign's nationwide public awareness effort and any other awareness efforts needed to encourage victim identification and reporting to law enforcement and to prevent human trafficking; and

(5) coordinate external engagement, including training and events, regarding human trafficking with critical partners, including survivors, nongovernmental organizations, corporations, multilateral entities, law enforcement agencies, and other interested parties.

(Pub. L. 117–322, §3, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4433.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is Pub. L. 117–322, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4433, known as the Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021, which enacted this section and section 242b of this title and provisions set out as notes under this section and section 242 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1 of Pub. L. 117–322, set out as a Short Title of 2022 Amendment note under section 101 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Countering Human Trafficking Act of 2021, and not as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Forced Labor Requirements: Department of Homeland Security

Pub. L. 117–347, title IV, §406(b), Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6209, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 5, 2023], the Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a team of not less than 10 agents within the Center for Countering Human Trafficking of the Department of Homeland Security to be assigned to exclusively investigate labor trafficking.

"(2) Authorization of appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out paragraph (1) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 to 2027, to remain available until expended."

Sense of Congress

Pub. L. 117–322, §2, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4433, provided that: "It is the sense of Congress that—

"(1) the victim-centered approach must become universally understood, adopted, and practiced;

"(2) criminal justice efforts must increase the focus on, and adeptness at, investigating and prosecuting forced labor cases;

"(3) corporations must eradicate forced labor from their supply chains;

"(4) the Department of Homeland Security must lead by example—

"(A) by ensuring that its government supply chain of contracts and procurement are not tainted by forced labor; and

"(B) by leveraging all of its authorities against the importation of goods produced with forced labor; and

"(5) human trafficking training, awareness, identification, and screening efforts—

"(A) are a necessary first step for prevention, protection, and enforcement; and

"(B) should be evidence-based to be most effective."
6 U.S.C. § 1134 (2024) — Title 6: DOMESTIC SECURITY / Chapter 4: TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Subchapter III: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY / Section 1134: Security assessments and plans
Security assessments and plans
Status: in_force

(a) Public transportation security assessments

(1) Submission

Not later than 30 days after August 3, 2007, the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration of the Department of Transportation shall submit all public transportation security assessments and all other relevant information to the Secretary.

(2) Secretarial review

Not later than 60 days after receiving the submission under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall review and augment the security assessments received, and conduct additional security assessments as necessary to ensure that at a minimum, all high risk public transportation agencies, as determined by the Secretary, will have a completed security assessment.

(3) Content

The Secretary shall ensure that each completed security assessment includes—

(A) identification of critical assets, infrastructure, and systems and their vulnerabilities; and

(B) identification of any other security weaknesses, including weaknesses in emergency response planning and employee training.

(b) Bus and rural public transportation systems

Not later than 180 days after August 3, 2007, the Secretary shall—

(1) conduct security assessments, based on a representative sample, to determine the specific needs of—

(A) local bus-only public transportation systems; and

(B) public transportation systems that receive funds under section 5311 of title 49; and

(2) make the representative assessments available for use by similarly situated systems.

(c) Security plans

(1) Requirement for plan

(A) High risk agencies

The Secretary shall require public transportation agencies determined by the Secretary to be at high risk for terrorism to develop a comprehensive security plan. The Secretary shall provide technical assistance and guidance to public transportation agencies in preparing and implementing security plans under this section.

(B) Other agencies

Provided that no public transportation agency that has not been designated high risk shall be required to develop a security plan, the Secretary may also establish a security program for public transportation agencies not designated high risk by the Secretary, to assist those public transportation agencies which request assistance, including—

(i) guidance to assist such agencies in conducting security assessments and preparing and implementing security plans; and

(ii) a process for the Secretary to review and approve such assessments and plans, as appropriate.

(2) Contents of plan

The Secretary shall ensure that security plans include, as appropriate—

(A) a prioritized list of all items included in the public transportation agency's security assessment that have not yet been addressed;

(B) a detailed list of any additional capital and operational improvements identified by the Department or the public transportation agency and a certification of the public transportation agency's technical capacity for operating and maintaining any security equipment that may be identified in such list;

(C) specific procedures to be implemented or used by the public transportation agency in response to a terrorist attack, including evacuation and passenger communication plans and appropriate evacuation and communication measures for the elderly and individuals with disabilities;

(D) a coordinated response plan that establishes procedures for appropriate interaction with State and local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and Federal officials in order to coordinate security measures and plans for response in the event of a terrorist attack or other major incident;

(E) a strategy and timeline for conducting training under section 1137 of this title;

(F) plans for providing redundant and other appropriate backup systems necessary to ensure the continued operation of critical elements of the public transportation system in the event of a terrorist attack or other major incident;

(G) plans for providing service capabilities throughout the system in the event of a terrorist attack or other major incident in the city or region which the public transportation system serves;

(H) methods to mitigate damage within a public transportation system in case of an attack on the system, including a plan for communication and coordination with emergency responders; and

(I) other actions or procedures as the Secretary determines are appropriate to address the security of the public transportation system.

(3) Review

Not later than 6 months after receiving the plans required under this section, the Secretary shall—

(A) review each security plan submitted;

(B) require the public transportation agency to make any amendments needed to ensure that the plan meets the requirements of this section; and

(C) approve any security plan that meets the requirements of this section.

(4) Exemption

The Secretary shall not require a public transportation agency to develop a security plan under paragraph (1) if the agency does not receive a grant under section 1135 of this title.

(5) Waiver

The Secretary may waive the exemption provided in paragraph (4) to require a public transportation agency to develop a security plan under paragraph (1) in the absence of grant funds under section 1135 of this title if not less than 3 days after making the determination the Secretary provides the appropriate congressional committees and the public transportation agency written notification detailing the need for the security plan, the reasons grant funding has not been made available, and the reason the agency has been designated high risk.

(d) Consistency with other plans

The Secretary shall ensure that the security plans developed by public transportation agencies under this section are consistent with the security assessments developed by the Department and the National Strategy for Public Transportation Security developed under section 1133 of this title.

(e) Updates

Not later than September 30, 2008, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall—

(1) update the security assessments referred to in subsection (a);

(2) update the security improvement priorities required under subsection (f); and

(3) require public transportation agencies to update the security plans required under subsection (c) as appropriate.

(f) Security improvement priorities

(1) In general

Beginning in fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary, after consultation with management and nonprofit employee labor organizations representing public transportation employees as appropriate, and with appropriate State and local officials, shall utilize the information developed or received in this section to establish security improvement priorities unique to each individual public transportation agency that has been assessed.

(2) Allocations

The Secretary shall use the security improvement priorities established in paragraph (1) as the basis for allocating risk-based grant funds under section 1135 of this title, unless the Secretary notifies the appropriate congressional committees that the Secretary has determined an adjustment is necessary to respond to an urgent threat or other significant national security factors.

(g) Shared facilities

The Secretary shall encourage the development and implementation of coordinated assessments and security plans to the extent a public transportation agency shares facilities (such as tunnels, bridges, stations, or platforms) with another public transportation agency, a freight or passenger railroad carrier, or over-the-road bus operator that are geographically close or otherwise co-located.

(h) Nondisclosure of information

(1) Submission of information to Congress

Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the withholding of any information from Congress.

(2) Disclosure of independently furnished information

Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting any authority or obligation of a Federal agency to disclose any record or information that the Federal agency obtains from a public transportation agency under any other Federal law.

(i) Determination

In response to a petition by a public transportation agency or at the discretion of the Secretary, the Secretary may recognize existing procedures, protocols, and standards of a public transportation agency that the Secretary determines meet all or part of the requirements of this section regarding security assessments or security plans.

(Pub. L. 110–53, title XIV, §1405, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 402.)